Reverend Robert J. Gearhart, Sr.  age 83 of Syracuse, Nebraska passed away peacefully at his home in Syracuse, Nebraska on August 19, 2021.  He was born on May 21, 1938 in Camden, NJ to Curven V. and Isabelle (Bunting) Gearhart.

He enlisted in the United States Army as a young man and served from 1956-1959.  He was united in marriage to Wilma M. Wilson on June 17, 1960 in the Lady Chapel at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, PA.  After marriage, he attended Temple University and graduated from St. Joseph's College before enrolling in Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, WI.

As a seminary student, he served as an assistant at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Menomonie Falls, WI.  After ordination as an Episcopal Priest, he served his first parish in Clifton Heights, PA at St. Stephens.  His ministry later led him to Nebraska where he served at St. Peter's in Neligh, St. Mark's in Creighton, St. John's in Albion, St. John's in Valentine, St. John's in Cody, St. Charles in Fairbury and St. Augustine's in DeWitt.  Upon retiring in 2002, he and Wilma moved to Syracuse, NE.  He enjoyed history and keeping up current on events around the world.

Robert is survived by his sons, Robert Gearhart, Jr. of Syracuse, NE (Gallup, NM), Christopher (Kris) Gearhart, of Papillion, NE, Grandchildren, Michael Gearhart of Dyess Air Force Base, TX; Sister, Linda (Steve) Fonzo, Palm Coast, FL, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma, brothers, Curven Gearhart and William Gearhart, and sister Vicki Mersiowsky.

A Memorial will be held at a later date at Church of the Holy Spirit in Bellevue, NE.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Indian School 1301 N Main, Chamberlain, SD, 57325, www.stjo.org , or Nashotah House, Nashotah, WI 2777 Mission Rd, 53050, https://nashotah.edu/ .