Gerard J. Smetana, 68, of Lebanon rode off on the shiniest red fire truck to his next call on the late afternoon of Monday, September 19, 2022. He passed after many years of struggling with health issues facing each speedbump with the determination that he promised his wife to "stay on this side of the green grass".

Gerry was born on July 25, 1954 to now deceased parents John F. Smetana and Jennie (Mitchell) Smetana in Lebanon, PA. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen M. (Spangler) Smetana with whom he just celebrated 48 years of marriage; He is survived by his daughter Stephanie Hodgson, wife of Jeremiah Hodgson and their son Jesse. He is also survived by his son Michael Smetana husband of Tiana Smetana and their children Micah and Clara. He is also survived by his sister Sharon and his brother Phil (Jen), brother-in-laws Dawson Spangler, David Spangler, sister-in-laws Beverly Johnson and Judy Troxell (Gary) and lots of wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Gerry worked as a McDonalds manager for over 2 decades before moving on to new challenges as an ink technician for Bemis Flexible Packaging.

He volunteered for over 23 active years with the Lebanon City Fire Department and found his home with his brothers & sisters at Goodwill and Rural Security averaging hundreds of calls a year. He enjoyed metal detecting, fishing, and won many awards in gun competitions. He was known for his gift of gab and his kind and caring personality. If he felt he was on the right side of a cause he never backed down.

His biggest joy was spending time with his family and celebrating the milestones of his children and grandchildren who all brought light to his life. He will be sadly missed by all who crossed his path in this crazy world of ours. He made a difference.

No funeral services are being planned at this time.

The celebration of Gerry's well lived and well-loved life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you continue his legacy by doing an act of kindness every day. Keep him close in your memories and we hope those memories put a smile on your face.

Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com