Gerald G. Darrenkamp, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on February 26, 2011 surrounded by his family at Lancaster General Hospital. He was born in Lancaster City, on Cabbage Hill and was the son the late George and Catherine (Flick) Darrenkamp.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane (Powl) Darrenkamp. They were married on January 29, 1952 and recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Jerry was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and was a 1945 Lancaster Catholic High School graduate. He was a 3 ^rd Degree member with the Knights of Columbus Council #867 and a 4 ^th Degree member with the Santa Maria Assembly.

He served his country with the US Navy.

Jerry was a second generation family grocer. His father established the family business at 713 Union Street out of their home in the Cabbage Hill area of Lancaster City. He joined the family business in 1948. Jerry's entire foundation was based around the community of Lancaster. He worked extremely hard and he was the true example of customer service. His sons created the "Jerry Award" at Darrenkamp's for any team member who went above the call of duty. It is considered quite an honor to receive this award.

After retirement, he continued to work at Darrenkamp's with his sons and staff making deliveries throughout the county and especially enjoyed his deliveries to the Amish community. Jerry was always on the go and was known along with his wife, Jane, as the face of Darrenkamp's Food Market.

Jerry loved to make people laugh. He was known by many as the "lucky fisherman", his colorful socks and crazy holiday outfits, and great jokes. He also was known by many for his time, energy, and community support.

Survivng in addition to his wife, Jane, 4 children, son, Larry P., of Mount Joy, son, David J., husband of Sharon Landis, of Lancaster, daughter, Lynn A. Boyer, wife of John, of Lancaster, son, Joseph M., fiancé of Karen Snow, of Lancaster, 10 grandchildren, Jared, Jenna, Jordan, Ryan, Eric, Ian, Jayne, Whitney, Katelyn, and Peter, 2 great grandchildren, Anderson and Wyatt, 4 brothers, Thomas, Eugene, Raymond, Ronald, one sister, Mary Ann Rumberger, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Richard.

In honor of Jerry, all Darrenkamp's Food Markets will close on Thursday from 6-10pm.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 4, 2011 from St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11am with The Rev. Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pk. Lititz, PA 17543 on Thursday from 5-8pm. There will be no viewing on Friday prior to Mass. Interment will be private in Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following; St Leo the Great Catholic Church or Lancaster Catholic High School 650 Juliette Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 or The Clinic for Special Children 535 Bunker Hill Rd. Strasburg, PA 17579 to assist Amish Children. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles F. Snyder Jr.