Barry T. Gerz, Sr., 90

November 16, 2023

Barry T Gerz, Sr, 90; devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa, went home to be with the Lord, November 16, 2023, with his loving family by his side. He was the son of the late Alex W. and Frances (Rose) Gerz. He was the beloved husband of Gloria (Hetrich) Gerz whom he celebrated 71 years of marriage in June.

Barry was a member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church, attended St Anne’s Catholic School, Lancaster. He was a lifetime member of the AACA Museum of Hershey, member of the Red Rose Club and VCCA Club member

Barry enjoyed nothing more than being with his family. We will all cherish and miss the holiday gatherings and summer picnics we shared together. Whether it was forcing 30 people into a dining room fit for 15 or summer picnics on the patio in a rain storm. All was perfect as long as we were together.

Barry grew up working in the family business, Alex Gerz Radiator Co, Lancaster, which his father founded in 1918. He was gifted the opportunity to work every day alongside his father and 6 brothers, Alex Jr, Robert, Charlie, Bernard (all deceased) and Francie and Joseph, Sr Gerz of Lancaster. Later his sons, Barry Jr (father of Jeremy Gerz) and David (father of Cole Gerz) joined the business with their sons. The Long Legacy of the Gerz Family business is in its 4th generation. In 1961 Barry founded his own business, Barry Gerz Auto Sales & Service, Pitney Rd, Lancaster which he ran with his wife Gloria, son, Daniel Gerz and his daughters Nancy (Gerz) Clemens and Frances (Gerz) Plank.

During Barry’s years in a successful Car Dealership his real passion was the restoration of antique cars. He was a huge antique car enthusiast and found beauty in everything, especially the Packard, which, in his collection, he may just have a few. In 2014 Barry was approached by the ACAA museum in Hershey to custom build a radiator for a rare 1914 Packard Limousine. With great excitement Barry offered, along with his sons & grandsons, to do the job free of charge in their spare time. He couldn’t sit still with the fact that the car wasn’t running, so he had to see it run. To that end, the Gerz’s employed a trick they’ve used in several restorations: a vintage radiator facing with modern “internals” behind it. With the help from several local car enthusiasts and hard work, that car was on the road again. It eventually was displayed at the AACA Museum in Hershey, and he was given a plaque of honor by the AACA Museum of Hershey.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Lancaster and their loving children: Nancy, married to Mark Clemens of Kempton: David Gerz, married to Gina of Strasburg, Daniel Gerz, married to Bonnie of Strasburg, Frances, married to Stephen Plank of Lancaster; sister, Rose Marie Zekany of Lititz and brothers, Francis and Joseph, Sr Gerz, of Lancaster.
Barry will be greatly missed by his 13 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alex W. and Frances (Rose) Gerz; brothers, Alex, Jr, Robert, Charles, and Bernard Gerz; a sister Joanne Sinopoli (Gerz); daughter, Debra (Gerz) Smyth; son, Barry T Gerz, Jr., and nephews, Alex W. Gerz, and Scot Gerz.

A Funeral Service honoring Barry’s memory will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA. A viewing will take place at the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment to follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Barry’s name may be made to Promedica Hospice Services of York, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.