Mar 6, 2026

Ligonier

John H. “Buzz” Gera, 79, of Ligonier, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Allegheny Valley Hospital. He was born June 29, 1946 in Allison, Fayette County, a son of the late John and Mary Gera.

John was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Vietnam War.

He retired from the FBI in 2002 after serving as a special agent for 30 years and held a position with the New York City SWAT team. He was the first agent to declare the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville September 11, 2001 as a crime scene. After his retirement from the FBI, John worked as the director of security for Rolling Rock Farms.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Bradenville, where he served on church council.

John enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with his family and at his camp. Hunting, golfing, and sport shooting were among his favorite pastimes. He was a former co-chair of the Ducks Unlimited banquet in Westmoreland County and was a member of several sportsmen’s clubs including: Kingston, Derry Rod and Gun, Cooperstown, Sinnemahoning, Sterling Run and May Hollow. He was also a member of the American-Greek Catholic Beneficial Society and the American Slovak Society in Bradenville.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy DeSchepper; two sisters, Mary Ann Rohaley and Georgette Gera; and three brothers-in- law, Jerry Chapala and Lou Mangini, and John Rohaley.

John had faith in God and was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Joyce Dargai Gera. Their love story began as high school sweethearts and after five years of dating, lasted for almost 58 years of marriage, which was a partnership of devotion and respect.

He is also survived by four grandsons, who he was very devoted to and helped raise: Jacob DeSchepper (Millicent), Jonathan DeSchepper (Charli), Joseph DeSchepper, who still lives with John and Joyce, and James DeSchepper (Kyrstin); three siblings: Sonja Chapala, Jean Mangini, and Ted Gera (Barbara); his son-in-law, Scott DeSchepper (Jillian); a number of nieces and nephews, and many friends.

John always made time for his family through challenges and celebrations. He was a very generous man who, even after his passing, gave others a better chance at life by being an organ and tissue donor.

Friends will be received Friday, March 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1500 Ligonier Street, Latrobe. Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 112 St. Mary’s Way, Bradenville, PA 15620. Everyone is asked to please go directly to church. Interment, with full military honors accorded by VFW Post 33 Honor Guard, will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

To post a condolence for the family, visit www.hartman-grazianofuneralhome.com