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Roberta L. “Lindy” Griswold

1/27/2021

 
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Roberta L. “Lindy” Griswold, 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 23, 2021.  She died at home in the loving care of her daughter Kim.

Lindy was born on December 19, 1929 In the Bronx Borough, in the city of New York: daughter of a Swedish immigrant father Fritz, and Alice Lindgren. Her family moved to Vermont when she was six years old.  She was raised on a small farm and cared for the animals while her father worked in NYC and her only brother, Ted, was fighting for America and their allies in World War ll.  

Upon Graduation from Springfield High School in 1948, Lindy enrolled in the nursing program at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, School of Nursing in Hanover, New Hampshire.  She completed a three-year course of study in the theory and practice of nursing, receiving a diploma on September 9, 1951.

In the fall of 1951 She enrolled at Providence Bible Institute to further her education with the goal of one day becoming a medical missionary, where she met her future husband.  She and David were married after she completed two years of study.

In the next five- and one-half years they were blessed with six children.  Through many moves she and Dave eventually settled their family on a dairy farm in Ogdensburg, PA, that they operated together for eight years.

Lindy worked in many nursing homes and hospitals throughout her career including, Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, CT and Troy Community Hospital, retiring from nursing in 1995.

Lindy loved baking, especially breads, sweet breads and coffee cakes. She operated a bakery from her home in Ogdensburg and later on in Woodstock, CT.

Her Christian faith and the Church were very important to her and she immersed herself in it by teaching Sunday School and Good News Club.  She had a beautiful soprano voice and used that gift singing duets with Dave and also in her church choir.  

Lindy lived her faith and love for people in many ways. She and Dave opened their home to Foster children, Fresh Air children and even the occasional drifter that spent a bit too much time of an evening at the Ogdensburg Hotel Bar.  One such drifter woke Lindy one night. Seeing him in the night unable to find his way home she secured the dog and brought him into the house where he slept off his condition on the couch.  What a surprise for David when he got up to milk the cows.

Roberta is survived by her daughters, Kerstine (Ron) Tshudy, Terre hill, PA, Kim Griswold, Newmanstown, PA, Karlene LaLumiere, Oceola, PA, Kris (Walter) Smith, St. Maries, ID and son, Kirk (Jeanne) Griswold, Newmanstown, PA. She is also survived by many grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters Dorothy Grover, Sumter, SC and Donna (Tom) White, Danvers, MA.

Roberta was predeceased by husband David H. Griswold, son David Keith Griswold, brother Theodore (Ted) Lindgren, sisters Erma Haley, Loys Leary, and Margery Molesky.

A private service will be held at Pepper Funeral Home & Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton, PA. Burial will be held in the Ogdensburg Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Wycliffe Bible Translators PO Box 628200 Orlando, FL.
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Share condolences and memories at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Edward L. Wooster

1/27/2021

 
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Edward L. Wooster, 79, Accomplished euchre player, even better solitaire player, veteran, remarkable father, and loving friend passed away 21 January 2021.

Ed had 4 children; 2 sons, Nick and Eric and 2 daughters, Mandy and Melissa. He taught them how to plumb, mechanics, carpentry, all life skills, and how to be thankful. He was especially thankful when we left tools in the yard and he found them rusted in the spring. This also explains his love of WD-40 and daily trips to the hardware store.

When it came to being a Grandpa, Ed was the best in the business. He looked at his grandchildren with admiration and pride, even though they were loud and interrupted watching NCIS or M.A.S.H. They also dearly loved his endless supply of chocolate bars and Coca-Cola. Ed didn’t fancy healthy eating but did enjoy a stick of butter on his popcorn.

Ed was a great story teller. Recollections of helping his grandfather with a team of horses, flying over Midway in the Navy, and of an era gone by.

He was an accomplished Little League umpire and didn’t believe in second place trophies. If you were catching and let the ball hit him or couldn’t throw a strike he’d suggest you try playing outfield; and he was serious. He’d step back from the plate as he clenched his fist yelling “Striiiiike” sending many of us back to the dugout.

Every great man carries a pocket knife, but Ed also carried gravel in his pocket. 4 stones that each of his children handed him that over time became polished, much like he polished us as we grew.

