Russell L. Gehrt

     Russell L. Gehrt, “Russ”, 72, of Hockessin, DE, formerly of Frankford, DE, passed away peacefully at Cokesbury Village on Friday, September 20, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. He was the husband of Kathleen Corby Gehrt with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He was born in Washington, D.C., and was the youngest of four children of the late Warren J. Gehrt and the late Stella Ray Ferguson Gehrt. In addition, Russ was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth R. Gehrt. 

     Russ graduated from Archmere Academy in 1970. He later attended the University of Delaware, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling. Russ worked as an educator in many areas beginning with teaching daily living skills and supervising training staff at Stockley Center, an institution for people with severe disabilities, in Georgetown, DE. Russ was instrumental in developing the first group home in Delaware for people with severe disabilities. With this project, Russ envisioned a group home where his older brother, Kenny, could live in a community setting rather than an institution. Russ also worked as Director of Easter Seals in Georgetown, DE, for approximately 2 years. 

     Later, Russ worked as a Guidance/Vocational Counselor at Polytech High School and Caesar Rodney H.S. Finally, Russ worked at Cape Henlopen School District where he served as both Assistant Principal and Principal of Sussex Consortium (a school primarily for students with Autism). At the end of his career, Russ was Director of Special Education for Cape Henlopen School District. 

     Russ believed he did not “choose” the field of Special Education, but rather he felt that the field of Special Education chose him because of his strong, lifelong bond with his one year older brother, Kenny, who required special assistance due to physical, mental, and educational needs. 

     When Russ was 9, he went with his mother to a PTA meeting and inquired of Kenny’s teacher why he could not tie his shoes. The teacher told Russ that Kenny would never be capable of this task. Baffled by this statement, Russ embraced this as a challenge. Rather than simply tying Kenny’s shoes, Russ’ daily chores now included teaching Kenny to tie his shoes. Tying Kenny’s shoes was of utmost importance to 9-year-old Russ, perhaps because he was concerned that he could be tying Kenny’s shoes until they were both very old men! It took an entire year, but with Russ’ guidance and instruction, Kenny learned to independently tie his shoes. 

     The person who was closest to Russ’ heart was his son, Aaron. Starting at 4 years old, Aaron never met a sport he didn’t like. Although not particularly athletic, Russ was extremely involved in Aaron’s love of soccer, managing multiple teams and coordinating two trips to the U.K. to play soccer. In addition, Russ was an ideal role model whom Aaron aspired to emulate. Aaron ultimately chose to become an Occupational Therapist after visiting his father on many occasions at a rehabilitation facility after his stroke in February of 2019. 

     On December 17, 2023, Aaron graduated from Misericordia University with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and soon after, passed his Boards. Russ was instrumental in Aaron’s choice of a career path and successfully completing his educational goals. Russ was beaming and bursting with pride that December day. The photos of Russ taken at Aaron’s graduation were the last photos in which Russ appears truly happy and content. It was a great day! 

     In addition to his wife, Kathy, Russ is survived by his son, Aaron R. Gehrt of Bear, DE; his brother, W. Thomas Gehrt (Victoria C.) of Kennett Square: his sister, Bonnie Davis (Gary) of Avondale, PA; his nephews, Michael Brennan (Francelle) and Matthew Gehrt (Elizabeth); four great nephews Jake Gehrt, Ben Gehrt, Will Gehrt, Flint Brennan; and one great niece, Oona Brennan. 

     You are invited to visit with Russell’s family and friends from 1:30-2:30 pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707. A Celebration of Russ' life will begin at 2:30 pm and will be followed by refreshments and a time of fellowship.   

 In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Russ to: 

FoodBank of Delaware, 222 Lake Dr., Newark, DE 19702-3319 

Food Bank of Delaware, 9 Causey Ave., Milford, DE 19963 

Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd Georgetown, DE 19947 

Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Rd. New Castle, DE 19720 

     Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. To view Russ' online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.