Wayne H. Gerling, 76, died on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at his home. He is the beloved husband of June A. (Markert) Gerling with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Wayne was born in Utica, New York on September 3, 1949 and was the son of the late Charles and Jane E. (Turner) Gerling. He received his education in the Utica, NY School System and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy (UFA).

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Navy, demonstrating unwavering dedication and courage throughout his military career. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he completed three tours of duty, embodying a deep sense of duty and sacrifice. His commitment to service extended over two decades, culminating in his retirement after 20 years of honorable service. Wayne’s legacy is one of patriotism, resilience, and steadfast devotion to his nation.

During his military career, Wayne served as a Personnelman in the United States Navy and with the Navy Seabees, where he earned the respect of those who served alongside him. Following his retirement from the Navy after 20 years of dedicated service, he continued his strong work ethic in civilian life as a medical equipment tester for the former Hewlett-Packard and Philips, now Agilent Technologies, in Massachusetts, where he remained until his retirement.

In his free time, Wayne found great joy in tending to his floral and vegetable gardens, a passion that reflected his love of the outdoors. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, treasuring those moments even more when he was able to share them with his daughters. Wayne was a true master of the grill and a talented baker, known for his infamous Christmas cookies, delicious pies, and his signature scalloped potatoes. He also had a knack for woodworking, crafting picnic tables with care and pride. Wayne had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his late beloved companion, Kimo, and his current fur baby, Zipper. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, which meant the most to him.

In addition to his wife, June of Hudson, he is survived by his two daughters, Michelle D. Szaro and her spouse Hud Bynum of Worcester, MA and Kimberly L. Gerling of Hudson; his four grandchildren, Cory Szaro and his wife Autumn, Christian Szaro and his wife Melissa, Brenda Varieur and her husband Nick and Matthew Gerling; his four great-grandchildren, Leonidas “Leo”, Carter, George, and Emma. He is also survived by his two siblings, Bruce Gerling of Syracuse, NY and Linda Hildebrand and her husband Lee of Milwaukee, WI; his nieces, Heather, Erin, and Mandy; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews.

At the request of Wayne and his family, all services were omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by visiting, https://www.stjude.org/ or to Shriner’s Children, by visiting, https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/campaign/618584/donate or to American Lung Association for COPD Research, by visiting, https://www.lung.org/.