Mr. Gerald “Jay” Diffenbaucher, 65, of Greencastle, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Born January 3, 1961, in Waynesboro, PA, Jay was the son of the late Gerald G. Diffenbaucher and Barbara A. (Jackson) Diffenbaucher of Thurmont, MD.
He was a 1978 graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School.
On July 11, 1983, he married the love of his life, Tina M. (Yeakle) Diffenbaucher, in Greencastle. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and quiet devotion.
Jay spent most of his career as a project manager for GRC General Contractors, a position he held from 1987 until his passing. His strong work ethic and hands-on skills were evident throughout his life.
He also owned and operated Diffenbaucher Metals, a metal fabrication business, from 2003 through 2004. Earlier in his career, Jay was an owner-operator over-the-road truck driver, and following high school he worked at Foremost Industries, helping to set up modular homes.
A true craftsman, Jay loved working with his hands. He had the rare ability to design, construct, and fix just about anything, using any material. If something was broken, Jay could make it right, and he was always willing to help, no matter how busy he was.
Above all else, Jay cherished his family, especially his two grandsons. No matter what demands the day brought, he always made time for them. Whether they were hunting, working on cars, helping with homework, or simply playing games together, those moments mattered deeply to him. His grandsons knew they could always count on their Pappy and that time with him was never rushed.
Jay also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved listening to country music on his favorite radio station, 95.9, and spending quiet moments watching for deer. He even named them, recognizing each one when they returned, a small reflection of his patient and observant nature.
In addition to his mother and his wife, Jay is survived by his daughter, Tracey Clark (Gus Castrillo) of Greencastle, PA, his two grandsons, Clinton L. Clark, III and Xavier A. Castrillo; his siblings, sister Ev Cornelius (Rodger) of Fayetteville, PA, brothers Steve L. Diffenbaucher (Lisa) of State Line, PA and Lynn A. Diffenbaucher (Lisa) of Cumberland, MD; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 S. Washington Street, Greencastle, PA.
Burial will be private at Macedonia Church Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
