Gerald "Jerry" Philip Harder

Gerald Philip Harder, 75, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona. Jerry passed peacefully while surrounded at his bedside by his loving wife, Veronica, and his children, Elizabeth, Theresa and Christopher. 

Jerry was born April 13, 1949, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to his parents James Harder and Isabel Harder (Hetrick). Jerry graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After high school, Jerry enlisted in in the U.S. Army and served in the Military Police Unit assigned to specialized security duty in Sinop, Turkey and then later stationed in Massachusetts and his final assignment was to Valley Forge.

Jerry began corresponding with his future wife, Veronica, while stationed in Turkey. The connection was sparked when Veronica's best friend's brother was also stationed in Sinop, Turkey, leading to their initial exchange of letters.  Jerry and the love of his life met in person following his return to the States. They fell in love and married on July 22, 1972, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Jerry's dream was to become a Police Officer following his discharge from the Army. He was hired onto the Wilkinsburg Police Department and became the Department's Head of the newly established Traffic Division. Jerry graduated from Northwestern University's Traffic Division Program. Jerry secured Highway Safety Funds for equipment, vehicles, and officer training grants, and he also generously assisted neighboring cities and towns in procuring grants on their own. Jerry received numerous commendations with the highest award being The Governor's Highway Safety Award for Enforcement presented to him on May 31, 1985, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Governor's Award was in recognition of his success in surveying, and planning traffic direction to enable the city of Wilkinsburg to cope with the increase influx of traffic during reconstruction of US 376. Jerry also completed the Pennsylvania State Police Accident Investigation Course and with this specialized training along with being a major asset to his department and nearby communities he became an expert witness in court cases. His enthusiasm and strong work ethic along with his specialized Accident Investigation Training resulted in accident investigation becoming the standard in the city, not just police report taking.

Jerry also attended New York State Police Academy's Police Officer's Driver's Training Certification Program. Following certification, in addition to his work on the Police Department, he trained officers at both Indiana State University and the Allegheny County Police Academy. 

Jerry was a car guy and enjoyed attending car shows and auctions. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91, the American Legion and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was also a passionate model car builder, especially muscle cars. He worked tirelessly painting and applying decals to city and state specific police vehicles. He donated many of his models to the corresponding police departments.

Jerry was so devoted to his family, and he loved all of us so very much as we did him. To his family and friends Jerry was a true gentleman. He was always very kind and willing to help.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents James and Isabel Harder, his sisters Christine Lackey and Suzanne Geklinsky.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Veronica Harder (Vanio), his daughter Elizabeth Ann Shumar (Shawn); his daughter Theresa Marie Dettler (Brett) and their children Scarlett Veronica and Emerson Brett; and his son Christopher Eric. He is also survived by his brother Larry Harder (Margaret), his sister Kathy Martin (Barry), and cousins John A. Staley IV (Patti), Madelon Hoctor and a large family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on March 12, 2025, at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 5802 E Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253. Interment with Military Honors will take place at 11 AM at the National Memorial Cemetary of Arizona, 29 East Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.