Bumbarger, Gary – View | Beezer Heath Funeral Home

Rev. Dr. Gary W. Bumbarger – Guestbook Entries

Alex Pike

Dr. B was my favorite professor in College. I had him for several religion courses. He was not only a professor, but became a highly respected friend throughout my college career. I purposely picked his religion courses for my religious studies requirements because of him. Dr. B was a great man, who loved his family, spoke very fondly/highly of them to us in his courses and loved to serve God. He will be greatly missed! My wife and I are VERY SORRY for your loss, and pray God's peace in your lives.

as Dr.B would say and said so many times at the end of class/semester, "in the words of Mr. Spok...live long and prosper."

Kathy McGarvey

I met Dr. Bumbarger, just a few weeks ago, at the beginning of the semester. It was very clear that he loved God and loved his family very much! I am so sorry for your loss! His funloving and tolerant spirit helped to make him a great teacher!

Tom Foley

Dr. Bumbarger was very attached to his students at Mt Aloysius and they were just as attached to him. He will be missed by them and by his colleagues here at the College. We wish you who are his family peace and solace in this time of need. A good man gone too early.

Arielle Confer

Dr. B,

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and tolerance with all of us here at the Mount.

Hopefully you'll have the answer to whether it truly was an apple or a grapefruit.

Rest easy, we'll keep the chipmunks in line for you.

Fran Rohlf

Pastor and Doctor, Gary was such an inspiration to so many of us at the Mount. He was always generous with time and ready to laugh with us. He loved hunting; he loved students; he loved the Navy and veterans. Gary loved sharing ideas and teaching about God; he especially loved inviting people to open their minds and think, think critically. I will miss his stories of times alone in the woods awaiting his a buck. I will even more miss the discussions of theology and philosophy, for both of which he seemed to have equal love. Gary cherished life and his family and lived the truth of that. May he now be luxuriating in the Eternal Life he invited us to consider. May we, who loved him, know the consolation of his life lived to the full and the "more" Life that God, who loved us so much that God sent the Only Son, promises to all "good and faithful servants."

Catherine "Kitty" Unick

I was very shocked to hear of Rev. Gary's death. We had a mutual respect for one another in and outside of the classroom. I will always cherish his memory. May God's comfort be with you at this time.

Anna Ciccarella

This man was the most inspiring person I had ever met in my life. You inspire me everyday to seek my full potential and seek guidance in my life. Thank you for all that you taught me and all of the insight that I can apply to my life in the future. I hope your eternal life is filled with all of the deer that you can withstand. Thank you for everything, love you Dr.B

I will be forevermore waiting on my golden letter

Donna Detwiler

Praying for comfort for Pastor Gary's family. I recently lost my husband so I can imagine the two of them in heaven enjoying the blessings of Jesus teaching.

The Rev. Kenneth M. Diable, Ph.D.

Rest in Peace, my friend. I will miss you. Your gift of teaching will be sorely missed at the Mount.

Gary Morris

Dear Family,

Gary was a great and tremendous friend. My heart aches upon hearing of his passing. But rest assurred he is with his LORD and KING whom he loved.
May GOD comfort you in this time and cherish the many beautiful memories Gary gave to us.
Sincerely,
Gary Morris

Kim Watkins

My fondest memories of Gary included my first visit to his house when he attempted to kill a groundhog …several times…missing each time. He never lived that one down! He ‘punished’ his wife (my sister) and I for making fun of him by making us listen to some hunting stories, not realizing we were enjoying every moment. Talk about first impression.

I remember the time I texted him when he was hunting in the woods which gave him an easy excuse for why he was not seeing deer. Interestingly, this past hunting season he called me while out hunting and chatted for at least a half hour. I also cherished being with him and his wife when they were married last year, having picnics, swimming in his pool, going to a Penn State game, spending this past holiday with him and his family, and his visits to Emporium where he had a favorite sitting spot where he could see a mountain straight ahead while enjoying the warmth of a fireplace.
Gary had a heart of gold, deep love for his family, and lived his life following the word of God. A perfect example for others to follow.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family.

Joe & Irene miller

Gary was a great Person. I had him in a youth Sunday school class many years ago. He was always a participant and interested in the class. Its no wonder he has succeeded so well in the ministry. He will be missed.

Gloria Matusko

Betty and Dick... I was completely taken back when I heard about Gary. My heart goes out to you both... No parent should have to go through the loss of their children. As Christians, we know that we will see all our loved ones again and that they are in a much better place.... but the absence of them with us now, is more difficult than words can describe. I am sure that Gary and Jo are together (probably having a loving spat about something). I hope you can find comfort knowing that you raised two very beautiful people and we all will only be apart for a short while. Through the Grace of God, we will all be together for eternity and won't ever have to be apart again.

