John Francis Gerwitz, 61, went 'Home' to God July 11, 2005 as a result of cancer at his home while surrounded by his family and friends. John was born November 25, 1943 in St. Louis to Frank Anthony Gerwitz and Virginia Mary nee Kuhlman. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and graduated from St. Louis University High School. He received his Bachelors Degree from Loyola University of New Orleans and he is a graduate of the St. Louis School of Pharmacy. He had an MBA from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

John started working at his father’s drug store, Riverview Pharmacy when he was eight years old and continued to work there until 1980. He also worked as a marketing specialist for MetLife Insurance for 13 years. In 1995 he returned to pharmacy and worked at Dierberg's until his retirement May 2004.

John is survived by his wife, Julie Stokes Gerwitz, two sons, Kurt William Gerwitz and Hans Francis, one granddaughter, Katalyn Stoessel, his brother Jim Gerwitz and three sisters, Joan Scanlon, Jane Gerwitz and Jeanne Mckee Rothe.

John is a former board member of St. Louis Pharmacist Association, the Cathedral of Basilica of St. Louis, Les Amis Du Vin, and the Benevolent Society of Brothers and Sisters. He was a member of the American College of Apothecaries, National Merit Scholar Honoree, APhA. He is a former board member of the St Louis Pharmacist's Association, Central West End Association, Sons of Confederate Veterans, The National Rifle Association, NARP and an original board member of the Soulard Mardi Gras. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd on Saturday July 16, 2005 at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration/reception immediately following at The Cathedral Basilica School cafeteria.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to be sent to De La Salle at St. Matthews, 4145 Kennerly, St. Louis, MO 63113 or Development Fund Cathedral Basilica School at 4430 Maryland, St. Louis, MO 63108.

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