Gerald Brohard was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a young man, he learned the trade of tree trimming, and eventually moved to Florida and opened his own business. He worked successfully as a tree trimmer for 20 years in Florida, and also got married during that time though was divorced after a few years. Per his own account, Gerry began to face some significant personal challenges when he reached his 40’s, including the emergence of more prominent symptoms of mental health issues (schizophrenia) and challenges with alcohol dependence. This caused Gerry to close his business and start to travel across the country in a transient manner, often living outside.
This ultimately led him to Philadelphia where he reported “living under a bridge” for several months, until homeless outreach teams eventually engaged with him and helped him get connected to behavioral health treatment and supported housing through PATH Center in northeast Philadelphia. Gerry often described this as “getting my life back on track”.
Due to his kind, friendly, outgoing and insightful nature, Gerry eventually became involved in behavioral health consumer advocacy in the early 2000’s. He was an active member of the Community Support Program, a consumer-run organization that provides guidance and feedback to the treatment and social service systems of Philadelphia regarding how best to serve people with serious mental illness. He also became a trained storyteller, and a member of the group “Voices of Recovery”, in which he would frequently speak in front of various groups about his own recovery journey, and how he came again to self-sufficiency after struggling in his middle life. Some of his regular engagements included public speaking to staff as part of new employee orientation within the behavioral health system, as well as at the Sunday Breakfast Association shelter for unhoused men.
Gerry also took up writing poetry later in his life, and produced at least 50 poems that he would often share in speaking venues, including once he was a resident at Cheltenham Nursing and rehab facility. Other residents would often ask him to share his poetry during their church services and community meetings. Gerry was such a popular resident that he was also elected as president of the resident association.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, we invite friends and loved ones to celebrate Gerald’s extraordinary life at a graveside service, commencing at 12:00 PM, at Chelten Hills Cemetery, 1701 Washington Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19138. Together, let us honor a journey that traversed from the heart of Ohio to the city of brotherly love—an embodiment of resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit that connects us all.
A Poem-by Gerry
True LoveDear readers, as I sit on this deck at Cheltenham and peer out the window,And look at Your creation on a windy day,Something unusual happened to me from Almighty God.As I looked at the beautiful trees reaching to heaven,The wind was blowing very strongly that day.As I looked at the beautiful clouds in the distance,And also many birds were flying towards Cheltenham,It seemed like they were gliding toward the window where I was sitting.Could it possibly be that Almighty God was saying to me, “Dear Jerry, these birds are literally performing for YOU. They simply love you very much.