Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Roger Hornberger Obituary
March 19, 2010
Roger J. Hornberger, 59, of Schuylkill Haven, died Friday at home.
Born in Pottsville, Dec. 8, 1950, he was a son of the late James W. and Olive R. Ryland Hornberger.
He was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School class of 1968 and a graduate of Penn State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and his master's degree in ground water geology.
He worked for the former PA DER, now DEP, in 1978 as an intern in Harrisburg, where he was manager of the Pottsville office for 19 years, retiring in 2006.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Country Club for many years, Tremont Clubsters and Schuylkill Haven Golf League.
Roger was a member of Army National Guard for 22 years in Schuylkill County with the Red Horse Division.
Surviving are his aunt, Grace Koble, Schuylkill Haven; his uncle, Calvin Hornberger, Cressona; and many cousins.
A visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 am Tuesday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Daniel Bell officiating. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family requests memorial donations to be made to Schuylkill Haven American Legion Post 38, Parkway, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, or Jerusalem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Condolences can be sent to www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Hornberger
Toni McLeod
August 7, 2022
I knew Roger years ago when he (and I a few others) shared a farmhouse in Waddle, PA.
I had a big garden and would be into the wee hours canning and freezing the harvest. Roger would perch on the countertop and we would talk about so many topics-
our lives, relationships, school...Roger was an incredible person. I was moved to look him up because as you go through life you remember really good, genuine people. I am so sad he passed, way too soon. Rest In Peace, Roger.
Frank Sullivan
April 1, 2010
Roger was a great and honorable man who served his nation and state with dignity and honor. He always had a smile and went about performing his duties with dedication. He left behind a large group of friends in RED HORSE, his Air National Guard Squadron, and he will be remembered always as a patriot and fellow airman.
Elaine Holland
March 30, 2010
'So saddened to hear of Roger's passing. He was always so sweet, temperate and polite...a perfect gentleman. I never heard him say an unkind word to or about anyone. My deepest sympathies to the family. God speed, Roger.
Snipps Reber
March 26, 2010
How sad to hear of Rogers passing. May he be comforted by internal peace.
What a gentle kind soul Roger was- Evenings at the legion will not be the same. We did not know Roger well but for many years he was always that familar hello with that innocent boy smile and always a good nite wish as he departed. What a humble soul he was and how sad to learn of his passing. Reading entries from folk that knew Roger - Wow! what an inspiration he must have been as he served his purpose in life and we can only hope that he is now Resting in Peace. You will be Missed - Roger and Our prayers extent to all you have touched. Our Sympathy~ Mike & Snipps Reber
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
David Hess
March 25, 2010
Roger advanced our scientific understanding of mine drainage issues and remediation techniques with a quiet competence that was instantly credible with the public and professionals alike.
His legacy is not only a significant body of knowledge, but hundreds of miles of restored streams throughout Pennsylvania and wherever there is mining.
-- David Hess, former Secretary of DEP
March 25, 2010
Roger, you will be missed. I hope you have found peace within you. The legion members and auxiliary will deeply miss you.
Eileen & Gits
loretta kershner-conrad
March 24, 2010
20 years had passed before Roger and I rekindeled our friendship...and he remembered what i was wearing the last time he saw me.....! All the condolences offered here are so, so, true...he was the absolute gentlemen, kind of heart, humble, and pure-spirited. A man who valued his friends and held them close to his heart. He was incredibly brillliant, I used to tease him about the remarkable legacy he would someday leave behind....who knew that day would come so soon...Along with all those things, he had an enormous love of percussion, him playing drums is one of my fondest memories. When he was relaxed and could separate himself from the concerns of work and the world, he had a deliteful sense of humor...once asking me to read the ingredients of the trail mix we were eating and having the funniest fit about what canteloupe was doing in it! We shared a love of the same music. There was so, so much more to this man and I have been so blessed to have seen it and shared it. Roger, there'll always be sunshine when i think of you. May this simple candle be a smalll beacon for you to find your way to your eternal life
Jack Guitas
March 23, 2010
I sincerely hope that Roger has found piece at last. He was a good person and a great friend to all as well as a patriot having served with the Redhorse National Guard for so many years. Here is a toast to Roger for eternity...WOOF
Bernie Hoffnar
March 23, 2010
I knew Roger. I respected Roger. Pennsylvania will miss Roger. My condolences to his family.
Greg Bolton
March 23, 2010
Reading all the messages left by Roger's friends and golf buddies help me to realize what I'd missed. The last time I saw Roger was on the 1st tee at SCC - great smile, warm hello, as though no time had passed since our HS days. Roger was one of the kindest, gentlest human being I've ever known, and the world is sadder with his passing.
