James Anthony “Jim” Gerlando

JAMES ANTHONY “JIM” GERLANDO, 82, of Weirton, WV, a friendly, easygoing, and genuine nice guy, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024. Jim was born on March 11, 1942. He was the son of Nunzio and Rose Fasola Gerlando, who raised him in a household filled with love and strong Italian family values. Jim graduated from Weirton Madonna High School in 1960, where he was crowned the school’s first Homecoming King, a testament to the love and admiration from his classmates. Jim went on to attend West Virginia University and graduated from the College of Steubenville. He spent 37 years working in the Industrial Engineering offices of Weirton Steel before his retirement. Jim served in the United States Army Reserves, and his dedication to community service extended far beyond his professional life. He was an active and integral member of the Weirton Knights of Columbus Council 3734, where he organized countless events, including weddings, parties, graduations, and repasts. He was instrumental in fostering camaraderie through golf, leading the Knights’ annual golf tournament and a cherished annual trip to Myrtle Beach. As a member of the Pleasant Valley Country Club, Jim was the heart of the “Gerlando Group,” organizing skins games and participating in local tournaments. Jim’s greatest love was his family. He met the love of his life, Patty Smith, while she was training as a nurse at Wheeling Hospital. The two were married on September 4, 1965, and shared 59 wonderful years together. Together, they raised three children and took immense pride in their family, which grew to include five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. A catholic by faith, he was a member of the Weirton Knights of Columbus Council 3734, the Over the Hill Golf Gang, and a former member of the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother in law, Antoinette and Joe Dragavich, and his large Italian Fasola family of uncles, aunts, and cousins Jim will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, friendship, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him including his wife of 59 years, Dr. Patricia (Smith) Gerlando; his children, Veronica (Pete) Stryjewski of Columbus, OH, Yvette (Mike) Schubert of Weirton, WV, and Christopher (Carrie) Gerlando of Myrtle Beach, SC; his five grandchildren, Jordan and Jacob Schubert, Tatiana and Roman Stryjewski, and Anthony Gerlando; and his great-granddaughter, Stella Grace. Jim will be fondly remembered by his many friends and extended family members for his warm smile, his generosity, and his ability to bring people together at a gathering at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton on Tuesday, December 18, 2024. Share memories at www.grecohertnick.com.