Thomas F. Gerlitz of Goshen, a retired director of housing for the USDA in Washington, D.C., entered into rest on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, at home. He was 79.
The son of Frederick Gerlitz Jr. and Jeannette B. Schweitzer Gerlitz, he was born on June 24, 1941, in Brooklyn.
He was a graduate of Warwick High School and Cornell University, Ithaca.
He loved woodcarving, golf, bowling and horseshoes. Tom also enjoyed yard work and most importantly his family.
He was a member of the Warwick United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Purta Gerlitz; son David Gerlitz and wife Judith of Centreville, Virginia; daughter Jennifer Burnett and husband Corey of Frederick, Maryland; stepsons Todd Purta and wife Carolyn of Warwick and Timothy Scott Purta and wife Beth of Pine Island; sister Doris Heller and husband Wayne of Davenport, Florida; grandchildren: Abigail Burnett, Emily Burnett and fiancé Scott Swisher and Brooks Burnett; Rachael and Rebecca Gerlitz; Tyler, Holly and Leah Purta; Cassandra Caldwell and husband William; grand-granddaughters Leilani and Scarlett Caldwell; along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Ellie Smith Gerlitz, and a brother, Donald Gerlitz.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m., at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave., Florida.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines set forth from the state face coverings are required and the number of visitors allowed in the funeral home are limited so we ask that those that may have to wait to enter please follow social distancing guidelines.
A funeral service will be held virtually at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, by clicking on this link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/19489611 or by going to the bottom of his obituary on the funeral home website www.purtafuneralhome.com
As per his wishes, there will be no burial and cremation will be held privately following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry, 135 Forester Avenue, Warwick, NY 10990 or to Meals on Wheels of Warwick, PO Box 98, Warwick, NY 10990.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home.
To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.