Gerald R. Anthony

Gerald R. “Jerry” Anthony, age 83, of Bentley Creek, PA passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on Monday, December 9, 2024. Jerry was born May 29, 1941 in Sayre, PA, the son of the late Clyde and Eleanor (Strong) Anthony. He was a graduate of SRU high school and went on to further his education by attending barber school in Philadelphia, PA. He was married to the former Patricia L. Halstead who survives. Jerry established Anthony’s Barber Shop in Centerville, PA in 1964 and served the community for 41 years prior to his retirement in 2005.

He was active in his community, including being a member of the Bentley Creek Baptist Church; a founding member, life member, treasurer and board member of the Ridgebury Sportsman Club; a life member of the Ridgebury Fire Department; a member of the Bentley Creek Park Committee where he served as treasurer, a sponsor of many Big Pond softball teams; chairman of the Bernard Halstead Memorial Golf Tournament, as well as many other Sportsman Club Tournaments; and a player in the men’s golf league at Pine Croft Golf Course.

Jerry also participated in the Troy Minstrel Shows for 30 years, appearing in over 92 shows. He was a member of the Big Pond Lions Club and enjoyed cooking pancakes at Fay’s Sugar Shack Pancake Days.  Jerry also had fun dressing up as a clown and parading with the clown car in the East Smithfield and Wellsburg Parades, soaking unsuspecting friends with water. While in barber school in 1961 he was on American Bandstand with Dick Clark several times. Jerry will be missed for his quick wit and many jokes that he would tell.

Survivors include - his loving wife Pat L. Anthony of Bentley Creek, PA; daughters Christine and Courtney Bennett of Mosherville, PA, and Dee Anna and Mark Boswell of Bentley Creek, PA; a son Mark and Tina Anthony of Bentley Creek, PA; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; his brother Thomas Anthony and wife Rosemary of Sayre, PA; his sister Marjorie Buscher of Williamsville, NY; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family has requested that Jerry’s funeral and calling hours be a casual affair and to please wear your favorite sports teams, jersey, tee shirt or hat to honor his legacy.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. Jerry’s service will be held at the funeral home at the conclusion of calling hours on Friday at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Hanlon Hill Cemetery, Ridgebury, PA.

Pat would like to express her sincere thanks to her children and grandchildren who helped with Jerry’s care in his final days.