Daniel R Gerbery

Mr. Daniel “Danny” R. Gerbery, 95, entered the arms of the Lord on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Sunday, October 15th. from 2:00-6:00PM.  On Monday, October 16th. at 8:15AM, everyone will start to gather in the funeral home where a prayer service will begin at 8:45AM, followed by the funeral mass to be offered in St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church in Elizabeth at 10:00AM.  The prayers of committal will precede Mr. Gerbery’s burial in the family plot in St. Gertrude Cemetery, in Colonia, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Gerbery’s memory to your favorite Veterans organization.

Danny, the son of the late Suzy Sinchak Gerbery and the late Daniel Gerbery, was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey.  In 1959, he moved to Elizabeth where he resided until 2021 when he relocated to Avenel.

Danny proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy.  His ship was involved in the underwater testing of nuclear weapons by the United States along the Bikini Atoll of the Marshall Islands. 

After the war, Danny had a long forty-year career as a diesel mechanic for Anchor Motor Freight, Inc. in Linden and in 1991 he finally took his well-deserved retirement.

Throughout his life Danny was an avid bowler.  He spent many evenings during the week bowling in the various bowling alleys throughout Union County and he was a member of many leagues.  Danny also had a very select circle of friends that he spent time with & one evening they decided that they were all going to go out and buy Harley motorcycles.  Of course, Danny was the only one to follow through with that purchase and he spent many years riding and enjoying the freedom that only comes with bike riding.  He also enjoyed, along with his wife and friends, frequent trips to Atlantic City, where the slots were calling his name.  However, it was well known that if Danny didn’t win with the first ten dollars spent, then he picked up the rest of this money and called it a day.  A real family guy, Danny was the original “Uber Driver”, as he took his boys to all their practices and competitions.  It’s the little things like that which made for good memories and storytelling.  Danny, following in the family’s footsteps, was very active in St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church community in Elizabeth where he served as an usher for many years.  Danny was a quiet man, who had a big smile for everyone who crossed his path.  There is a legendary story within the family, that Danny decided that if he reached his birthday century mark of 100, he would have his hair dyed blue! 

Predeceased by his wife, Cecilia Matlosz Gerbery (2001), his brother, John Gerbery and his sister, Mary Koby, Danny is survived by his three sons, Joseph Gerbery and his wife, Amy, Richard Gerbery and his wife, Darlene and Michael Gerbery and his wife, Nancy; his sister, Pauline Gerbery; his four grandchildren, Robert Schaefer and his wife, Jane, Danielle Towey and her husband, Nicholas, Amanda Aponte and Melissa Sevret and his six great grandchildren, Ashton Schaefer, Aubrey Schaefer, Rocco Schaefer, Jacob Schaefer, Chrystiana Towey and Ryleigh Magyar.

“Pops” to his family, “Danny” to his friends, Mr. Gerbery had a jest for life and an abundance of love for everyone in his circle.  He will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.