The family of Michael R. Gerardi, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service. It will be our privilege to do so.
Michael R. Gerardi, 5th Air Force 1943-1945, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, less than four months short of his 100th birthday on May 20. He served in the Pacific Theater in WWII as a combat cameraman on a B-25 bomber in New Guinea and the Philippines. Michael was awarded the Purple Heart and attained the rank of Sergeant.
After his discharge from the service in May 1945, Michael spent some time in Southern California, then returned to his home town of Amsterdam, New York. In 1958, he married Eileen Suriano of Schenectady, New York, and relocated back to Huntington Park, California. He worked for almost 30 years for Greer Hydraulics, first in Culver City and then in Bell Gardens. At Greer, he built hydraulic test stands, and later became the shop steward for his union, United Auto Workers. Michael loved to draw and paint, and continued to do so after his retirement. He traveled extensively, on cruises with Eileen, and on trips around the world, including Thailand, Australia and China, which were arranged by his son, David, who is a pilot for United Airlines. He attended the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2011, together with his sons Michael and David. He also loved doing word-search puzzles and watching Western movies and TV shows. He is survived by his sons, Michael M. Gerardi and David J. Gerardi, daughter Maria LoCicero, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his wife Eileen.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. All PGR members are welcome. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
IMPORTANT NOTE: RNC WILL ALLOW MEMBERS TO GATHER AND WAIT AT THE CEMETERY, JUST ASK THE GUARD BOOTH WHERE THE FAMILY IS STAGING AND GO NEARBY THAT AREA. Time Table for Friday, February 19th, 20210900 - Meet up at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/mt5B1WQEZ7xqNZYt60915 - Mission Briefing
0930 - Flag line for our Heroes arrival
1000 - Flag line, funeral services with military honors
R/C Paul “RoundTrip” McCarthy
SoCal PGR Ride Captainpmccarth1@gmail.com
619 838-9123
R/C Phil "Wile E" Hersey
So Cal PGR Ride Captainfishawn208@gmail.com
619-454-1408
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
