George H. Rumsey, 83 of Penn Run, PA., passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2015 at Indiana Regional Medical Center.

He was born on December 14, 1931, in Homestead, PA, the son of Emerson and Hazel (McCurdy) Rumsey.

George served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in Japan. He received four medals honoring his distinguished service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Japanese Occupation Medal.

George loved the outdoors, was a skilled fisherman and hunter, and passed his love for nature and his sportsman skills on to his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren will never forget the camping and fishing trips to Kettle Creek, where they learned to fish from the best. He loved to attend Blue Grass festivals, and his children have fond memories of camping at these festivals during their childhood. George also loved to attend the local baseball games, and even played as part of a local team.

George and his wife Kathleen lived life fully, with grit and humor, and built their lives on their own terms. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren remember him for his gregarious spirit, his “no such thing as a stranger” attitude, and his kind and generous heart. They miss his larger-than-life presence, but are all proud to carry with them their heritage of his individualistic, charismatic, and fearless spirit. Certainly, many of the staff at his favorite restaurants, Ponderosa Steak House and Valley Dairy, in Indiana, will remember his cheerful and friendly visits, a routine he greatly enjoyed.

He is survived by three children, Kathryn Patterson of Big Run, PA; Sharon Johns and husband Roe of VA; George Rumsey Jr. and wife Cathy of Bedford, PA; one sister, Velma Morrow of Indiana, PA; one brother, James Rumsey of OH; ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and a special niece, Carol Rainey of Penn Run, PA. Carol was like a daughter to George, visiting him daily, helping him with household chores, and providing him with daily company and companionship, especially dear to him in the years since his wife Kathleen passed.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathleen E. (Reed) Rumsey in 2012; four sons, Gerald, Terry, Wayne and Harry; and two sisters, Olive and Mary.

Special thanks to Dr.s Klain, Nettleton and Heasley for the excellent care given through the years.

At the request of George, all services will be private. The arrangements have been entrusted to the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home, Clymer.

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