Gerald S. Palguta

Gerald Stephen Palguta, 87, of Allentown, passed away on July 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 26, 1939, in Josephine, PA, to Stephen and Catherine Palguta. Jerry graduated in 1956 from Oakmont High School and met his wife Rose at the age of 16. He proudly served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany and received the Army of Occupation Medal. He married his high school sweetheart in 1960 in Verona, PA. Jerry began his sales career at Smith Corona, then moved on to become a salesman and later, branch manager at Trailmobile in Pittsburgh. He relocated his family in 1977 to Allentown and became sales manager, then general manager at Allentown Brake and Wheel. He led the company through its acquisition by Hale Trailer and was the vice-president and general manager of Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel until his retirement in 2011. Jerry’s love of golf began as a teenager working as a caddy at Oakmont Country Club. His 15 minutes of fame was caddying at the U.S. Open in 1953 for Dick Metz, who was paired with Ben Hogan, the winner of the Open that year. Jerry and Rose loved traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe, with Jerry behind the wheel on many trips. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family; he was a devoted, generous, and fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jerry was a member of and served as a lector at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown, and a member of The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties’ Golf Committee. He was also a member of the Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Association. Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose (nee Panza), daughters, Karen (Daniel) Shoemaker of Allentown and Susan (Thomas) Donmoyer of Schnecksville, grandchildren, Elaine Donmoyer of Cleveland, OH, Catherine (Dario) Sorrentino, Emily (Ralph) Schultz and Jack Grady of Allentown and a great-grandson, Levi Schultz. He is also survived by his brother, Anthony Palguta of Sante Fe, TX, sister-in-law Susannah Palguta of Vero Beach, FL and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Palguta, Denis Palmer and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Palmer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11 A.M. at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11 A.M. in the Church. Interment immediately following Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to: St. Thomas More School, St. Joseph the Worker School, or Allentown Central Catholic High School.