Daniel Walter Gerres, age 83, of Hockessin, DE, passed away on March 25, 2024.

He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 5, 1940, son of the late Walter Peter and Josephine E. (O'Connell) Gerres. Daniel received his early education at St. Ann School, Wilmington. He began studies for the priesthood at St. Charles Minor Seminary, Catonsville, Maryland. He completed college at St. Mary's Seminary, Paca Street, and took theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary, Roland Park, Baltimore.

He was ordained on May 21, 1966, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Wilmington, Delaware by Bishop Michael W. Hyle. Fr. Gerres was first assigned as associate pastor to St. Mary Magdalen Church, Sharpley, Wilmington, Delaware. In 1971 he was transferred as associate pastor to St. Matthew Church, Woodcrest, Wilmington, Delaware. In 1973 he was named pastor of Resurrection Parish, Wilmington, Delaware. In 1978 he was transferred as pastor to St. John the Beloved Church, Wilmington, Delaware. He served as administrator of Corpus Christi Church, Elsmere, Delaware 1986-1987. In 1987 he was appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Liftwood, Wilmington, Delaware. In 1998 he was transferred as pastor to St. Thomas Church, Wilmington, Delaware.

He has served as president of the Priests' Senate, chairman of the Clergy Personnel Committee, chairman of the Continuing Education Committee, chairman of the Ecumenical Commission, member of the Dialog board, member of the St. Mark's High School Board, member of the Board of Catholic Diocese Foundation, Dean of the Mill Creek Deanery, State Chaplain of the National Guard, and chaplain of Gander Hill Prison. In 2000, he retired from the National Guard as a Brigadier General after 25 years of service and retired in 2010 from active pastorate. After retirement, he resided at Saint Elizabeth, Wilmington, before spending the later years of his life in Cokesbury Village, Hockessin. During this time, he continued his priestly ministry at many New Castle County parishes.

He is survived by his sister, Dr. Mary Ann Radebach of San Clemente, CA; his niece Terri Dober (Victor) Dana Point, CA, and nephew Douglas Radebach (Mary Elizabeth) of Silver Springs, MD.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 1st from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Priests Retirement Fund, c/o Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, 1925 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Online condolences may be made to mealeyfuneralhomes.com