Debra Gerlach Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat.
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Stephanie Merkel
June 23, 2025
Debbie
Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts and prayers. I love you
Carole Shultis
November 11, 2023
Another year has passedmiss you as always
C
Rona Boley
June 28, 2023
I was driving out near your family home recently and thought about you. Reminisced about some of our adventures and a lot of what ifs. You will always be a beautiful memory. Love you, Deb.
Stephanie Merkel
June 27, 2023
Miss you every day, Deb.
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Carole Shultis
June 26, 2023
Another year has passed and I miss you always
C
Rona Boley
July 6, 2022
Was just talking about you recently. Discussing piercings and how I let you talk me into allowing you to give me a third hole using a needle and ice in the dorm. Such craziness, but you are always part of my life tapestry. Love and miss you, Deb!
Stephanie Merkel
July 4, 2022
Thinking of my best friend every day. Love & miss you dearly.
Carole Shultis
July 2, 2022
I miss you.
C
Carole Shultis
June 29, 2021
I love and miss you forever.
Stephanie Merkel
June 28, 2021
Thinking of you as I often do. Cannot believe it has been 13 yes since your untimely & tragic death. Always will love you my friend ♥
Carole
November 11, 2018
Happy Birthday. I miss having you in this life. My sister, my friend Happy Birthday- C
Stephanie Schieferdecker
November 12, 2017
I hope that you enjoyed your birthday in heaven. I miss you more than words can say. I love you my friend
Darlene Moore
November 11, 2017
My dear sister, not a day goes by that I don't think about you and miss you terribly........ your children are growing up so fast, you'd be very proud of them. I know though you see them from heaven. We all love you and miss you very much.
Stephanie Schieferdecker
June 25, 2017
Thinking of you today, as I often do, & wondering why this happened to such an amazing person. I miss you
July 29, 2015
Debbie -
Thinking of you so much today. I just keep seeing that little smirk on your face and hearing your laugh. I wish I could see it one more time. Anita
Stephanie Schieferdecker
November 11, 2014
Happy Birthday,Debbie....Miss you dearly...
Anita Flanagan
June 30, 2014
I miss you so much - I think about you and your precious kids all of the time. I'll never forget you - I know you are watching over all of us. Anita
Stephanie SCHIEFERDECKER
June 29, 2014
As a light shines in the dark...Your memory will live on forever shining brightly...I miss you everyday my dear friend....
Stephanie SCHIEFERDECKER
June 29, 2014
Thinking of you today...I think about you every day,Debbie...Hard to believe that it has been 6 yrs. Your memory will remain with me until the day that I die....I miss you so very much...Steph
Faye Girdany
February 27, 2014
Still remembering you and your beautiful smile. Even though our friendship was short, just as your life...you really did touch me. I'll never forget you.
February 27, 2014
My dear Deb, I suppose we were all thinking about you yesterday... And today... And tomorrow.... I was admiring pictures of you yesterday and explaining to people who never knew you just how special you were. I suppose you were hearing these things from heaven....I miss you every day and need you here.......I just miss my dearest friend! C
Anita (Rheel) Flanagan
February 26, 2014
After all this time, I still can't believe that this is real. I miss you so much, Debbie, and I think about you so often. You were my best friend in high school and we had so many great times together! I am so sorry that we didn't stay close after high school - I wish I could turn back time and change that now. You are always in my prayers.
Stephanie Schiferdecker
March 28, 2013
My heart and soul will be with you always... not a day goes by that I don't think of you... one day we will see one another again....I love you Debbie...
Rona Rosian-Boley
March 26, 2013
I am in total shock. I have thought of you so often over the years. Moving back home to Johnstown I kept thinking I needed to see if you were still in town. Instead I find you are gone. And in the most horrific way. My heart is broken. I wish I had gotten back in touch with you long ago. A bitter lesson. My thoughts and prayers for your children and your family. You were so beautiful here on earth I can only imagine how you look as an angel.
Faye Girdany
January 11, 2013
Remembering you Debbie ...
Heather Vavrek
January 6, 2013
thinking of you
June 30, 2012
Thinking of you....Miss you everyday Deb...
Stephanie Schieferdecker
July 25, 2011
In loving memory of my dear friend Debbie...I miss you everyday...
Stephanie Schieferdecker
November 14, 2010
Missing you very much Debbie....
