Russell L. Gehrt, retired educator

Russell “Russ” L. Gehrt, 72, of Hockessin, formerly of Frankford, passed away peacefully at Cokesbury Village Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. He was the husband of Kathleen Corby Gehrt, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He was born in Washington, D.C., and was the youngest of four children of the late Warren J. Gehrt and the late Stella Ray Ferguson Gehrt. In addition, Russ was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth R. Gehrt.  

 

Russ graduated from Archmere Academy in 1970. He later attended University of Delaware, graduating with a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's degree in counseling.  Russ worked as an educator in many areas, beginning with teaching daily living skills and supervising training staff at Stockley Center, an institution for people with severe disabilities, in Georgetown. Russ was instrumental in developing the first group home in Delaware for people with severe disabilities. With this project, Russ envisioned a group home where his older brother, Kenny, could live in a community setting rather than an institution. Russ also worked as director of Easter Seals in Georgetown for approximately two years.

  

Later, Russ worked as a guidance/vocational counselor at Polytech High School and Caesar Rodney High School.  Finally, Russ worked at Cape Henlopen School District, where he served as both assistant principal and principal of Sussex Consortium (a school primarily for students with Autism).  At the end of his career, Russ was director of special education for Cape Henlopen School District.  

 

Russ believed he did not “choose” the field of special education, but rather he felt that the field of special education chose him because of his strong, lifelong bond with his one-year-older brother, Kenny, who required special assistance due to physical, mental, and educational needs.   

 

The person who was closest to Russ’ heart was his son, Aaron. Starting at 4, Aaron never met a sport he didn’t like. Although not particularly athletic, Russ was extremely involved in Aaron’s love of soccer, managing multiple teams and coordinating two trips to the U.K. to play soccer. In addition, Russ was an ideal role model whom Aaron aspired to emulate. Aaron ultimately chose to become an occupational therapist after visiting his father on many occasions at a rehabilitation facility after his stroke in February 2019.  

 

Aaron graduated Dec. 17, 2023, from Misericordia University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and soon after, passed his boards. Russ was instrumental in Aaron’s choice of a career path and successfully completing his educational goals. Russ was beaming and bursting with pride that December day. The photos of Russ taken at Aaron’s graduation were the last photos in which Russ appears truly happy and content. It was a great day!  

 

In addition to his wife Kathy, Russ is survived by his son, Aaron R. Gehrt of Bear; his brother, W. Thomas Gehrt (Victoria C.) of Kennett Square, Pa.; his sister, Bonnie Davis (Gary) of Avondale, Pa.; his nephews, Michael Brennan (Francelle) and Matthew Gehrt (Elizabeth); four great-nephews, Jake Gehrt, Ben Gehrt, Will Gehrt, Flint Brennan; and one great-niece, Oona Brennan.  

 

You are invited to visit Russell’s family and friends from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at Ashland Nature Center, 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin.