Obituary for Dr. Gerald R. Weale
Dr. Gerald R. Weale, age 82, died in Gettysburg on December 1 following a brief illness. A resident of the Borough since 2014, he was serving as Organist and Choirmaster of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Shippensburg until shortly before his death. “Jerry” was a beloved master teacher, a widely respected performer and choral conductor and a man of deep faith expressed through his devoted musical life in the church. Born and raised in New York City, he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Columbia University, a Masters from Columbia Teachers College and a Doctorate from Boston University. He served B.U. as a professor in the School of Music for 30 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2006. His many students, now dispersed worldwide, speak lovingly of his expert and compassionate mentorship, his consummate musicianship and his desire that everyone around him should thrive. He was a brilliant raconteur with a bright wit and an unforgettable laugh.
Jerry served Episcopal parishes in New York City, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Immediately prior to relocating to Gettysburg, he served as Organist and Choirmaster of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, New Hampshire for 17 years and as Music Director of the 150-voice Newburyport Choral Society in Massachusetts from 1987-2014. A Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, he was also awarded the Presiding Bishop’s Certificate in Church Music by the Episcopal Church in 1964, the only such certificate ever granted.
Dr. Weale is survived by his spouse of 32 years, the Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse, Rector of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg. He also leaves a sister, Ruth E. Johnson and her husband Robert; a niece Elizabeth Johnson Petersen and husband William, a nephew William Johnson and wife Lizbeth, three grandnieces and a grandnephew, all residing in central Massachusetts.
A funeral rite will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church on Friday, December 7th at 2:00 PM. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan, Bishop of the Diocese of Central PA, will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Shippensburg. A service celebrating Jerry’s life and many friendships will also be held in New England at a later date. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Read More
Jerry served Episcopal parishes in New York City, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Immediately prior to relocating to Gettysburg, he served as Organist and Choirmaster of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, New Hampshire for 17 years and as Music Director of the 150-voice Newburyport Choral Society in Massachusetts from 1987-2014. A Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, he was also awarded the Presiding Bishop’s Certificate in Church Music by the Episcopal Church in 1964, the only such certificate ever granted.
Dr. Weale is survived by his spouse of 32 years, the Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse, Rector of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg. He also leaves a sister, Ruth E. Johnson and her husband Robert; a niece Elizabeth Johnson Petersen and husband William, a nephew William Johnson and wife Lizbeth, three grandnieces and a grandnephew, all residing in central Massachusetts.
A funeral rite will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church on Friday, December 7th at 2:00 PM. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan, Bishop of the Diocese of Central PA, will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Gettysburg and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Shippensburg. A service celebrating Jerry’s life and many friendships will also be held in New England at a later date. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Service
Friday
7
Dec
2:00 PM
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
20 West High Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Loading...