FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOMES SINCE 1881
| Gerard J. Diebold |
| July 24, 1934 - March 6, 2026 |
Public Events and LocationsVisitation - Monday, April 27, 2026, 10:30 to 11:00 AM at Philadelphia Protestant Home, PhiladelphiaFuneral Service - Monday, April 27, 2026, 11:00 AM at Philadelphia Protestant Home, Philadelphia Graveside Service - Monday, April 27, 2026, 12:30 PM at Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge Military Honors - Monday, April 27, 2026, 12:30 PM at Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge |
ContactsFuneral Home - Wetzel and Son Funeral Home - 419 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046 - 215-663-8550 - Map |
| Clergy - Elkins Park Presbyterian Church - 234 Cedar Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 - 215-887-2544 - Map |
| Place - Philadelphia Protestant Home - 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 - 215-697-8000 - Map |
| Cemetery - Lawnview Cemetery - 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046 - 215-379-1600 - Map |
| Family Florist - Penny’s by Plaza Flowers - 263 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038 - 215-884-9130 - Map |
| Donation - Elkins Park Presbyterian Church - 234 Cedar Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 - 215-887-2544 - Map |
| Donation - Philadelphia Protestant Home Benevolent Fund/ Fund Development - 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 - 215-697-8000 - Map |
The following was composed by Gerry’s family:
Gerard J. Diebold, known to many as Gerry and Gerhard, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH). Gerry was 91, born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on July 24, 1934.
He was the beloved husband of more than 65 years to Margareta Rose Diebold (Marge), who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his older sister, Irene, and his parents, Thusnelde and John Diebold.
Gerry is survived by his children: John Diebold and his wife Becky; Margery Maile and her husband Ed; and Erica Diebold and her wife Karen. He was the proud Grandfather of Tiffany, Natalie, Brandon, Kristen, and Bradley; the Great-Grandfather of Carter; and Uncle to Karl Bauer, Mark Schumann, and Peter Schumann.
Life and Career
Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Gerry and his sister Irene were raised by stepparents in Germany after their parents passed away. Gerry explored areas of Europe, including Southern Germany and bordering regions of Austria, Switzerland, and France by bike. He would also occasionally travel back to visit relatives and friends in the Bronx, New York.
Gerry attended Trade School and Machinist Apprenticeship in Germany. He worked as a Draftsman for machine parts in Reutlingen, Germany, from 1949 to 1955. Gerry moved to New York in 1955 and worked as an experimental machinist from 1955 to 1957.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960, where he utilized his skills as a machinist, Heavy Equipment Operator, Photographer, and Interpreter. He and Marge were married on September 27, 1958, and he was later stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Gerry specialized in designing and building custom camera equipment for motion picture studios. Starting his career as a machinist, he advanced to designing and building custom equipment at Richmark Camera Service / Oxberry. He is known for developing liquid gate technology where pressurized fluid hides surface scratches as the film is copied in an optical printer. For this innovation, he received a Class II Scientific Technical Academy Award (Oscar) in 1973. Additionally, Mr. Diebold was granted a US patent in 1979 for a 35 mm SLR camera design featuring accurate pin registration and an end-of-film indicator for media where multiple exposures over the same frame need to accurately reposition the film.
Family and Retirement
Gerry and Marge met through family friends in the Bronx. They raised their children in the NYC suburb of Spring Valley, NY. They instilled in their children the importance of following their dreams, thinking independently, and being proud of their accomplishments. Gerry and Marge spent family vacations camping in the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains. Gerry was an active Boy Scout leader and volunteered in many community activities.
Gerry retired in 1997, and he and Marge moved to Rydal, PA. They became active members at Elkins Park Presbyterian Church, where they volunteered and organized activities with the Keenagers. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling, including a cruise to Alaska and trips with their adult children and grandchildren to destinations such as Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the Smoky Mountains.
Gerry lived at the Philadelphia Protestant Home for about five years. While living there, he and Marge were initially in adjoining rooms. When Marge required more specialized care in a different skilled area, the separation was very difficult for them both. Despite this, they enjoyed visits from family and friends and watching the pond's fish and turtles from the Gazebo. After Marge’s passing, Gerry missed her greatly, but later found companionship and mutual support with his friend, Betty.
