Henry "Hank" Eberle Jr.

Mayor Henry "Hank" Eberle, devoted husband, father, grandfather, public servant, and storyteller, passed away at his home in Ridley Park, PA, on August 2, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on August 30, 1933, in Darby, PA, Hank was the son of the late Henry and Lillian Eberle. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ursula Eberle; his in-laws, Dolores and Thomas Mahoney; and dear friends William and Donna Boyer. Hank's legacy lives on through his children Michael Eberle, Paul Eberle (Debbie), and Kathleen Stout (Karl); his grandchildren Ryan, Jesse, Henry, and Catherine Eberle; his brother Kenneth Eberle (Prinnie); and many nieces and nephews. Raised in Sharon Hill, Hank graduated from Sharon Hill High School in 1951, where he was class treasurer, student council president, and a multi-sport athlete. He continued his education at Franklin & Marshall College, graduating in 1955 with a degree in sociology. A standout athlete in both football and basketball, Hank was inducted into the F&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. Among his most cherished memories was a miraculous game-winning touchdown against American International College, described by a Lancaster newspaper as "one of the most sensational catches in the history of football at Franklin & Marshall." The school gave students the following Monday off to celebrate - a first in F&M history. He met the love of his life, Ursula, at a dance in 1953. They married in 1955 just before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with distinction for two years, stationed at Fort Knox as a Battery Clerk and Personnel Clerk. His favorite moment of that chapter was coming home to start a new life with his young family. Professionally, Hank dedicated over three decades to Sun Company as a Human Resources executive. His work took him across the globe-from New York to London to Liberia. After retiring from Sun, he continued consulting for nonprofits, including Elwyn and Project Home. A lifelong adventurer, Hank embarked on 24 solo cross-country road trips after retirement, traveling more than 100,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada. He visited every U.S. national park in the lower 48 states. Among his favorites were the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. Beyond public office, Hank was deeply involved in Immanuel Lutheran Church of Norwood, serving on the church council and teaching Sunday school across generations. He also gave his time to Taylor Hospital, The Community Foundation, the Ridley Park Athletic Club, and countless local committees and boards. Hank's second career, and perhaps his proudest role, was serving as the Mayor of Ridley Park for 28 years. During his time in office, he attended nearly every community event. Whether manning the mic at the 4th of July celebrations in his top hat and magic-marker striped socks, dressing in costume for the Victorian Fair, organizing the Memorial Day remembrances, reading to students at Lakeview, or throwing out the first pitch Mayor Hank was always at the heart of the town's activities. He welcomed Santa Claus to town, kicked off the Easter Egg Hunt, and supported the business district by regularly patronizing local stores. He could be found walking through the Farmers Market or Fall Festival, greeting everyone in the community, Hank was always there for the community-celebrating the crossing guards, or performing weddings for over 120 couples. He listened to residents' concerns from the comfort of a lawn chair on his front lawn or while stopping to chat during his long, roaming walks. Mayor Eberle championed local causes from revitalizing downtown to tirelessly advocating for the Sellers Avenue Bridge, becoming its most persistent and passionate champion. His many accolades include being named Mayor of the Year in 2011, being honored as Taylor Community Foundation's Philanthropist of the Year, and induction into both the Delaware County and Franklin & Marshall Sports Halls of Fame. But those who knew him best remember how he lived - with humility, humor, and purpose. Hank never pretended to be perfect. He simply showed up - for his family, for his friends, and for his community. As one of his favorite quotes from Theodore Roosevelt reads, he was "the man in the arena" - striving valiantly, stumbling at times, but always daring greatly. He will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. A visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at The Ridley Park Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park followed by a Funeral Service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Community Foundation, Ridley Park Library, or the Ridley Park Athletic Club-organizations close to Mayor Hank's heart.