He loved Old Milwaukee, probably so no one would drink his beer. What he truly loved was playing euchre with his family; his brothers John and Dale “Toad”, sisters Karen and Claudia, and nieces and nephews. While their dedication to the game was no joking matter, his laughing and cracking jokes will be remembered forever.

Ed loved Tom Clancy books, Ronnie Millsap, Spam, singing to records, and being stubborn. He wasn’t particular on food with any sort of seasoning, songs made after 1980, dogs jumping on his bed, doing anything a doctor said, and politicians. Not necessarily in that order.

Ed took fashion cues from no one. His signature every day look was all his: a flannel pocketed shirt sold exclusively by Walmart, his black-label flannel pants designed by the fashion house Fruit of the Loom, big wool socks, and slippers (that were always folded down in the back).

Ed hated leaving the house; we think his flannel never matched so we wouldn’t take him anywhere. It’s not lost on the family that he died as we were planning his surprise 80th birthday party. This can only be viewed as his final protest and he’s likely grumbling that he’s not at the house now.

80 years cannot be summed up. But what can be said is Ed was a remarkable man. He lived a great story, loved with sincerity, and forever impacted those who had the opportunity to know him.

Family and friends will be received from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday 27 January 2021 at Pepper’s Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton, PA. A funeral service and military honors will immediately follow. Due to the current pandemic, masks and social distancing are required.
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Ed will be laid to eternal rest next to his father Maurice, Mother Edna, and family at the East Canton Cemetery.  The family will provide their own flowers and suggests memorials be directed to, www.copdfoundation.org/donation in Mr. Wooster’s loving memory. Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Ray Chaapel

1/27/2021

 
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Ray Chaapel, 53, of Grover, PA.  passed away on January 18th, 2021 at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. 

Ray was born on January 23, 1967 in Blossburg, PA, a son to the late Raymond H. Chaapel and the late Paula A. (Wooster) Chaapel.

Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing.  He loved rock and roll music and would often make up lyrics to songs that would make people laugh.  He had a passion for working on small engines and John Deere tractors.  He also loved to ride motorcycles.  He adored his little cock-a-poo Dudley who often was found by Ray’s side.

As a young boy, Ray was always tinkering on things he built. Humorous memories include Ray constructing a small raft and using his sister and several select friends as test passengers to see if it would float.  Kitrina remembers Ray conducting an experiment by shaving a teddy bear’s hair completely off to see if it would grow back.  He said, “Don’t worry little sis, it will grow back”…which it did not!  Ray pulled the “severed finger-in-a-box trick” on younger sister Kelli using ketchup as blood.  To this day, Kelli will not use ketchup!  Despite all of his childhood antics, Ray grew up to be an exceptional man.

Though never having children of his own, he always cared for his nieces and nephew like they were his own.  Ray would take them on trips to the “North Pole”, four-wheeling, hunting in the woods, frequent visits to his veal farm and spending quality time playing games together with Nana and Pop.

During a brief 4-year move to North Carolina is where he met his loving partner, Stephanie.  Shortly thereafter, they would move back to Ray’s childhood residence in Grover and call it home.

Ray had a heart of gold and loved his family very much.  He was a protective and fun-loving big brother, fun-loving uncle, a loving son and a loyal friend to many.

The words Ray spoke he made sure they counted.  Kelli remembers the many hours on the phone they would spend discussing just about everything.  Ray was a true patriot and had an unwavering love for his country.

Ray’s last message was through a zoom call just a few hours before he passed.  He made it a point to share this message of love…”Do not let the small things stop you from embracing your loved ones and not to hold any grudges.  Life is too short…”

Ray is survived by his loving partner, Stephanie C. Bradley of Grover, PA., sisters Kitrina M. Chaapel and partner Christopher of Macungie, PA., Kelli L. Chaapel and partner Amy of Lehighton, PA., nieces Brianna N. Rivera, Eugene, OR., Brittany L. Chaapel, Altoona, PA., nephew Sebastian R. Rivera Macungie, PA., great nieces, Eliana and Lyra, a few beloved aunts and uncles and several loving cousins.

Memorial services to be held at Grover Church of Christ, 498 Grover RD., Grover, PA., 17735 on Saturday February 6th.  Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, with services at 1:00PM.  Interment at Leroy cemetery will follow at a later date.
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In lieu of flowers anyone wishing to make a donation to the family can  contact sebastianrivera123@gmail.com
https://www.morseandkleesefuneralhome.com/

Thomas E. Schrader

1/27/2021

 
Thomas E. Schrader, 89, of Canton, PA., passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Dar-way Nursing Facility in Estella.

