Jerome "Jerry" Garbacik, Sr.

Jerome “Jerry” Garbacik, Sr., 83, of Berwick, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton. Born in Drums on November 3, 1942, he was a son to the late Thomas and Julia (Mylet) Garbacik.

Jerry was a graduate of Central Columbia High School, Class of 1962, and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed a long career with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, from which he retired. Jerry was a member of Knapp Lodge #462 F&AM and of Jesse Thomas American Legion Post 495 in Shickshinny. He was an avid outdoorsman who spent time hunting, trapping, and fishing. He took pride in his organic garden and loved canning the produce that he grew. He also enjoyed coin collecting. Jerry’s greatest joys, however, were his family and friends and the times spent with them.

Surviving Jerry are his family: Jerome Garbacik, Jr., of Drums; Daniel and Dennette Yarnell, of Nescopeck, and their children: Jacob, Benjamin, and Isaac; Michael and June Krolikowski, of Nescopeck; Michael and Tina Krolikowski, of Fenelton, and their children: Lee and June; Krista and Joseph Troiani, of Danville, and their children: Gemma, Nadia, Bianca, Antonio, and Cristiano; Veronica and Cortland Dove, of Bloomsburg, and their children: Vivian and Alana; Abraham Krolikowski, of Nescopeck; Matthew and Stephanie Krolikowski, of Muncy; Matthew Krolikowski, of Kingsport, and his children: Maya, Ember, and Declan; James Krolikowski, of Kingsport; Nancy and John Moyer, of Huntingdon; Pamela and Michael Kleintob, of Berwick; Rosemary Hopper, of Berwick; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Nancy Hopper, her son Don E. Hopper, and her step-son Jesse R. Hopper, Jr.; and siblings: Thomas, Jr., James, William, Lawrence, Gabriel, Phillip, Sylvia, and Beatrice Garbacik, and Annaseda Bell.

All are welcome to join Jerry’s family for his Funeral Service 2 PM Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 E. Third Street, Berwick, PA 18603. Father Dominic Azagbor will officiate. Friends will be received from 1 PM until the time of the service at 2 PM. Interment, with Military Honors, at Elan Memorial Park will follow. Memorial contributions in Jerry’s name may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, Office of Institutional Advancement, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111. The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., of Berwick, is honored to serve Jerry’s family. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.