Jere J. Gibson

Jere J. Gibson (“JJ”), 71, passed away peacefully at his home from a brief illness on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Lancaster, PA. He was the loving husband of Sandra L. (Gauker/Buffington) Gibson. The couple celebrated 22 years of marriage on August 24, 2022. Born in 1951 in Lancaster, PA, Jere was the son of the late Elwood W. and Thelma E. (Campbell) Gibson. He attended McCaskey High School and received his GED in the US Army. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the US Army from 1970 to 1972. He was in the US Army Reserves from 1972 to 1976 as a Lineman and as an Assault Helicopter Company Gunner in the 134th AHC. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. After serving his country, he worked for Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster. Jere is survived by his daughter, Renee S. Santiago and her husband Carlos J. of Marietta; his son, Chris J. Buffington of York; 5 grandchildren, Alanna Beats of Conestoga, Tara Beats, Emma Beats and Juan Santiago of Marietta and Landri Buffington of York; 2 great-grandchildren, Chandler and Kasey. He is also survived by his sister, Trudy A. Booth and husband Ron L. of Lancaster and his brother, Dale R. Gibson of Jamaica, VA. Jere will also be missed by his feline companion, Dallas, who lay by his side until his very last day. Jere was a practical joker and a stranger to no one. A bit mischievous from the start, he would often find humor in picking on those around him. If he picked on you, it meant you were truly loved. He will be dearly missed by his numerous friends and family for all the fun times and stories he shared. Jere had life memberships in numerous organizations which included the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1008, Veterans of Vietnam War, AMVETS Post 19 in Pennsylvania and Disabled American Veterans Post 80. He was a member of HOGS (Harley Owners Group) since 2004. In Delaware, he also had memberships with VFW Post 7234 and the Moose Lodge 2542. His hobbies included collecting antiques and Native American memorabilia. He immensely loved spending all his free time at his 2nd house in Delaware. He repeatedly said that he needed to go “mow” at the beach, which we all knew was just an excuse to go to the beach house as much as possible! He loved watching NASCAR races and the History Channel. He was preceded in death by his former wife Susan E. Gibson, who passed in 2016. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog, Brutus. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff and caregivers at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute and Hospice & Community Care. We were so grateful for your compassion and kindness throughout his illness. A funeral service will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Minister Michael Nagy officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, Millersville, PA with full military honors by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jere’s memory to the Vietnam Veterans of America https://donate.voa.org or Disabled Veterans of America https://secure.dav.org or the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org