Mr. Jerry D. Hard, 76, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Amber Woods Manor Memory Care in Clarksville, MD, where he had resided since November 28, 2025. Born on August 4, 1949, in Athens, Ohio, Jerry was the son of the late Donald and Joan (Chesser) Hard. Jerry also has an older brother, Dr. L. Dean Hard who lives with his wife in Delaware, OH.
He was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, OH, graduating with the class of 1967. Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years from 1969 to 1989, during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service medal twice. For 10 years, he was a musician, for 1 year, he was an Air Force Recruiter and for his remaining 9 years, he was a manpower management engineer, writing up the first SR-71 manpower management study. While in Service, he completed his education goals by earning his undergraduate degree from Colorado Technical College in industrial management. He also obtained his master’s degree from Webster University in computer resource management.
Music was Jerry’s first and lifelong love. For ten years, he served in the Air Force military band, playing woodwind instruments. Although he did not return to playing after leaving the service, his appreciation for music never faded. Wherever life took him, he sought to join local symphonies and musical performances, finding comfort and connection in the music he loved.
Jerry married the love of his life, Bonita (Bonnie) R. Zuck, on December 28, 1973, in Anchorage, Alaska. During their years in Alaska, he embraced the rugged landscape and at one time enjoyed ice racing and mountain climbing, cross-country skiing and climbing glaciers; pursuits that reflected both his adventurous nature and his willingness to test his limits.
He lived in Ohio, Texas, Alaska, Florida, California, Georgia, New Hampshire, Colorado, North Carolina & Pennsylvania. His years in the military were marked by dedication, pride, and intelligence, but they were not without personal struggle. Jerry quietly lived with depression and self-doubt for much of his life, challenges that shaped his experience even as he continued to fulfill his duties. Through determination and endurance, he completed his military service with honor.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jerry and his wife moved to Harrisburg, PA, where he began a career in systems administration for AMP, Inc. He worked for JLG in McConnellsburg, PA, Grove of Shady Grove, PA. and later for Pfizer in Carlisle, PA. He officially retired in 2016, after which he and Bonnie made their home at Quincy Village in Waynesboro, PA.
Jerry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waynesboro, PA. He served in his Church wherever he was needed and many times conducted the music. He was Bishop of the Chambersburg Ward for 3 years and really enjoyed serving the people.
In August of 2025, Jerry was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, though symptoms had been present since approximately 2016. Symptoms would come and go on a whim and he had a hard time moderating any of those difficult times.
In addition to his wife, Bonnie, he is survived by his brother, Dr. L. Dean Hard and his wife, Barb, of Delaware, OH; his daughter, Connie and her husband, Warren Swanger, of Wichita Falls, TX; and his 4 grandchildren & great-grandchildren: Michelle and her husband, Steven Chapman, of Wichita Falls, TX with their children Leah, Grayson, Tommy & Aidan Chapman, Rebecca and her husband, Jehrrie Caceres of Monett, MO with their children Oakley, Clayton, Micah & Analeia Caceres; Katelyn and her husband, Randy Caceres of Monett; MO and their children Kali & Adilee Caceres: and Susan and her husband, Daniel Floyd of Ogden, UT. Anton & Leon Caceres are great-grandchildren by Jerry & Rebecca who predeceased Jerry.
Jerry’s viewing will be held at the Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home at 521 S. Washington Street, Greencastle, PA, at 10:00 A.M. and the funeral services will be held at the same place at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 19, 2025. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Mercersburg, PA with full military honors, provided by Charles Nitterhouse V.F.W. Post #1599.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
