It is with great sadness & broken hearts that we announce the passing of our family rock & protector, George F. Umberger, 82, of Bath, PA. George passed peacefully, surrounded in love by his family members & in the excellent care of the ICU medical staff at St. Luke's Anderson Hospital. He ascended into Heaven, just before sunrise, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
Born on July 6, 1942 in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late George Nickel Umberger & Cora (Slothour) Umberger. George was a man of great faith, integrity, generosity & honor. He was a highly respected Pennsylvania State Trooper & PA State Police Fire Marshal at Troop M in Bethlehem (Retired). Well known for his thorough investigative skills, fierce determination & passion for the job, George had a 34 year career with the PA State Police.
George was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he met his beloved wife Dorothy (Uhler) Umberger & formerly served on their Building Committee. He was a volunteer member of the Bath Fire Dept. He was a Photography Instructor at Northampton County Community College. He was a former Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 33 in Bath; as well as a coach for East Allen Township Youth League.George was one of the Founders of the Lehigh & Northampton Co Fire Investigation Training Assoc, where he taught his skills to various professionals. He was a member of the PA Assoc of Arson Investigators & a member of the Fraternal Order of Police PA Lodge 40.
George was also a proud member of the Masons Slatington Lodge No 440. George was a 1959 graduate of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg & was a dedicated US Navy sailor who served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.George's life was defined by his love for God, his family & the great outdoors. He shared 46 years with his beloved wife, Linda (Willis) Umberger, who preceded him in death in 2011.George had many hobbies! Most of them involved enjoying the beauty of nature, especially outings with his son, Michael, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating & target shooting. He also enjoyed making memories with his daughter, while traveling to various spots to enjoy art, music, history, photography & nature. He really loved sitting in the family room, holding hands every night with Dorothy, while they enjoyed TV, as well as reading scriptures. Prior to his illness, the two loved to travel, attend church & to discover good food.
He will be lovingly remembered by his widow, Dorothy (Uhler) Umberger, of Bath, & he & Linda's children: Cheri L. (Zanette) Anessi, wife of Dan Anessi (Charleston, SC) & Michael G. Umberger, husband of Jodie (Denemark) Umberger (Charleston, SC). He has a grandson, Joseph K. Zanette II & wife Monique (Hilton Head, SC) as well as a Great Granddaughter, Valentina A. Zanette. George also has several nieces & nephews. Not to be forgotten, George has loved having another family member Simba, his fur baby who brought him so much joy. George's loving heart, wisdom, & gentle strength will be deeply missed by his family & those who loved him.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in the Epworth United Methodist Church - 3245 Oakland Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Friends and Relatives are invited to call on Sunday from Noon until the time of the service at church. Graveside Services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 28, 2025 in the Rolling Green Cemetery - 1811 Carlisle Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011. (meet at cemetery gate at 10:45 AM) Arrangements are under the care and direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC., - Moorestown - Bath.
Flowers are encouraged however if you prefer a monetary gift please consider a memorial contribution to Epworth UMC. https://epworthbethlehempa.org/donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David Rowe
April 28, 2025
George was a good friend and hugely respected colleague to the Agents in the FBI Allentown Resident Agency. For decades George was the "go to guy" when investigative issues relative to arson and related matters arose. Additionally, George was one of the reasons for the close FBI-PSP Troop M relationship during his tenure in Troop M. We've lost a good friend and we are enriched by that friendship.
Gary & Gail Gower
April 26, 2025
Sheri, Michael & family our sincere sympathies to all of you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary & Gail Gower
Max Bellard
April 25, 2025
Please accept my sympathies for the passing of George Umberger. I knew him as a fellow member of the P.A.A.I and always held him in respect for his knowledge and great personality. He was a nice gentleman to be around. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.
Jerry Flavelle
April 24, 2025
To George's family, so sorry for your loss. George and I investigated many fires together during my time with the Easton Fire Department. When I was promoted to my Deputy Chief position, George took the time to show me, tell tail signs to look for at each fire, etc. . I was also one of the Founders of the Lehigh & Northampton County Fire Training Association. Along with the other Founders, we put on many training seminars for Fire Investigators from many communities. A true friend who will be missed.
Central Dauphin HS Alumni Assn.
April 24, 2025
With deepest sympathy to George's family from the Central Dauphin High School Alumni Association.
Douglas Schlegel Sr,
April 24, 2025
I worked with Trp, Umberger, who investigated suspicious fires in Easton!! He made a good investigation go such much easier!! I can say Trp. U was an investigator who was one influence in my police career!!
To the family, sorry for your loss, you are in our family´s prayers! R.I.P.
Ed Dean-Palmer Fire Chief Ret.
April 24, 2025
Fantastic person.I was fortunate to work and socialize with George and there wasn´t any better. God bless, we will meet again one day.
RICH GRAESSEL
April 24, 2025
GEORGE AND I WORKED AT THE SAME BETHLEHEM BARRACKS OF THE STATE POLICE.GEORGE WAS THE FIRE MARSHAL AND HAD A GREAT RAPPORT WITH EVERYONE HE CAME IN CONTACT,HE ALSO HAD A GREAT REPUTATION REL HIS FIRE INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS.GEORGE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED BY ALL WHO AND LOVE HIM.R.I.P
Ralph Marinetti
April 24, 2025
George was my coach in October 1970. As the years pasted I got to know George quite well. He was an excellent trooper and Fire Marshall. George your a breed of extinction. Rest in peace George. See you on the other side.
PSP
April 24, 2025
Thank you for your service & blessings to your family.
God Speed Brother,
Retired PSP & Army Vet.
Grateful
April 23, 2025
George,
Thank You for Your service to the community.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful American
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
April 23, 2025
Trooper, you are now relieved from your watch. A job well done fellow navy veteran, mason and community servant. The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Smooth sailing shipmate.
BATH,PA
April 23, 2025
Umberger family: Don't cry because his life is over. Smile, because it was. Deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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Funeral services provided by:
George G. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc.2165 Community Drive, Bath, PA 18014-9503
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