Robert " Bob" J. George Jr.

Rev. Robert James George, Jr. passed away at home on March 23, 2024 at the age of 79, surrounded by his beloved family. Bob was the son of Robert J. George, Sr. and Amanda Louise (Knupp) George of Chambersville, PA. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Janice (Renninger), four children (Rayna, Molli, Jason, Ian), six grandchildren (Alastor, Nathaniel, Nessa, Zachary, Drk, Logan), and three brothers (John, Joe, Bruce). He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathleen.

After graduating from Marion Center High School, Bob earned a B.S. in Physics at Penn State University. He began a lifetime of service as a math and science teacher at Lackawanna Trail High School where he met the love of his life, a fellow teacher named Janice. After marrying in 1969 under an old oak tree at Valley Forge National Park, the two moved to King of Prussia, where Bob continued teaching at Upper Merion High School. They moved to Hyndman, PA where Bob taught at Hyndman High School. After several years they moved to Farmington, NM and taught at the Navajo Methodist Mission School before he retired from teaching to become a United Methodist minister.

While attending Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, he served as pastor at Epworth, Bethel, and Liberty Hill United Methodist Churches (UMC) in Fannin County. After completing his Master of Divinity, Bob and his family returned north where he served as pastor at Masontown UMC (1982-2000) and Smethport UMC (2000-2011). A lifetime learner, Bob also earned a Doctor of Worship Studies from the Institute of Worship Studies in Jacksonville, FL. During retirement, Bob served at TransRun UMC and Bethel UMC as well as leading several Bible studies at Bedford UMC.

Bob enjoyed exploring God's creation during walks, camping and fishing trips, and excursions throughout North America. A lifelong stargazer, Bob built a telescope as a teenager, spent many nights pointing out constellations and watching meteor showers with family and friends, as well as running numerous astronomy and rocketry camps. He also loved music, both listening to numerous genres and playing the guitar and alto saxophone. Other passions included woodworking, chess, exercise, leading science clubs, and coaching judo and wrestling. His children and grandchildren will always remember him telling stories, giving wheelbarrow rides, and teaching them to ride bikes, use slingshots, or do archery. As they view the solar eclipse on April 8, they will surely be thinking of him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob's giving spirit by donating your time, talent, or resources where you see a need.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Home, Bedford, Pennsylvania.