Gerald Henry Bollinger

Gerald Henry Bollinger, 70, of Mertztown, PA, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA. Gerry arrived in this world on October 19, 1948, the oldest son of Calvin and Betty Bollinger. He immediately became "mother's favorite" – of which he enjoyed reminding his siblings.

As a young man, he developed a passion for motorcycles. He enjoyed working on cars and developed a love of mechanics. In his chopper riding days in the 70s he became affectionately known as "The Wolfman". Following in his father's footsteps, he was drafted into the US Army. Serving as a paratrooper, he jumped out of airplanes in Germany. After his military service, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Maryland College Park. His work as an engineer with Air Products took him around the world, always with a jar of peanut butter in his suitcase. Gerry was involved in his community, serving on the town council of Manchester.

To those who loved Gerry, it was obvious that he found his true passion when he met a sassy red head named Tami Rorke. Together they built that which was always most important to Gerry – a family. David was born, followed by the twins, Aaron and Alex. Gerry was a loving father and an inspiration to his boys.  In them he instilled the same values he most cherished – devotion to family, respect for your parents, and love for your wife.  With the births of his grandsons Marcus and Calvin, Gerry was able to watch David and Aaron become the devoted father that he had been to them.  Gerry also saw Alex follow in his footsteps, joining the military and serving in the Persian Gulf.  Gerry and his boys spent many happy hours working on their bikes, all embracing his hobby and inheriting his talent.   As he said at his retirement party – he and Tami built a life, with the boys, and it was more than he could have ever dreamed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the United Way, and spend time with your dad.

Surviving in addition to his wife, sons, and grandsons, are siblings: Dwight Bollinger, Sandy Zeiler, Lisa Strong, Kay Eierman, and Della Leister, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 4, from 3-5 and 7-9 pm at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A. 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD 21102. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3184 Church Street, Manchester, MD 21102. Interment to follow in New Lutheran Cemetery, Manchester, MD.