Obituary of Gerald W. Stover

Gerald William Stover, of Belvidere, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and family on May 1, 2025 after a brief struggle with cancer.  He was 74 years old.

Born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico and raised in Souderton, Pennsylvania, Gerald spent most of his adult life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was self-employed as a painting contractor.  He took pride in his work and he particularly enjoyed helping to preserve some of the historic buildings in the City of Bethlehem.  

A graduate of Temple University and Moravian Theological Seminary, Gerald was known for his keen mind and his facility with words.  While at Temple University, he met the Focolare Movement, an international renewal movement of the Roman Catholic Church, which greatly influenced his spirituality and his life.  Raised in the Mennonite tradition, he had a deep appreciation for all denominations of the Christian Church, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox.  He worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of Christian Unity, both on his own and, for several years, with the Lehigh Conference of Churches.

Gerald had a variety of interests, including kayaking, woodworking, and cooking.  He was a talented woodworker, building two of his own kayaks and making beautiful jewelry for family members.  He loved meeting new people and talking with them, and he was always willing to lend a hand to others.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A graveside burial service for Gerald will be held at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Cemetery, 713 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 8th at 11:00 a.m.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9th at the United Presbyterian Church, 224 Mansfield Street, Belvidere, New Jersey, preceded by a calling hour from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the church.  The service will be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gerald’s memory may be made to the Board of World Mission (Moravian Church) to support Mercy World Organization, which helps children in Tanzania who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.  Please make checks out to Board of World Mission and send to: Board of World Mission 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA  18018.