Gerald "Jerry" S. Skelding, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, 55 of Drums, Pennsylvania formerly of Tamaqua, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 12, 2020 in Salisbury Twp., Lehigh Valley Health from complications of Covid-19
Born Tuesday, August 24, 1965 in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late Gerald Bodenshok, and Eleanor Skelding.
Surviving are; his wife of 30 years, Tabitha A. (Hartranft) Skelding; son, Zachary M. Skelding of Drums; daughter, Shylah M. Means wife of Terence, Jr. of Tamaqua; sister, Delores Sudik - May and her husband Harlan of Smithville, MO, and their son, Thomas Sudik; his grandchildren who he adored, Amaris Means, and Charles Skelding. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins survive Jerry.
A 1983 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corp upon graduation, and served his country honorably for 6 years and was part of the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon. Instilled with the motto of Semper fidelis, "always faithful", Jerry returned home and earned his Associates Degree in Computer Science from Lehigh County Community College. Jerry, strived to provide for his family, sought to be an example to his children by showing them the benefits of hard work, and education. Jerry embraced the love of family and friends. His passing presents a great loss to many.
Jerry was a I.T. manager for Amazon in Hazleton, and previously worked at American Computer Associates. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, loved animals especially his dog Woofy, was an ardent supporter of Toys for Tots.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com