Mathew Joseph Gerbatz, Jr.
RENO - Mathew Joseph Gerbatz Jr. entered eternal life on March 2, 2024, at the age of 92. Mat was in his 12th Street home that he built with his own hands when he went home to be with Jesus. He was surrounded by his children and wife by his side. Mat was born in Reno, Nevada on January 23, 1932, and spent his childhood years growing up in Virginia City, Nevada. Mat attended the historic Forth Ward School and was baptized in Saint Mary’s of the Mountains in Virginia City, both of which are historical landmarks of the Comstock story. Mat’s parents Mat Sr., Bertha and sister Mary Jo (all who proceeded him in death) moved to Reno for employment and Mat Jr. finished his education attending Northside Middle School and Reno High School. Upon graduation, Mat enlisted in the US Navy in March of 1952. His rank was EMP3 – Electrical Mate (Power & Light) of which he maintained and repaired the engine and generators of the USS Windham Bay (Aircraft Carrier). During his service in the Navy, he crossed the Pacific Ocean 10 times with commendations awarded for Korean Service, China Service, United Nations and National Defense. Upon Mat’s Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he enrolled into a Navel Trade School Apprenticeship in Chicago, Illinois to become an electrician. His graduation as a Journeyman Electrician launched his career that remains a solid foundation in the Electrical Contracting community to this day. In 1960, Mat partnered up with Tom Brady and successfully owned and operated A/C Electric Co., Inc. until 1985. The local business community always embraced Mat as an honest, upstanding, hardworking tradesman that has left generations following in his footsteps.
On October 29, 1955, Mat married the love of his life, Carol Piazzo. Together they spent 68 years of marriage building the legacy of 4 children, Dan (Debra), Arleen (Jeff), Brenda (Jim), Michon (Joe), 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom live locally. Our parents devoted their lives to raising, guiding, and nurturing our family as well as the community around them. Dad was a spiritual and physical anchor for the entire Gerbatz Clan as well as for many friends and neighbors. He had the gift of loving and welcoming all into his home and into his heart. He was the kindest of gentlemen, always respectful and thoughtful in everything he did. His absence will leave a hole in all our lives. Because of Dad’s intentional investment in each and every one of our lives, we know we have the strength to see this through. Dad’s love and knowledge of Jesus Christ as his Savior has assured him eternal life and by Dad’s daily example of how he lived his life, he has shared this blessed hope with his entire family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22nd @ 11:00am at Sparks Christian Fellowship located at 510 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks, NV. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Mathew Gerbatz to The Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502. www.veteransguesthouse.org