John Gearity

John E. “Jack” Gearity, of Fayetteville, PA, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Jack was born in Beaverdale, PA on January 4, 1938. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth Gearity, a truly remarkable couple. He attended school at Beaverdale, The Franciscan Preparatory School, and St. Francis College. In addition, he also studied at various Cistercian Monasteries. He served in the US Army Air Corps.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Linda Hoyer Gearity, to whom he was married on November 1, 1980. He is also survived by his children, David Gearity, married to Kim (McGregor) and grandson Kyle; Heather (Morris) Allen and grandsons Jack, Nick, and Bryce; Scott Morris, married to Kim (Myers) and grandson Noah, Christopher Gearity, married to Marie (Butts) and grandsons Keaton and Kolton, and Terri Gearity and granddaughter Taylor Steeves. Jack had a deep love for his grandchildren. He always wanted the best for them, and enjoyed spending time with them. He is also survived by siblings Diana, June, Theresa, Marilyn, and Nancy; sister-in-law Delores Franchic, married to Carl, brother-in-law Wayne Hoyer, married to Sandy (Selepak), and Ray Hoyer, married to Barbara (Niper), many nieces and nephews; and close friends Troy and Kim Daywalt and their children Colbie (who passed away at age 7 in 1997), Emilie, and Austin. Jack will be missed by all. In addition to his grandparents he was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Martin, Betty Knack, Rita Kuack, and Rita Martin; and his brothers, Richard and Albert, Jr.

He loved to read and enjoyed gardening and taking care of his fruit trees. Jack was part of the Zen Dragon family and enjoyed the time he spent with his friends David and Heidi Bowers. In 1983 Jack started Mr. First Aid, a first aid and safety company. He excelled in sales and enjoyed his work. He had the personality to succeed, and did. In 2006, Mr. First Aid was sold to McKesson Corporation. After retiring, Jack and Linda enjoyed traveling and visited many different countries. Jack’s material and spiritual success was due in no small part to his wife Linda. Jack was a very ardent follower of his faith, which he loved very much. He brought many families to join his faith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Daniel P. O’Brien at Noon on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 1095 Church Road, Orrtanna, PA. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. Friends will be received from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00 -8:00 PM Friday at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM.