Jerry L. Schrepple

Jerry Schrepple (age 63) of Hamburg PA passed away on Tuesday March 15, 2016. Graduate of Hamburg High School (1970). Graduate of Lehigh University (1974) and Georgetown University Law Center (1977). Retired Department of Labor attorney. In retirement, Jerry took classes to become an Arlington Regional Master Naturalist. He was inspired by the work of Earth Sangha to help create native meadows by pulling invasive plants, collecting seeds from native plants, and nurturing them in Earth Sangha's greenhouses. He began a meadow project along the W&OD bike trail near his home in Arlington, Virginia. Jerry played the clarinet in high school, but he wanted to learn to play the saxophone. Once he mastered both the tenor and alto sax, his teacher introduced him to a band that played marches for the World War II honor flights landing in the Washington DC area. His love of music also carried over to volunteer work for Hungry for Music, an organization that collects donated musical instruments and distributes them to children in need. We have heard that life is what you make it. Jerry must have inspired that thought. He made a life of interest and passion and compassion. He lived like a Jazz note. A little off center, not quite what you expected, but perfectly pitched and in tune. He was at peace with the world. He planted a thoughtful seed and it grew inside of him until his bloom was for all to see. Down to earth and enriched in his soil, cultured and cultivated until pollinated into all he touched. A mentor, a father figure, a brother, a son, a grandfather, a friend and a husband was he ever. Ever will he be a solid man, a tree. Dance a dance, sing a note, play a tune, taste a wine, till a soil, teach a soul, shoot a stick, play a sport, love a life and you will know where he's been. He's been with you, with me. Jerry is survived by his wife Julia Stefanelli, daughter Alison vandenBerg (Jon), grandson, his parents Grace and Lee Schrepple of Hamburg PA, his sister Linda Moyer, two brothers Jeff and Scott Schrepple, and a legion of cherished friends. In loving memory of our dearest and adored Jerry Schrepple. Memorial services will be held at the Burkey&Driscoll Funeral Home 40 South Fourth Street, Hamburg, PA. 19526, Saturday March 26, 2016 from 1pm to 3pm.. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Earth Sangha, Hungry for Music, or the Coalition Against Hunger. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com