Carole Shultis
November 5, 2010
Miss you so much....
October 6, 2010
Thoughts are with you today...Many memories of you...miss you so much...
Heather Vavrek
June 29, 2010
Your memory lives on in thought and prayer.
Stephanie Schieferdecker
June 3, 2010
Miss you so much Debbie...I think of you everyday...
Denise Gwizdak
August 28, 2008
To the Leckley family; I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Debbie was my nurse during a really bad time in my life, I had some complications after surgery and if it wasn't for Debbie I do not think that I could have made it threw. I spoke to her the Wednesday before the incident happened and she told me that I would see her on Monday. I never got to see her again because I was admitted to the hospital. When I was told about what had happened, I was devestated. She always told me how much she loved her children. She was a WONDERFUL nurse and will be deeply missed.
Paul Stinelli
July 30, 2008
I am very sorry about this tragedy. Words cannot express how badly I feel for the children and her family. DFunk was an amazing mother, beautiful person, and dear friend of mine. She will always be missed and never forgotten.
Korpo Mends-Cole
July 26, 2008
Mrs. Leckey, Kiel, Zack, Jordon and Gracie, have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your daughter and Mother. She was a great person and we are glad to have known her.
Will, Mina, and Korpo Mends-Cole, Aquia Horbor, VA
Darlene Leckey
July 14, 2008
On behalf of Debbie's family, we sincerely want to thank all who signed the guest book, so many wonderful things said about Debbie and her children. All that knew her loved her. We will forever miss her.
Sincerely,
Sara Leckey and Family
Robert Miller
July 13, 2008
I remember my first day in kindergarden when this beautiful girl walked into the room and how the room seemed to light up and how i always kept a special place in my heart for Deb, I also remeber the last time I spoke to her face to face in our graduation line and how she had such amazing and kind words to say me about our times in High School. I will always keep you close and dear to my heart Deb, we will all miss you so very much.
Sherry Swift
July 11, 2008
I was devastated to hear of Debbie's passing. I worked with Debbie at Keller Williams Realty in Fredericksburg/Stafford VA. She had so much love for her children and such quiet style and grace. It was a blessing and honor to know and work with her. Many are praying for you and may her children know that she will love them forever. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you and meet your every need.
Tammy (Ziemba) Hakanen
July 9, 2008
I send my deepest heartfelt sympathy to Debbie's children and entire family. I knew Debbie from CVHS~we graduated together. I remember the swimming and slumber parties at her house when we were young. Although we lost touch after graduation, I've always considered Debbie a friend. She will be greatly missed. I pray your faith and love filled memories of Debbie will help as you walk through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family. Proverbs 3:5-6 John 14:1-6
DENISE OCHENRIDER (HOLSOPPLE)
July 9, 2008
To the whole Leckey Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you, this tragedy will be with you always but I hope it will give you strength to move ahead. Deb was the one who taught me to ride a 2 wheel bike & how to swim, things I will never forget. My prayers & thoughts
are with you & the children.
Rebecca Marsh
July 8, 2008
I met Deb and the kids at work at Janna's Cut Above the Rest. My deepest sympathy goes out to the children and the rest of the family. I will pray for the children that they may recover from this tragedy and go on to live normal lives. We will never know why things like this happen, but there is a reason for everything. Rest in peace Debbie.
Terri Kibler
July 8, 2008
Sara Jane and family,
Debbie was a loving, wonderful person and a great friend. She was a wonderful mother and loved her children so very, very much. Words cannot express how very sorry I am for your loss. She will be missed so very much by so many I am sure. I know I will never forget her and the memories of our friendship will never fade. She was an angel and I met her in my time of need. She had a heart the size of the universe and opened it to so many. I will continue to pray for your entire family.
Les,Becky,Ben,Blake Weyandt
July 6, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts, especially Kiel,Zach,Jordan,and Gracie.
Debbie always cared about her children first and made sure they were involved in things they enjoyed. Blake is very fortunate to have a good friend like Jordan.
Karen Wallace
July 6, 2008
I knew Debbie in Stafford through our girls. She was such a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed. May God bless you all and especially Debbie's children.
Jody Burke
July 6, 2008
I was so sorry to hear about your loss,
i was Kiel sunday school teacher and Gracie,at Stafford baptist church. Please know that we are all praying for the family and children.
