Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jerry Kellar Obituary
Born on May 1, 1961, in Plymouth, he was a son of the late Walter and Gladys Puhlick Kellar. He was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, class of 1979; Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, N.Y.; and Temple University.
Jerry participated with the football and track programs during high school and later played football for Hudson Valley and Temple programs. He was a member of All Saints Parish of Plymouth. He was currently employed by The Times Leader as a sports writer for 23 years, writing the Penn State beat for 20 of those years.
He was a recipient of numerous nationally recognized journalism awards and was well known as a speaker at many civic community affairs. Jerry was involved with the greyhound rescue programs and the SPCA. He enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dogs, Angel and Massey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gladys; his paternal grandparents, John and Josephine Kellar; and his maternal grandparents, Albert and Florence Puhlick.
Surviving are a sister, Cheryl Kellar, of Edwardsville; a brother, Dan and Denise, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; aunts, uncles and cousins.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. from the S. J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in All Saints Parish of Plymouth. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery, Plymouth Township. Friends may call this evening from 5 to 9 p.m.
Contributions, if desired, may be made to SPCA of Luzerne Country, 524 E. Main St., Fox Hill, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702-6991, or the All Saints Parish, 66 Willow St., Plymouth.
His sense of humor will be the legacy he leaves all of us.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Kellar
Paula Berish Hapeman
May 21, 2007
Needless to say, I was very upset and saddened to hear of Jerry's early death! I went to school with Jerry - and though we did not stay in close contact, we ran into each other periodically, and he always made you feel like you were best friends. He will always be remembered as a great person, and one who would do anything for you. My sincere condolences to his family.
Andrea Tirpak
May 21, 2007
I, too, was deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's death. He was a sweet guy with a big heart. He also was a talented sportswriter who was dedicated to our local athletes and sports programs. Condolences to Jerry's family and friends.
Frank Mulhern
May 21, 2007
I knew Jerry only through reading his work. For not knowing him personally I feel poorer. Though I left the Valley in 1968, sports - and reading about them are one of my links to things there. When I wanted the truth, I turned to Jerry's columns. Through the comments of many I feel that i have gotten to know him better - and I like him. Peace to his family, dogs & friends.
Lori Pilosi
May 19, 2007
Jerry, I am sure you will bring happiness and humor in heaven to all the people and dogs that went before you. Tell, Chipper and Baylee hello for me :). Your love of people, dogs and sports were such a part of you. You were a good friend and sort of neighbor who always made me laugh! I will never forget our dinners at the Ryah house and our trip to the Bills vs.Cowboys Game. Memories are forever. May your big soul rest in peace.
Kim Davis
May 18, 2007
Jerry was one of those guys you could always count on. He will be missed in so many ways.
Paul Snith
May 18, 2007
It was my distinct pleasure to know
Jerry. Covering Ohio State, Penn
State and Notre Dame for an online
service, I enjoyed my many sessions
with the Penn State "roadies" and
Jerry was as often as not the toast
of the party.
Life can bring some exhilarating
triumphs and some truly melancholy
low points. God works in mysterious
ways and I am sure His plan for
Jerry includes many a remembrance
in the Beaver Stadium press box
and in many other locals where he
enriched many a day for athletes,
fellow media and fans alike.
Jerry was one of a kind, certain
a prince if not king of the one-
liner, and a joy to have known.
Rest in peace, big guy. I am sure
the view from that big press box
up there is breathtaking.
We will cherish our memories of
you. My condolences to the Kellar
family and all those in the Wyoming
Valley who knew him.
Paul Smith
collegeBLITZ.com
Mary Jo Finley
May 17, 2007
When I hear the name Jerry Kellar, I smile or laugh. Not today. I've just learned that one of the best, biggest hearted people on this earth has passed away. I find it very hard to believe, much less absorb. My heart is heavy. So many memories I have to hold on to. I first met "Jerome J. Kellar" in August of 1988 when I started at the paper. I considered Jerry one of my best friends. Since I left the paper he was one of the very few I made it a point to keep in touch with. If Jerry was your friend you really didn't need any others. I admired him. I miss him already. I can still hear his voice, his laughter. I hope his family can find some comfort in knowing that others share their grief and sorrow.
Sweet dreams, Desperado.
