George F. Umberger

It is with great sadness & broken hearts that we announce the passing of our family rock & protector, George F. Umberger, 82, of Bath, PA. George passed peacefully, surrounded in love by his family members & in the excellent care of the ICU medical staff at St. Luke's Anderson Hospital. He ascended into Heaven, just before sunrise, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

Born on July 6, 1942 in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late George Nickel Umberger & Cora (Slothour) Umberger. George was a man of great faith, integrity, generosity & honor. He was a highly respected Pennsylvania State Trooper & PA State Police Fire Marshal at Troop M in Bethlehem (Retired). Well known for his thorough investigative skills, fierce determination & passion for the job, George had a 34 year career with the PA State Police.

George was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he met his beloved wife Dorothy (Uhler) Umberger & formerly served on their Building Committee. He was a volunteer member of the Bath Fire Dept. He was a Photography Instructor at Northampton County Community College. He was a former Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 33 in Bath; as well as a coach for East Allen Township Youth League.George was one of the Founders of the Lehigh & Northampton Co Fire Investigation Training Assoc, where he taught his skills to various professionals. He was a member of the PA Assoc of Arson Investigators & a member of the Fraternal Order of Police PA Lodge 40. 

George was also a proud member of the Masons Slatington Lodge No 440. George was a 1959 graduate of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg & was a dedicated US Navy sailor who served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.George's life was defined by his love for God, his family & the great outdoors. He shared 46 years with his beloved wife, Linda (Willis) Umberger, who preceded him in death in 2011.George had many hobbies! Most of them involved enjoying the beauty of nature, especially outings with his son, Michael, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating & target shooting. He also enjoyed making memories with his daughter, while traveling to various spots to enjoy art, music, history, photography & nature. He really loved sitting in the family room, holding hands every night with Dorothy, while they enjoyed TV, as well as reading scriptures. Prior to his illness, the two loved to travel, attend church & to discover good food.

He will be lovingly remembered by his widow, Dorothy (Uhler) Umberger, of Bath, & he & Linda's children: Cheri L. (Zanette) Anessi, wife of Dan Anessi (Charleston, SC) & Michael G. Umberger, husband of Jodie (Denemark) Umberger (Charleston, SC). He has a grandson, Joseph K. Zanette II & wife Monique (Hilton Head, SC) as well as a Great Granddaughter, Valentina A. Zanette. George also has several nieces & nephews. Not to be forgotten, George has loved having another family member Simba, his fur baby who brought him so much joy. George's loving heart, wisdom, & gentle strength will be deeply missed by his family & those who loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in the Epworth United Methodist Church - 3245 Oakland Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Friends and Relatives are invited to call on Sunday from Noon until the time of the service at church. Graveside Services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 28, 2025 in the Rolling Green Cemetery - 1811 Carlisle Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011. (meet at cemetery gate at 10:45 AM) Arrangements are under the care and direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC., - Moorestown - Bath.

Flowers are encouraged however if you prefer a monetary gift please consider a memorial contribution to Epworth UMC. https://epworthbethlehempa.org/donate/