March 23, 2010
Sympathy and love to all of Roger's family, friends, and aquaintences. May your heart and soul find eternal peace Roger. You will be missed and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love, your RED LION family
Jim Kimmel
March 23, 2010
One of the nicest person I have ever know is now gone, but will never be forgotten. My sincere sympathy to Roger's family.
March 23, 2010
Rest in peace, Roger. You were a consummate gentleman. I'm lucky to have shared some laughs with you whether over dinner or on the ski slopes. You will be missed. Woof!
Jan Troy
Albert Mabus
March 23, 2010
I am so sorry to learn of Roger's passing. I Knew Roger through the DEP and EPCAMR. He was a fair and thoughtful man. I first came to know him through a Compliance Issue at one of our quarries. We needed to correct a bad situation. We ultimately paid a fine but Roger was more concerned with making the needed corrections than he was about collecting dollars. He was a good leader and he will be missed. Our condolences to his family.
Tom Miller
March 23, 2010
Roger was an inspiration to many of us working at DEP (DER). He was a great role model for how a technical person should express and conduct himself. Many knew him better than I but he always remembered my name and had a good story or anecdote to tell. My condolences to Roger's family. Pennsylvania is poorer for his passing. Rest in peace.
Joe Pizarchik
March 23, 2010
Roger's passing is a great loss to Pennsylvania and to the environment. He did so much in his career to advance environmental protection and scientifically sound, responsible mining. He was also a great storyteller--"wa-hoo!" And if Roger told you a restaurant was good, you could rest assured it was. He will be missed.
Leon "Inky" Curran
March 23, 2010
A great lifelong friend lost. I will always cherish the memories growing up together, the fishing and camping we did. My deepest sympathy to Roger's family and friends.
Leon "Inky" Curran
March 23, 2010
A great lifelong friend lost. I will always cherish the memories growing up together, the fishing and camping we did. My deepest sympathy to Roger's family and friends.
March 22, 2010
god took a look around his garden and found an empty place,he took a look upon the earth and saw your tired face,he put his arm around you roger and lifted you to rest.his garden must be beautiful for he only picks the best. hope you are at peace now. will miss you dolores heffner,sch.haven,pa
Bob and Ellie Martz
March 22, 2010
We offer our sincerest condolences in your loss of Roger. The legion gang will really miss him! May you rest in peace Woof!
Sonya Augustine
March 22, 2010
My sincere and deepest sympathy to Roger's family. I have fond memories working with him in DER Harrisburg. He touched the lives of all who knew him. Now he is at Peace.
Deborah Davis
March 22, 2010
I am very honored to have known Roger and have the opportunity to spend time with him. He always made me laugh. He was such a sweet and caring sole. He will be sadly missed. My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends that loved and cared about him.
Dan Welte
March 22, 2010
May God be with you Roger. Your contributions to the mining program were great. I am sorry that your passing was so soon.
Curt Pieper
March 22, 2010
Roger, you always seemed to be able to find the resources to get the job done. I always admired you for that, even when I didn't completely understand how you did it. That is what made you so valuable to us all. The earth is a far better place today because you helped to take care of it, and to heal it. We who have known you over the years are better people today because of your kindness, honesty, and commitment to doing what you knew was in the best interest of all. The Roger we knew and loved has been missed the past couple of years. You will continue to be loved and missed in the years to come. God Bless You, Roger Hornberger.
Lara Logan
March 22, 2010
Roger fought for the environment with a fierceness of spirit, but at the same time was a gentle, kind, nurturing soul. Best wishes and sympathy to his family.
March 22, 2010
Roger was a good friend and an excellent colleague. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed by many. I don't play golf but I will miss visiting the course he was going to design. The many contributions he made, however, will live beyond him.
Joe Donovan
PSU Geosciences '74, '92
Bill Dellicker
March 22, 2010
Roger will always be remembered for his loyalty to his friends, his service to his nation and as a steward for this earth. His shy smile and humble demeanor masked a remarkably intelligent man willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. I feel fortunate to have known Roger.
Virginia McLemore
March 22, 2010
Not many people give to the world and Roger certainly gave of himself and his expertise in his research on acid drainage and environmental issues concerning mine sites. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family. (Virginia T. McLemore, Socorro, NM)
John Craynon
March 22, 2010
My sincere and deepest sympathies to Roger's family. He was a good friend, distinguished colleague, and a consumate professional. His contributions to the science and regulation of acid mine drainage and to protection of water have made a difference throughout the U.S. and around the world. I will miss him greatly personally. I am a better person for having known him and worked with him.
