Wesley Gebhardt
1926 - 2022
Obituary
Wesley E. Gebhardt died peacefully July 21, 2022 at The Nottingham in Jamesville, NY, surrounded by his family. He was 96. Wes, born on a small farm in Clarence, NY, served honorably during World War II in the U.S. Navy's submarine patrol off the East Coast. Among the earliest recipients of the G.I. Bill, he was forever grateful for the opportunity to graduate from Syracuse University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Upon graduation, Wes moved to Moses Lake, WA, where he built irrigation canals near the Grand Coulee Dam. After that assignment, he moved to back to Syracuse to join the engineering firm O'Brien & Gere. In 1954, he was hired by Martin Fireproofing Co. as its Central New York regional representative for commercial roof decking projects. After a 28-year career with Martin, Wes formed his own specialty roofing subcontractor firm, Gebhardt Associates Inc., when he was 56 years old. Wes was widely respected by architects and general contractors throughout the Northeast for his integrity and expertise in his field.
November 25, 1967, Wes married the love of his life, Patricia Hamel. A devoted family man, Wes and Pat raised their family and enjoyed their home in DeWitt for over a half century. They were snowbirds for many winters in Palm Desert, CA where they loved the brilliant sunshine, Santa Rosa mountains and many a morning dunking donuts with their grandchildren.
Wes was the star athlete on Clarence High School's baseball team. As the basketball team's center and leading scorer, he had a hook shot that frustrated many a defender. He also ran track and field. Always an athlete, Wes continued playing basketball into his late thirties, played slow-pitched softball, threw strikes in league bowling and enjoyed playing doubles tennis with friends. In his thirties, he took up golf and played for nearly 50 years. Wes and Pat made many friends as members of The Pompey Club, Drumlins Country Club, and the Cavalry Club. Though by nature a modest person, Wes was proud to be a member of the Syracuse Builders' Exchange Architect & Engineers golf league creating nearly 50 years of friendships. He always reminisced about playing America's most spectacular courses with his sons, Scott and Jim, including Muirfield Village for his 60th birthday, Pebble Beach for his 70th birthday and Oak Hill East for his 80th birthday. As a lifelong fan of Syracuse football and basketball you could find him in his seats attending most home games rooting for his beloved Orangemen since 1957.
Wes was predeceased by his parents, Esther Ernstine and Elmer Gebhardt; sister, Arlene Fredo; and stepson, Steven Gressani. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, with whom he would be celebrating 55 years of marriage this year; sons, Scott (Patty) and Jim (Beth) and stepdaughter, Cheryl Gressani (Randall Korman). Wes is blessed with grandchildren, Alexander Korman, Kelsey (Matt) Gressani Jatczak, Emily, Christian, Grace, Jack, and Grant Gebhardt, Philip (Kelley) and John (Sydney) Capin; great-grandchildren, Remy Steven Jatczak, Finley and Camden Capin; and many nieces and nephews.
Wes's family is grateful for the extraordinary care and kindness from the team at The Nottingham. His dinner buddies at The Nottingham were a bright spot for human connection during the dark days of isolation during COVID. They even saved his seat at their table during his recent hospitalizations. The last few years day-to-day would have been virtually impossible without the devoted assistance and loving care of longtime aide Wanda.
Wes's bright blue eyes, love of sports, keen mind, and devotion to family will be missed by all who love him and will live on in the millions of memories he created for all of us!
A celebration of Wes's long life begins with visitation on Friday, July 29, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Eaton-Tubbs Chapel, 7191 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be held 12 noon at Holy Cross Church, 4112 East Genesee Street, DeWitt, NY, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, adjacent to Holy Cross. In lieu of flowers, please teach those you love that your handshake means everything and that your word is good as gold.