George A. Schimpf Sr.

George A. Schimpf, Sr, 94, passed away just 5 days short of his 95th birthday on January 4, 2022 after a brief illness.

He was born on January 9, 1927, in Demarest, NJ to Charles G. and Ethel M. (Griffin) Schimpf. He graduated from Tenafly High School in 1944, and promptly enlisted in the Navy. He served on the Destroyer Escort USS Brennan from 1944 to 1946. Within days of the end of his time in the Naval Reserve, he was called back into the Navy, where he served on the submarine USS Sealion (SS315) from 1950-1952. He attained the rank of EM2(SS), Electrician's Mate, 2nd Class Petty Officer, Submarine Qualified.

In 1949, he married Grace M. Ferrante. They lived in New Jersey until he was called back into the Navy, at which time they moved to Norfolk, VA. At the end of his time in the Navy, they returned to New Jersey, and settled in Washington Township. He started what would become a long career in the construction industry. He was especially proud of working on the original Tappan Zee Bridge.

In 1962, he and Grace moved with their children to Sciota, PA, where he specialized in building custom homes. He built relationships as well as houses, becoming close friends with many of his clients and subcontractors. In 1970, he and Grace bought their first motorhome, and his love of RV traveling was born. Many a family vacation was enjoyed rolling up and down the East Coast. George retired to Cape Cod for a few years, and then moved to Florida in 1993. In his later years, he drove the latest motorhome from Florida to Maine every summer to spend time with his children and grandchildren. In 2021, he moved to Maryland to be nearer to family.

George had many hobbies that kept him active and busy. He was an avid fruit and vegetable gardener everywhere he lived. His travel plans were frequently dictated by his gardening schedule. He was a Life Member of the Sturgeon Base of the USSVI in Crystal River, FL since 2001, where he participated in Veterans in the Classroom and Massing of the Colors, and was a member of the Holland Club, having been qualified as a Submariner for over 50 years. He was thrilled to go on a Veteran's Honor Flight to Washington, DC, to see the WWII Memorial on the National Mall. He used his vast construction experience volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Citrus County, FL, and was also a member of Too Far.

George will be remembered far and wide for his famous and often requested peanut brittle. George also was a devoted blood donor, having donated several gallons of blood in his lifetime, resulting in a full wardrobe of Lifesouth T-shirts. George loved to engage with friends – when you met him, you learned his life story.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Hoke, Mary Nangle (Richard), and George Schimpf, Jr, all of Hancock County, ME, Stephanie Dillman (Brian), of Bethlehem, PA, Christina Shollenberger (Steve), of West Friendship, MD, and daughter-in-law Brenda Block Schimpf of Sciota, PA. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his former wife, Grace Schimpf, son David Schimpf, granddaughter Karen Shollenberger, and son-in-law Dean Hoke.

A celebration of life will be held in Bethlehem, PA on July 9, 2022. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, in memory of George's many years of "ringing the bell."