A former Carbon County commissioner, with roots in the Weatherly area, has died.

Tom C. Gerhard, 89, died Monday afternoon surrounded by his family, his son, Thomas J. Gerhard said.

The senior Gerhard had served 12 years as county commissioner, retiring in 2003.

Gerhard also owned and operated Tom Gerhard and Sons Roofing for years.

He was previously on the board of supervisors in Packer Township, serving three six-year terms. He was chairman for six years.

Gerhard was known for his straightforward thinking, never backing down from a challenge and speaking his mind.

He was the 2002 Commissioner of the Year for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Carbon County Environmental & Conservation District, Jim Thorpe American Legion, and Nesquehoning VFW, and the Carbon County Republican Club.

Before his time as commissioner, Gerhard served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

In 2018, he was honored by the county during its 175th birthday celebration.

The board of commissioners, comprised at the time of Gerhard’s son, Thomas J., as well as William O’Gurek and Wayne Nothstein, dedicated a flagpole in the Joe Boyle Plaza outside the administration building, in his name.

Gerhard, at that time, said the flagpole, which was a project during his time as commissioner, was very important because it represented the country and the men and women who served this country.

Of his passing, Nothstein said, “Commissioner Tom C. Gerhard was an outspoken person who when on a mission or felt real strong about an issue, he never gave up until he prevailed. The Nesquehoning truck runoff ramp is a good example of how he felt about the design and fought PennDOT never gave up till PennDOT corrected the problem.

“Tom always said how he felt about an issue no matter what political party you were. There was no wishy washy with Tom.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner also sent his condolences to the family and said Gerhard provided insight into the office.

“Tom stopped in the first year I became commissioner and would call occasionally to offer advice on how similar situations were handled 20-plus year ago,” he said. “I always appreciated his input.”

Longtime employee and county administrator Eloise Ahner, who has worked under several administrations, said Gerhard’s passing is a big loss for the county.

“Commissioner Tom C. was a dear friend, especially to the people of Carbon County who he represented,” she said. “He would go the extra mile for those in need, no task was too great for him to handle. He helped to facilitate many changes while he was in county government. All the time keeping in mind the people and the environment.

“It definitely was a pleasure to work with him while he was a commissioner and maintain his friendship after his tenure as commissioner ended,” Eloise Ahner added. “He will be truly missed. Prayers to his family at this difficult time.”

Gerhard was married to Betty (Kovalick) for 66 years. The couple would have celebrated their 67th anniversary on Nov. 5.

They have five children: Tom J. and his wife, Susie, and Gary E. and his wife, Darlene, all of Weatherly; Gale Gazdick and her husband, Joseph, of Tamaqua; Colleen M. Gerhard of Weatherly; and Barry C. and his wife, Andrea, of Albrightsville. They also have nine grandchildren, Jennifer Gerhard, Kathleen (Gerhard) Arrowood, Jamie Gerhard, Jackie (Gerhard) Stamatakos, Thomas Superdock, Joshua Halecky, Matthew Gazdick, Blake Gerhard, Hunter Gerhard; and six great-grandchildren, Evan, Austin, Ryan Superdock, Connor Arrowood, Olive and Johnny.

Gerhard is the third former Carbon County commissioner to pass away in 2022.

Former Carbon County commissioners Charles Getz died in February and Charles Wildoner died in April.

Gerhard’s obituary and service information appears on page 4.