The campus community mourns the passing of Gerald Commerford, 79, who died Saturday, March 14. Gerry retired after more than 40 years of service to Bucknell as the associate dean of students.
Gerry’s impact at Bucknell was remarkable and lasting. He always prioritized students, and as alums they consistently shared stories about how he touched and changed their lives. During his tenure, Gerry received numerous awards for his dedication and attention to a student-centered philosophy. In honor of his lasting impact, Bucknell established the Gerald W. Commerford Student Leadership Award, which is given annually to a student who demonstrates school spirit and a desire to make the University a better place, ensuring Gerry’s legacy will continue.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Gerry’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
Gerald William Commerford, known lovingly as Gerry, Papa G, Moon, Padre, and Uncle Ger, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital, just short of his 80th birthday.
Born April 15, 1946, in Rome, NY, Gerry was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in New Hartford, NY, Colgate University, and George Washington University, where he
earned his master’s degree.
He devoted 42 years to Bucknell University, beginning in Student Housing and retiring as Associate Dean of Students. In that role he touched the lives of thousands of students. A fixture on campus, Gerry was known for riding his motor scooter around town long before they were trendy. He was a passionate fan of Bucknell athletics,
college basketball and football, and a lifelong Yankees and Giants devotee. He spent his weekends on the Bucknell Golf Course and cherished golf trips with his buddies. He was a proud Colgate alumnus who attended every reunion and kept in touch with his Phi Psi fraternity brothers his entire life.
His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. Often a man of few words, Gerry could
throw out a zinger that sent the room into rolling laughter. A devoted dad, he constantly
let his children know how proud he was of them and made it clear he would do anything
for them — often insisting on paying the bill and declaring they were “on scholarship”
for this one.
He loved spending time with family at their lake house, The Owconomad, in Sylvan
Beach, NY — admiring the sunsets and playing cards, especially “Scat,” with his
nephews.
A lifelong Catholic, Gerry was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Lewisburg.
He is survived by his sisters Nancy Madis and Jean Nowicki; children Craig
Commerford (Jenny) and Kelly Shenoda (Mark); grandchildren Camille and Morgan
Commerford and Dylan and Quinn Shenoda; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald Wiley
Commerford and Mary (Servatius) Commerford; his former wife, Margo (Carr)
Commerford; and his sister Carol Commerford Owens.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 25, at Rooke Chapel on Bucknell’s
campus. Visitation 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the meditation chapel, Mass at 12:00 p.m.,
followed by a reception with light refreshments at Larison Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Bison Club or the
Colgate Fund.