Obituary of Gerardo Bledt

Gerardo Bledt, of Madison and Austin, TX, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 4, 2023, as the result of a tragic drowning accident. Gerardo was born on September 10, 1993, in Mexico City, Mexico. He was 29 years old and was the beloved son of Marcela and Carlos Bledt of Madison.

Gerardo was predeceased by his brother, Carlos Mauricio, paternal grandmother Elvira, his maternal grandparents Rodolfo and Aurora Rodriguez, his maternal Aunt Tita, and Uncle Javier. He will be missed every day by his mother Marcela, his father Carlos, his paternal grandfather Carlos, Aunt Patricia and Uncle Jorge, and his maternal Uncle Rodolfo, Aunt Celina, and many friends and colleagues who loved him.

Gerardo attended elementary school at Our Lady of Peace in New Providence, NJ and at the American School of Paris, France. He then went on to enroll in Madison Junior School followed by Madison High School where he graduated in 2011 as a member of the National Honor Roll Society. He went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Tech. He then obtained two graduate degrees, one in Mechanical Engineering and another in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He went to achieve his PhD in Robotics as well from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He then became a Post Doctoral Research Associate. He spoke Spanish, English, and French.

He worked as a Lead Locomotion Engineer and Software and Controls Engineering Manager for Apptronik in Austin, TX, where he passionately devoted his time to developing algorithms for the locomotion of two-legged robots for two and a half years, working on innovating robotics systems. His work designs, vision, and technology advancement will cement further innovation and breakthrough in Robotics. He was a member of the IEEE Advancing Technology for Humanity and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society.

Humbly, as parents, our hearts and eyes were always sparkling when we shared who Gerardo was, always with pride, love, excitement, and gratitude to God who gave us him as our son.

Gerardo was a compassionate, wonderful human being who had many interests. From an early age, he enjoyed woodworking, soccer, video games, and caring for animals. Gerardo had a way of making friends wherever he went, and he spent hours sharing his interests and activities with them. He took special care to cultivate and maintain his friendships, no matter where their paths took them.

Since Gerardo’s passing, many loving friends and colleagues have written about how special he was and how fortunate they were to have known him. They remember his ever-present smile and the warmth, depth, and intelligence behind it.  Most of all, they recall the friendly pleasure of his company, how good he made them feel, and how free they were to be themselves around him. His friends describe being inspired by his infectious enthusiasm for life, and the way he embraced each day as a precious gift, finding joy in the simplest things. 

They would define him as a kindhearted person who would lift your spirits and was always ready to help. He will be remembered as passionate, dedicated, devoted, generous, intelligent, curious, selfless, determined, accomplished, and loyal. He had the best heart, and showed empathy, and love to all the people and pets in his life.

Those who knew Gerardo in his professional life say they lost a shining light in their lives. His colleagues defined his leadership and contributions as inspiring, passionate, courageous, and enriching. They looked to him to solve the most difficult of challenges, and he freely shared his knowledge and experience. They found his positive energy, curiosity, and unwavering spirit brought out the best in those around him. His mentorship and guidance will be missed. He touched so many lives, and his influence will be felt for years to come.

Visitation will be held at Madison Memorial Home on Friday, June 23 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (159 Main St, Madison NJ 07940). Funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent Martyr Parish (26 Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ) on Saturday, June 24 at 10:00 am with Rev. Msgr. George F. Hundt officiating. The mass will be livestreamed at svmnj.org

Burial of cremains will follow at St. Vincent Martyr Columbarium, Shunpike Road and Noe Avenue, Madison, NJ. Madison Memorial Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Goats of Anarchy (https://www.goatsofanarchy.org ) and Safe in Austin (https://www.safeinaustin.org). NOTE: Please make sure to put his name in the notes/comments section or send them an email if you forgot to include his name. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Rev. Msgr. George Hundt, Doug Loikith, Owner/Mgr. Madison Memorial Home, St. Vincent Martyr Parish Community and Rosary Altar Society, and all of Gerardo's colleagues at Apptronik.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of gestures of sympathy, compassion, and caring from our family, friends, and coworkers.

A separate memorial service was held for Gerardo in Austin, TX for his friends and collegues, please visit this link if you wish to view the service: https://vimeo.com/843257949