Harold Gemler

Harold J. (Jim) Gemler “Bampa” born August 2, 1944 passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 17th at the age of 76. He was married to Jeanne (Gordon) Gemler, his bride and best friend, for 51 years and was preceded in death by his parents Harold A. (Bill) Gemler and Adelaide V. Gemler.

Jim was a proud graduate of St John’s Grade School and Cathedral Prep class of ’62 where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Upon graduation he attended Gannon University where he studied accounting, and Sullivans pub.

He worked at the family meat market, Gemler Bro’s beginning in 8^th grade where he developed an appreciation for odd foods such as pickled pigs feet, beef tongue, and limburger cheese. Jim was also a dominant baseball player in Boys Baseball and as a high school pitcher at Prep. He had a famed “drop off the table” curveball that he still talked about. He was huge Boston Red Sox fan, especially Ted Williams.

Another passion “HJ” had was drag racing. He started as a 16 year old and eventually became a nationally ranked National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) “pro stock” drag racer. In 1970, he and his brother (Jere) made that passion a career and opened Gemler’s Performance Center where he was well known for his expertise in high performance engines for both race and street cars, a profession he was very proud of and enjoyed.

Outside of work, he was very active in his children’s sports and was loved and respected as a coach for basketball and baseball even though sometimes he had to tell them to “get their heads out of their a**es” and pay attention, one of his favorite phrases.  He had nicknames for all of his players, which helped keep a relaxed and fun atmosphere. In addition, he was the president of the Prep Football Boosters and had a great time arranging the tailgate parties across the street from the stadium.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanne (Gordon) Gemler; his four kids-Tracy Gemler (David), Maggie Madura (Sean), John Gemler, Jim Gemler (Jennifer) and his brother Jere Gemler; three grandchildren-Madison Ferraro, Sydney Ferraro and Morgan Madura, his dog daughter Lucy who will miss snack time very much and his grand dogs Bruiser, Jake, Lily, and Ruger, and grand cats Dalton and Pixie. Sister-in law Mary Kay Sandell, brother and sister- in- law Bill and Joan Gordon and brother- in- law Tim Gordon, as well as dozens of friends. Lastly, his HS graduation gift from his parents, his pristine 1962 Chevy Impala SS “409”.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother John Francis; granddaughter Peyton Madura Babcock; mother and father- in- law, John and Katie Gordon; brother- in- law, Jerry Sandell; brother and sister- in- law, Judy and Larry Fredette. Also, several of his good buddies, which we are sure he is having beers with as we write this.

Friends are invited to call at the Quinn Funeral Home, West 9^th & Liberty St. on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass Thursday at 12 noon in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial will be private.

Donations can be made to New Blossoms, New Life Foundation; Shriners Hospital for Children; or Cathedral Prep