George Nicholas Demshock, born November 1, 1926 in Hazleton, PA, passed away at his home on Wednesday October 18, 2017 at age 90. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Susan Fritz Demshock, Sr. and his brother Joseph Demshock, Jr. of Hazleton.
George graduated from the Hazleton School District in 1944. On January 19, 1945 at age 18, George was drafted into the US Army. He served as a staff sergeant at the 360th Station Hospital, headquarters, Manila, Philippine Islands until his honorable discharge on December 15, 1946. Following his discharge George obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Education Administration and Supervision at Pennsylvania State University in 1951 and 1953 respectively. George was president of both Kappa Phi Kappa as an undergraduate and Phi Delta Kappa, his graduate honorary education fraternities.
George readily spoke of his gratitude for the GI Bill that enabled him to develop his talents and fullfill his goal of devoting his life to children and their families and to promoting education and citizenship. He began his service to children with his first position at the State College School District as a High School Business Education and Cooperative Office Practice Teacher. He was the Business manager at Slippery Rock State Teachers College and administrator in the Teacher Placement Office of Pennsylvania State University. George also held the position of Junior High School Assistant Principal at Radnor Township School District and Assistant High School Principal then Principal at the State College School District. On July 1, 1991, George retired as Director of Professional Development of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
George was a member of the following professional organizations: Pennsylvania State Education Association, National Education Association, Secondary Principals Association and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He was a current member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree and the American Legion Post 272, Linglestown, as well as a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club, Elks Lodge and the Loyal Order of Moose. He was a lifetime member of the Pioneer Fire Company, Hazleton.
In addition to his dedication to education, those who knew George well will smile and recall many stories about his passion for politics and civil responsibilities as well as his love of travel - especially to the south and west where he happily avoided Pennsylvania's wintery months.
George will be warmly remembered for his Demshock Gazette, issued each Christmas, in which he regaled his readers with stories of his life, his travels, his thoughts and beliefs. George especially enjoyed his annual treks to the Hawaiian Islands.
At the end of his life, when asked what he most valued, George replied: "My family and my friends. I am so lucky, so grateful." We like to think George is smiling from that Hawaii in the sky saying "Mahalo! Aloha! Ke Akula pu a hui hou!"
George is survived by his nephews Joseph Demshock, III, David Demshock, Sr, and John Demshock as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces - Robert (Michele), Mary Jo Melas (Larry), Michael (Allison), Kathleen, David, Jr. (Mary Jo), Daniel (Danielle) and Douglas.
George was a long time member and supporter of Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Church Harrisburg and a former member of Saint Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church of Hazleton. He was proud to be an organ donor.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, 5408 locust Lane, Harrisburg,17109, followed by the funeral divine liturgy at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Michael G. Popson, his pastor officiating. Internment will be private, at the convenience of the family. George felt strongly no one should go to bed hungry. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, 3908 Corey Rd, Harrisburg, 17109.
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