Thomas Earl was born on November 24, 1931 in W. Franklin, Pa., a son of the late Thad and Nellie (Wilcox) Schrader.

He attended Towanda Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1949. After High School Tom attended Heavy Equipment School. He was employed by Pelton Trucking for several years until his retirement.

Tom was very well known in the Canton Community. He could always be found at events and flea markets selling his variety of items. He enjoyed Bluegrass Festivals and visiting with friends. Tom had a love of trains, especially HO Gauge and Marklin.

Surviving Tom are his wife of 54 years; Suzanne (Holcomb) Schrader of Canton, children; Valerie (Carl) Tillotson of Sommerset, Sonya Crow, Kimberly Schrader, Eric (Karen) Schrader of Ohio; Tara (Mike) Johnston of Selingsgrove and Lisa (Chris) Route of Canton as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Besides his parents Tom was predeceased by a brother; Harold Schrader.
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In maintaining with Tom’s wishes there will be no services. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc. 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724 is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Kermit L. Fitzwater

1/27/2021

 
Kermit L. Fitzwater, 68, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, at his home.

Born in Williamsport, PA, he was a graduate of Canton High School.

Kermit spent most of his life in the building materials business and was employed with 84 Lumber, Stelican Lumber, Erie Materials and Lowe’s.

He was a skilled carpenter and loved woodworking projects.

Kermit was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and camping. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters and talking on the phone with his brother, Aldie. He loved watching football, golf and Syracuse Orange basketball. He also loved spending time with his dog, Archie.

Kermit was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Josephine Fitzwater; brother, LaRue Fitzwater; and sister, Audrey Johnson.

Surviving are his daughters, Sarah (Joshua) Mitchell of Pennsylvania, Abbey (Jason) Short of Tennessee, Olivia (Joshua) Wyant of North Dakota and Meridith Fitzwater of North Dakota; grandsons, Dylan Mitchell and Conner Wyant; sister, Norma Jean Schmezle; brothers, Alden (Rosemary) and Donald (Lynette) Fitzwater; longtime companion, Sylvia DeSantis and her family; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private services will be held at a future date and time.
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In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue at www.helpinghoundsdogrescue.org. Share condolances at www.BuranichFH.com.

David M. Weaver Retired Bishop

1/20/2021

 
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David M. Weaver, 97, of Landis Homes, passed away Jan. 8, 2021. 

Born in Strasburg, he was the son of the late J. Reno and Anna N. Metzler Weaver. After WWII in 1946 he sailed on a cattle boat taking heifers to Poland.   He married Esther Groff on March 7, 1947.  He attended Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, VA. and was employed as a carpenter.

 They moved to Tioga County in the fall of 1957 to help with a mission church in Morris Run, PA.  He served there as deacon then as pastor.  He served for 20 years as the bishop for the North Penn District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. He also served on a rotating basis as the chaplain at the Troy Hospital in Troy, PA. 

 In Tioga County, David was a dairy farmer and became involved in the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau holding several positions and was involved in various farm organizations.   In 1964 he became president of Liberty Young Farmers Association and in 1967, he was voted Region I Outstanding Young Farmer.  He lost his right arm in a farming accident in the fall of 1965.  He continued farming thanks to the help of community and church.  His desire was to be involved in the community where he lived. 

In 2008 they moved to Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz, PA where he led morning devotions.  His wife, Esther Marie Groff Weaver died in February 2017.  He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather with a great sense of humor, a love for his family and his Lord.

He is survived by children: Eileen married to Levi Charles, Leola, PA, Barbara married to Marlin Hershey, Brenda married to Kenneth Covelens, both of Lititz , PA, Fred married to Linda Weaver, Birmingham, Alabama, Carol married to Donovan Oberholtzer, Lititz, PA, Nancy married to Lynn Roth, Lancaster, PA, Keith married to Jennefer Weaver, Harrisonburg, Virginia, D. Michael married to Amy Weaver, Dillsburg, PA; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; siblings:   he was the 2nd child of 10; Paul Weaver (Betty), Arlene Houck (the late Earl), Beatrice Yoder (the late Tobias); sister-in-law, Thelma Weaver.  He was also preceded in death by siblings: Elizabeth Lutz, Elmer, Jacob, Lloyd and Raymond Weaver, and Dorothy Wambold.

