Gerald A. "Dude" Gavlak, 85, of Elyria passed away Thursday April 27, 2023 at the Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake following a brief illness. He was born October 7, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA. and was an Elyria resident for most of his life. Gerry worked at General Motors in Elyria for many years, retiring as a superintendent. He enjoyed boating, visiting casino's and traveling. Survivors include his daughter, Kelli (Todd) McQuaid; sons, Joe (Gina) Gavlak and Gerald E. Gavlak (Jill Zinn); 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Olczak. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen in 2003, second wife, Dorothy in 2011, sister, Priscilla Smecker and brother, Ray Gavlak. The family will receive friends on Wednesday 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday May 4, 2023 in the funeral home. The Rev. Chuck Behrens will Officiate. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com