It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Special Agent Raul Eugene “Skip” Gerhart, who died at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on April 14, 2026, at the age of 87.

Skip devoted much of his life to the service of his country and enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Federal law enforcement.

After serving in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964, Skip began his Federal law-enforcement career with the United States Border Patrol, initially assigned to Yuma, Arizona, and later serving in Chula Vista, California.

In 1972, he was promoted to the United States Customs Service as a Special Agent and subsequently transferred to Bogotá, Colombia. At the time of the Federal drug-enforcement reorganization on July 1, 1973, Skip was serving at the United States Embassy in Bogotá.

His career would take him and his family throughout the United States and Latin America. Following his service in Colombia, he was assigned to Nogales, Arizona, in 1974 and then to Mexico City in 1975, where he served as Customs Attaché. In 1979, Skip and his family returned to the United States and settled in Tucson, Arizona.

He continued his Federal service in Tucson, including work with U.S. Customs and Internal Affairs, until his retirement in 1988. Retirement did not end his involvement in Federal service; he later worked as a private investigator conducting background investigations for the Federal government.

Skip's life, however, was defined by much more than his badge and his career. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose quiet strength, intelligence, humor, and steadfast nature left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Romelia Rivera-Macias “Romy” Gerhart, who passed away on April 27, 2023, at the age of 83. Share your thoughts on facebook.

Skip is survived by his three children, Stephen Gerhart, Marguerite Gerhart-Boscarino, and Daniel Gerhart, whom he loved deeply, as well as his daughters- and sons-in-law and his five granddaughters, Sofia, Daniela, Isabella, Julia, and Victoria.

To those who served alongside him, Skip will also be remembered simply as a very good Agent – dedicated, capable, dependable, and committed to the work and to the people with whom he served.

His was a life of service to his country, to his profession, and above all, to his family.

May Raul Eugene “Skip” Gerhart rest in peace. His service and friendship will not be forgotten.