Memorial Services will be published at a later date. Final resting place will be in the Groffdale (Brick) Mennonite Cemetery, Leola, PA. Memorial contributions can be sent to: Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, PA 17543.
 Furman’s – Leola FurmanFuneralHome.com

Gerald W. (“Jerry”) Vickery, Jr.

1/20/2021

 
Gerald W. (“Jerry”) Vickery, Jr., age 82, died on February 5, 2021 of natural causes, at his home with family, on Rockwell Drive in Troy, PA.  Jerry was born on July 19, 1938, the son of the late Gerald and Emma Janet (Fanning) Vickery, Sr.  He was a graduate of Troy High School, class of 1956; Gettysburg College, class of 1960; and Simmons School of Mortuary Science, class of 1962. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 57 years, Sally (Smith) Vickery.

Gerald W. Vickery, Sr. founded The Vickery Funeral Home in 1946.  Jerry joined his father in practice in 1962.  Jerry was a member of the Pennsylvania and National Funeral Directors Associations, and was the former president of the Tri County Funeral Directors Association.  He served as Bradford County Deputy Coroner for 35 years.

Jerry loved his family and friends.  He would find a way to make you smile, laugh, and feel good about yourself.  He truly made a difference to the families that he served and those that he knew.  His humor and compassion will never be forgotten.

Jerry’s lifetime involvements are a testament to his Trojan pride and love for the Troy community.  His community activities include:  Troy Lions Club, where he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award.  The highest honor conferred to a Lion in recognition of humanitarian efforts.  Jerry was a 45-year member and past president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce; former president of the Troy Alumni Association; Trojan Masonic Badge; Armenia Snowmobile Club; social member of the Troy Veterans Club; member and past president of the Mountain Lake Association; Armenia Debating Society; and Troy Little League, where he coached his sons for 10 years and served as the secretary/treasurer for 15 years.

Jerry was a member of the Troy First (Holy Trinity) United Methodist Church.  He was a former Sunday school teacher and trustee.

Jerry was an Eagle Scout, and was formerly active with Scout Troup #47.  Jerry was the Chairman of the local drives for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Jerry served as a Board of Director for the following institutions:  First Bank of Troy, Martha Lloyd School, Troy Ambulance Association, American Cancer Society-Bradford County Unit, Trojan Booster Club-35 years, Troy Area School District Foundation, Troy Community Swimming Pool and Trustee for the Case Community Trust Fund.

Jerry served as Vice Chairman of the successful “Save the Troy Community Hospital Building Fund Campaign” in 1974.  He also served on the leadership committee for the successful 24-hour “Troy Hospital Emergency Room Fund Raising Drive” in 1992.  Jerry served on the Troy Community Hospital Advisory Panel for 10 years.

Jerry was former president of the Bradford/Sullivan County Lions Eye Bank.  He was certified to perform eye enucleations at Wills Eye Hospital for corneal transplants.  Jerry was named “Lion of the Year” by the Eye Bank in 1987.  He was recognized by CORE in 1997 for his help with organ recovery and education.

In 2013, the Troy Chamber of Commerce named Jerry and Sally Vickery “The Persons of the Year.”

In 2013, he was admitted to the Hall of Distinguished Alumni at Troy High School in recognition of his achievements, charity, and character.

Jerry enjoyed all sports, and he was always happy when he could attend a Troy High School athletic contest.

Jerry enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends at Mountain Lake, Armenia Mountain, and Myrtle Beach.

In addition to his wife, Sally, Jerry is survived by:  Sons, Bill Vickery (Jean) of Troy, PA; Bruce (Sarah) Vickery, Esq. of Wellsboro, PA; Granddaughter, Stephanie Manzo (Dr. Tim), of Bellingham, WA; Grandchildren, Noah and Micah Vickery and Akiva and Saia Manzo; Brother-in-Law, Dean Kilbourn of Ogdensburg, PA; five nieces; several great nieces and nephews; and very good friend, Joe Mignano, of Troy, PA.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Carol Kilbourn and Sue Albers, and his brother-in-law, Colonel Darwin (“Al”) Albers.
Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Holy Trinity Church of Troy or Troy Area School District Foundation.
​
Due to the pandemic, Jerry’s life service will be celebrated with stories and laughter at a later time to be determined.
Send Condolences at:
VickeryFH.com

Dr. Donna J. Corbin (Haflett)

1/20/2021

 
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Dr. Donna J. Corbin (Haflett), 72, of Fawn Township passed on Saturday December 26th, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones.  