Denise Schuch
July 6, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with your family, especially the kids...Gracie and our daughter Emily were preschool friends when the Gerlachs lived in Stafford, and Debbie was a good friend to many of us. What a tragic loss.
Donna Young
July 6, 2008
To the Leckey Family and Debbie's children, I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you all. I met Debbie 2004 in Stafford VA. Gracie and my daughter Riley were getting to know each other from pre-school and our weekly Wednesday lunches. Debbie was a kind and caring person, we all will miss her greatly. If there is anything I can do for the family or the children, please let me know. My prayers and thoughts will be with you all.
Kelley Benedict
July 5, 2008
I am so sad to hear about your loss. Debbie and I have been friends friends for years and I loved her dearly as a person and as a friend. We will have you and the kids in our prayers. God Bless!
Ed & Annette Gillcrist
July 3, 2008
We have known Debbie since Pensacola. Her warmth and kindness always filled the room, all of you are in our prayers.
God Bless
Ed & Annette Gillcrist
LeAnn Rudge
July 3, 2008
Deb will always be in our hearts and memories. I worked with Deb at Somerset Hospital. It was a tragedy to hear the horrible news. The children were her whole world. The children and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen and Mark Dreikorn
July 2, 2008
Mark and I just want to say how sorry we are that this tragedy has entered your lives. My heart aches for all of you. You will be in our prayers.
George and Betty Aurandt
July 1, 2008
Sara Jane and Family, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God comfort and give you strength at this time.
Carol (Baker) Thompson
July 1, 2008
Aunt Sara Jane,
I am still in shock since Michael called me while in Tennessee, Sorry I couldn't make it home for the funeral. I haven't seen Deb for several years, but I always thought she was special. We are all going to miss her. God Bless all of you and give you strength.
lisa holbay
July 1, 2008
i went to nursing school with debbie and then worked at lee with her for a short time . she was a truly lovely young woman who was so proud of her family . i lost touch with her but when she'd cross my mind id think that she was beautiful both inside and out. i feel so sorry for your loss. at.some time i hope your able to share this with her kids i was glad to have known her
Kim Jones
July 1, 2008
To the Leckey Family -- My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although I never met Debra, I was an acquaintance of Paul's and I know he cared deeply for her. May they both rest in peace.
Debbie Buchan
July 1, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Leckey family.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Debbie Buchan
Ann Stanislawczyk
July 1, 2008
To the Family and Friends of Debbie,
My Prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Special prayers for the little angles Debbie leaves behind to carry on.
CVHS Class of 84
Linda Keeley
July 1, 2008
I heard about this tragedy from a friend and wanted to tell the family that I am very sorry for your loss. Stay strong by talking to God and each other.
To her mother, I lost a son to a similar tragedy and I share in your sorrow.
Kris Nulph
July 1, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Leckey family and I pray God gives the strength to see you through this tragic loss.
I have fond memories of Debbie while I was near Leckey family many years ago... She was a beautiful Angel on earth, and will continue to watch over her family from the heavens above.
Bill Walk
July 1, 2008
Sara Jane and fanily:
May the grace and peace of God our Father surround you during this trying time. God bless and keep you all.
Pastor Bill Walk
Karen Hudgins
July 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve & Trish Derr
July 1, 2008
Words cannot express what our family and I felt when hearing this sad news. We are friends from Stafford Baptist Church in Virginia.
It is awesome all of you live in the area to help with the kids. Debbie's kids were the world to her and I will never forget how elated she was when finding out she was pregnant with a girl after living in a house full of boys. It just makes me smile. Please know our family will be praying for you and the kids. We pray from much strength, wisdom and more for you as you continue to raise these 4 precious children of the Lord.
In Him,
Kim Rorabaugh
July 1, 2008
To the Leckey family,
I am so very sorry to hear about this. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
June Fisher(Lesnak)
July 1, 2008
Lecky family, I am shocked to hear of this tragedy. Debbie and I graduated together. We had a lot of fun times and may you be comforted with her memories and her children. My prayers go out to you and may God comfort you during this difficult time
Faye Shaffer
July 1, 2008
To the children and family of Debbie-
I am shocked at the tradegy and loss of such a wonderful person. I worked with her at Somerset Hospital, we became friends and from time to time kept in touch after she left. She always brought a smile to my face. Her children were her world. You just know when you meet someone and instantly know how special they really are. Please accept my deepest, heartfelt sympathies at this painfully sad time.
