Gary Scheerer Jr.

Gary Scheerer Jr., originally from the Tacony section of Philadelphia, a former US Navy veteran, passed away unexpectedly, on December 20th, 2024, at age 43. Loving son of Gary Scheerer, Sr. and Mary Scheerer (nee Biggins). Loving brother of Melissa Scheerer and Michelle Scheerer. Also survived 5 nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing and funeral on Monday, December 30th from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. (between Unruh & Knorr sts) There will be a eulogy service starting at 12:00 noon. Burial will be held at a later date.   

Melissa

Gary and I talked regularly. When we weren't arguing, we would reminisce about the good ol days and have what would be the closest thing to bible studies I've ever had.  Gary had the kind of faith most of us seem to be afraid to show and he wore it proudly. He thanked God in places where most of us would have started doubting His existence.  Even when he literally lost everything, he never blamed God. He felt he always was where God wanted him to be.  Even when he had nothing, he never stopped trying to spread the good word. Even with all of his struggles, he always had enough to thank God for. He was happy to know that he could lose all of his earthly possessions and still serve God. These were some of the thoughts that lead to the eulogy read at our brother's service. For those who missed it: We're all here to remember and say farewell to Gary. Say what you will about my brother, his flesh was flawed, but his soul was good. Gary never once blamed God for his troubles (he saved that for the rest of us ;). Through his daily struggles with physical and mental illness, his biggest priority was always trying everything he could to spread the teachings of the bible.  From the videos he shared, to the blessings he'd wish, even down to the clothes he wore,  he could turn anything into a bible lesson.  These past nine months changed him in a way that i only wish the rest of you could've witnessed.  Yes, he was still Gary, but stronger and more resilient than I think any of us would have expected. Gary drew his strength from his unwavering faith in the Lord. The harder things got for him, the stronger his conviction. Gary would say a lot in his last days, "Stress is nothing when you have the grace of the Lord with you." He used no crutches to temporarily ease the pain of the load he carried. ( I couldnt even convince him to use one of those wheely baskets the old ladies cart around.) But I meant substances. He didnt seek out alcohol or drugs for a quick escape from his hard reality, not even cigarettes. It wasnt for the lack of money, it was because he wanted to remain vigilant. 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Gary didn't want to be devoured again, and didn't want any of us to be either. Sometimes he took trying to protect us a little too far, which hurt some of us and just annoyed others. He meant well but his brain wasn't always functioning properly and his emotions would get the best of him. Gary asked me to apologize to those of you he hurt, he knew he messed up. A lot of us here today have a lot of fond memories of Gary mostly from our childhood. Know that that child was still very much alive in Gary, and it would probably be best for us all to remember him that way. I'm closing with what might be the hardest message to deliver, and maybe even harder to hear: on December 2nd, Gary sent, "If i don't wake up tomorrow, please tell all the family that I love them all to death, and that i ask them to forgive me if they're angry at me." He didnt think anyone would even come to his funeral if he had one, so thank you all for coming.

Michelle

Gary, you were such a unique individual who sadly had a rough journey here on earth. But nonetheless you were the best big brother growing up- the typical big brother- a big joker- but loved us immensely. You were always so funny and so talented, had the best manners, and deserved so much more love than you received here on earth. You remained incredibly strong this past year and without a doubt, I know, you are with the Lord, for your faith never, ever, wavered. I'm so sorry I was not there for you more, but I am so grateful Melissa was your earthly light in the dark. And you should know that you've humbled us in your passing, and brought us even closer, not just with one another, but closer to God. My heart is hurting and so, I'm leaving this for you: I love you Gary. This is just goodbye for now- until we meet again 🤍 Love Michelle, or as you would say, Chimelle

Tony Lorenzo

Sorry for your loss prayers for all

Christine Pastor

I'm sending prayers and love to Gary's family this is Christine pastor from Unruh Street that was a very close friend of Michelle and Melissa's when we were kids and teenagers we had a lot of memories together I also had a lot of memories with Gary and would come see him from time to time and give him money and help him with clothing and things like that this is very unexpected news but I'm sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the whole family of Gary love Christine and family I will be praying for all his family and friends as well as I am here if anybody needs grief support.

