Obituary of Thomas F. Gerlitz

Thomas F. Gerlitz of Goshen, NY, a retired director of housing for the USDA, Washington, DC, entered into rest on Monday, February 15, 2021 at home.  He was 79.

The son of the late Frederick Gerlitz Jr. & Jeannette B. Schweitzer Gerlitz, he was born on June 24, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY.

He was a graduate of Warwick High School & Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. He loved woodcarving, golf, bowling & horseshoes.  Tom also enjoyed yard work and most importantly his family.  He was a member of the Warwick United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Purta Gerlitz; son, David Gerlitz & wife Judith of Centreville, VA; daughter, Jennifer Burnett & husband Corey of Frederick, MD; stepsons, Todd Purta & wife Carolyn of Warwick; Timothy Scott Purta & wife Beth of Pine Island; sister, Doris Heller & husband Wayne of Davenport, FL; grandchildren, Abigail Burnett, Emily Burnett & fiancé Scott Swisher & Brooks Burnett; Rachael & Rebecca Gerlitz; Tyler, Holly & Leah Purta; Cassandra Caldwell & husband William; great granddaughters, Leilani & Scarlett Caldwell; along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Ellie Smith Gerlitz and a brother, Donald Gerlitz.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 21^st from 2-5PM at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions and guidelines set forth from the state face coverings are required and the number of visitors allowed in the funeral home are limited so we ask that those that may have to wait to enter please follow social distancing guidelines.

A funeral service will be held virtually 10AM Monday, February 22^nd by CLICKING HERE

As per his wishes, there will be no burial and cremation will be held privately following the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry, 135 Forester Avenue, Warwick, NY 10990 or to Meals on Wheels of Warwick, PO Box 98, Warwick, NY 10990.