Gerald "Herk" Stevens

Gerald F. “Herk” Stevens, 77, Altoona formerly of Cresson died December 24, 2022, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Born June 15, 1945, in Cresson the son of the late John Stevens and Genevieve (Volk) McConnell and stepfather George McConnell. Preceded in death by a sister Deanna (Stevens) Bendon, brother John “Jack Stevens and father & mother-in-law Walter “Shorty” and Genevieve (Stafford) Conrad. Herk was married to his high school sweetheart of 58 years, Patricia “Patty” (Conrad) Stevens on September 12, 1964, he is also survived by two sons; William married to Becky (Kalvesmaki); and Brian married to Jessica (Jacobs); granddaughter, Alexis (Stevens) Gruver, married to Joshua, grandson, Kyle Stevens , and three great-grandchildren, a sister Harriet “Mickey”(McConnell) (Joseph) Stevens; brothers, Owen “Bucky” (Tracy) McConnell, Terrence McConnell, brother-in-law Raymond “Poge” Bendon and sister-in-law, Myra (Booterbaugh) Stevens and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Herk was a1964 graduate of Gallitzin Joint High School, and enlisted in the Air Force immediately after graduation, serving as a MP in Okinawa, Japan and Minot AFB, Minot, ND. As soon as he arrived at the Minot Air Base, he was chosen to be the catcher for the baseball team. His working career included Chief of Police of Cresson Township, coal mining and Corrections Officer at SCI Cresson, where he retired on doctor’s orders. He served as the President of Board of Directors for Cresson Ambulance for over 30 years. Herk led the 5 Club Cresson Area Honor Guard as Sergeant-at-Arms. He taught multiple CPR registration courses and worked as an American Legion Baseball Umpire for over 25 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing golf and watching hockey. A special thank you to Alexis, Kyle, and their mother, Anna (Thrope) Stevens, for caring for Herk during his time in the hospital. Member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson where Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Friday the Rev. Leo Arnone celebrant. Committal St. Francis Cemetery, Cresson. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 pm Thursday at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin where a vigil service will be held Thursday. Member of the Sankertown VFW, Cresson American Legion, and Gallitzin American Legion which will conduct military rites along with other local military organizations. The family suggest donations be made to Cambria Alliance EMS in Herk’s memory.

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