David Pingalore
May 17, 2007
I first met Jerry in the Fall of 1999. It was my arrival into the Scranton/WB market. I will never forget Jerry. He always wanted to know the inside dirt on WNEP. He wanted to know what the on air talent was all about. Besides that---we talked a lot of PSU. When I moved to Cleveland two years ago we still managed to keep in touch. On his rides back to NEPA he would call me and talk about how good or bad the game was. I enjoyed those phone calls. He was a good man! I will miss those late night saturday phone calls on Football Saturdays. God Bless!
Harvey Levine
May 16, 2007
As a photographer who was part of the traveling Penn State football press corp, I got to know Jerry. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing and I am terribly sorry for your loss. In speaking this weekend to many of the guys who were part of the Penn State beat, you should know that we all agreed that no one could every remember hearing a bad word about him. His sense of humor was second to none and I know that may of us have spent the past few days thinking of him and alternately laughing and crying.
John Veshinski
May 15, 2007
Jerry and I were teammates on the Spartan track team. To this day I can't believe that I was able to squeeze into that VW with Jerry and Mark. He was a big man with a huge loving heart for all that came in contact with him. I've read his articles for years and it was like I was back in the valley. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jerrys family.
Scott Evans
May 15, 2007
My condolences for your loss at this time. Although I've been away from the valley for while, Jerry's column always made me feel like I was home.
Paul Domowitch
May 15, 2007
Dan and Cheryl: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jerry. Our paths didn't cross very often, and when they did, we usually only had a few minutes to talk. But I always enjoyed seeing him. Good journalists are many, but good men are too few. Jerry was both.
Christine Liberaski
May 15, 2007
When I think of Jerry I remember the encouraging words he always had for me as a young, inexperienced, and not-so-good reporter. No matter how bad my writing was, he always found the positive in it. I haven't seen Jerry in more than a decade, but I remember his kindness like it was yesterday. I hope the words written and spoken of Jerry will comfort his family in days to come.
Rob Mattern
May 15, 2007
I had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with Jerry in high school. Though we haven't kept in touch in recent years I will always count him as one of my closer friends in life. When I think back to the good times of growing up in the Valley, Jerry Kellar was a big part of them.
My thoughts and prayers will be with him.
Ralph DeLong
May 15, 2007
When we worked together at the TL, Jerry always had time to talk about greyhounds. I enjoyed that. He will be missed by all.
Fred J Rosencrans
May 15, 2007
Although I did not know Jerry on a personal basis, I had the pleasure of meeting him several times through my sister and brother-in-law. He had a great sense of humor, and was always willing to help anyone. Jerry was a very talented writer and I enjoyed reading his sports columns. He touched many peoples lives in a positive way through his friendship and writing capabilities. To the family and friends of Jerry, I am truly sorry for your loss.
jim miller
May 14, 2007
i was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Jerrys passing, my former asst Sid Michaels informed me.The both of us had a deep and wonderful friendship with jerry and will always remember him for his friendship, his ability to make everyone feel comfortable in his company, and his genuine passion for his craft at the Times Leader.
He had total respect for every athlete in the valley and their respective families. He also brought us closer to Penn State Football through his work covering tht team for many years. Jerry left a decided impact on the greats like Rocket and Qadry Ismail, Bob Sura, Greg Skrepenak and so many more. I am a richer person for having such a wonderful friend and his memory will last a lifetime in my heart and soul. I will miss him deeply.
Jim Miller
WBRE TV Sports
Joe Dunay
May 14, 2007
I enjoyed Jerry's friendship while playing football at WVW, during basketball games or wrestling matches cheering our school and teammates on with all the noise we could mustard. I moved away after school/college and have not been in contact with Jerry, but I was able to read his newspaper articles online and least was able to enjoy his writting. I could truly say this is a man that I will never forget.If anyone could make you laugh or get you out of a slump Jerry could. I will always remember him hanging out at the finish line of the 100yd dash at a track meet and hearing him cheering for me. He had a big heart and he cared for others. I was in shock when I was told of his passing and the world has lost a great person. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Jerry's family and to let them know he will always be in heart and prayers.
Barbara Polinski
May 14, 2007
Cheryl and Family...sorry to hear about Jerry. He was loved by all. And was a true and honest friend to many people. God Bless you..and know you are in many people and friends prayers.
Thomas Connors
May 14, 2007
Didn't always agree with Jerry but I always made sure I read his column. This Irish fan will miss him dearly. He knew his football that's for sure.
