Gerald Loeper

Surrounded by his loving family at Reading Hospital, Gerald J. Loeper, 86, passed away on Thursday January 1, 2026, joining his wife Sylvia H. Loeper (Steslow) in heaven. He was born in Reading, PA on January 20, 1939, son to the late Leo J. and Cecelia (Gieringer).

Jerry was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Reading, PA. Jerry was a Navy veteran and a patriot who loved the United States of America, God and his family. Jerry was in the Holy Cross Seminary for 5 years studying to be a Brother before he started his career at Carpenter Technology where he worked for 36 years. He married the love of his life Sylvia on June 25, 1966, and they were married 56 years. Jerry and Sylvia travelled extensively throughout the US and took many pilgrimages to Europe. Jerry was an avid runner, lifelong New York Yankee fan, and loved the outdoors, hiking, nature, and birdwatching. Jerry always gave 110% and never stopped fighting for what was right.

Gerald was an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading where he was an usher and member of the MSGR. Bornemann Council Knight of Columbus.

Gerald is survived by his three sons Daniel (Stephanie) of Holland, PA; Gerald J. Jr (Raquel) of Lower Heidelberg Twp., and Thomas of West Lawn; and nine grandchildren: Nathan, Allison, Kaitlyn, Adam, Anna, Duncan, Daria, Jared and Derek; Sisters-in-Law Barbara Steslow, Elaine Stestow, Joanne Loeper and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his siblings Leo Loeper, Robert Loeper, Frederick Loeper, Albert Loeper, Valeria Moyer, Dolores Spanier, Cecelia Ranalli, Rose Marie Pawelski, Rita Sroka and Elizabeth Ferreri.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with Entombment to follow at Gethsemane Mausoleum. A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading and again on Friday January 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sacred Heart Parish, P.O. Box 6217, Wyomissing, PA 19610 or at https://shrcparish.org/online-giving/.

Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com