Dr. John "Jerry" Dropp

Dr. John J. “Jerry” Dropp, age 83 of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Born in Monessen, PA, on December 2, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Mary Dropp.

Jerry led a full life as a son, brother, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Washington and Jefferson College in 1962, his Master’s Degree from Ohio University in 1964, and a PhD in Biology Degree from Oregon State University in 1968. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict, which included time at the Walter Reed Army Institute. He was an internationally published researcher. He taught at Wilson College, Dickinson College, and Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, where he retired with professor emeritus status. Jerry was a passionate educator who found immense joy and purpose in sharing knowledge with others and igniting curiosity. He was a lifelong learner, a naturalist, an avid reader, a history buff, crossword puzzle expert, hodophile, supporter of the national parks, patron of the arts, jazz enthusiast, Ravens fan, and video poker aficionado. 

Surviving is his wife, Katherine Dolnack Dropp; two daughters, Michelle Smith (husband J. Kevin) of Hagerstown, MD and Debora Farlow (husband Chris) of Bishopville, MD; three grandchildren, Ryan Farlow, Jessica Skinner (husband Alex), and Carey Farlow (wife Hayley); three great-grandchildren, Arya Skinner and Olivia and Roland Farlow; and brother, Joseph Michael Dropp of Elco, PA.

“I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, the tones of the avalanche, and acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens…altogether as one harmony. I will follow my instincts…be myself for good or for ill, not leaving the world, but going into it.” -John Muir 

Services and interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Parks Foundation in his name at nationalparks.org. Online condolences may be offered on his page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.