Faye Shaffer
Somerset
Nancy Rhine
July 1, 2008
Sara Jane & the Leckey Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all at this very difficult time. We will lift you up in prayer. Just know God will never leave you.He will be with you all the way.
In Christian Love,
Nancy,Chad & Heather Rhine
Dale P. Coleman, Jr.
July 1, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Leckey family, her friend Kimberly, and especially to her children.
I did not know Debbie particularly well, but remember her from the old neighborhood, and from Valley, as a sweet and beautifull person.
Although your hearts ache, and the pain is great during this period, know that nothing is stronger than the love a mother has for her children. Although she cannot be there in the flesh, she will always be with them in spirit, ever watchful and ever caring, throughout out the rest of their lives. And, for as long as she is remembered by those who loved her, she will always be with you, and a part you as well.
Death simply separates spirit form body. It does not end, nor does it erase, the existence of the love that she still has for you.
We will all, eventually, be where she is now. And the love we carry within ourselves, too shall live on.
Kathy Vivian
July 1, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love from all the coaches at Uzelac Gymnastics
Michelle Porada
June 30, 2008
Sara Jane,Doc,Doug,Dan@Darlene, I am truely sorrry to hear about your loss. I never met her but feel for the kids. Please if there is anything My family or I can do,don't be afraid to ask.
Heather Vavrek
June 30, 2008
Leckey Family,
I am so sorry for the tragic loss you are experiencing. I worked with Debbie the weekend prior to this tragedy and we shared stories about our children. I could tell she loved them so much. I know she will be missed by her patients and co-workers. I will pray for GOD to give you strength in this time of great sorrow. My prayers are especially with the children who are experiencing the greatest loss of both parents. May GOD be with them always. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Co-worker,
Darla Ramirez-Hoss
June 30, 2008
To the Leckey Family and her beautiful children. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this very difficult time. I knew Debbie from CV and cheered w/her in high school. I graduated a year after Debbie in 1985 but always looked up to her. She was a positive person to be around and I learned a lot from her. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Cathy Ivory (Edwards) "class of 84"
June 30, 2008
To the Leckey Family, My deepest heartfelt sympathy. Deb and I were best friends until the third grade. I remember as a child sharing such wonderful times with her and her family. Debbie helped teach me to swim. I remember being so afraid of the water, but she coaxed me on until I wasn't afraid any more. As we grew older we grew apart, but all through scool she was willing to lend an ear. I will always remember her as a very kind and wonderful person. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family at this tragic time.
Carol (Ford) Holcombe
June 30, 2008
Dear Sara Jane, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Be assured you are all in our prayers. May God comfort you as only He can.
Dave and Carol Holcombe
STEPHANIE Schieferdecker
June 30, 2008
I send my deep felt sympathy to the family of Debbie Gerlach. Debbie was a very dear friend of mine for many many years. You all are in my heart and prayers.
Bradley & Gerry Rorabaugh
June 30, 2008
We are deeply saddened to hear of Debra's passing. Words cannot begin to ease the sorrow of your loss.
Please know that Debra is in the prayers of so many that knew and loved her, and your family also, that the Lord will fill your hearts with his comfort and love during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy.
Anita Toth
June 30, 2008
To the Leckey family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I graduated with Deb from C.V.H.S. And though I haven't seen or heard from her since, she was one that you never would have a problem with putting her face to her name when you heard it. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
LaRue McQuillen
June 30, 2008
Dear Sara:
Im so sorry to hear about Debbie. I found it on the internet.
I know our Lord, Jesus Christ will get you through this. This may be one of the times when you look back and only see one set of footprints.
God loves you.
LaRue McQuillen
Jacquelyn Beckett
June 30, 2008
Dear Leckey Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Words just can not express. I pray God will be so evident to you all as He carries you through this time. Sincerely, Jackie (Meredith) Beckett
Randi Reitz
June 30, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
The Lytle Family
June 30, 2008
Dear Leckey Family,
We were truely saddened when we heard the about the loss of your daughter, sister and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerly,
The Peruso-Lytle Family
Gary Polchito
June 30, 2008
Don and family; I never met your sister personally but I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. A tragic loss must be so difficult to bear. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. God Bless
Paul Buriak
June 30, 2008
To Debbie's family and children:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and prayers on your tragic loss. Although I hadn't spoken to or seen Debbie very often since she originally left the area, we went to school together in the same classes basically from kindergarten through graduation, and I always considered her a friend. My thoughts go out to you in this difficult time.
