Ridgeway – Gerald Joseph "GJ" Lease, age 85, of Ridgeway, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2017 at his home. He was born January 9, 1932 to Edward Sr. and Mary (Kiley) Lease. He was one of 11 children raised on the family farm south of Ridgeway.

He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 serving aboard the USS Mellette A.P.A-156 stationed in Greenland and Korea. He was proud to serve his country. He drove semi for Paoli Mill before joining Hammersley Stone where he retired after 34 years. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dianne (Stampfl); his six sons Gerald (Brenda), John (Janet), Jeff (Lynn), Jay (Karen), Jan (Claudia) and Jim (Emma). As well as, his sisters, Virginia Lease and Betty Sawle, 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings Edward Jr., Bernard, Raymond, David, Donald, Dolores, Loraine, Averill and 2 grandchildren Travis and Tara.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at ST. BRIDGET'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Ridgeway. Monsignor Daniel Ganshert will officiate. Burial will be held in St. Bridget's Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the Ridgeway American Legion. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Tuesday at the church.