Obituaries
Gerald “Jerry” M. Barger, 93
February 01, 2021
Gerald “Jerry” M. Barger,93, of Lancaster, died Monday February 1, 2021 at Luther Acres.
He was the loving husband of Mary “Molly” E. Barger with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Orlo and Margaret (Quigley) Barger of Clearfield, PA. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1946. Following high school, Gerald was called to honorably serve his country in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1948.
After honorably serving his country, Gerald went on to graduate from Millersville State Teachers College in 1952. Through Millersville and under the direction of hall of fame coach, Dr. Tedd Rupp, Gerald became a two-time state conference wrestling champion in 1949 and 1950. His successful wrestling career is noted by his hall of fame placement in both Clearfield High School and Millersville University’s wrestling hall of fame. He went on to coach wrestling at Penn Manor High School and Albright College.
During his teaching career, Gerald taught at many schools throughout Central Pennsylvania and retired from Penn Manor High School after 16 years of service as an industrial arts teacher. In his spare time, Gerald enjoyed woodworking and carving which lead to many fine creations through the years. Above all, Gerald cherished time with his family and will forever be regarded as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In addition to his wife, Gerald is survived by two sons: Marty (Chris) Barger of Sapphire, NC and Gerald R. (Jean) Barger of Mount Joy, PA; two daughters: Jan (Dan) Rossi of Kleinfeltersville, PA and Julia (Joe) Harriger of Lititz, PA; seven grandchildren: Ryan Barger, Steven Barger, Jessica Kohl, Michelle Shanaman, Miles Harriger, Sarah Cummings, and Clint Barger. His memory will be missed by nine great-grandchildren as well.
Services for Gerald are private and being planned at the convenience of the family.
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Condolences to the Family
February 14, 2021
Sending my condolences to the entire Barger family, especially to Molly and little Jerry, as I spent half my childhood growing up in your home! Although I moved away from your area years ago, I still have plenty of fond memories from those days! Jerry always had us laughing! The photo captures him perfectly! He was a good man and had a good long life. He will be missed!
John Cory
February 14, 2021
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s death. He was a wonderful, funny man and will be fondly remembered for his perpetual smile. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Connie (Cory) Shreiner
February 11, 2021
Molly & Family, We were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. The two of your were the first to welcome me to your old neighborhood when I lived there 20 years ago. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Kim & Ron Good
February 11, 2021
Jerry and Molly were such good friends to my parents and good neighbors. Also Julie, Joe & Miles. Even Jan included them at family gatherings. I have numerous things Jerry carved for Mom in my home. And even a few things Molly made. Jerry always had a joke to tell. I would love to get in touch with Molly if someone would tell me how. Janis (Merrifield) Bleecher
February 10, 2021
Known for his perpetual smile, I first met Jerry at Penn Manor H.S. That smile concerned me for I thought he knows something that I don’t know but should know. For me Jerry was a fun loving guy and that smile was just his trademark.
I will always cherish the whittled birds that he gave me in fact they are prominently displayed in a window in his honor.
I am proud and honored to say Jerry was my friend and will miss his smile and friendship.
John “Sully” Sullivan
February 10, 2021
February 10, 2021
Mr. Barger and Molly were some of my favorite people to visit me in my office. Always uplifting, fun, and interesting. I know Molly will be lonesome now, but please remember when you loose someone special you now know an angel in heaven.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him, and I am thankful I shared a part of his life.
keeping Molly and loved ones in my prayers.
Pat Newton
February 09, 2021
I knew Jerry through wrestling at Penn Manor and he also taught Industrial Arts with my dad, Mike Shank. I absolutely loved his infectious smile, entertaining stories and zest for life. He treated me like I was special and worthy, and he was always there to support and encourage me. He was a great role model for me and many others. I remember the notes that he would take during wrestling matches. I could always counts on some coaching after a match! We often went fishing together in his little river boat. We had quite a few adventures together! I also remember arm wrestling him often after school. It was a rite of passage. After years of trying, I finally beat him, and he pulled me aside and said with a smile and a wink “Shanky, let’s keep this to ourselves, ok?”. My condolences to you all. He was a great person, who will be missed. I’m grateful to have known him and thankful for the postive influence he had on my life.
