Giles Brent Roehrs, 74, of Chester Springs passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 19th, surrounded by loved ones. Gil was born on June 17, 1948, in Bryn Mawr, PA to the late Walter E. Roehrs, Jr. and Evelyn Brent (nee Wolcott) Roehrs.
After graduating from Downingtown High School in 1967, Gil went on to study Sociology. He received his BA from Colgate University, a post graduate degree from Temple University and went on to receive his PhD in Psychology from Walden University. He spent several years as a school psychologist before joining the family insurance business.
Roehrs & Co. was started in 1923 by Gil's grandfather, Walter E. Roehrs Sr. The company, at that time, specialized in Railroad Insurance. The office moved from Philadelphia to Exton, PA and, after Walter E. Roehrs, Jr. passed in 1987, Gil transformed the company into a full-service insurance agency. The company grew from five to thirty-five employees under Gil’s guidance. Gil loved to connect, innovate, and create solutions. When medical malpractice insurance became difficult to obtain, Gil worked tirelessly with a physician specialty group to create its own insurance company for its members. He also managed a program for Lumber and Building Material Dealers in the Eastern U.S. The growth of this program led to the opening of a satellite Roehrs & Co. office in South Carolina. Gil cared deeply about people. He was able, through Roehrs & Co., to build and maintain many friendships while helping to create solutions for their problems. Gil also sat, for many years, on the Board of Directors for Adult Day Care of Chester County.
Gil proudly supported U.S Junior Rowing as an ardent fundraiser and co-chair of the Junior Rowing High Performance Committee which was responsible for selection of the team and coaches. He was a passionate supporter of youth rowing and cared deeply about the experience of the young athletes at the beginning of their careers.
A self-taught sailor, Gil loved to be on the water and share that experience with others. He spent many happy years on his boat in the Chesapeake Bay, Key West, FL, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gil also enjoyed fishing and rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved his dogs, Max and Leo, and found much peace in nature, particularly in his beautifully cultivated backyard. Not afraid to be moved to tears by an inspiring story he was an extraordinary storyteller himself with a joyful, resounding laugh that made everyone smile. He was a generous mentor and friend, a devoted son, husband and loving father and brother.
Gil was predeceased by his brother, Geoffrey C. Roehrs. He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Donna Marie Ippolito Roehrs; sister, Rebecca Roehrs Smith; daughters Heather Roehrs Galgon (Dave) and Kristan Roehrs (Sam Miches); son, Kostya Roehrs; and grandchildren, Bryce, Jack, Stella, and Ruby Galgon.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at St. Joseph Parish, 332 Manor Ave, Downingtown, PA, where family and friends will be received from 9:30 am until 10:45 am at the church. Interment will be held privately with the family.
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