Currently viewing the tag: "Obituary"

Norman Elsworth Elsbree, Jr.

By On · Add Comment · In Obituaries

September 27, 1939 – February 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Elsworth Elsbree Jr., who peacefully left this world on February 25, 2024, at the age of 84. Norman was born on September 27, 1939, to proud parents, Norman Elsworth Elsbree Sr. and Marjorie Eleanor Elsbree nee Mathies.

Norman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose kindness and patience touched the hearts of all who knew him. He proudly served his country as a Veteran in the U.S. Army, where he received many accolades, including a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the prestigious Presidential Service Badge and Certificate.

Norman is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Diane, his children, Norman “Rusty” and his wife Melinda, Kim and her husband Andy, along with his beloved grandchildren (Josh and his wife Lisa, Rachel, and Hannah and her fiancé Tyler, and his great-granddaughter, Naomi), and other beloved family members. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his second great-granddaughter in June. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian; his granddaughter Jessica; and his cherished cat, Coco.

While in the Army, he was a communications specialist at the White House, serving under the Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson administrations. Other than his pride for his family, this was one of his proudest accomplishments! After leaving the Army and White House, he was employed with the federal government at the Department of Energy until retiring in 1994.

A celebration of Norman’s life, complete with military honors, will be held on April 27, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Thurmont Grange #409, to honor his memory and the impact he had on all those around him.

His legacy of love, patriotism, and dedication will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him!

Gary Paul “Jake” Jagow

By On · Add Comment · In Obituaries

June 25, 1949- December 6, 2023

Celebration of Life

Sunday, April 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Thurmont American Legion Hall

Light lunch, cash bar, music & memory-sharing

Gary Paul “Jake” Jagow, 74, of Littlestown, PA, passed away suddenly on December 6, 2023, from complications following emergency heart bypass surgery and RSV. That day, the angels recruited a new drummer for their heavenly rock & roll band.

Gary was born on June 25, 1949, in Niagara Falls, NY. He was the son of the late Victor Russel and Betty Louise (Wise) Jagow.

While at Thurmont High School, he kept the beat going as drummer for The Coachmen, a popular 60s rock & roll dance band, founded and managed by his father. After graduation in 1967, he began his career in radio at WTHU, when the station first went on the air. Gary then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where they were quick to recognize and utilize his radio talent. He worked for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service while he was stationed in Greenland and Germany. After proudly serving his country, Gary returned home to continue his career at WTHU. He eventually went on to become a well-known radio personality with Frederick’s WFMD/WFRE stations. When syndication forever changed radio, Gary decided to change gears, to leave the studio confines for the freedom of the open road as a delivery driver for AmeriGas Propane.

Most recently after retirement, he was a Frederick County Meals on Wheels driver, where he loved all of his coworkers. He held a special place in his heart for the elderly folks he looked forward to seeing every day. His dedication and caring nature surely will be missed.

Throughout his work career, Gary continued to play drums or bass guitar in several prominent bands, including Don Barnes & The Countrymen and Full House.

Gary had a remarkably eclectic musical ear and enjoyed everything from rock, country, and jazz classics to German oompah and modern jazz. He also loved attending drum and bugle corps competitions. He volunteered in his younger years for a few weeks during the summer as a drum line assistant. He was also an avid animal lover, classic car enthusiast, and always enjoyed celebrating his family’s German heritage, especially during Oktoberfest season.

Gary is survived by his cherished life partner of 33 years, Harriette Mathews; his sister Gwen Leahy and husband Jerry of Wellsboro, PA; one nephew and niece; precious friends, Alban Little and Rocky Birely, plus countless other friends and band mates.

On January 26, 2024, Gary was inurned at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with the full military honors he had earned and rightly deserved. Please join us as we celebrate his amazing life on Sunday, April 14, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Thurmont American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to Frederick County Meals on Wheels.

Jerry E. Ferson

By On · Add Comment · In Obituaries

September 7, 1967 – February 29, 2024

Jerry E. Ferson, Jr., 56, of Thurmont, passed away on February 29, 2024, at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Tomalewski) Ferson.

Born on September 7, 1967, in Sunnyside Washington, he was the son of Reverend Jerry E Ferson and Linda F (Radach) Ferson.

Jerry graduated from Lee University and worked as a sound engineer and videographer.

As a devoted husband and father, Jerry exemplified unwavering love and support for his family. He valued the moments spent with his boys, instilling in them integrity, perseverance, and kindness. He was a pillar within the Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) community. A leader and advocate, known for his love of football and commitment to the Thurmont youth. Throughout the years, Jerry’s involvement in youth sports included coaching, football coordinator, vice president of CYA Football, and a member of CYA Inc. He was the first one on the field on Saturday mornings for youth football and the last one to leave. No job was too small or insignificant. He was a constant encouragement for new coaches, and he would often help out or fill in until a permanent coach took over. On Friday nights, Jerry could be found in the high school announcers booth, recording the football and lacrosse games. Jerry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire youth sports community.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jerry is survived by his sons, Wayne and Wyatt Ferson; sister Lee Ann Ferson-Roehl and husband Mike. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Thurmont community for the tremendous outpouring of support that they have received. Words cannot effectively communicate how humbled and moved they are by your expression of love for Jerry. The words of encouragement and memories shared has strengthened them through this difficult time.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Road, Thurmont.