Gerard W. Vollmer

Gerard W. “Jerry” Vollmer, 95

Gerard Wiliam “Jerry” Vollmer of Mt. Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024 in Charleston, SC with his son at his side. He was previously a resident of Troy, PA for many years. He was born in St. Mary’s, PA on December 31, 1928, the son of Jay and Anna (VanNoy) Vollmer. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1946 he served his country in the United Staes Navy during World War II as an Electrical Engineer. Following honorable discharge from the U. S. Navy, he attended Grove City College and earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from Syracuse University and a PhD from Florida Christian University. Following his college education, he worked as a chemist at Keystone Carbon Company in St. Mary’s, PA.

In 1959, he relocated with mother and sister, Jane, to his mother’s hometown of Troy, PA and owned and operated the Troy Hotel until 1968, when the First Bank of Troy purchased the property. During this time, he began his career in education as a high school earth science, physics and chemistry teacher at SRU High School where he taught from 1963 until 1978. In 1976 he authored a textbook that was titled “Environmental Chemistry in the Secondary School” that was published by Prentice-Hall Publishers. In 1976 he was also honored as the Pennsylvania State Science Teacher of the Year. From 1978 until 1982 he taught in the science department at Troy Senior High School. In 1982 he became the Assistant Business Manager for Troy Area School District, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.

On September 4, 1961, he married his wife Barbara (Lodge) Vollmer at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Canton, PA. They enjoyed 24 years of a loving and happy marriage until her passing on October 20, 1985. They were blessed with a son, John Jay Vollmer, on October 24, 1974.

Jerry enjoyed giving back to the community and volunteering in many capacities over the years. He was a proud member of the Troy Lions Club, serving in many roles including President, as well as Interlocutor for their annual Minstrel Show for many years. He was honored to receive the prestigious Lions Club Melvin Jones Award. Additionally, he served as president of the Troy Borough Council, the president of the Bradford County Borough Association and was a committee member for Boy Scout Troop 47 in Troy. He was Secretary of the Tim Leonard Rod and Gun Club at Lake Ondawa where he spent many summer weekends with his family and friends that he called the “Lake Crew.” He was a devout Catholic and member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Troy where her served as lector for many years. He was a member of the Wheel Inn, American Legion Post 49 and AARP.

He was a kind, honest and generous man who always enjoyed a good laugh. Above all, he loved his family and truly cherished the time he spent with them. In recent years he found great enjoyment and adoration in attending sporting events, orchestra concerts, family trips and meals on special occasions with his granddaughters.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sister Jane Vollmer, his father-in-law and mother- in-law, Russell Lodge and Dorothy Lodge Maroney, his brothers in law and their wives, John (Jack) and Anne Lodge, Edward and Janice Lodge and Richard and Norma Lodge, as well as a niece Luanne Youmans.

He is survived by his son, John Vollmer and his wife Jennifer and their daughters Jillian, Josie and Joy of Mt. Pleasant, SC in addition to nieces and nephews John (Carol) Lodge, Judy (Jeffrey) Bouey, Mariann (Kevin) Kehres, Russell (April) Lodge, Susan Lodge-Jennings and Tanya Lodge in addition to many great- nieces and great-nephews.

Jerry, Dad, PopPop and Uncle Jerry will be missed by the many who had the pleasure of knowing him. His love, kindness, generosity, calm demeanor and smile will be remembered and cherished by all.

Jerry’s viewing will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 107 N Washington St. Canton, PA at 12:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024 followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Michael’s at 1:00 PM. His final resting place will be at Grover Cemetery with his wife Barbara. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. at 1093 W Main St. Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor his life, please donate to the Troy Lions Club in his name.

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