Gerald S Book

Gerald (Jerry) S. Book, 80, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Jerry was born on January 24, 1946, in Lancaster, to Herbert L. and Joan K. Harnish Book. He attended Lancaster Catholic High School, where he was a member of the varsity golf team all four years.

In 1964, he secured the Pennsylvania Junior Golf Championship at the Hershey Country Club. He attended Villanova University and the University of Maryland on golf scholarships, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics in 1968.

Upon graduation, Jerry attended U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Ft. Dix, NJ, and was deployed to Vietnam as a First Lieutenant in 1970, serving one tour of duty. He received a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. He later worked as the maintenance director for Turkey Hill Minit Markets, where he utilized his logistics expertise. He was a faithful member of St. John Neumann Church for almost 50 years, where he served as a lector.

He thoroughly enjoyed nature and was especially passionate about bird and whale watching across the country. He developed a skill for woodcarving, often creating his favorite bird species. He was a longstanding member of the Lancaster County Bird Club and was responsible for safeguarding prime habitat for shorebirds on the Conejohela Flats of the Susquehanna River.

Later in life, he and his son Jasen explored the coastal and jungle areas of Belize, and he and his wife Paulette cherished annual trips to the Hawaiian Islands. His binoculars were locked on birds throughout, especially kingfishers and terns. Contemplation of the day and assessment of tree pruning projects often occurred over a cigar on the back patio. Always a man of integrity, practicality, and quiet confidence, he will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Paulette; son Jasen; brother Herb Book and his wife Patti of Tualatin, Oregon; sister Helen Shaubach and husband Craig of Lancaster; and sister Kathi Brown and husband Bryant of Ocean City, Maryland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Herb and mother Joan Book.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Church in Lancaster. A 10:00 AM visitation will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lancaster County Bird Club or the Lancaster Nature Conservancy in his memory.