Gerald Engle "Jerry" Arters Sr.

Obituary of Gerald Engle Arters Sr.

Gerald Engle Arters Sr., 86, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at Riddle Memorial Hospital on Friday, February 27, 2026. Jerry was born on July 19, 1939 in Ridley Park, PA. He was the son of the late Wallace E. and Doris (Hannum) Arters.

A lifelong resident of Delaware County, Jerry was a proud graduate of Media High School, holding the position of class president in both his junior and senior years. He was a talented multi-sport athlete who was captain of the football team as a senior. Jerry was also a dedicated alumnus of Dickenson College where he ran cross country and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He maintained lifelong ties with his class and happily continued to "wear the red" to his last days.

Jerry started his career at Arters Brothers, Inc. at a young age, working with his father and uncle to learn the building trade from the bottom up. As a nationally recognized homebuilder, Arters Brothers built more than 1,200 homes in Delaware County and focused on developing communities where the beauty of nature was preserved. Jerry was always proud to be part of that legacy and for helping to shape neighborhoods throughout the region.

Jerry understood the importance of civic engagement. In his early years, he was deeply involved with the Jaycees, serving as regional Vice President and then National Director, during which time he was honored with the Clint Dunnegan award for serving with understanding, leadership, vision, and ability. Locally, he was instrumental in growing the Brandywine Youth Club organization from a baseball-only program without dedicated playing space to the powerhouse sports organization that it is today. He served on the board for 12 years, coached baseball and football for 15 years, and was elected BYC President in 1976. In 2005 Jerry came out of "coaching retirement" to serve as an assistant football coach for the Avon Grove Wildcats Bert Bell team, helping to coach his grandson Jake for several years. Jerry was also a long-time poll worker, who served as Concord Township majority leader for 25 years. He was a member of the Concord Township Historical Commission, the Fox Valley Sewer Board, and the Friends of Old St. Thomas.

After his career with Arters Brothers, Jerry shared his experience and knowledge as an instructor and aide at Delaware County Technical High School in Aston, mentoring students entering the building trades and many other walks of life. His outgoing nature and steady presence made him recognizable and warmly regarded by many.

Jerry enthusiastically followed all his grandchildren's pursuits. He seldom missed an opportunity to attend an event, and would travel any distance to show his support. When it came to Garnet Valley athletics and performing arts, Jerry was truly a number one fan. He could regularly be found in the stands cheering at sporting events and in the audience cheering on the theater productions. When he was no longer able to attend games in person, he faithfully followed along by watching the Garnet Valley football podcast and keeping close track of team updates. He was just as knowledgeable about the girls' basketball and lacrosse scores as he was about the boy's teams. He genuinely delighted in watching young people grow, compete, and succeed in athletics and in life.

Jerry was a longtime supporter and parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 60 years, Deborah Brown Arters, sisters Judy Crow (Bill), Louise Arters, and brother-in-law Dan Smith (Judy). Survived by his loving children Lisa Arters Votta (Richard) and Gerald Jr. (Heather), two brothers, Lee Arters Sr. (Erica) and Wallace Arters, Jr., two sisters, Janet Duckworth (Mark) and Rosemary Arters, sister-in-law Judy Smith and brother-in-law Bill Crow. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Arters (Devon), John Votta, Kaitlyn Votta (Buck Goggin), Jake Arters, and Meghan Arters and cherished great-grandfather to Robin Reid Arters. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, from 9:00–10:15 a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place immediately after at St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery in Glen Mills, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the Jerry and Debbie Arters Theatre Scholarship. Checks should be made payable to GVPAA (Garnet Valley Performing Arts Association) and mailed to Garnet Valley High School, 552 Smithbridge Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Online condolences may be shared at www.paganofuneralhome.com