Stephen B. "Steve" Gernert, of Charleston, WV and Brewster, MA, died on Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Born on August 9, 1942, in Sayre, PA, to Kenneth and Eloise Bruce Gernert, Steve attended a two-room school in Wetona, PA and graduated from Troy Area High School in 1960. Always interested in sports, Steve competed in baseball, football, basketball and wrestling in high school. While in the Troy area, Steve played every level of baseball from Little League through Semi-Pro. He then moved to Lock Haven, PA, to attend Lock Haven State College. He graduated in 1964 with a B. S. in Education. While in Lock Haven, he fell in love with Carol Hudson, whom he married in July 1965. The couple taught school together in Hughesville, PA for three years before Steve decided to resume his own education and enrolled in D. T. Watson School of Physicatrics in Pittsburgh. After Steve earned his certification in physical therapy in 1968, the couple moved to Charleston, WV, and Steve became a staff physical therapist at Charleston General Hospital, Marmet Division. In 1970, he became the first full-time physical therapist at Saint Francis Hospital in Charleston and continued working in and developing the physical therapy program at Saint Francis until his retirement in 2009. Steve also practiced physical therapy at several local nursing facilities and was a volunteer trainer at Dunbar High School, John Adams Junior High School, the University of Charleston, the WVIAC basketball tournament and the professional basketball and football teams in Charleston. Along with Dr. David Santrock, Steve was instrumental in establishing the first sports medicine evaluation clinic in the Charleston area. He was also active in community education programs regarding sports medicine and injury prevention.

Throughout his life, Steve continued his interest in sports and played recreational basketball at the YMCA and tennis in the USTA leagues. In addition, he worked for several years as a "weekend warrior" and guided white-water rafting tours on the New and Gauley Rivers for North American River Runners.

Steve is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Douglas (Karen) Gernert of Indianapolis, IN and Daniel (Julie) Gernert of Charleston as well as granddaughters, Rachel Gernert of Gales Ferry, CT, Samantha and Sarah Stensland of Indianapolis, and Gabrielle Gernert of Charleston. He leaves behind sisters, Nancy, Sharon, Jennifer and Lee, brothers, Don (Elaine) Gernert and Jack (Donna) Gernert and several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 816 Lee Street, Charleston, WV 25301 or to a charity of your choice.