Gerald H. "Peany" Gates, of State College, formerly of Salem Hill Haven, Spring Mills, passed away on February 13, 2005 at Ohesson Manor in Lewistown, PA.
Gerald was born on March 8, 1916 in Stormstown. He was the son of the late William B. and Dora Harpster Gates. "Peany" had one sibling, Harold "Jim" Gates who preceded him in death.
"Peany" was a 1936 graduate of State College High School. He then went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Penn State. While at Penn State he played varsity baseball and ice hockey. "Peany" was also known for his exemplary baseball skills in the Centre County Baseball League and with the Foster Field Falcons. He was offered a chance to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates but selflessly refused so that he could raise his family in this area. Gerald was drafted into the U. S. Army-Air Force during his junior year at Penn State and served his country during WWII. Upon completion of his service he resumed his studies.
When he wasn't playing baseball or some other sport, "Peany" could be found loafing on the bench in front of Graham's Store on Allen Street. Coaches such as Joe Bedenk, Charlie Spiedel, Art Davis and Leo Houck used the bench. Others using the bench included local athletes such as "Peany", John "Millheim" Miller and Edward Mattil.
Gerald taught school for 32 years, retiring in 1978 from the Penns Valley School District. He was the last surviving teacher from the "Old" East Penn High School prior to it's consolidation. Previously he had taught in Dalton, New York and Port Lavaca, Texas. He was well liked by his students and they rewarded him with many thoughtful gestures over the years. He was honored to have the 1976 yearbook dedicated to him.
He will also be remembered for coaching baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball in his earlier years.
"Peany" was a long time member of the Masons and had recently been awarded his 50-year pin.
Gerald married Betty L. Jones on April 16, 1942. Betty preceded him in death. They had two children: Joe Gates and his wife Lisa, currently residing in Indonesia, and Judy Hand and her husband Ron, Neff Road, Centre Hall.
Also surviving are three grandchildren: Mark Gates and his wife Lisa of Crystal Lake, IL; Michael Gates and his wife Jackie, Lemont; and Joshua Gates of Portland, ME. Also surviving are three great grandchildren, Tyrus and Rita of Lemont, and Harrison of Crystal Lake, IL.
Gerald loved his family, and friends and particularly loved his cabin in the woods and his dog, Bo.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, July 12, at 7:00 p. m. at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, P. C., 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, with the Rev. George Burn officiating. Interment will be in Gray's Cemetery, Stormstown.
A scholarship fund will be established in "Peany's" memory for a deserving student from Penns Valley Area School District. Memorials in his name can be sent to the Penns Valley High School, c/o Mr. Al D'Ambrosia, Principal, 4528 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.