Dwight Merle Gherardini

Dwight Merle Gherardini, 84 of Wamac, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. He was born May 22, 1930 in Centralia, son of John Gherardini and Sophia (Molonoski) Gherardini. He married Rebecca Anna (Veltman) Gherardini on June 3, 1951 at the First Christian Church in Centralia and she survives in Wamac. In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is also survived by three sons: Dwight Stephen Gherardini and wife Elizabeth Carol of Collinsville, Douglas Dwain Gherardini of Centralia, and Anthony Allen Gherardini of Centralia; 6 grandchidren: Stephenie L. Gherardini of Barstow, CA, Jill V. Sabugo and husband AJ of Fairfield, CA, Joel S. Gherardini and wife Jenn of Belleville, Pana J. Gherardini of St. Louis, MO, Rebecca A. Gherardini of Centralia and Drew Douglas of Centralia; eight great-granchildren; a brother, Dwain Berle Gherardini of Hoffman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Louie Byars and wife Jackie. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Elmer Gherardini and Gilbert Gherardini, and a sister, Lorraine Telford. Dwight and his brother Dwain, worked and co- owned Gherardini Tavern, their family owned business, which was open from 1933 - 1995. They were famous for their Italian Beef Sandwich. Dwight served as a Cryptologist in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 – 1955. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 446. Dwight was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan and enjoyed doing yard work. Most of all, Dwight loved spending time with his family and friends. Funeral Services for Dwight Gherardini will be held Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Seth Baltzell officiating. Military Honors will be accorded Thursday evening at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home by the American Legion Post 446 and VFW Post 2055. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Centralia Humane Society or the American Legion Post 446 and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Dwight Merle Gherardini

May 22, 1930 - February 23, 2015