Darla Poloyac
June 30, 2008
Dear Sara Jane and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying that God will give you and your family and Debbie's children the strength to get through this most difficult time. John and I both knew Debbie from school. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Darla (James) Poloyac
Pam (Duman) Sorrells
June 30, 2008
Sara Jane, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Debbie and I became friends (many years ago) at the Vinco Brethren Church and I remember as a child, playing with Debbie at Church and the many, many sled-riding and pool parties at your home. I have such fond memories of her and your entire family during our childhood. May God grant you strength and comfort during this time until we are all reunited with Debbie in Heaven. God Bless your family.
Jane Bonvillain
June 30, 2008
I will always have cherished memories of my sweet friend, Deb, from our many years at Stafford Baptist Church where she and I sang together in the ladies group and the choir. She was a wonderful, devoted mother and a great friend who was always quick to laugh. To Deb's family, please accept my deepest condolences for this great loss. In times like this, words are hard to come by, but please know that so many are with you praying that God's peace, love and comfort will be with you always.
Michele (Krutch) Paonessa
June 30, 2008
To Debbie's family,
Please accept my sympathy and find comfort in knowing that many in the Johnstown area are praying for you.
Shirley Commers Holcomb
June 30, 2008
Sara Jane Its been a long time & when I saw this on the internet I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss.
Lonny and Randy(Glessner) Jones
June 30, 2008
To the Leckey Family
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Your former neighbors.
Scott McQuillen
June 30, 2008
Sara Jane and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this truly difficult time. I remember Debbie from BYC at Vinco Church as well as the Sunday School picnics at the Leckey house. She tried to teach me how to dive. God is with all of you.
Donna Jean Markley (Aurandt)
June 30, 2008
Dear Leckey Family, I am heart sick and can't even imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I Love You!
Elsie Lee Grove
June 30, 2008
Dear Sara Jane & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of you loss.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Friends Always,
Elsie Lee, Quay Grove & family.
Kathie (Killian) McBreen
June 30, 2008
Kiel, Zach, Jordan, Gracie and the Leckey Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was an honor to know your mother throughout high school and more recently as many of you became friends with my own children. Stay strong and find comfort in the many people who care for you deeply. You'll always be in our thoughts and prayers. Kathie, Scott, Jeremy, Kierra, Trace, and Ty McBreen
Kim Kennedy
June 30, 2008
Went to CVHS with Deb. Knew her from band and going swimming with her and another friend and neighbor, Denise Horner, who used to live across the street. So sorry to hear about this. You are all in our prayers. Our Lord is with you all and has taken Deb home again.
God bless you. Kim (Couteret) Kennedy, Harrisburg, PA
Beth (Couteret) Graffius
June 30, 2008
I am so shocked at this tragedy. Please accept my deepest sympathies to all of the Leckey family. I was a friend of Debbie's during high school and this is just such a terrible thing to happen to such a wonderful person, friend and mother. God's blessings be with all 4 of those beautiful children.
Jean Stanislawczyk
June 30, 2008
To the Leckey family: I am in total shock about Debbie's death I graduated with her in high school. Although I did not know her very well, I do know she was an intelligent, outgoing individual. She will be missed.
Jean (Rimoldi) Stanislawczyk '84
Robin Kutchman
June 30, 2008
I will pray for all of you. I had worked in the same office as Debbie did in Ebensburg. She was always so pleasant and she will be dearly missed.
Cheryl Dysert
June 30, 2008
Dear Sara, Don, Doug, Dan and especially my BFF Darlene,
Growing up you all were a second family to me. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I love you all.
Tammy (Berzinsky) Tartaglia
June 30, 2008
Leckey family, I am so sorry to hear about this loss. Debbie and I went to school together and even college. Such a tragedy at such a young age. My prayers will be with you during this hard time.
Eileen Graham
June 29, 2008
Deb was a wonderful person who loved her children unconditionally.
she was a wonderful friend and woman...she will be missed my prayers are with your family...may God be with you...
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