Biography

12/21/1920 - 09/23/2021

GERHART, Robert R., Jr., a Representative from Berks County; born in Robesonia, Berks County, Pa., December 21, 1920; graduated, Robesonia High School, 1937; B.A., communications, Albright College, 1941; served, United States Army (1945-1946, World War II); news reporter, Reading Times (1938-1948); elected, council, Robesonia (1946-1956); publisher and editor, The New Era, Lancaster (1948-1971); director of public relations, Reading (1958-1959); owner and operator, Tahiti Motel (1963-1966) and Diamond Beach Resort (1966-1986), Wildwood, NJ; elected as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to the 1967 term; elected, Pennsylvania State Senate (1969-1972); unsuccessful campaign for reelection, Pennsylvania State Senate (1972); gubernatorial appointee, executive director, Pennsylvania Higher Education Facilities Authority and the State Public School Building Authority (1972-1976); owner, Roberts and Company, public relations; owner and operator, Playpen II, Cheers and The Oasis, nightclubs, Wildwood, NJ; founder, Suburban TV Cable Company; died, August 23, 2021 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.