“beloved family man and proud veteran”

Gerald D. “Jerry” Lanphere, 73, a longtime resident of Roulette, passed away in his home on Monday, March 13, 2023, after a long illness.

Born on Saturday, April 2, 1949 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Leslie C. and Shirley J. Freelove Lanphere.  On July 21, 1988 in Reno, Nevada, he married Pamela J. Varney, who survives.

Jerry was a graduate of Cameron County High School, Class of 1967.  After graduating from high school, Jerry enlisted in the US Navy serving in the Viet Nam War.  He was a career serviceman, his home base being the Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after more than 21 years of honorable service to his country.

After his military service, Jerry was employed by Emporium Specialties in Austin, the former Ball Encon in Port Allegany, Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, and lastly by Smith’s Fire Service in Eldred from where he retired.  He also, along with his wife, owned and operated P.J.’s Family Restaurant in Roulette for 10 years.  Sadly his health deteriorated after his retirement.

He was a former member of the Port Allegany American Legion and a former member of the Port Allegany Moose Club.  He enjoyed hunting.  He loved his dog, Bridgey who survives, and his dogs, Izzy and Daisey who predeceased him. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife; four children, Helen I. (Bobby) McGuire of Youngstown, Ohio, Bernard Hammond, Jr. of Port Allegany, Leslie E. (Erin) Lanphere of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Jeremy O. Lanphere of Roulette; eleven grandchildren; a grandchild to be born in the Fall; three great-grandchildren; a great-grandchild to be born in the Fall; a sister, Dawn M. (Dennis McKeirman) Lanphere-Spencer of Port Allegany; a brother, Claude L. (Sherry) Lanphere of Sizerville; and several loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.  Jerry will be laid to rest with his parents in the Bell Run Cemetery in Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roulette Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Association, PO Box 172, Roulette, PA 16746; to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915; or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Jerry’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil. L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Jerry, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L.  Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.