It is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Minisink Hook & Ladder Co. #1 and the Goshen Fire District announce the passing of one of their most respected and beloved members, Gerard H. “Jerry” Killenberger.
Jerry passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy etched in courage, humility, and unwavering service. His loss is not just felt within the firehouse walls, but throughout the entire Goshen community, where his name was synonymous with selflessness, dedication, and quiet strength.
For more than four decades, Jerry served the Minisink Hook & Ladder Co. #1 with distinction and honor. He was not only a devoted firefighter but a mentor, a leader, and most importantly, a friend. His calm demeanor in times of crisis, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of fire service, made him a trusted figure both on the fireground and in the firehouse. When younger members walked through the doors of the company for the first time, they often found Jerry waiting to greet them with a firm handshake, a quick smile, and the kind of words that instill confidence and pride in the calling of service.
Beyond his fire department contributions, Jerry Killenberger embodied the true spirit of community. Whether responding to a midnight alarm or volunteering at a local fundraiser, he gave freely of his time, always placing the needs of others above his own. His decades of sacrifice and commitment are reflected in the respect and admiration held by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A lifetime resident of Goshen, Jerry was deeply rooted in the traditions and values that shaped this close-knit town. He believed in the strength of neighbors helping neighbors and in the quiet power of showing up—day after day, call after call. His contributions were not loud or boastful; they were steady, faithful, and unshakeable. And that is how he will be remembered.
Those who served alongside Jerry speak of his unwavering reliability. He was the type of firefighter who was always there—through storms, blazing heat, and bitter cold. His gear was never far from reach, and his heart was always all-in. He showed what it meant to be committed not for the recognition, but for the love of the job and the people it protected.
Jerry’s impact reached beyond the fire service. He was a family man, a neighbor, and a friend. To his loved ones, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. We know that words cannot ease the pain of such a loss, but we hope it brings some comfort to know how deeply Jerry was admired by his second family—the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.
In honoring his life, the Goshen Fire District and the Minisink Hook & Ladder Co. #1 will carry forward his spirit in every call we answer, in every act of service, and in the way we lift up one another in times of sorrow.
A final bell rings for Gerard H. “Jerry” Killenberger, a man who answered every call with courage and compassion. Though his boots now rest, his legacy marches on in the hearts of all he touched.
Rest in peace, Brother Jerry.
We’ll take it from here.
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