Pompeo Mario Gerardis

On Sunday, June 25, 2017, the physical world said goodbye to a charming, comedic and beloved Neapolitan character: Pompeo Mario Gerardis. In Vietri sul Mare, Italy, Pompeo was born on Nov. 23, 1931, to Ettore and Gina Gerardis.

A creative, passionate, and whimsical soul, Pompeo’s insatiable hunger for adventure led to many travels — Italian-style — where he met a Hungarian beauty named Éva Koletich in a café in Budapest. Captured by her brilliant mind, exotic demeanor, generous heart and strong will, Pompeo married Éva. The couple lived in Queens, New York, where they welcomed their daughter Luana. True to his Italian heritage, Pompeo’s existence revolved around the following necessities: soccer, bread, romantic cars, the Pope, olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano and cappuccino.

In the summer of 1991, the family moved to Missoula, where Pompeo’s late sister, Adalia Kenck, lived with her seven children and their families. In this glorious, mountain setting, Pompeo nurtured his passion for gliding and helped form the “Missoula Soaring Society.”

On June 10, 2003, Éva, devoted wife of 25 years, tragically passed away at 55. Never one to allow grief to cramp his free spirit, a young-hearted, 73-year-old Pompeo resumed his explorations and traveled to the Philippines where he met a kind, loving and caring Lilibeth Batac. The two married and remained happily in Montana for 11 years.

Pompeo is survived by his daughter Luana Alhadeff and son from a prior marriage, Gregory Gerardis; wife Lilibeth; son-in-law Brian Alhadeff; many nephews and nieces; and his three-year-old granddaughter, Eva Alhadeff. Little Éva was proud to get to know her “nonno,” whom she loves with all her heart.

Although this treasured character is with us no more, we celebrate Pompeo’s spirit; his ingenuity; his faith in God; his unique personality. We thank him for how he lit up a room with his bright energy and infectious laugh.

Services will be held at Saint Francis Xavier on Tuesday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m.

Ti voglio tanto bene, Papá. Mangia bene, fá una lunga camminata e una bella risata. Dá alla mia bellissima mamma un bacio per me e per la sua nipotina. Buon viaggio …