Gerald "Jerry" Owen Zack

Gerald “Jerry” Owen Zack

A Man of Faith -

Gerald “Jerry” Owen Zack, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 4, 2021.  Jerry was born on Wednesday, March 29, 1939 in Windber to the late Vincent Zack and Alva (Larson) Zack.  In addition to his parents, Jerry is preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Donald.

Jerry’s survivors include his wife of 35 years, Lou Ann (Myers) Zack; his five children: David Zack and wife, Pam, of London, England, Jim Zack and partner, Gar, of Dallas, TX, Stephen Zack and wife, Andrea, of Austin, TX, Keith Wahl of Mechanicsburg, Kimberly Briggs and husband, David, of Ridgway; his four grandchildren: Colin, Cameron, Robert, Benjamin; his brother, Ed Zack and wife, Doris, of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry graduated from Windber High School as a part of the class of 1957 and from Juniata University in 1961.  He retired from Securitas in 2004, after 15 years of service working as a Vice President.  During his career, Jerry was very successful as a teacher, coach, salesman and business leader.  He was an active member and leader of Hope United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg.  Jerry also served as a Mason with the William S. Snyder Lodge #756 in Harrisburg.  He was deeply in love with God, his parents, brother, wife, children and grandchildren.  Jerry was known for many things including his sense of humor, passion for his hometown and heritage, love of sports, politics and history.

Jerry loved a good joke or prank. He often tormented and delighted friends and family with a wide variety of tales and practical jokes, starting with his mother, wife, children, grandchildren and friends.  But these were always done in the spirit of fun and were (usually) well received.  His grandchildren will always remember his great bedtime stories with “Doc”.

Jerry loved his hometown of Windber and western Pennsylvania heritage.  He taught all of his children the words to the Windber “fight song” at an early age.  Windber is larger than life to his family and regular pilgrimages were made to the homestead.  His passion culminated in extensive research into his family’s genealogy on both the Zack and Larson sides with the publication of two books on his family history.

Jerry loved sports and was an excellent athlete and leader; many admired and looked up to him.  He played multiple sports in high school and had a football scholarship to Juniata University.  He was even asked to attend training camp in the Canadian Football League.  In later years, Jerry enjoyed golf with a good cigar.  He was a passionate fan of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins and loved to follow his favorite teams on TV and in person whenever he could.  When at home you could always find him reading, watching sports or Fox News.  Most fall Sunday’s were spent rooting for the black and gold. His grandchildren will always remember talking football and watching the Pirates with their grandfather.

Finally, Jerry was passionate about God.  He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible; his wife and children admired his faith and knowledge of God.  He also enjoyed reading many different types of books, especially about the history of the Civil War, World War II and political history.  Jerry never turned down a good-natured debate on these subjects with friends and family.  His family will always remember him as the smartest guy in the room.  Jerry enjoyed life and lived it well, he will be greatly missed by his family.  They will look forward to being together again in Heaven.

All are welcome to join Jerry’s family at his in-person gathering of family and friends on Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and virtually beginning at 11:45 a.m. until time of service at 12:15 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Les Towsey officiating.  Jerry’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Interment in Richland Cemetery in Johnstown will be at a later date and at the convenience of the family.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Jerry’s life can be made to HOPE United Methodist Church, 6260 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, hopeumc.susumc.org/home/giving.

Jerry’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jerry’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Jerry's family via video chat or telephone on Saturday, March 20, 2021, beginning at approximately 11:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84652210820? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 846 5221 0820 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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