Gabriel A. Lerch, 19, of Hershey, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 5, 2022.
Born in Hershey on March 4, 2003, he was the son of Jennifer Miller wife of Chris of Lebanon, and Matthew C. Lerch husband of Jaclyn of Hershey.
Gabe was a 2021 graduate of the Hershey High School. He worked for Derail Lawn and Tree Service. Gabe attended the Encounter Church of Palmyra where he served as a greeter, and helped at many different volunteer events.
Gabe was a natural born athlete. He loved to play soccer and basketball, go to the gym, and lift weights. He even trained at Paramount’s Ninja Warrior course. When he wasn’t at the gym, he could be found in nature. Gabe loved to hike with his family, and was an exceptional climber. He also enjoyed shooting guns, and was a member of the Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association.
Despite Gabe’s active lifestyle, he could be found binge playing videogames for long periods of time. To give him the energy he needed to pursue his many passions, he was known to consume quite a few Monster Energy drinks. Gabe had a soft spot for dogs, and could always be found smiling whenever one was near.
Family was very important to Gabe. He loved spending time at family gatherings, and holds a very important title of “Reigning Champ Pickle Finder” in the annual contest to find the pickle on the Christmas tree. Gabe’s most important role was being an amazing brother to his siblings. He was always there whenever they needed him, and he genuinely loved spending time with them.
In addition to his parents, Gabe is survived by five siblings, Isabella Lerch and Angelina Lerch, both of Harrisburg, Kaylee Miller of Middletown, Milena Miller, and Franklin Lerch; his paternal grandfather, Marlin J. “Pork” Lerch, Jr. of Hershey; his maternal grandparents, Francis and Joyce Vuxta of Elizabethtown; his step-grandparents, Gary and Donna Evans of Honduras, Helen and Doug Zimmerman of Maytown, and Jay and Grace Miller of Mount Joy; his aunts and uncles, Jeff Vuxta (Tammy) of Elizabethtown, Brian (Ada) Vuxta of Steelton, Tim (Amy Vuxta of Elizabethtown, Fred Erb of Marietta, Melissa Lerch of Palmyra; and many cousins.
Gabe is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lori Garman; an aunt, Tina Erb; and an uncle, Marlin J. Lerch III.
A Celebration of Gabe’s Life will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 2 p.m. in the Encounter Church of Palmyra, 220 Campbelltown Road, Palmyra, PA 17078 with Pastor Ted Simmons, his pastor, officiating. A time to visit with his family will be held Wednesday at the Church from 12 PM (noon) until time of the service.
A live stream of Gabe’s service can be viewed by going to Encounter Church of Palmyra’s website at encounterchurchofpalmyra.org/.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
Those desiring may send memorial contributions to Caron, an organization that helps those with addiction, at Caron Development Office, 243 North Galen Hall Road, Wernersville, PA 19565 or at www.caron.org/donate-now
Online condolences may be shared at www.trefzandbowser.com.
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