Gerald A. "Jay" Lauffer Sr.

Gerald A. "Jay" Lauffer Sr., 76, of Blairsville, died peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Jay was born on May 5, 1949 in Latrobe, a son of the late Henry and Lillian (Lape) Lauffer. Prior to retirement Jay worked for Latrobe Construction as a miner. He was a member of the Blairsville church of Christ. Jay enjoyed working on cars, hunting, riding motorcycles, and especially loved his family. Besides his parents Jay is preceded in death by two sons Gerald "JJ" and Charles "Chuck" Lauffer; two brothers SamJohn and Henry Lauffer, and four sisters MaryAtta Lauffer, Betty Kroutz, Viola Smith, and Ethel Cotter. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Karen S. (Palmer) Lauffer of Blairsville; one son Michael Smith and wife Julie of Derry; three daughters Lori Hough of Blairsville, Lisa Weister of Blairsville, and Jennifer Freehling of Derry; ten grandchildren Tiffany and Stephanie Weister, Jasmine Freehling, Christian and Gavin Smith, Brandon, Gerald, Justin, Michael, and Shayla Lauffer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family will receive friends for visitation in honor of Jay 4-7 PM Tuesday, October 28 2025 at the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry, PA 724-694-8331. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 7 PM with Brother Glenn Busch officiating Online condolences may be made to www.merlinfuneralhome.com.
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