Our beloved brother, cousin, uncle, nephew, and brother-in-law Gerard J. Elias, 61, of Bressler, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 24th at Harrisburg Hospital.

Gerard was the youngest son of the late Anna T. and Andrew J. Elias, Sr. Six siblings, who are also the pallbearers survive him: Andy ''JR'' Jr. (Maria) of Delaware, Michael (Sharon) of Harrisburg, Joanne Archfield (Thomas) of Mechanicsburg, Jeannette, his caregiver, Mark (Maria) of Oberlin and Timothy (Deb) of Harrisburg. He is uncle to: Renee, Stacey, TJ, Marcy, Jessica, BJ, Carly, Sara, Anna, Emily, and Becca. He is cousin to Halina, Ania, Bella and Abi. Gerard was a special nephew to Jadwiga and the late Jerzy Lisek of Poland.

He graduated from the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) learning program in 1982, worked at the Center for Industrial training (CIT) and later retired from the Harrisburg Hilton.

Gerard was an extraordinarily loving person who brought us joy and love. Gerard loved animals, especially dogs. He loved bowling, swimming, and going to the Stone Harbor beach with the Muretic families. He enjoyed going for walks, even while using a walker. We will miss the light in his eyes, his ready smile, and warm hugs.

A celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, on Monday January 2, 2023, in Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 815 South 2nd Street, Steelton, PA 17113 with the Reverend Jonathan P. Sawicki, Pastor as Celebrant. Prior to that, a viewing will be at the Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 357 South Harrisburg Street, Oberlin, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A private family burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Tuesday.

Since Gerard''s favorite color is red, we ask you to honor him by your very presence and by wearing an article of red to his service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prince of Peace Parish or Special Olympics Area M, 55 Miller St. Enola, PA 17025.