Oct 12,1945 – Mar 23,2021
Dr. John Henry Gelhot, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75 on March 23, 2021 at Presbyterian Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Roman Catholic of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, St. Louis, MO, he was an altar boy, Boy Scout, Sea Scout and Member of CREDO of the Catholic Laity, St. Louis.
He was a graduate of De Andreis High School, St. Louis, MO. After serving in the Air National Guard, the U.S. Airforce (enlisted), and U.S. Marine Corps. (Capt.) earning three honorable discharges, he went on to graduate from Cleveland Chiropractic College, Kansas City, MO.
Dr. Gelhot is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda Mary (Pinto) Gelhot, his four siblings; Carol Ann (Late Charles “Phil”) Hooper, Mary Margaret “Margie” (Late Dave) Downs, Kathleen Veronica Guerra and Dr. Helen Theresa (Lt.Col. Paul K. Gewalt, USAF Retired) Gelhot. He is also survived by his in-laws; Douglas (Alda) Pinto and daughter Dr. Angie Pinto (Deven Billimoria), Ronald (Anna Bodnar) Pinto, and Dr. Daphne deMello (nee Pinto) (Late Dr. Vincent R.deMello), and son Eric deMello.
Dr. Gelhot is preceded in death by his parents, Helen T. Gelhot (nee Specker) and Emmett J. Gelhot and niece, Nina Hooper.
He was uncle to: Chuck Hooper (Godson), Camille Spain (nee Hooper), Scott Hooper, Denise Resinger (nee Hooper), (Late Nina Hooper), Carolyn Hooper, William Burns, Jason (Kelly) Guerra (Godson), Jennifer (Kris) Weber (nee Guerra), Justin (Kelly) Guerra, Jaimie Guerra, Julie (Andrew) Rathert (nee Guerra), John (Jill) Guerra, Jessica (Bryant) O’Laughlin (nee Guerra), and Maryjoyce Gewalt. He was an admired big brother, little brother, Godfather, great uncle, cousin, nephew, mentor, doctor, friend and beloved by many.
Dr. Gelhot helped a multitude of patients over his lifetime as a Chiropractic physician. He was certified in Kinesiology and Acupuncture. He had a special dedication to his brothers-in-arms and after over 20 years in private practice in Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, he was the first Chiropractic physician to practice within the VA Medical System where he provided outstanding care and relief to veterans and retired in 2012 from the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.
A hard worker, diligent, lifelong learner, and relentless political truth seeker, John researched voraciously and persevered in daily Bible reading and study. He enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing, running and competed in marathons. He took great pride in his healthy living habits, daily physical activity, and liked to dance, talk passionately, and laugh heartily which brought joy to all around. Dr. Gelhot will be missed by all who loved him deeply.
A Holy Mass of Christian Burial, graveside ceremony and a celebration of life gathering will take place at a date and time to be announced. See riversidefunerals.com.
