Gerald G. Witmer

Gerald (Jerry) Witmer of Carlisle, PA passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026. He was 79. Jerry was born in Colorado Springs, CO on May 15th, 1947 to Gerald and Esther Witmer. As a kid, he enjoyed following his older sisters around and spending summers with his grandfather in Clearfield, PA.

After graduation from Carlisle High School, Jerry joined the US Navy and spent time on the USS Newport News. He enjoyed talking about the different ports he was able to visit. In 2019 Jerry was able to go back and visit the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA where he was stationed.

In 1972 Jerry began working for the Dept of the Army at The Carlisle War College until his retirement. After his retirement he worked for Cumberland County in their transportation department. He loved meeting new people and was always striking up a conversation with the people he met.

Jerry's greatest joy was being married to his wife Wendy for 58 years. They were high school sweethearts and married in 1968. Together they raised two daughters Kimberly and Kelly in the Carlisle area. Jerry loved being a grandfather. Every fall he looked forward to going to hunting camp with his friends. He did say that as they got older it was more about getting together, laughing, and cooking than actual hunting.

Jerry is survived by his wife Wendy Witmer; daughters Kimberly ( William) Van Cleve and Kelly (Corey) Carothers; sister Marian Miller. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kyla, Royce, Cash, and Charli and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Esther, Brother-In-Law Robert Miller, Sister and Brother- In-Law Darlene and Richard Hess.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the USS Newport News Museum c/o Bob Freeman 3 Nevens St. Hudson, NH 03051 or at uss-newport-news.com