Gerald Rollin Hoover

Gerald Rollin Hoover

March 7, 1935       September 17, 2021

Gerald Rollin Hoover, 86, Martinsburg, passed away Friday, September 17, 2021.

He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late George Rollin and Margaret (Bayer) Hoover. On August 31, 1957, he married Ruby K. Hamman in Altoona, Pa.; she died March 9, 2018, after 60 years of marriage.

Surviving are two children: a son, Kenneth W. Hoover (Barbara) of Bethel Park; a daughter, Anita M. Hoover (Russell) of Roaring Spring; three grandchildren: Brandi Claycomb Stranford (John), Gregory Rollin Hoover and R. Douglas Hoover (Deirdre); three great-grandsons: Grady Michael Hoover, Eli Robert Hoover and Drew Lee Stranford; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, LuLu.

Gerald was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy J. Myers and his stepmother, Vera L. Hoover.

Gerald earned his Eagle Scout award from Martinsburg Troop 58 in 1952.  He was a 1953 graduate of Morrisons Cove High School, Martinsburg and also attended Mercersburg Academy and graduated from the Altoona School of Commerce in 1956. 

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1957-1959, attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. and retired from the Army Reserves in 1991.  Gerald retired from Blair Clay Products, Altoona. Following his retirement he enjoyed jockeying cars for Hertz and local car dealers.

He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Martinsburg and a 50 year member of Woodbury Masonic Lodge No. 539 F&AM, Roaring Spring.  He was a life-long member of the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as Vice President, Treasurer, and was a member of the Fire Police.

Gerald, a.k.a. “Moose”, enjoyed riding his motorcycle and the trips he took with the old J & M Kawasaki gang.  He also participated in many of the BCO Think Tank sessions.

A private graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg with Rev. Traci Marriott officiating.  Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gerald may be given to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 115 East Penn Street, Martinsburg, PA  16662 or Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company, 205 S. Market St., Martinsburg, PA  16662.