Jerry L. Rood  Sr., 74, of Harveyville, passed quietly, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, September 11th at Wyoming Valley Geisinger Hospital's Intensive Care Unit in Plains.

Born March 31, 1942 in Elmira, New York, Jerry was the eldest son of the late Alfred M. Rood Jr. and Mollie (Wallen) Rood.

Jerry was a 1960 graduate of Northwest Area High School.  He married his classmate and high school sweetheart, Caroline "Kaydo" Kinsey on October 15th, 1960.  They were soon to celebrate their 56th anniversary.

Jerry began his employment at his "Pop Pop" Wallen's Huntington Valley Dairy in 1958, working summers and weekends at first.  He was employed as an inspector at the Berwick Forge; 24 years at Procter and Gamble; several years at Silver Lake Farms, Harveyville; Penn-DOT and he ran his own portable sawmill business and most recently was the chief cook and bar manager at the American Legion Post 495, Shickshinny.  Anyone who went there knew Jerry.

Jerry was a blessing to all who came in contact with him.  If you needed help, he was there.  His family and his grandkids were his joy. He loved the outdoors--hunting, fishing, gardening and his beloved pet, "George", his white mule.  He was a weather aficionado.  He could (and would) tell you when a storm was coming and from what direction.  He also enjoyed old black and white westerns.

Jerry was strong, smart, dependable and loving.  He was the John Wayne of Harveyville.

Besides his wife, Jerry is survived by his five sons:  Robert James, wife, Lori, of Catawissa; Thomas Allen, longtime companion Kathleen McMullen, of Catawissa; Martin Quay, and longtime companion Charlene Reese, of Locust Grove, GA; Jerry Jr., of Harveyville; Daniel Eric and his wife, Anne, of Bear Creek Township; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  Jerry is also survived by his brother, Allen Rood and his wife, Irene, of Hosensak, PA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17th, 2016 at the Benton United Methodist Church with Pastor Matthew Verstraeten, officiating.  Visiting hour with the family begins at 2:00 with the service immediately following at 3:00.  A Celebration of Jerry's life will be held at a later date by the family.

In lieu of flowers, at the family's request, any donations may be made in his memory to the Benton United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being made by the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton.  For online condolences, please visit:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

 Service Information