Joseph A. Gehris, 86 passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Hospice & Community Care in Mt. Joy. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Harvey B. and Sarah Francis (Stefko) Gehris.  He celebrated 57 years of marriage in January to Agnes B. Gehris.

After retiring with 35 years of service at PPL, he worked as a bailiff at the Lancaster Courthouse, retiring from there as well. A WWII Navy veteran he served in the Pacific. He was a 4 ^th degree Knight of Columbus with the Santa Maria Assembly, He was a 3 ^rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #867 and past Grand Knight and past District Deputy. He held memberships in the Navy Club, AMVETS, VFW Post #7297 Millersville, Riverside, Rainmakers and others. He loved spending time at the beach, camping, fishing, crafts, football, his pet Lacey and decorating for all the holidays.

He is survived by sons, Joseph A. Schultz, (Teresa) of St. Louis, MO; Patrick Gehris of Lancaster, daughters Tamera, of Lancaster, and Colleen Blythe (Joseph Scialo) of Lancaster; 6 grandchildren and 4 great granddaughters. Also surviving is a sister, Betty Noll of Allentown and a brother, George Gehris, of AZ. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, a great granddaughter Olivia Schultz and faithful pet, Beau.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster, PA with Msgr. Thomas H. Smith as Celebrant. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30-11AM. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or hospiceandcommunitycare.org and the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, PO Box 8601, Lancaster, PA 17604-8601. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-872-5041