Gary E. Shank

1945 - 2025

Gary E. Shank

December 21, 1945 - August 3, 2025

Gary E. Shank, 79, of York Springs, Pa., passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa. He was born on December 21, 1945, in Adams County, the only son of the late Cloyd and Thelma (Orner) Shank.

Gary graduated from Bermudian Springs High School Class of 1963. After high School, Gary attended Shippensburg University where he studied mathematics and played football for two years. Following college, Gary had a varied work history working in sales for companies such as All State Insurance, Black and Decker, R.E. Michaels, and Hajoca. Following his award-winning career in sales, Gary would follow in his father's footsteps as the co-owner and operator of the property and restaurant, Shank's Drive Inn, a position from which he would retire in 2006. Gary was never defined by the careers he worked or the possessions he owned, but by the love in his heart and the legacy he leaves behind in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are who they are because of his strength, his words of wisdom and his presence in their lives.

Gary was a member of the York Springs United Methodist Church, York Springs Lions Club, York Springs Jaycees, and a Past Master of the New Oxford Mason Lodge #465 F&M. He was also school board member/school board President for the Bermudian Springs School District from 1975-1985.

While residing at the Masonic Village, Gary became a certified Hospice caretaker whereby he spent his days traveling around the unit serving and attending to those in their final days. Gary was known around the village for his laid back, kind and caring nature, and his funny and witty personality would bring a smile to the faces of the residents and staff.

Gary loved to be outdoors and could be found reading, hunting, fishing and people watching. He also loved cruising the Caribbean with his companion, Joyce Pennington, and visiting with his son, Patrick, in Key West, Fla.

Surviving are his children, Dr. Tracy S. Shank of Lancaster, Brian L. Shank (Kim College) of Dillsburg, Jason B. Shank (Carla Moyers) of York; three grandchildren, Kennedy Geiser (Samuel) of Dillsburg, Mckenzie Cradduck (Peter) of Mercersburg, and Zac Snyder of York; four great-grandchildren, Brooks Cradduck, Adah Cradduck, Reid Snyder, and Bristol Snyder. Gary was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Joyce C. Pennington; his eldest son, Patrick T. Shank; and great-grandson, Alden Cradduck.

Gary's family wishes to thank the staff of the Masonic Village of Elizabethtown for their dedicated care and support during his residence in the village.

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the York Springs Global Methodist Church, 840 Trolley Rd., York Springs, Pa., with Pastor Patricia Guise officiating. A visitation will be held beginning at 5 p.m. with a service beginning at 6 p.m. Burial will take place in the Sunnyside Cemetery, York Springs, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, 455 S Washington Street, Suite 11, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or the Masonic Village Hospice in his memory; Attn: gift planning, 98 Masonic Dr Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.