- Date Of Birth: May 22, 1930
- Date Of Death: February 23, 2015
- State: Illinois
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.
