Gerald J. Nagle, 81, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.
Jerry was born in Pottsville, May 17, 1934, a son of the late Malcolm and Arline Hodge Nagle.
He was the husband of Jeri Hafer Nagle, to whom he was married for 54 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Pottsville.
He was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1953, and retired from PPL after 38 years as a chief lineman.
He served two years of active duty in the Army and five years in the active reserves.
Jerry received the 33rd degree from the Valley of Allentown on Aug. 30, 2011, in Chicago. He was installed Thrice Potent Master of Muhlenberg Lodge of Perfection. He was made a Mason in Pulaski Lodge No. 216 in 1957 - a 50-year member - and Royal Arch Mason in 1965 in Mountain City 196, Pottsville. He was elected its Worshipful Master in 1968. He joined the Valley of Allentown in 1957 - another 50-year member - and served as sectional representative for nine years.
He is past high priest of Mt. City Royal Arch Chapter No. 196. and was a member of the Anthracite Joshua Association. He was also a member and past Thrice Illustrious Master of Regal Council No. 65. He served as treasurer for his lodge, chapter and council. A Knight Templar in Constantine Commandery, he served as eminent commander for the years 1984, 1994, 2002 and 2004. He was division commander from 1988 to 1991.
He is a noble of Rajah Shrine and a past president of the Schuylkill Shrine Club. He is a recipient of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor and Eminent Chancellor York Rite College No. 11. He was a 50-year member and trustee of Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He was Sovereign of Mary Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and Junior Warden of Erin Council No. 74. Jerry Nagle was also a member of Schuylkill High Twelve Club, the Royal Order of Scotland, the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research and the Academy of Masonic Knowledge. He was also a member of the Schuylkill Historical Society and Good Intent Fire Company.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Jeff Nagle, husband of Lisa Hoopes, Wyomissing; daughter, Jennifer Ryan, wife of Brigadier General Kurt Ryan, Fort Lee, Va.; daughter, Jill Yarnell, wife of Scott, Douglassville; grandchildren, Kelsea Yarnell, Preston Hoopes and Madison Ryan; sister-in-law, Dessa, wife of Richard Clauser, Norristown; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, with the Rev. John Wallace officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday. Both viewings will be held at the church. Masonic services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday. At the family's request, memorial donations may be sent to First United Methodist Church, Fourth and West Market streets, Pottsville, PA 17901, or Pulaski Lodge No. 216 FA&M, 4 S. Second St., Pottsville, PA 17901. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven, with military honors.