Gerard Broschart

Rev. Gerard Joseph Broschart, age 70, entered into the Lord’s presence on Friday, January 27, 2023, in Danville VA. We believe he was singing, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – Sweetest Name I Know”. He died as he lived, cracking jokes, and making demands like a beloved New Yorker.

Gerard (Jerry) was born on July 31, 1952, to the late Gerard Robert Broschart and Estelle Dolores Wagner Broschart at the Swedish Hospital in New York City, Queens Borough.

Jerry completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences in 1976 at State University of New York at Stony Brook. He enlisted in the Army as a Medical Specialist, served in the Headquarters and Support Company, served in the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS and was honorably discharged in 1982. He received The Army Commendation Medal for outstanding meritorious service in these roles. Jerry attended Central Baptist Seminary. Following graduation Jerry served as an Army Reserve Chaplain for approximately five years.

As an American Baptist minister, Jerry served churches in Gypsum KS, Bellville KS, Bridgeport NE, Conneaut OH, Newcomerstown OH, and Milton PA; He then went on to serve as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving churches in Norwich OH, New Concord OH and Dormont PA.

Jerry sought to bring a sense of hope to those in need. Whether as a Chaplain on death row at Ft. Leavenworth KS, a social worker among ethnic inmates to Riker’s Island in NY or ministering as a pastor to Native Americans in NE, he proclaimed the good news of hope in Jesus Christ. He believed that “Preaching God’s Word and Proclaiming God’s Grace” was essential to a Christian witness. He was proud to serve the Westminster Presbyterian Church in New Concord OH, the home church of Senator John Glenn. Jerry served successfully and faithfully as a church redevelopment specialist.

Jerry enjoyed reading and watching movies, especially schlocky, old horror films. As a young man he bicycled through parts of Europe. He loved rock music and counted seeing Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen live as some of the great experiences of his life.

He leaves his wife, the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Broschart, whom he married April 16, 2000, in New Concord OH; a son, Ben Gerard (Ronnelle) Broschart of Clintonville OH; a daughter, Emily Broschart, of Harleysville PA; two stepchildren, Aaron M. (Stephanie) Hall of Cortland OH and Kari (Cody) Chase of Yulee FL; five grandchildren: Owen Broschart, Eloise Broschart, Audrina Chase, Connor Chase, and Raynor Chase. In addition, he leaves two sisters, Linda Harris of Shawnee KS, and Michele (Nick) Dinozzio of Port Jefferson Station NY, and a brother, Mark (Felicia) Broschart of Escondido CA, his nieces, nephews, and the true love of his life, Zoe, a spoiled rotten Jack Russell.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Danville VA on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Carl Utley officiating. A private burial with military rites will take place at another time in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to the Abukloi School in South Sudan via checks made payable to First Presbyterian Church or the Presbytery of the Peaks.