Gerry was known for his gentle spirit and steadfast love, embodying kindness, generosity, care, and compassion. He was an unwavering pillar of strength and support to his adult children, offering sound advice, hands-on help with home projects, and emotional comfort. The legacy of his love and spirit will continue to guide his family.
A defining characteristic of Gerry’s life was his genuine bond and unwavering joy from his canine companions. He truly enjoyed taking long walks with his dogs on wooded trails for both their exercise and his relaxation.
Services
Relatives and friends were welcome for a visitation and photo viewing on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM at the Philadelphia Protestant Home chapel, 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111. His graveside service followed at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elkins Park Presbyterian Church, The Philadelphia Protestant Home Benevolent Fund, your local nature center, or the animal shelter or rescue program of your choice.
www.wetzelandson.com
Gerard J. Diebold, known to many as Gerry and Gerhard, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH). Gerry was 91, born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on July 24, 1934.
He was the beloved husband of more than 65 years to Margareta Rose Diebold (Marge), who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his older sister, Irene, and his parents, Thusnelde and John Diebold.
Gerry is survived by his children: John Diebold and his wife Becky; Margery Maile and her husband Ed; and Erica Diebold and her wife Karen. He was the proud Grandfather of Tiffany, Natalie, Brandon, Kristen, and Bradley; the Great-Grandfather of Carter; and Uncle to Karl Bauer, Mark Schumann, and Peter Schumann.
Life and Career
Born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Gerry and his sister Irene were raised by stepparents in Germany after their parents passed away. Gerry explored areas of Europe, including Southern Germany and bordering regions of Austria, Switzerland, and France by bike. He would also occasionally travel back to visit relatives and friends in the Bronx, New York.
Gerry attended Trade School and Machinist Apprenticeship in Germany. He worked as a Draftsman for machine parts in Reutlingen, Germany, from 1949 to 1955. Gerry moved to New York in 1955 and worked as an experimental machinist from 1955 to 1957.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960, where he utilized his skills as a machinist, Heavy Equipment Operator, Photographer, and Interpreter. He and Marge were married on September 27, 1958, and he was later stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Gerry specialized in designing and building custom camera equipment for motion picture studios. Starting his career as a machinist, he advanced to designing and building custom equipment at Richmark Camera Service / Oxberry. He is known for developing liquid gate technology where pressurized fluid hides surface scratches as the film is copied in an optical printer. For this innovation, he received a Class II Scientific Technical Academy Award (Oscar) in 1973. Additionally, Mr. Diebold was granted a US patent in 1979 for a 35 mm SLR camera design featuring accurate pin registration and an end-of-film indicator for media where multiple exposures over the same frame need to accurately reposition the film.
Family and Retirement
Gerry and Marge met through family friends in the Bronx. They raised their children in the NYC suburb of Spring Valley, NY. They instilled in their children the importance of following their dreams, thinking independently, and being proud of their accomplishments. Gerry and Marge spent family vacations camping in the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains. Gerry was an active Boy Scout leader and volunteered in many community activities.
Gerry retired in 1997, and he and Marge moved to Rydal, PA. They became active members at Elkins Park Presbyterian Church, where they volunteered and organized activities with the Keenagers. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling, including a cruise to Alaska and trips with their adult children and grandchildren to destinations such as Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the Smoky Mountains.
Gerry lived at the Philadelphia Protestant Home for about five years. While living there, he and Marge were initially in adjoining rooms. When Marge required more specialized care in a different skilled area, the separation was very difficult for them both. Despite this, they enjoyed visits from family and friends and watching the pond's fish and turtles from the Gazebo. After Marge’s passing, Gerry missed her greatly, but later found companionship and mutual support with his friend, Betty.
Gerry was known for his gentle spirit and steadfast love, embodying kindness, generosity, care, and compassion. He was an unwavering pillar of strength and support to his adult children, offering sound advice, hands-on help with home projects, and emotional comfort. The legacy of his love and spirit will continue to guide his family.
A defining characteristic of Gerry’s life was his genuine bond and unwavering joy from his canine companions. He truly enjoyed taking long walks with his dogs on wooded trails for both their exercise and his relaxation.
Services
Relatives and friends were welcome for a visitation and photo viewing on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM at the Philadelphia Protestant Home chapel, 6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111. His graveside service followed at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elkins Park Presbyterian Church, The Philadelphia Protestant Home Benevolent Fund, your local nature center, or the animal shelter or rescue program of your choice.
www.wetzelandson.com
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