Rev. Gerald J. Sanders, Jr., 61, of Lower Burrell, PA, passed away Monday, November 23, 2015 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. 

Gerald was born Wednesday, December 2, 1953 in Oakland, MD to the late Gerald J. and Wilda (Durst) Sanders, Sr.  He graduated from Southern High School in Oakland, MD in 1971 then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science from Frostburg State University in 1975 and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA in 1981.  He worked for 17 years as the Director of Pastoral Care at Presbyterian SeniorCare in Oakmont, PA.  Prior to that he served pastorates at Faith Lutheran Church, Natrona Heights, Spring Church Lutheran Church, Apollo, PA and St. John Lutheran Church in Warren, PA.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Springdale, PA and the Southwest Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.  Gerald served on the Board of Directors of Family Hospice and Palliative Care. He enjoyed traveling, music and Star Trek.   

Gerald is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shirley R. (Klindienst) Sanders, and his son, Joel M. Sanders.   

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

At the family’s request there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the Spring Church Lutheran Church, Apollo, PA with the Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the SWPA Synod presiding. Private burial will take place at Locust Grove Cemetery, Ellwood City, PA.  Arrangements are under the care of the ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (724-224-7730).  For online condolences please visit us at www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to:  Presbyterian SeniorCare, 1215 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139 or the Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, Apollo, PA 15613 or the Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19119

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