Gerald E. “Jerry” Mitchell, 77, of Allentown, died peacefully May 7, 2024.

He and his wife, Jan (Bortz) Mitchel, shared 46 years of love, laughter and companionship.

He was also a loving father to Jennifer Mitchell Kunkel and a doting grandfather to his pride and joy, Harley Mitchell Kunkel.

Born Nov. 17, 1946, in the Bronx, N.Y., he was a son of the late Gerald E. Mitchell, Sr. and Dorothy (Shanaman) Mitchell.

He grew up in Lancaster, and moved to the Allentown area where he raised his family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves, embodying the values of duty and honor throughout his service.

His journey through life was marked by his remarkable work ethic and determination.

At the age of 19, he began his career at Burger King behind the grill, where his dedication and hard work propelled him forward.

With perseverance and passion, he worked his way up the ranks to become president of more than 40 Burger King stores, a testament to his unwavering commitment and leadership skills.

In his leisure time, he found joy in playing pool, showcasing his skill and competitive spirit.

He looked forward to the fall season when he attended many Penn State Football games with friends, for which he was a season-ticket holder for 46 years. Additionally, he was a devoted fan of Jimmy Buffett, enjoying the tropical melodies and laid-back vibes of Buffett’s music as evidenced by his attendance at his shows annually.

After retirement, he became an avid golfer, spending countless hours on the green perfecting his swing and sharing laughs with friends.

He also enjoyed the serenity of sailing whenever he could.

His quick wit and infectious humor was a constant source of joy in the lives of those around him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Jennifer, wife of Harley Kunkel III; grandson Harley M. Kunkel; sister Lynn Ann (Mitchell) Shumaker of Sun City, Ariz.; brother-in-law David Bortz and wife, Fran, of Charlotte, N.C.; and nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth that will be cherished by his family and friends forever.

He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered as a true lover of life, embracing each moment with enthusiasm and a zest for living.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors and/or to the Autism Foundation, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.