John Gerba

John Gerba, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Stanley, Virginia, on Friday, August 15, 2025.

He was born on October 30, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John and Mary (Jacob) Gerba.

John graduated from John Adams High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western Reserve University. While at Western Reserve University, he helped design the old entrance to the Cleveland Hopkins Airport as a school project. He later obtained his Master's Degree in Architecture from Yale University, where he graduated second in his class. This is where he met his closest friend, Harland "PeeWee" Baker. In 1971-1972, John purchased The Baker Farm on the outskirts of Stanley, where together they founded Guilford Ridge Winery, hosting wine festivals and winning several awards for their wines.

After serving in the United States Army, John worked as an architect for the EPA in Washington, D.C.

John was also a Concert Master at Shaker Heights Symphony Orchestra in Shaker Heights, Ohio. John was a very gifted and well-rounded gentleman. His hobbies included winemaking, traveling the world, listening to classical music, and caring for his many animals, especially his 13 llamas on the beautiful grounds of the farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; his sisters, Mary Sleeman and Rose Huey; his nieces, Linda Sleeman and Sandy Swyrydenko; and dear friends, Harland Baker and Doc Bosley.

John is survived by his sister, Agnes Bacnik; his niece, Bonnie Biggs (husband Jonathan, and their children, Katharine and Tommy Biggs); his nephews, Robert Bacnik, Robert Sleeman (wife Mary), and Gary Sleeman (wife Donna, deceased); as well as his beloved pets, Lucy and Nicky.

Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the Page County Animal Shelter, 1261 Goodrich Rd., Stanley, VA 22851.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Christi Bosley-Baker for her care and dedication to John, and to special caregivers Becky, Diana, Robin, Sierra, Harper, Becky S. and others that loved John and assisted him in his later years, as well Blue Ridge Hospice for their help. 

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