Crystal McDermott

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all!

Lori Ostenrieder-Heath

Mary, Gary, Melissa and Michelle, My thoughts and prayers are with you all now and always. I’m so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. So many great memories. I love you all very much, Lori

6 Responses

  1. Mary, Gary, Melissa and Michelle,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all now and always.
    I’m so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.
    So many great memories.
    I love you all very much,
    Lori

  2. I’m sending prayers and love to Gary’s family this is Christine pastor from Unruh Street that was a very close friend of Michelle and Melissa’s when we were kids and teenagers we had a lot of memories together I also had a lot of memories with Gary and would come see him from time to time and give him money and help him with clothing and things like that this is very unexpected news but I’m sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the whole family of Gary love Christine and family I will be praying for all his family and friends as well as I am here if anybody needs grief support.

  3. Gary, you were such a unique individual who sadly had a rough journey here on earth. But nonetheless you were the best big brother growing up- the typical big brother- a big joker- but loved us immensely. You were always so funny and so talented, had the best manners, and deserved so much more love than you received here on earth. You remained incredibly strong this past year and without a doubt, I know, you are with the Lord, for your faith never, ever, wavered.
    I’m so sorry I was not there for you more, but I am so grateful Melissa was your earthly light in the dark. And you should know that you’ve humbled us in your passing, and brought us even closer, not just with one another, but closer to God.
    My heart is hurting and so, I’m leaving this for you: I love you Gary. This is just goodbye for now- until we meet again 🤍
    Love Michelle, or as you would say, Chimelle

  4. Gary and I talked regularly. When we weren’t arguing, we would reminisce about the good ol days and have what would be the closest thing to bible studies I’ve ever had. 
    Gary had the kind of faith most of us seem to be afraid to show and he wore it proudly. He thanked God in places where most of us would have started doubting His existence. 
    Even when he literally lost everything, he never blamed God. He felt he always was where God wanted him to be. 
    Even when he had nothing, he never stopped trying to spread the good word. Even with all of his struggles, he always had enough to thank God for. He was happy to know that he could lose all of his earthly possessions and still serve God. These were some of the thoughts that lead to the eulogy read at our brother’s service. For those who missed it:
    We’re all here to remember and say farewell to Gary. Say what you will about my brother, his flesh was flawed, but his soul was good. Gary never once blamed God for his troubles (he saved that for the rest of us ;). Through his daily struggles with physical and mental illness, his biggest priority was always trying everything he could to spread the teachings of the bible.  From the videos he shared, to the blessings he’d wish, even down to the clothes he wore,  he could turn anything into a bible lesson.  These past nine months changed him in a way that i only wish the rest of you could’ve witnessed.  Yes, he was still Gary, but stronger and more resilient than I think any of us would have expected. Gary drew his strength from his unwavering faith in the Lord. The harder things got for him, the stronger his conviction. Gary would say a lot in his last days, “Stress is nothing when you have the grace of the Lord with you.” He used no crutches to temporarily ease the pain of the load he carried. ( I couldnt even convince him to use one of those wheely baskets the old ladies cart around.) But I meant substances. He didnt seek out alcohol or drugs for a quick escape from his hard reality, not even cigarettes. It wasnt for the lack of money, it was because he wanted to remain vigilant. 1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Gary didn’t want to be devoured again, and didn’t want any of us to be either. Sometimes he took trying to protect us a little too far, which hurt some of us and just annoyed others. He meant well but his brain wasn’t always functioning properly and his emotions would get the best of him. Gary asked me to apologize to those of you he hurt, he knew he messed up. A lot of us here today have a lot of fond memories of Gary mostly from our childhood. Know that that child was still very much alive in Gary, and it would probably be best for us all to remember him that way. I’m closing with what might be the hardest message to deliver, and maybe even harder to hear: on December 2nd, Gary sent, “If i don’t wake up tomorrow, please tell all the family that I love them all to death, and that i ask them to forgive me if they’re angry at me.”
    He didnt think anyone would even come to his funeral if he had one, so thank you all for coming.

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