Gerald L. Brenneman CPA, age 65, of Carlisle, PA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

He was born on May 31, 1955 in Harrisburg, PA, to Robert and Geraldine Brenneman. He was well loved by both of his parents who provided him with a happy childhood during their relatively short time together. He was particularly fond of his father who instilled in him a love for the outdoors through fishing and hunting trips in the area.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bobby, who died of cancer in 1962. His father tragically died at home in 1968, leaving him responsible to care for his mother with the support of his extended family, particularly his Uncle Bill. These events had a profound impact upon Gerry's life, causing him to place a high importance on providing his family with stability, safety, and security.

Gerry grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA and graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1973. He attended Shippensburg State College and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He developed meaningful friendships with his fraternity brothers there who became lifelong friends. He met his future wife, Maryann, during their time at Shippensburg and he supported her as she started her teaching career. His son was born in 1981, and from the day of his birth onward Gerry made his son's education his priority. He was drawn to the field of accounting due to an interest in mathematics and helping to plan for the financial present and future. He completed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in 1981 and initially worked for the practice of McKeon & Hassler. He then founded his own practice that grew into Brenneman & Associates with the help of his loyal employees. He was particularly proud of growing his business into a practice that directly represented the honest, reliable, and trustworthy life that he lived.

He was a lifelong resident of Cumberland County and valued his community, the people and businesses that comprised it. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Society of Accountants. He previously served as president of the South Central Chapter and state president of the Pennsylvania Society of Tax and Accounting Professionals (formerly known as the Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants). He also previously served as Treasurer for the Salvation Army of Carlisle and the Carlisle Area Economic Development Committee as well as various other committees in the community. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in New Kingston where he had served in various capacities as needed. He shared his love for those in his life by actions more often than words. It is thus fitting that words cannot adequately express our profound sadness at his untimely passing.

Gerry was consistently concerned for the present and future well-being of those in his life. As a father and husband he provided stability, love, and unbiased advice whenever needed, sometimes unsolicited but always in our best interest. He worked long hours during each tax season and looked forward to going fishing for trout in the Yellow Breeches and LeTort waterways, and for salmon with his good friends in New York. This year the tax season was twice as long due to the current circumstances, but he completed it without complaints with the help of his dedicated team.

In the last year of his life Gerry was able to spend quality time with his wife and son. He and his wife were able to share one year of her retirement from her career as an educator. He was immensely proud of his family and we are forever grateful he had the time and health to express his feelings to us. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Maryann (McCoy) Brenneman of Carlisle, a son Randall Brenneman, M.D., Ph.D. (Elizabeth Sullivan, Ph.D.) of O'Fallon, IL, mother-in-law Violet McCoy, and several cousins in the South Central Pennsylvania region.

Gerry valued safety and security due to his life experiences and would not want to place others at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Private graveside services for the family will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday August 13, 2020 at Rolling Green Memorial Park in Camp Hill, PA. A memorial service may be planned for a later date when appropriate and safe for all involved. He is now in his forever office, so individual visits to his burial site in the future would be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, New Kingstown, PA or the Yellow Breeches Anglers & Conservation Association.  www.EwingBrothers.com