Cory R. Etchberger

Cory R. Etchberger, 64, of Monkton, MD, passed away January 31, 2022 in Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C. He was the husband of Karen J. (Wilcox) Etchberger. Born in Marrakesh, Morocco, where his father was stationed, he was the son of the late CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger, and Catherine (Vicari) Etchberger. Cory and his family had subsequent moves to the Philippines and South Dakota, before returning home to Hamburg in 1968. He graduated from Hamburg Area High School, where he played tennis, and later from Earlham College where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. He then received an MS in Biology from University of Central Florida, and PhD in Ecology from Indiana University, studying sex determination in turtles. Cory worked as a college professor at several schools including Penn State University, Longview Community College, Johnson County Community College, and Ursinus College. Later in his career he worked with the Medal of Honor Foundation, and served as Academic Director for the Medal of Honor Legacy program at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. He was instrumental in his father, CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger, being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2010 for his actions during the Vietnam War. Once his father received the award, Cory's life work was telling his father's story to military and academic audiences, educating them about his mission, heroism, and leadership. Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter: Madison Catherine (Etchberger) Reider, wife of Joshua Reider, Millers, MD; his brothers: Gale Steven Wilson, husband of Kathryn Wilson, Redlands, CA, and Richard Carl Etchberger, husband of Lianna Etchberger, Moab, UT; and nieces and nephew: Traci Megenney, Steven Wilson, and Molly Etchberger. He is also survived by his beloved family dogs: Rangeley, Winn, Luna, and Dougie; and the grand dogs: Hopper and Sapper. Memorial Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Air Force Enlisted Village- by visiting www.afev.us in memory of Cory Etchberger. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com