Obituaries
Bernard A. Gerz (Bernie), 76
November 30, 2013
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.
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Condolences to the Family
December 09, 2013
To the Gerz family and Rick Smith: You have our deepest sympathy. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Paul and Jody Harnish
December 05, 2013
To Rick and the Gerz family, our deepest sympathies. Rick, know you are in our hearts. We know this is a devastating loss. Sending lots of love and prayers, Sue and Phil Purdy
December 05, 2013
I will miss my visits with Bernie and Rick to our Zales Outlet Store. Bernie had such a great sense of humor and always was so gracious and sweet. I always enjoyed his stories, jewelry conversations, and his warmth and humor. Bernie was a sweet dear soul who shared love with everyone. I will miss him. Rick, God bless you. Gloria Wiegand
December 05, 2013
to the gerz family especially rose, my thoughts are with you and also to rick who has lost his best friend fron there neighbor joe welsh
December 05, 2013
RIP Uncle Bernard. I love you
md
December 04, 2013
To the Gerz Family, Sending my heart felt condolences. I only met Bernie a few times, however he always greeted me with a warm welcome. My prayers for the entire family, Rosie & Robbie special prayers. Chris and Bonny thank you for the priveledge of meeting Bernie.
Jeanne Brewer (Bonny’s sister)
December 04, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of my Uncle Bernard and that we were unable to see him on our most recent trip home to Pennsylvania. May he rest in peace in his rightful place in heaven. Kim and Paulette Gerz.
December 03, 2013
This message is especially for Rick Smith,
Iwas so sorry to hear this news and wanted to let you know I am aware how difficult this time must be for you. It has been almost 10 years since we moved to Indiana but I have thought of you so many times. Doug and I both wanted to extend our sympathy to you at this difficult time. We continue to read the Lancaster On Line news and still care very much for all of the people we considered as friends in our lives.
Please know that all of you who were part of this family have our deepest sympathy.
Pat and Doug Renaud
December 03, 2013
I’m so saddened by this news of my beloved cousin Bernard. He was always a gracious host and pulled the Gerz’ family together for reunions so we could get to know each other and learn of our ancestors. I admired his dedication to the Cloistered Dominican Nuns and his caring nature. Please accept my sincere condolences for he will be greatly missed.
Patti Heiland Baxter
December 03, 2013
May you be at peace, Bernie, with God and the Angels. I so enjoyed seeing you every morning at Mass and recieveing Communion from you, your smile will be with me always!!
Chris Kane
- Visitation
- Thursday, December 05, 2013
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, December 06, 2013
- 11:00 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 E. Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
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