Born in Roxbury, New York, she was the oldest daughter of Pauline Swingle and the late Norman Haflett. She grew up in Alba, PA on a dairy farm where she roamed the fields with her beloved horse Nancy.  She was a graduate of Canton Area High School, class of 1966. She then attended Temple University in Philadelphia and went to graduate from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1973.  Donna was a dedicated Optometrist for 40 years.  She started with a practice in her home in Morrisville, NY and later continued and ended her career in her practice in Oakmont, PA.  

She was a very active member of Center United Methodist Church, in Fawn Township where she was a Sunday School teacher and youth group leader.  She was an active member and past president of the Tarentum Area Lions Club. She loved all of her animals and taking care of them including her horses, chickens and her sidekick Flynn. She loved crafts and making personal gifts for everyone she loved.  She also had a passion for gardening and everything outdoors, including a special talent for weeding. 

Our mom touched so many lives and showed us a path of how to live and most importantly how to love.  She guided her grandchildren to a life of exploration, adventure, love of God and caring for others above all else.  She nurtured love for all she came across and was a shepherd to her family and her animal friends who most certainly wept at her passing. 

She wouldn’t want us to be sad, because she is in a much better place now. She would want us to celebrate her life. With these challenging times we are gathered as a family to mourn our loss. We plan to have a huge CELEBRATION of her life in the summer when we can hopefully gather together.  All those who knew and loved her are not only welcomed but expected (wearing purple of course) to come and share stories of her life, her impact and her endless well of love. 

We’ve heard a lot about heaven gaining and angel but it’s more than that. Heaven gained an Angel with access to the VIP room. 

She was proceeded in death by her father Norman Haflett, Step-father William Swingle, Daughter Kelly Corbin and Grandson Landon Peterson.

Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Gordon Corbin. Her siblings Robert Haflett(Linda), Jane Porter (Larry), and David Haflett (Darlene). Her children Dr. Amy (Corbin)Peterson and her husband Dr. Jeff Peterson,  Kara (Corbin) Perry and her husband Jay Perry and Ryan Corbin and his wife Jessica Corbin. Her grandchildren, Madelyn and Carter Peterson, Kelly and Ellie Gould, Triston Perry, Rylan, Reegan, Colton and Owen Corbin, Scarlett and Clark Peterson. 
In lieu of flowers or gifts we ask to donate to the Cancer Research Institute in her honor. We can only hope to help find a cure for this awful disease.
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<https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/fundraiser/3077123><https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/fundraiser/3077123>ise.cancerresearch.org/fundraiser/3077123 <https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/fundraiser/3077123>
Fox Funeral Home, Inc., Saxonburg is assisting the family with the arrangements.

J. Richard “Dick” Kenyon

1/14/2021

 
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J. Richard “Dick” Kenyon, 84 of Farmers Valley, PA passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was the loving husband of Shirley A. (Lawrence) Kenyon. The couple married October 13, 1957 and had 63 happy years together. Dick was born on December 4, 1936 in Canton, PA, son of the late James W. and Ruby O. (Ross) Kenyon. He attended Troy High School.

Dick was a farmer, truck driver, and school van driver for Trojan Transport. He enjoyed roller skating, square dancing, playing cards and marbles, going for walks, telling stories, and mowing the lawn. Dick was an avid bowler, bowling in several leagues at Terrace Lanes, and was inducted into the Troy Bowling Hall of Fame in 2016.   

