McMurdy

Jerry McMurdy, 82, of Harrisville, died unexpectedly in a car accident on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

Jerry Alan McMurdy was born March 31, 1940, at his Aunt Daisy’s house in Franklin, to Robert and Betty (Wheeter) McMurdy, and was the first of seven children.

He attended Rocky Grove High School, graduating in the top five of the Class of 1958, and he received a full scholarship to Penn State University to study agricultural engineering.

He served in the U.S. Army and was recognized for his expertise in repairing specialized code-breaking equipment used in Cold War efforts.

Mr. McMurdy spent several years as a vertical bore press operator at Joy Manufacturing in Franklin and at Cooper Bessemer in Grove City. He eventually left to start his own business, McMurdy Excavating, in March 1971. His work ethic and expertise were renowned, defining the reputation he built for his business.

In 1981, Jerry married Alice Barr, who was not only the love of his life, but also an asset to his excavating business — they built it together during their 41-year marriage. A larger-than-life figure, Jerry would never turn down a challenging job, especially when no one else could find a solution. While those who worked with him remember just how hard he worked — and how good he was at it — they will never forget the way he challenged them, bettered them and valued their contributions. Many people have come forward to share memories about the interest he took in mentoring them to help them meet their own goals.

No other decision changed Jerry’s life more than the one he made to dedicate his life to Christ. It permeated every detail — from the way he loved actively and without judgment, to the impeccable morals he presented to a community in need of the pillar that he provided. He exemplified the selfless love of God in all his actions, rarely expecting a return on the investment he made in those around him.

Jerry served as the music leader and adult Sunday school teacher at Bell Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church for more than a decade. Although he never would have considered himself an intellectual, he studied the Bible carefully, always wanting to know more about God.

A master of oral interpretation, Jerry read all kinds of books and poetry to his wife, children and grandchildren, and committed many passages to memory. He did the same with so many songs and sang professionally for everything from his senior prom to many weddings, including his own. Jerry ran for Congress and was an integral part of his community. He helped design the sewage system in Harrisville, among other major local projects.

Those of us left behind will never be able to adequately express the ways Jerry changed our lives. He is survived by his dear wife, Alice, of Harrisville, with whom he loved and laughed through every challenge they faced.

Also left behind are his four daughters and their families, Rita Simon and her husband, Kirby; Sheila Cichra and her husband, Alan Vennes; Katie Phelps, her husband, Chris, and their children, Morgan Phelps, Ian Phelps and Stefany Anderson and her husband, Tyler; and Jenifer Mostard, her husband, Brian, and their children, Bianca and Ezra Mostard.

Three of his siblings also survive, Patricia Hughes, Paul McMurdy and his wife, Cheryl, and Fred McMurdy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Sheraden McMurdy, Leslie McMurdy and Joelyn Yurchison; his first wife, Sharon (Fink) Balkom; and one grandchild, Job Mostard.

MCMURDY — Please come and share in the family’s loss with us. Viewing for Jerry McMurdy, who died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at JAMISON-MCKINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville.

A funeral service will be held Friday at the Bell Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church in Boyers.

A committal service will be held immediately after the funeral service at Harmony Cemetery in Harrisville. All are welcome to attend.

If you choose, memorials may be made to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, which Jerry supported for spreading the word of God to every nation.

For more information, visit www.jamisonfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.