Gerald James "Jerry" Lancaster

Gerald J. "Jerry" Lancaster, 88, of Ridgeley, WV, passed away January 18, 2026, at Cumberland Healthcare Center after an extended illness.

Born September 9, 1937, in LaVale, MD, he was the son of the late Gerald H. Lancaster and Fanny A. (Kessell) Lancaster. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Eleanor F. (Prendergast) Heavner, and daughter-in-law, Sharlene (Hollern) Knippenberg.

Jerry was a 1955 graduate of Allegany High School. Following his BA in English from Frostburg State College, and post graduate from University of Maryland, he became a Master Electrician certified in industrial electrical. He owned and operated Coastal Electric throughout the 1960s, then taught English at the Center for Career & Technical Education Center and at Allegany College in the 1970s. He then returned to the electrical trade working in Baltimore, MD, as a technical writer for Dickenson Heffner which included assignment to a government project in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Arriving back in Cumberland, MD, he worked for Mattingly Brothers. While at Mattingly, he was assigned to design and oversee the electrical system for a soil reclamation plant in Buckeye, AZ. He retired in 2002 from Biederlack where he was lead electrician at its plant in Cumberland.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lenore (Long Knippenberg) Lancaster; his children, Karen Lancaster (Kim Gillum), Lisa Smith (Mike Sipple), Dr. Kim Rotruck (Neil), Mark Knippenberg, Suzanne Hartman (Chris), and honorary daughter, Beth Hilliker; grandchildren, Tanner Smith (Lauren), Garrett Smith (Eden Twigg), Jaclyn Sagal (Jeff), Haley Handera (Chris), Zack Stewart, Jennifer Wensink (Tom), Stephen Rotruck, Chad Knippenberg (Katie), Drew Knippenberg (Jes Harding); and fourteen great grandchildren.

Per Jerry's wishes, visitation for family and friends will be at Scarpelli Funeral Home, 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Service and interment will be private.

Jerry will always be known for his dry humor and quick wit. A dedicated animal lover, he had dogs by his side since childhood and grew to love cats just as fiercely. The family is certain there were many wagging tails greeting him as he reunited with loved ones who have passed.

He was also an avid reader and frequented South Cumberland library.

The family requests those wishing to make a memorial contribution to submit to Allegany County Animal Shelter, 716 Furnace Street, Cumberland, MD, 21502, or to the Allegany County library system.

The family wants to extend their thanks and gratitude to all the nurses, aides, and supporting staff at Cumberland Healthcare Center for their excellent care and dedication during Jerry's stay. And a special thank you to his roommate, Richard Harris, for always looking out for him. Additionally, thanks goes to UPMC Western Maryland Hospice Services for assisting in Jerry's care.