George John Huemmrich, 97, and his wife, Norma Sears Huemmrich, 96, of Maris Grove, Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully after 73 years of marriage on Thursday, June 6, 2024, with their family by their sides.
George was the son of the late George J. and Margaret Loresch Huemmrich. Born July 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, PA, he graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School in Berwyn, PA, in 1944. Enlisting in the Navy during WWII, he served aboard the USS Straub, DE 181, in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1950 with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. Continuing his life-long passion for railroads, he went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad and its successor railroads. His career took the family to 14 different cities over 26 years before returning to Wilmington in 1976. After 45 years of service, he retired from Conrail in 1988. George was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Wilmington, DE, serving 20 years as the volunteer Parish Administrator. He was also a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, the American Legion, the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society, and the Penn State Alumni Association.
Norma was the daughter of Harry M. and Imogene Gates Sears. Born May 2, 1928, in Chicago, IL, Norma grew up in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia and spent summers at the family’s Medford Lakes, NJ, summer home. Norma graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1946 and from Ursinus College in 1950, before marrying George in November of that year. Norma managed the family household through the many early year relocations. She enjoyed sewing and volunteering in support of her children’s activities over these years. Norma volunteered at their church and at Luther Towers. After retirement, she passionately pursued the family’s genealogy. The couple made several European research trips to successfully document their respective ancestors. Norma was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Mayflower Society, and the Magna Carta Dames.
After 20 years of retirement, George and Norma relocated to the Maris Grove retirement community where they resided for nearly 15 years and remained active. George always had a story to tell and Norma always enjoyed meeting new friends. They will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew them. George and Norma are survived by daughter, Lynn Dennis of Surprise, AZ; son, John (Bridget) of Blandon, PA; 6 grandchildren, Nicole (Micah) Dennis Oliver, Jeff Dennis, Carl, Paul, Mark, and Tara Huemmrich; and great-grand-children, Jackson and Abigail Oliver, and Ayce Huemmrich.
A ceremony to celebrate George and Norma’s lives will be held at the Maris Grove Chapel, Glen Mills, PA, on Friday, June 14, at 10:30 am, with visitation starting at 9:30 am. Interment will be at the Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA, on Saturday, June 15 with a graveside ceremony at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, Willow Tree Hospice, and the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum (USS Slater).
