Frank Ralph Gerardi, 83, of Huntley, died peacefully, December 4, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Frank was born August 22, 1942 in Chicago, the son of Peter and Eleanor Gerardi. He proudly served in the United States Army from August of 1959-August of 1962 and was stationed overseas in Germany followed by 6 years active Army Reserve. He met his wife, Stephanie “Stevie” Pigdanowicz in 1965 and was married a year later on June 12, 1966. Frank always worked hard to provide for his family as an engineer and later as a successful business owner. He was a car enthusiast building and restoring many antique cars that he and Stevie took to many car shows and a longtime member of the C.A.A.T.S. car club. They traveled Route 66 with their 1958 Chevrolet like the car they got married in. He was an avid reader of history, cars and politics. He enjoyed carriage driving horses and ponies and was part of the local HUB club. He was a talented woodworker and played the guitar. A regular donator to The Salvation Army, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children Hospital, and local food pantries. His priority was always his family, but also friends and those in need. He always loved to tell jokes, was a great story teller, and his favorite sayings were “Fuhgettaboutit” and “It is what it is”. He used to love going on scenic drives to Burlington, WI with Stevie for a burger at Fred's. One of his favorite things to do was go meet “the guys” from the old neighborhood and the car guys for lunches. No matter what challenges life threw at him, he faced it head on and persevered, always defying the odds.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him, and a man of great faith.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie “Stevie”, his children, Catherine, James and John; and by four granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Richard (Betty) Gerardi, and sisters, Constance and Joanne, and a brother in infancy, Joey.
Visitation will be on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 9-10am with Mass being celebrated at 10am followed by a luncheon at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
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Your dad fought a brave fight. Our thoughts and prayers to you, Catherine and family.
I remember your dad coming to watch you ride your horse and he was smiling from ear to ear, then we would talk after your lesson and he would say how proud he was of you! My condolences to you Catherine, your lovely mother and family!
So sorry to hear, Stevie … I always enjoyed your talking about him and his cars. 😊 Thinking of you!! May God fill you with peace & comfort in your memories!
Never got to meet Mr. Frank in person but his family loved him deeply and I know he is watching over them from above!❤️
Cathy again , to you and your family , I am so very sorry to hear the passing of your dad . I have good memories of Frank at the Barn , always a good conversation and always a few laughs . My condolences to all of you , and I will be there to support you on the 27th
So sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Frank but he sounds like a wonderful husband, farther, grandfather & friend. May the good Lord look after you and give you peace.
Franck was a good guy enjoyed talking with him. He could talk about just about any subject and most of the time he was well first in it so it made it enjoyable his lovely family, his great daughter Catherine the two of them were like two peas in a pod, love their horses. I know he will be missed by all deeply and greatly by his family. Wish you peace and rest, Franck I’m sure you drove off in a cool car.
Catherine ….I’m truly sorry for your loss. Even though I didn’t know him…I can see how special he was through you. I’m here for you in any way you need.” That adds a personal and heartfelt touch.
Frank and I were buddies for 70+ years. He, his family and myself had so many good memories growing up as good friends. We send our deepest condolences to Stevie, Cathy, Jimmy, John and the grandchildren along with our love. Until we meet again Frank… Joe & Diane Macaluso
I’m so sorry to hear about Frank passing. He certainly fought the great fight! I used to love talking to him at the barn. Especially about driving those minis! He was funny and so easy to talk to. I’m so sorry Stevie and Catherine. Love to you ❤️
We fondly remember Frank and Stevie at the various carriage driving events and the car shows at IRM. Frank was always fun to be with.
Uncle Frank was a good man everything here printed is true about him.I only seen him play guitar once when I was like eight years old but he was a heck of a guitar player playing his Gretsch. I remember he dabbled in playing the organ as well with my grandpa ( his father ). My mother Constance spoke highly of him.\nWhen my father passed away , he came out and helped out with arrangements , super human being. Aunty Stevie, Cathy, Jimmy, and Johnny, my deepest and sincere condolences for you.My heart is broken for you guys.May the Lord keep a hand on his spirit and soul forever, in the the name of jesus , we pray amen.
Uncle Frank was a good man everything here printed is true about him.I only seen him play guitar once when I was like eight years old but he was a heck of a guitar player playing his Gretsch. I remember he dabbled in playing the organ as well with my grandpa ( his father ). My mother Constance spoke highly of him.When my father passed away , he came out and helped out with arrangements , super human being. Aunty Stevie, Cathy, Jimmy, and Johnny, my deepest and sincere condolences for you.My heart is broken for you guys.May the Lord keep a hand on his spirit and soul forever, in the the name of jesus , we pray amen.