Joan E. Kuzma
May 14, 2007
Cheryl~
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember talking about your brother when we worked together at Valley Crest and I told you how much I enjoyed his humor in high school at Valley West.
Photo Rich and Marie Sabatura
May 14, 2007
Cheryl and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I'm glad to have work with Jerry . Jerry always had caring words for my family and I. Will miss you Jerry God bless.
May 14, 2007
Whenever i think of Jerry I remember the WVW basketball games, and Jerry as the leader of "the Zoo" - the bunch of wild fans in the stands cheering on the Spartan basketball team. Anyone who went to WVW with Jerry will remember also. He was a big man with a big heart of gold. Condolences to his family.
Pete Hardenstine
May 14, 2007
During my time at the Times Leader, it was a joy to share the newsroom with Jerry. His sense of humor, professionalism and caring personality will be remembered by everyone who took the time to get to know him.
Wayne Burke
May 14, 2007
I played Football with Jerry @ WVW. He was a great person. Full of humor. He was a big teddy bear. Even though I have not seen him in a while I will miss him. Anyone who had a chance to meet Jerry knew he was a good person. Thoughts & prayers for his family.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Raub
May 14, 2007
With our deepest sympathies, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jerry was a great role model in this industry and someone we will never forget.
Jeff Sodrosky
May 14, 2007
Jerry bounced with me at Mickey Finn's and was a fellow Temple Owl. I was devastated to hear of his passing. For as big a man as he was, his heart was even bigger and no one made me laugh like Jerry did! Rest in peace buddy........
Caroline ORourke
May 14, 2007
I will always remember your kindness to My Aunt Stacia when she was alive living in the little white house adjacent to your back yard. She loved that you stopped to talk to her when walking your dogs
Ray Parrillo
May 14, 2007
For my wife, Rosemary, and I, it will take quite a while before the shock and sadness that comes with Jerry's untimely death subsides. His sense of humor, caring, and generosity will always be remembered and revered. And his friendship made me realize how fortunate I was to choose the same profession as he did. To his survivors, our deepest sympathy.
Tony Saraceno
May 14, 2007
I remember teaching and coaching Jerry at Holy Child School in Plymouth. I was fresh out of college and I remember saying I didn't think boys this age grew so big. He was a gentle soul and always worked hard, on and off the basketball court. Will miss you Jerry and God bless...
Betty Abraham
May 14, 2007
To the Shevock and Kellar Family:
My prayers go out to you - Jerry was beloved by all who knew him well - as are all of you.
Nikolas Dyanick
May 14, 2007
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's death. I also attended WVW HS and remember that his heart and sense of humor were as big as his stature. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends.
Deborah Williams
May 14, 2007
Jerry you were the best frined a person or dog could ever have you will be sadly missed. I know you are now looking after all the greyhounds that have crossed over. We will miss you Jerry. Deborah, Ditto , Willy and Skylar
Jennifer Sorber
May 14, 2007
You will be missed as a coworker, columnist, and friend.
Sandy
May 14, 2007
Great memories of Jerry from High School. My sympathy to his family.
Bob Sorochak Jr.
May 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. I enjoyed reading his articles over the years. May his memories comfort you.
charlie & dawn giacometti
May 14, 2007
we lost a dear friend.
Edward Vanyo
May 14, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. He will be missed.
Ed Vanyo and Family
Charley Deitz
May 14, 2007
When I found out the news I was startled. The flood of tears and then all the memories followed which encompassed many years because Jerry and I were friends since childhood. It was during those childhood years a distant time ago that I coined the nickname of “Bill” for him. The relevance is not important. However, we soon found ourselves as teens which rapidly accelerated us into adults. Obviously, we changed and adapted but that childhood nickname never did completely go away. I continued to address Jerry as “Bill” no matter what the circumstances were. Usually I would take it for granted and greet him in that fashion even while others were present who had no idea. Of course, Jerry would sometimes explain everything away to them quite nicely in a sentence or two. But, every once in awhile, Jerry would say nothing and just carry on the conversation while I continued to acknowledge him as “Bill.” You can imagine the bewilderment on the other peoples faces!
Jerry, you will not be forgotten. God bless you and thank you for all the years of hilarity and friendship.
Jennifer Pierce
May 14, 2007
Cheryl and Family,
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Pierce
harry Yurch
May 13, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Jerry Kellar's name
Memorial Events
for Jerry Kellar
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jerry Kellar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