March 22, 2010
A skilled fellow member of the Tremont Clubsters Golf League,an avid accomplished snow skier, and a much respected and accomplished geologist, Roger was a great friend with a gentle, unassuming and sincere soul. I will miss him always.
Craig Woods
Paul Hummel
March 22, 2010
The Rog will be missed,I can provide a sincere sympathy to family and friends with a thought. Mr. Hornberger and I enjoyed many years both working and playing golf , a fine GENTLEMAN, I will cherish the memories. Some people go through life wondering if they had an impact on friends and family, Roger did'nt have that problem ( The Doctor PLH ) Paul L Hummel Ret.
Eric Perry
March 22, 2010
Roger was a valued colleague and friend. His energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. My sympathies and prayers to Roger’s family.
Ernie Giovannitti
March 22, 2010
Roger will be deeply missed by his friends in the mining program. He is gone but his contributions to a better environment will live forever.
March 22, 2010
Roger was a good friend, a dedicated conservationist, and a gentleman. He will be missed by many of his old friends at DEP. I know that I will never forget him. Joel Pontorero
John Arway
March 22, 2010
My deepest sypathys to Roger's family and friends. Roger was a colleague and we worked together back in the early days when Pennsylvania's streams and rivers were under attck by the mining industry. Roger's innovative thinking and persistence resulted in a matrix that was used for overburden analysis that is still in play today. Thanks Roger!
March 22, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family of Roger. I have known Roger since about 1997 and he was one of the kindest and most respectful soul I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Always had a nice compliment everytime I would see him. I was so saddended to hear of his passing. Peace be with you Roger, you will be missed.
Sincerely, Linda Rothermel
Jay Hawkins
March 22, 2010
Roger, you were a good friend and a great soul. I shall truly miss you. Your intellect and kindness will leave a large void not soon to be filled.
March 21, 2010
To Roger's family...he was the MOST generous & kind person I have ever met. My deepest sympathies go out to you at this very difficult time. Roger WILL remain in my prayers.
March 21, 2010
Please keep Roger's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we remember a great individual and RED HORSE brother. I propose a toast to Roger, our fallen comrade! He will be greatly missed by all his RED HORSE brothers and sisters.
CMSgt (Ret) Duke Munford
Mike Dawson
March 21, 2010
Farewell my erstwhile golfing buddy.How we shall miss you! Your diplomacy and chivalry have been an example to us all. My fondest memories of a man lost now to the world.
Tom Burson
March 21, 2010
Roger will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I knew him through my 201st Civil Engineering (Red Horse) service. Not only was he a knowledgeable person who greatly assisted our work, he was a great person and fun to be around. He had a great sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends.
MSgt. Chip Koons
March 21, 2010
My condolences to the family. Roger was a very valued member of the 201st RED HORSE Squadron. He will be missed
Edward Klinger
March 20, 2010
My deepest sympathies go out to Rogers' family,My many years with Roger in the Air national Guard(red horse)reflect a kind and generous person who I know will be missed ,He was always a person you could count on,and I was always proud to call him friend.
Laurie Dudash
March 20, 2010
Roger always made me smile. Rest in Peace friend, you will be missed.
Roger in 2008 at one of his favorite restaurants
March 20, 2010
Connie Cherry
March 20, 2010
Roger was always there when you needed him- and he was one of the most kind people anyone could ever meet-Our family has known him for many years. He was the "one guy" who wouldn't mind "picking me up or dropping me off at the Philadelphia airport" when no one else could make it there. He loved going to his favorite restaurants, the country club and local pubs to see his buddies. Here's a photo that I took of him at the Red Lion in Pine Grove- one of his favorite restaurants. We are all stunned & saddened at the news of his death. May you rest in peace, Roger. Woof.
Connie Zimmerman
March 20, 2010
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Roger. It has been a few years since we worked together. What a kind person he was. I remember the fun times at after-work gatherings when meetings were held in Harrisburg or State College. I offer my sincere condolences on the unexpected passing of Roger. May the fond memories soothe the family during this time of transition.
March 20, 2010
My sympathies to all his family and friends. I had had the pleasure of knowing him for only 18 months but in that short time found him to be a kind, caring and intelligent person. The world will be a poorer place for his having left it.
Geoff Love
Suzy & Frank Koperna
March 20, 2010
To Roger's Family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences in your loss of Roger.He will surely be missed.What a thoughtful,mannered person he was.His legeion friends will surely miss him!!!!!!!!
Jim Deibler
March 20, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family of Roger. He was a childhood friend and I remember all the great times we had growing up in Edgewood. He was truly a great man.
Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results
Make a Donation
in Roger Hornberger's name
Memorial Events
for Roger Hornberger
How to support Roger's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Roger Hornberger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
