Dr. Gerard Kaiser (1929-2018)

Gerard D. (Gerry) Kaiser, 89, of Hershey, PA passed away on November 26, 2018, in Columbia Cottage, Palmyra, PA. He was the husband of Sarah Loughrey Kaiser, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Gerry was born in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Francis M. Kaiser and Sara (Slane) Kaiser. He graduated from Northeast Catholic High School (Class of 1947), St. Joseph's University (Class of 1954), and Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel University College of Medicine) (Class of 1958), all in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Kaiser was a medical officer in the United States Navy, serving with the United States Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune, NC. After completing his military service, he returned to Philadelphia, where he had a private medical practice. Dr. Kaiser was dedicated to the practice and teaching of Family Medicine, and moved to Hershey, PA in 1972 to join the faculty at the Penn State College of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine. He welcomed medical students into his home and maintained lifelong friendships. He had a private medical practice from his home in Hershey and was a preceptor for the Penn State Physician Assistant's program. He also worked on the medical staff at Philhaven in Mt. Gretna, PA.

After retirement, he volunteered as a physician with the Mission of Mercy Clinic in Harrisburg, PA. He is survived by six children, Margaret Kaiser Collins, Reading, PA, Gerard D. Kaiser, Jr. (Mary Jane), St. Louis, MO, Gregory J. Kaiser (Cathleen), Hummelstown, PA, Francis M. Kaiser (Kathleen), Havertown, PA, James A. Kaiser (Cristina), Shaker Heights, OH, Ellen "Nellie" McGrew (Lawrence), Collingswood, NJ, and a sister-in-law, Renee Kaiser, Southampton, PA, as well as fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Mary, son-in-law, Edward M. Collins, III, and two brothers, F. Paul Kaiser and Robert S. Kaiser. Dr. Kaiser was a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey, PA, serving on the Respect Life Committee and other parish ministries.

His strong faith guided him. He loved spending time with family and friends, old and new. He was a lifelong student and a man of many talents and interests. An accomplished musician, he played the clarinet and saxophone in various bands, including his own. He wrote and delivered poetic tributes at various family celebrations. His mechanical skills extended to autos, plumbing and electrical systems. He enjoyed golf, including the coveted hole in one just a few years ago.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will be Friday, November 30, 2018 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Hoover Funeral Home, 88 Lucy Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, with recitation of the Rosary at 4:15 p.m. Private interment will be at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Kaiser's memory to St. Joan of Arc Parish Memorial Fund, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033. Donate here. Share condolences at www.hooverfuneralhome.comwww.pennlive.com/obits