Ray Arnold Gerhart

Ray Arnold Gerhart, 93, passed away at home on October 22, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, his wife of 68 years, and a family who loved him more than the following words can say.

Ray was a hard worker all his life: at only 11 years of age, he sold newspapers to the WWII German POWs at Fort Indiantown Gap; and then by 13, Ray was selling watermelons from the back of a truck in Washington, DC; eventually he was running a poultry market, painting houses, and delivering the US mail, and all with a smile and good word to everyone he met.

Ray was born February 21, 1933 in Cornwall Township, PA. After high school, Ray entered the army, serving in the 61st Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, from 1953 – 1955.  Upon returning from service, Ray began his first career with Grimes & Hauer poultry company.  In 1955, Ray’s new position took him to Boston, MA, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn (née Hanley.) Ray then moved back to PA to run the Grimes & Hauer poultry stand at the Arcade Market in downtown Easton.  The long distance between Easton and Boston could not keep Ray and Marilyn apart and they were married on January 5, 1958.  Soon after, Ray purchased the poultry stand, owning it from 1960 to 1968, while he and Marilyn also raised four daughters. While still running the poultry stand, Ray began his second career in 1966 as a U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier. An active NALC Union member in the local Easton branch for many years, he served as their health benefits representative. He always carried treats for the dogs and cats that greeted him on his route.  After 34 years of service, Ray retired from the Postal Service in 2000.

Never a harsh word for anyone, Ray did small things with extraordinary love. Ray loved to read the daily newspaper and always could be found with a crime or suspense novel next to him. He excelled at playing cards, which he showcased in his weekly poker and pinochle groups, and with his family. His children and grandchildren affectionately remember playing cards with him, particularly when in Ocean City, NJ for family vacations. Ray taught them blackjack, rummy, and numerous other card games, and enjoyed joking with them about feeding him the cards he needed. He was an excellent ping pong player, who could handily beat most opponents, even with his non-dominant left hand. Most importantly, he modeled to those around him everything a husband, father, and grandfather should be.

Ray cherished being with his 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and they cherished every moment with him. From picking peaches and strawberries with him, to seeing him in the crowd at their soccer games, dancing with him at weddings and parties (boy, did he know how to move on the dance floor), to watching him be a silly and loving Pop Pop with their kids, his great grandchildren. His “Pull my finger” joke was a favorite gag that always made them laugh.

Ray was the loving husband of Marilyn Gerhart; adored father to daughters Linda Holena and husband Thomas, Karen Holguin and husband Mico, Kathy Luft and husband Gerald, and Dianne Gerhart; cherished grandfather (“Pop Pop”) to Marilyn Holguin and husband Michael Triffett, Joseph Holguin and wife Kira, Elizabeth Sonnenberg and husband Neal, Thomas Holena and wife Meghan, Emily Luft, Mary Kate Luft and husband Paul Vassalotti, and Patrick Luft;  treasured great grandfather to Hanley and Ellie Sonnenberg, Thomas, Ryan, and Sadie Holena, Brae and Felix Holguin.

Ray is also survived by his sister Mildred “Sis” Bayshore, sister-in-law Faydeen Gerhart, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi S. Sr and Grace Smith Gerhart, his sister Shirley Brogan, and brothers Floyd Gerhart, Harold Gerhart, and Levi S. Gerhart Jr.

Ray was many things in his life – a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, poultry salesman, painter, mailman, veteran, gardener, bowler, cardshark, etc. But most of all he was loved, loving, patient, kind, and “the best guy we know”.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Finegan Funeral Home, 4080 William Penn Hwy, Easton, PA, 18045.  A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4pm – 6pm at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following morning, Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Easton, PA.  Interment will follow at the Northampton Memorial Shrine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ray’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, via stjude.org/donate.