Dick is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his children: Jeffery Kenyon of Troy, Joey (Penny) Kenyon of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Jody (Angie) Kenyon of East Troy, PA, and Janet (Calvin) Crandle of Troy, his grandchildren: Marsha (Darian) Weaver, Eric (Greta) Kenyon, Jason Kenyon, Logan (Melyce) Kenyon, Lanaya (Abe) Storrs, Tyler and Cody Crandle, his great grandchildren: Nicholas and Bridgette Weaver, Aubree and Delaney Kenyon, Hunter and Haylee Kenyon, Adelynn Kenyon, his brother Ronald (Rhea) Kenyon, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Gene Jackson, along with several nieces, nephews, and special cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ralph Kenyon, an infant sister, and his daughter-in-law Renee’ Kenyon.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of Dick’s family with his son, Pastor Jody Kenyon officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Troy 579 Canton St. Troy, PA 16947 or to the Leona United Methodist Church c/o Curt Tofts, 1768 Leona Rd, Troy, PA 16947.
Send Condolences at:
VickeryFH.com

Gerald Lewis Spencer

1/14/2021

 
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Gerald Lewis Spencer, “Jerry,” 96, well known Canton resident, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 11, 2021, at Twin Oaks Personal Care Home in Granville Summit, PA., while surrounded by the love of his family. Gerald was born on August 2, 1924, in Canton, PA, to the late Glenn Sr. and Alice (Palmer) Spencer. He graduated from Canton High School with the class of 1943. Following graduation, Gerald enlisted in the US Army and proudly and courageously served his country during WWII. On December 21, 1944, near Luxemburg, shortly after the Battle of the Bulge, Gerald was taken prisoner by German forces and detained for four months. He was transferred, mostly by foot during the harsh winter months, among four different Stalag camps from Berlin to Rostock on the Baltic Sea, which was approximately 850 miles.  On April 26, 1945, he was released by a Russian tank company which stormed the camp. Before his recent illness, he could still vividly recall his experiences in the war up to, during, and after his capture and release. He was the definition of True American Hero and received several service-connected medals including the Purple Heart.

On February 14, 2019, Gerald was honored at a prestigious ceremony as the last known living WWII POW in Bradford County. He was extremely proud of this milestone and made sure to tell everyone that he was on television and the front page of the newspaper.

Shortly before Gerald’s honorable discharge from the US Army, he married the former Grace E. Finnerty, and they shared 52 years of marriage before her death in October 1997.  After returning to Canton, Gerald began working at George Crain’s Garage. On April 24, 1948, he started working at H. Rockwell and Son where he was employed for over 50 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Canton for over 60 years and had a great love for the church. “Jerry,” as he was known by his church family, served as custodian, Deacon, and Sunday School Secretary for many years before assuming the role of Sexton. He would be the first one at the church on Sunday to prepare for the service, in charge of setting up tables for events, and also went to the church every night to turn off any lights and lock up. These are just a few of his many contributions there over the years. He was known as the right-hand man to former minister David Morris. He also had a special bond with the Morris children and was very supportive of their athletic endeavors in Canton.

Gerald loved spending time with his family, watching professional wrestling, westerns, and Hogan’s Heroes. He was an avid Canton sports fan and in earlier years attended many baseball, football, and softball games.

In addition to his parents and wife Grace, Gerald was predeceased by his stepmother Viola Spencer; infant daughter Jean Louise; beloved son Alan L.; brothers John (Jack), James, Glenn Sherman Jr., and Carl; sisters Louise Reynolds and Laura Wilcox. He is survived by brother-in-law William Finnerty (Rosalie) of Dryden, NY, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Gerald will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his many stories, generosity, quick wit, “Jerry-isms,” integrity, intelligence, and reliability. He was truly one of a kind and an amazing role model. He always put his family and friends first and was willing to help anyone at any time.

Due to the Covid Pandemic, a military memorial service to honor Gerald’s life will be held and announced at a later date. Burial will be in the East Canton Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In Lieu of flowers. please consider memorial donation’s in Jerry’s name to the Canton Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), C/O Canton Church of Christ’s building upkeep and maintenance fund, 170 N. Minnequa Ave. Canton, Pa 17724

Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724 is assisting the family. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com


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​The Canton Independent-Sentinel
Incorporating The
​Troy Gazette-Register
PO Box 128
Canton, PA   17724
570-673-5151

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Business Listing

Our website has a wide variety of advertising options for the business community.  Our goal is to continue offering the best advertising value in the four county area - in print and online.  To be included in the online business community listing click on the Get Listed button. You have nothing to lose (it's free) and a larger audience to gain.
Get Listed
If you’d like more information about our website please contact any of our staff at 570-673-5151 or via email.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from bortescristian