Final Salute

Gerald (Gerry) Leslie McKay, a man of immense spirit, service, and devotion, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Born on a warm, gorgeous day on September 29, 1944, Gerry was the second son of the late Leonard and Wilma McKay.

Growing up alongside his brother, Lawrence (Larry) J. McKay, Gerry’s childhood was a series of adventures filled with games of hopscotch, marbles, and cowboys and Indians. This playful nature evolved into a lifelong competitive streak; a gifted “lefty” on the baseball field and a self-proclaimed world arm-wrestling champion, Gerry lived life with a vibrant, winning energy. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and excitement in hunting and fishing.

A 1962 graduate of Fort Hill High School, Gerry’s legacy of service began early. With his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the United States Navy during his senior year. He set sail as a SEABEE, serving in Puerto Rico and later across the globe in Guam, Japan, and Alaska. His distinguished military career spanned three decades, including vital support for the initial stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. After 31 years of honorable service, he retired as a Command Master Chief, a testament to his leadership and dedication to his country.

In his civilian life, Gerry applied his work ethic to the Maryland State Highway Administration. He later became an independent consultant, contributing his expertise to the design and construction of many of the bridges and roads that define the landscape of Western Maryland today.

Gerry was blessed with 50 years of marriage to his late and beautiful wife, Barbara Kay McKay (Thompson). Together, they built a lasting family legacy. He is survived by their two children, Leslie Phillips and her husband Bob, and Michael McKay and his wife Susan. He was the proud grandfather of six and a great-grandfather of eight, including his newest great-grandson born this past New Year’s Eve.

Gerry later found love and companionship again with his wife, Joan Fischer, a woman known for her extraordinary heart. After Joan selflessly cared for Barb during her illness, she and Gerry shared a beautiful chapter of life together. Through his marriage to Joan, Gerry is also survived by Pam and Jay Thurber, Robert and Denise Fischer, Haley and Eric Martell, Robert and Rachel Swope, and Pheonix; 3 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren.

Gerry will be remembered as a patriot, a builder, and a family man who never lost his competitive spark, his love for a good adventure, and his evenings spent with loved ones singing, dancing and enjoying life to the fullest!

Funeral services will be held at the Osborne Funeral Home, P.A. 425 S. Conococheague St. Williamsport, MD on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12:00 (noon) with Pastor Clint Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the service on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 (noon). Graveside services will be in Hillcrest Burial Park Cumberland, MD on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Military graveside services will be provided by Fort Cumberland American Legion Post #13.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald, please visit our floral store.