Schermerhorn

Gary R. Schermerhorn, 57, of 652 Old Route 8, Irwin Township, Venango County, Harrisville, where he was a resident for the past 29 years, died Friday at his home following a nine-month illness.

Gary was born in Sussex, N.J., on June 11, 1951, the son of the Rev. Raymond W. and Esther Preston Schermerhorn.

He married Grace C. Perry on July 8, 1972.

He was in the maintenance department for Plantation Park, Mercer, and formerly was a machinist for 20 years at the former Cooper Energy Services, Grove City.

Gary was a member of the Pleasantview United Methodist Church in Irwin Township and a 1969 graduate of Kittanning High School. He was a self-taught banjo player and enjoyed singing and playing with the Mountain Railroad Group. Gary was an avid hunter.

He is survived by his wife, Grace; a daughter, Jennifer R. Matassa and her husband, Gregory, of Harrisville; a son, Andrew R. "Andy" Schermerhorn and his wife, Abigail L., also of Harrisville; two grandchildren, Tanner and Gregory Schermerhorn; his parents of Clintonville; two sisters, Ruth Wahl of Fredericksburg, Md., and Laura Madru of Eau Claire; a brother, Ron Schermerhorn and his wife, Heather, of Moon Township, Allegheny County.

<B>SCHERMERHORN — </B>Friends of Gary R. Schermerhorn, who died Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME,</B> 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Pleasantview United Methodist Church, Old Route 8, Irwin Township, with the Rev. Ron Hankey, officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasantview Cemetery.