Harold “Chew” Gernandt, 81, of Wharton, passed away on September 2, 2024. Chew was born in Elizabeth, NJ, on August 30, 1943. In his youth, he excelled in wrestling, gymnastics, baseball, swimming, and diving. However, drumming was his passion. His drumming skills began with a drum and bugle corps in Elizabeth, NJ. From there, he joined St. Lucy’s Drum and Bugle Corps, the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps, and Morris County Field Music, where he was a snare drummer. Chew was also a member of the Archer Epler Musketeers Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, where he was the drum line instructor and percussion arranger. Chew was inducted into the New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame. His drumming skills expanded into playing with big bands, rock bands, and wedding bands. He had the privilege of performing at an event honoring President Ronald Reagan. Chew was very well-regarded in the drum corps family, where he made many lifelong friends.

Chew was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, and Fort Huachuca, AZ. He was honorably discharged and was always proud to have served his country during the Vietnam era.

His career in the bookbinding industry lasted for over fifty years. In his retirement, he continued to play the drums with his fellow drummers and the St. Lucy’s Drum Ensemble and attended drum and bugle corps parades and events. Chew enjoyed skiing, traveling, and spending time with his cherished family.

Chew is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, MaryAnn; his daughters, Lori and her husband Matt, and Carrie and her husband Andrew; his son, Craig and his wife Laura; his sisters, Ruth and Susan; and his grandchildren, Michael and Zoe. He was loved by many.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Mountain Lakes, NJ.

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