Gerald B. Lander

Gerald B. Lander, 78, of Independence Twp., passed away on September 16, 2017. He was born on May 8, 1939, a son of the late Benjamin and Irene (Porter) Lander.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, AnnaMae Taucher, and a brother, Richard Lander.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Paulette “Polly” (Kaercher) Lander; his children, Kevin (Denise) Lander, Scott (Deb) Lander, and Marcy (Keith) Whiteman; his grandchildren, Dustin, Kori and Dalton Lander, Zachary and Madison Lander, Kirstin and Nick Fink, and Collin and Samantha Whiteman; his sister, Grace (Richard) Riddle, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served from 1963-1968. He was a millwright for LTV Steel Tin Mill for 43 years. He also was a retired Fire Warden after 25 years of service and a past Fire Chief of 25 years with Independence Vol. Fire Department. He attended the Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church, where he was a past trustee.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the HUNTSMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC. OF ALIQUIPPA, www.huntsmanfuneralhome, 2345 Mill St. A funeral service will be held at the Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church, (4128 Rt. 151) on Friday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Neal officiating and also a service by the Beaver County Special Unit. Interment will be private for the family.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 4128 Rt. 151, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or to the American Lung Association.

A special thanks to Pastor Kevin Neal and Lenna, and a thank you to Dr. Bernie Simons, Dr. Gregory Patrick, Dr. Slemenda and Dr. Malkowski and to the nurses and aides at Sewickley Hospitals ICU and Progressive Unit. The family also would like to thank the Good Samaritan Hospice nurses as well.