Bernard A. Gerz (Bernie), 76, died Saturday, November 30, 2013, at his Lancaster home. He was born in Lancaster to the late Alexander W. and Frances L. Rose Gerz.

He graduated from St. Anne Catholic School and Manheim Twp. High School. He served in the US Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. Bernard, along with his family owned Alex Gerz Radiator Co., retiring in 2002. He loved antiquing, caring for his yard, his many statues and spending time with family.

Bernard was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, and also Knights of Columbus Council 867. He was very devoted to his second family, The Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary, where Bernard lovingly served daily mass for 60+ years. Bernard was presented the Benemerenti Award from the Vatican in recognition of his service to the Monastery.

Surviving family include Bernard's twin sister Rose Marie Zekany, Lititz; nephews Robbie Zekany, Lititz, Dennis Zekany, husband of Debra, Manheim, Joseph Zekany, husband of Johanna, Lancaster, and Timothy Zekany, husband of Adona, South Carolina; companion and best friend Rick Smith, Lancaster; siblings, Barry T. Gerz, Sr., husband of Gloria, Lancaster, Joseph F. Gerz, Sr., husband of Josephine, Leola, and Francis A. Gerz, companion of Jane Brady, Millersville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bernard was preceded in death by his brothers Charles, Alex, Jr. and Robert Gerz, and sister Mary Joanne Sinopoli.

Mass will take place 11AM Friday, December 6, 2013, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, with Msgr. Richard A. Youtz, Rev. Norman C. Hohenwarter, Rev. Bernard G. Dupont, Rev. Edward M. Gaffney, O.P., Rev. Norman Haddad, O.P. and Rev. Raymond Vandegrift, O.P. as Concelebrants. A Viewing will be held 6-8 PM and the Rosary at 7:45 PM on Thursday, December 5th at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. There will be no viewing or visitation prior to Mass on Friday. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary, 1834 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.