Westborough – Joseph F. Gebhart, 89, of Westborough, a former longtime Marlborough resident, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Doris H. (Dufault) Gebhart, to whom he was married to for 68 years.
Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Joseph and Nora (O”Connor) Gebhart. He was educated in Westborough and graduated from Westborough High School in 1942. He also attended Boys Vocational Trade School in Worcester.
Mr. Gebhart was employed as a machinist and draftsman at Amdek Corporation in Sudbury. While working there, he helped design and build the first Sterivac unit. One of these first sterilization components was initially developed for Dr. Christian Barnard for cardia transplant operations. Following his retirement, he worked for the City of Marlborough as a custodian in the school department.
Joseph was a member of the Westborough Senior Center, delivered Meals On Wheels, was an avid reader, and enjoyed Boston sports.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Anne M. Price of Medway and Susan J. Mohran of Marlborough; two sisters, Mary vanDan of Remer, MN and Rita Raczynski of Worcester; and one grandson, Michael D. Price. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Anna Marie Gebhart.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Salmon VNA Hospice and Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery of Southborough. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Meals On Wheels Program, c/o the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd., Westborough, MA 01581.
