DeGerlando, Rev. Peter A

3/11/2012

Rev. Peter A. DeGerlando, who died March 11, 2012 at the age of 90, was born in Luzerne, Pa. the son of the late Salvatore and Assunta DeGerlando. He was the last surviving member of his family of six children.

Peter served his country during the WW II time period by joining the United States Marines, and served until he was discharged in 1946. It was while he was in the service he met and married Ada Comstock. After he was discharged, they established residence in Union City, Pa. He wore many hats in the process of serving his community, such as president of the local PTA, set-up man at GE, General Foreman at Pelham Electric. He bought a shoe business in Union City. It was while he conducted his shoe business that his most frequent customers were the local ministers.

He had a calling from childhood from the Lord. The ministers were able to answer many questions he had. His was involvement in the local churches in all phases of responsibility. This included the choir and administrative duties. It was during a community revival service that the final calling came. Since he had already made his commitment to the Lord and the church, the final challenge was for total commitment to which he responded and made his request. The requirements were met after five years in study.

He was an ordained Elder in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Peter and Ada served the following churches together through the years: New Ireland, Steamburg and East Randolph, WNY Conference, Findley Lake (two building programs), Ferndale WPA conference, Pleasantville UMC, Grace UMC, and Cambridge Springs.

He served as dean of 12 year olds camp, youth camp, song leader at Idlewild Park, Methodist Day. He was a member of the American Legion, Past Master of Eureka Lodge, #366, 32nd Degree Mason, former Member of Zem Zem Shrine, and a former member of the Oriental Band. He was also a member of the board at Olmsted Manor. Peter was known as the minister who sings. Most of his sermons began with an appropriate solo followed by the message. After 56 years of marriage, his wife, Ada, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his present wife the former Maxine (Brown) Bickel, two daughters, Cheryl Reynolds and husband Ron of Union City, Pa., and Susan Perkins and husband Gordon of Cary, North Carolina. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Aaron, Troy, Laurie, Angie, and Jamie, nine great grandchildren; Brooke, Brett, Ben, Allison, Tyler, Alex, Adley and Bryden, Luke and Tori. Peter is further survived by five stepchildren; Karen Nellis, Rosalyn Bickel, Carol Gibbons, Mary Smith and Gary Bickel. There are also ten surviving step- grandchildren; Melissa, Andrew, Matthew, Stephanie, Susan, Emily, Grant, Erik, Christian, and Zackery. Three step-great grandchildren survive; Daniel, Ashton, and Elizabeth. There is one Makalia, who went to be with the Lord.

A memorial service was scheduled at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 921 Center Street, Corry, Pa., on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 11 a.m. Rev. David Ewing and Rev. Donald Russell were to officiate with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, Pa.

Memorials are requested to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 921 Center Street, Corry, PA 16407, or to the Eureka Lodge #366, in Care of Lynn Sill, Secretary, Masonic Hall, 10 Prospect Street, Union City, PA 16438, or to the American Legion, LeBaron Post #237, 1 South Main Street, Union City, PA 16438.