Gerry (Marvin Gerhardt) Castleberry

Gerry Castleberry passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2026. He will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, and love of travel and reading. Throughout his life, he brought that same spirit to his family, his work in education and rehabilitation, and the friends he kept close.

Gerry grew up in Burlingame, California, and graduated from Mills High School. His love of sports started early—on the football field, the wrestling mat, the track, and on the ski slopes of Tahoe and Sweden. Always curious and eager for the next adventure, he was constantly on the move: hiking trails, four-wheel driving, and fishing the lakes of the Sierra Mountains near the family cabin. He felt most at home where the air was thin and the views were grand.

After earning a B.S. in Physical Education from Pacific University in Oregon and an M.S. in Therapeutic Rehabilitation from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, Gerry built a career rooted in helping others. He served as an adjunct athletic trainer at Stanislaus State University, worked in kinesiotherapy at the Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles, and concluded his career with Modesto City Schools as a program manager and health and physical education teacher. In every role, he took pride in his work and looked out for others.

Gerry’s curiosity about the world began early, when his family spent a year in Beirut, Lebanon, where his father taught at the American University of Beirut. Traveling to and from Beirut took the family around the world—by ship and by Volkswagen bus. A later year in Sweden, along with travel in Europe, deepened Gerry’s love of exploring the world.

Gerry had a remarkable memory and a true gift for conversation. He could move effortlessly from discussing the mechanics of a human body, to sharing thoughts on interesting books he read or describing the best fishing lakes in the Sierra Mountains-all in the same breath. His sharp wit and quick humor put people at ease and brought laughter wherever he went. Friends and family will deeply miss his lively repartee, his endless store of knowledge, and his uncanny ability to offer the perfect fun fact at just the right moment.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Nirul; his sons, TJ and William; his granddaughter, Shyanne; his sister, Karen Seminoff, and her husband, David; and his niece and nephew, Samantha and Chris.

Friends and family will remember his love of learning, quick wit, and the way he made others feel welcome and included.

A celebration of Gerry’s well-lived life will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Modesto on May 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Please join us for light refreshments following the service. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Gerry by spending time in nature, reading a book that inspires you, or donating to a charity of your choice.

“And into the mountains I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

— Attributed to John Muir