Jerry L. Ziegler

Jerry Linn Ziegler, 83, of Van, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025. He was born on April 3, 1942, son of the late Glenn and Evelyn (Eakin) Ziegler. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol (Chatley) Ziegler.

Jerry knew at a young age that he wanted to be a pilot. He made his first solo flight at age 16 in a Piper J-3 Cub. After graduation from Cranberry High School, class of 1960, he managed Chess Lamberton Airport until he landed his first professional flying job with Standard Steel in Lewistown, PA. His next opportunity came when he and his family moved to Erie, PA, and he became employed by Erie Airways. In 1975 he took a job as chief pilot for the Stackpole Corporation in St. Marys, PA, a job he held for more than 20 years. He was featured in Flying Magazine at the time. He ended his professional career flying a Gulf Stream 200 for Columbus, Ohio-based Net Jets, during which he enjoyed the opportunity to fly to many countries outside of the United States. Jerry also enjoyed flying his own Van's Aircraft RV-8.

In 2010, he was awarded The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration/U.S. Department of Transportation for dedicated service in aviation safety – 50 years of incident-free flying.

Jerry often quoted British statesman Benjamin Disraeli, who said:

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen."

After retirement, Jerry was able to devote more time to his second passion, which was playing the trumpet. He has played with Mostly Brass, Silver Cornet Band, The Warren Symphony Orchestra, and for many Christmas Eve church services in the area. However, his favorite gig was playing in the pit orchestra at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, where he served on the Board and also produced several shows.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by one son, Curtis Ziegler and his wife, Lori, of Camp Hill, PA; two daughters, Leanne, Mrs. Michael Trimmer, of Avon, Indiana, and Lesley, Mrs. Jerry Kistner, of Milesburg, PA; three grandchildren: Sylvia, Mrs. Thad Volk, Masson Trimmer and Zachary Ziegler; one great-granddaughter, Aria Volk; his sister, Mary, Mrs. William Strong, of Fertigs, PA; and his brother Dr. Jay Ziegler and his wife, Sherry, of Washington, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Charles Ziegler.

At Jerry's request, there will be no visitation. He will be laid to rest at Georgeville Cemetery following a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jerry's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607-3000.

Jerry's family would like to thank The Caring Place, especially Nurse Susie, and the Hospice Team for their compassion and loving care of Jerry.

Private funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca. To express online condolences to Jerry's family, visit www.hilebest.com