Steve Shank
February 09, 2021
Jerry was my beloved uncle and godfather and is sadly missed. He was an inspiration and a hero to me. The smile that radiates from that picture says it all about Jerry…he enjoyed life on a daily basis and he had that smile for everyone he met. Heaven will be a brighter place with his presence. Bob Barger
February 09, 2021
GOOD MAN,GOOD TEACHER AND GOOD FRIEND.I WILL MISS HIM.
michael Shank
February 07, 2021
Jerry Barger was more than a friend to me. He helped me with recruiting Wrestlers when I was Coach at Stevens Trade in Lancaster. He was quite a Man, Husband, Father, and Grandfather, and a GOOD FRIEND. RIP – Jerry – You will be missed by all who knew you!
Jack Childs
February 07, 2021
I had the priveledge of meeting Jerry through Coach Swope. Just spendig some time with him made me look forwrd to working Coach Swopes camps. He always had gred stoies and an outstandig knowlege of wrestling. RIP my friend.
David Adams
February 07, 2021
Dear Barger family, especially Julie (Barger) and Joe Harriger,
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your Father (and father-in-law). May he Rest In Peace. And I wish peace and comfort for you.
Bill Bowers (former teacher and coach at Hempfield High School).
Bill Bowers
February 07, 2021
Dear Molly & family. I am an old acquaintence that worked with you in the 1970ies at Gimbels,park city.My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. I reside in Virginia yet and am also a widow, since 2007. Fondly thinking of you and yours. Carol Bippus
February 07, 2021
Rest In Peace Jerry. I have many memories as a young man visiting my cousin with my parents and siblings. Sorry to have lost contact with Jerry’s family over the years.
John Kofroth
February 07, 2021
Coach Barger was a great wrestling coach at Penn Manor who took a personal interest in each of his wrestlers. He took notes of each wrestlers performance in each match. Years after I graduated he called me and we talked about his notes on each of my matches. What fun that was. An amazing person. My condolences to his family. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to have him as a father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Alexander Henderson
February 07, 2021
My sympathies and prayers for Jerry and his family. I taught at Penn Manor with Jerry and we had many conversations over the years. He always had a smile and encouraging words for my family and me. His “stories” always made me laugh. It was a privilege to have shared a part of life’s journey with him.
Peace and Blessings,
Wayne Hoffman
February 07, 2021
He was a good guy, a fun guy to be around. I knew him through wrestling and he has left his mark.
Ivan Steele
February 07, 2021
My condolences to all of the Barger family! The obituary photo of Jerry absolutely captures his outgoing, friendly and charming personality. He was a great guy. One of this worlds truly nice men.
Lew Jury
February 07, 2021
Sending Prayers and Sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Barger was my IA teacher at PMHS. He was just the BEST, as a teacher and person. My Sincere and Deepest Sympathy, JoAnne Parmer Matos PMHS Class of 1974
February 07, 2021
I remenber the infectious smile and quick wit. He always treated me better than I deserved. So sad to hear of his passing. God Bless Mr. Barger and the entire family.
Tom DeMascola
February 04, 2021
Jerry was a kind-hearted, fun-loving, generous man. We treasured him as our neighbor in Cherryhill Development for many years! He was a teacher and guide in many ways to us as a young couple raising a family. Sometimes he came down our hill with a detention slip if necessary–with a chuckle and some good advice and a pat on the shoulder and up the hill he went. A gift to our family for sure!! We miss you Jerry, but you left your mark with us …till we meet again…
Eric, Candy, Evan, and Kayla Sandberg
February 04, 2021
Loved Uncle Jerry & his upbeat personality! He had many stories to tell & I enjoyed listening to them. I’m so glad I reconnected with him & his family the last couple of years. He was a special man who will be missed. ♡
Peggy Berry
February 04, 2021
Uncle Jerry was well loved by all. He will be missed.
Natalie Wilson-Eberle