Harry Walter Lerch, age 88 of Carneys Point, died Saturday, April 26, 2025 in his home.

Born in Lake Township, PA, and raised in Clarksboro, NJ, he was the son of the late Charles and Jennie Lee Lerch. He attended Swedesboro High School where he was a tremendous athlete known for his great speed. He held the South Jersey track record in the 100-yard dash and the 220-yard dash for many years. He was also the Tri-County touchdown scoring leader in football in 1954. After high school, he joined the United States Navy.

After the Navy, he worked as a truck driver, often stopping on his lunch breaks to see his late wife, Elaine and give his grandchildren rides in his truck. In his retirement, he loved spending time with Elaine, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, being with his cats, snacking on Hershey’s chocolate, striking up conversations, finding new spots to eat, sharing his strong opinions, singing to anyone who would listen, going out for ice cream, and sitting on the porch. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and the rest of his family and could often be found bragging about those he loved to anyone who would listen. He would do anything for those who were lucky enough to be loved by him.

Walt is survived by his stepson, Leroy (Sue); his brother, Ron (Katie); his sister, Lillian; his grandchildren, Steph, Sean (Amanda), Becky (Mike), and Kim (Josh); his great-grandchildren, Ethan, Evan, Brayden, Ryleigh, Lane, Owen, and Eli; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary and Isabelle, and his brothers, Chuck, Robert, William, and Joseph.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at H.T. Layton Funeral Home, 102 S. Main St., Woodstown. Friends may visit from 9 AM until the time of service. Burial will take place after the service in the Salem County War Veterans Cemetery in Pilesgrove and a reception will be held following the burial at First Presbyterian Church in Salem. Please visit htlaytonfh.com to leave a note of condolence to his family. Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service.