Lewisburg - Gerald William Commerford, known lovingly as Gerry, Papa G, Moon, Padre, and Uncle Ger, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, just short of his 80th birthday.

Born April 15, 1946, in Rome, N.Y., Gerry was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in New Hartford, N.Y., Colgate University, and George Washington University, where he earned his master's degree.

He devoted 42 years to Bucknell University, beginning in Student Housing and retiring as Associate Dean of Students. In that role he touched the lives of thousands of students. A fixture on campus, Gerry was known for riding his motor scooter around town long before they were trendy. He was a passionate fan of Bucknell athletics, college basketball and football, and a lifelong Yankees and Giants devotee. He spent his weekends on the Bucknell Golf Course and cherished golf trips with his buddies. He was a proud Colgate alumnus who attended every reunion and kept in touch with his Phi Psi fraternity brothers his entire life. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Often a man of few words, Gerry could throw out a zinger that sent the room into rolling laughter. A devoted dad, he constantly let his children know how proud he was of them and made it clear he would do anything for them — often insisting on paying the bill and declaring they were "on scholarship" for this one.

He loved spending time with family at their lake house, The Owconomad, in Sylvan Beach, N.Y. — admiring the sunsets and playing cards, especially "Scat," with his nephews.

A lifelong Catholic, Gerry was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Lewisburg.

He is survived by his sisters, Nancy Madis and Jean Nowicki; children Craig Commerford (Jenny) and Kelly Shenoda (Mark); grandchildren Camille and Morgan Commerford and Dylan and Quinn Shenoda; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald Wiley Commerford and Mary (Servatius) Commerford; his former wife, Margo (Carr) Commerford; and his sister Carol Commerford Owens.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 25, at Rooke Chapel on Bucknell's campus. Visitation 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the meditation chapel, Mass at noon, followed by a reception with light refreshments at Larison Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Bison Club or the Colgate Fund.