James E. Gerlach

James E. Gerlach, 83, of Narragansett, formerly of Greenville, died peacefully on June 5 surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Ann M. (Winfield) Gerlach. Prior to retirement, he was Deputy Director of Smithfield Public Works Department. He was a communicant of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Narragansett. James proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War where he received the Purple Heart Medal. He was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and a member of the only undefeated URI football team which went on to compete in the school’s first conference bowl game in 1955, the Refrigerator Bowl. Born in Providence, James was the son of the late Harold Gerlach and Catherine F. (Shea) Gerlach. James is survived by his daughter, Kathryn M. Manning Butler and her husband Jeffrey of Wakefield; his sons John of San Francisco; Kyle and his wife Lynn of Greenville; Edward and his wife Erin of Pembroke, MA; Captain Robert (SFD) of North Scituate; daughter-in-law Kathleen (Farrell) of Greenville; grandfather of Margaret, Rose, Patrick, and Helen Manning; Alexandria, Kimberly, Kyle, Thomas, Nicholas, Hannah and Emma Gerlach; Kristin Capalbo; and Kelli, Lauren, Jeffrey Butler; and the great grandfather of Olivia Restelli. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. James was predeceased by his sons James, Joseph and Thomas; and his son-in-law Michael Manning. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 10 from the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield at 8:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 866 Point Judith Road, Narragansett at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Wakefield. Calling hours are Monday, June 9 from 4 PM to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Thomas Gerlach Memorial Fund, c/o 49 Greenlake Drive, Greenville, RI 02828.