John A. Gerben, Jr., age 84, of Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Born on August 18, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, John lived a life defined by service, hard work, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

John was the only child of John A. Gerben, Sr. and Helen Margaret (nee Arnold) Gerben, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by the love of his life, Darlene “Joyce” (nee Wilkins) Gerben, whom he married in April 1963. Together they shared more than 57 wonderful years of marriage until Joyce’s passing on November 17, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Robert A. Gerben, who passed away on August 24, 1990, a loss that John carried with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his son, John A. Gerben, III and his wife, Virginia, along with their children: Nathan and his wife Ally, parents of Holli and Wyatt; Rebekah and her husband Cody Harrison; Julia and her husband R.T. Holder, parents of Lawrence “LJ” Holder; Zachary; and Leah.

He is also survived by his daughter, Margaret Dolly, and her children: Scott Bachman, Jr. and his wife Abbie, parents of Jackson; Alex Bachman and his fiancée Kylie; Robert Dolly; and Melissa Dolly. John was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who found immense joy in watching his family grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

John graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational High School in Baltimore in 1961 before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy from July 1961 through February 1964. During his military service, he served as a photographer and, for approximately 18 months, managed the Navy’s photo laboratory. He valued his time in the Navy and carried the discipline, pride, and commitment he learned there throughout his life.

Immediately following his military service, John began a distinguished 20-year career as a sworn police officer with the Baltimore County Police Department, serving from February 1964 through December 1984. Assigned to the Crime Lab, he became highly respected for his professionalism and expertise. His commitment to excellence led him to attend the FBI Academy, where he received specialized training in Crime Scene Investigation and Arson Investigation.

After retiring from the Police Department, John continued serving his community by working for Baltimore County Public Schools as a school bus radio driver, helping to ensure the safe transportation of countless students. Upon retiring from the school system, he and Joyce moved to Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life and continued making memories together until her passing.

John was an active member of his church in Baltimore, where he combined his love of the outdoors with fellowship by organizing many camping trips for the church camping group. Those trips created lasting friendships, strengthened bonds within the church family, and left countless cherished memories for everyone involved.

Outside of work, John was happiest when he was with his family or enjoying the outdoors. An avid fisherman, he had a remarkable knack for finding perch, catfish, and rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay. He also had a lifelong love of model trains and built an impressive collection over the years. Whether adding a new train to his collection or sharing it with family and friends, trains brought him countless hours of enjoyment. John also had an incredible ability to fix just about anything and took great pride in teaching others how to do the same. Whether repairing something around the house, helping a friend, or tackling a new project, he believed there was always a way to solve a problem.

As technology evolved, John embraced it wholeheartedly. He loved staying connected with family by sharing photographs, stories, and memories online, and he rarely missed an opportunity to send a message or make a phone call just to check in. Those daily conversations, thoughtful messages, and shared photos became a treasured part of family life and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Those who knew John will remember his wonderful sense of humor, his unwavering work ethic, and his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love and support for his family never wavered. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew they could always count on him—for encouragement, advice, a laugh, or simply someone to listen. Nothing brought him greater happiness than watching each new generation grow and celebrating life’s milestones together.

John’s legacy is one of service, integrity, generosity, and unconditional love. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example, enriched by his wisdom, and forever grateful for the countless memories he created. Although his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his family will forever miss his phone calls, online messages, photographs, stories, and the way he always found time to check in. His love, humor, and unwavering support will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company – Summit Manor Banquet Facility, 510 Monkton Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111 on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. United States Navy Funeral Honors will be rendered at 2:00 p.m. All other services and the inurnment will be private. 

John will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the hearts of his family and friends. His life was a testament to the importance of faith, service, family, friendship, and finding joy in life’s simple moments. While we will forever miss his phone calls, messages, stories, laughter, and the love he so freely shared, we are grateful for the remarkable life he lived and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Please share online condolences with the family by signing his guestbook through www.peacefulalternatives.com.