Gerald E. McElheny
April 4, 1939 - April 11, 2025 (Age 86)
Gerald E. “Jerry” “Mac” “Grampy” McElheny, 86, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lancaster on April 4th, 1939, he was the son of the late John and Elsie (Colyer) McElheny. Jerry was the husband of Renate (Schumann) McElheny with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage this past January 15th.
Jerry was a graduate of JP McCaskey High School class of 1957. He proudly served in the United States Army (1957-1960). He retired from Lancaster Press/Cadmus as a printer in 2004 after a 44-year career. He was a member of the Lancaster Liederkranz for 64 years. He was awarded the “Golden Fork” for taste testing the German Potato Salad, along with the quality control of the potatoes slices for being “Not too Thick or Not to Thin”. He was an avid EAGLES, Penn State (WE ARE), and Phillies fan. Grampy loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and could always be seen cheering in the stands.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Renate, are two sons, James “Jim” McElheny, husband of Sheila of Lancaster and Allan McElheny, husband of Stacey of Mount Joy; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a brother, James “Jim” McElheny, husband of Helen “Cookie” of FL.
He was preceded in death by a brother, John McElheny and a sister, Elizabeth Booth.
A memorial service honoring Jerry’s life will be held at the Sheetz Funeral Home, Inc., 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 2 PM. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home before the service from 1230 PM to 2 PM. Interment will be private at Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Water Street Missions, 210 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603.