Ronald Dale Gerber, ordained priest
Ronald Dale Gerber, 80, of Lewes died Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.
Mr. Gerber was born April 5, 1939, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Dale Gerber and Mildred Hess Gerber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved husband and spouse of 42 years John W. Saupp, in 2017; his stepmother Agnes Fulton Gerber; and his two canine companions.
He was ordained a minister in the United Church of Christ in 1964 and served congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Fr. Gerber was ordained deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church in 1972, and served parishes in Central Pennsylvania and the Capital Region of Albany, N.Y., including Holy Trinity in Hollidaysburg, Pa., St. John’s in Troy, N.Y., and Grace and Holy Innocents in Albany. After his retirement he was a member and priest associate at St. Andrew’s Church in Albany. From 1993-97 he was a case manager with the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York. In 1989 he was the recipient of the Harvey Milk Award given by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Capitol District for promoting gay and lesbian rights in the Albany area. In 1990 he co-founded the Damien Center in Albany, a drop-in center for persons with HIV and AIDS.
Upon moving to Delaware in 2007 he was a member and priest in residence of Christ Episcopal Church, Dover. Since moving to Lewes in 2014 he has been a communicant at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes.
He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Amy Houser and husband Jay of Williamstown, W.Va. He is also survived by a daughter, Jennifer Linamen of North Canton, Ohio; and a son, Jeffrey Gerber of Altoona, Pa.; brothers Thomas Gerber (Carla) of San Jose, Calif., and Douglas Gerber (Cathy) of Canton; and a sister, Margaret Gerber of Orleans, Mass.; five grandchildren including Lindsey Falbo (Topher Murray) of Baltimore, Md., and Evan Falbo (Madeline Berry) of Starkville, Miss., with whom he was close; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2nd and Market streets, Lewes, Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, 501 S. State St., Dover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fr. Gerber’s memory to the St. Cecilia Guild of St. Peter’s Church, PO Box 464, Lewes DE 19958, or the St. Peter’s Capital Fund Campaign.
The family wishes to thank the clergy and staff of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, especially the Rev. Jeffrey Ross and the Rev. Ray Michener; Compassionate Care Hospice; the staff of Beebe Tunnell Cancer Center; and the residents and staff of the Moorings Continuing Care Retirement Community for their support, comfort and care during Fr. Gerber’s final illness.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.
