Gerald Earl Mealey

Gerald E Mealey, age 88, of Minersville passed away Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East. Born September 18, 1936 he was the son of the late Gerald J. and Minnie (Quinn) Mealey. He was a 1954 graduate of Minersville Area High School and member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish (previously St. Vincent de Paul).

After graduating high school, Gerry owned and operated a small neighborhood grocery store in Pottsville while also working for the Van Heusen Corporation. After several years, Gerry moved on to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board where he worked in our local liquor stores as both a clerk and assistant manager. After retirement from the PLCB, he became a beloved crossing guard at the Minersville Area Elementary School.

 Second only to his family was his love of sports. He was a lifelong, dedicated fan of the MAHS sport programs and his favorite Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. More than just a spectator, he was the founder of the Minersville Modified Softball League, as well as the coach of numerous adult men’s softball and basketball teams through the years. In the 1980’s he was a member of the MAHS football coaching staff and was a longtime member of the MAHS Fifth Quarter Club. He was also a PIAA registered official for high school football, basketball and baseball. Friends, players and colleagues in these circles knew him as the “Chief.”

Gerry served as both member and President of the Minersville Area High School Board of Directors.  He was a lifetime member of the Independent Hose Co. (Minersville) and West End Hose Co. (Pottsville). As a lifetime resident of Minersville,

Gerry was known by many, of all ages, throughout the community. He always had a warm smile, sense of humor and endless conversation which he loved to share. Of all his accomplishments and life experiences he was most proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Kimberly (Moreland) Mealey.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (Haluska) Mealey, children Patrick Mealey and Carolyn Denest, son-in-law Mark Denest, grandchildren Jessica, Emily and Jacob Mealey, and sister-in-law Rosellen Frantz.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1st with calling hours from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville with Rev. Jason F. Stokes officiant.

Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to the MAHS Girls Basketball Boosters. Donations can be mailed to Minersville Area School District, Attn: Girls Basketball Boosters, 40 High School Lane, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.

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