Jim and Mary Kramer Wiconisco PA

My wife and I knew Gary when he served at CUMC in Tower City PA. Gary and I used to talk history and he tried his hand at my historical gaming hobby. He had my son note one Sunday that without Christ in your life, you "get zapped". Mary and I have many fond memories of Gary's time at CUMC, but my favorite memories are about the cold Saturday mornings we spent selling soup, door to door in Tower City, as a church fund raiser. We had hunters stop us for soup after a morning in the woods. We hit the local donut shop, on route, for treats for our soup truck crew. And, in particular one morning, Gary noticed one of the bars in town on our route was open. Gary wondered if it would be proper for him to go in. Well he did, sold 2 quarts of soup and invited the small morning crowd there to Christ church on Sunday. I count my friendship with Gary as one of God's many gifts to me. Mary and I want to express our deepest sympathies to Gary's family and friends.

Rick Bish

I have known Gary since he was 10 years old. My memories encompass times when we camped together in the same Boy Scout Troop to going to high school football games together. We played together as children growing up in the same neighborhood. One memory is the two of us taking up golf & I hit him in the head with the golf club we were playing with...He actually forgave me for that. I remember watching Pirate Baseball games with him & I even remember the two of us going to an all star game at Three Rivers Stadium. We shared discussions on sports & music. To this day, I can not hear an old Elton John or Doobie Brother song without thinking of him. We spent a lot of time together & he was always a good friend & he truly cared for those who called him their friend.

Michelle Ross

My mother passed away last year at this time. I have had Dr. B as a professor of an online class previously, but I had just finished his Death and Dying; a Christian Perspective class last semester. He helped me so much in understanding death, and the role that religion plays in that factor. I was so angry at the world after my mother passed, and every paper that we had to write for Dr. B reflected that anger. I wrote to him about my feelings and disappointment in God at that time and he just listened. He never tried to sway me one way or the other, he only listened to my frustrations and taught me everything he knew about dying and the whole death process and what role that God plays for the Christian believer. I have to say that without Dr. B, I might still be very angry and upset at God and the world. He helped me in ways that he will never know. He will be sorely missed as a Professor at Mount Aloysius! I now truly believe that he is sitting at the right hand of God, his rifle in hand, waiting for that buck of a lifetime that will come his way soon! I'm positive he will find my mother in heaven, and tell her that her little girl is doing just fine, too!

Brittney Mock

Dr. B. was one of the most kindhearted, open, and caring professors I've had a Mount Aloysius College. When I had him for intro to Philosophy I spent many days talking to him after class when we would get into deep discussions about our differing belief systems that would make time fly by so neither realized it had been an hour. He was a very interesting professor here and I was lucky to have gotten to be in his class. He left a mark on every person he met, and the lessons he taught me will continue to influence my life.

Dr. B we miss you (and Herkimer too)

Eryn Frischkorn

Dr. B had an amazing spirit and fervency to serve and spread the love of God. During my time at the Mount, I enrolled in several courses he instructed and they were by far the most enjoyable during my collegial career. He always had interesting and intriguing information to share, including his beloved Yankee's cap my classmates and I secretly loathed and simultaneously loved. He encouraged us to believe and live by our morals and to simply live life. If there is one thing that I was able to take away from his classes it was one word: Agape. Dr. B repeatedly incorporated the word love in its three forms (Eros, Agape and Philos) into our discussions time and time again, but he had good reason to. Love is the central part of who God is and each class provided a deeper understanding of love. Dr. B, you will be missed greatly and I pray your family may find comfort and peace in the midst of your passing. -Miss Frischkorn.

Steven Myers

Dr. B, I will forevermore take the lessons you have taught me...I was very saddened to hear of your loss, and I am absolutely sure Mount Aloysius World Religions, and Philosophy Departments will never be the same without your presence. You had made everything you taught interesting, and who knows, maybe it was a chipmunk with a grapefruit, in that place called Eden..May God, and Herkimer, forever watch over you, my dear friend, and brother in arms...Hope to see you again, one day. Rest In Peace, Dr. B

Beth Testerman

Gary Bumbarger...he was our pastor and our friend. We came to know him during his tenure at Crossroads United Methodist Church. Pastor Gary preached the Word of God with passion and conviction. He was a courageous leader in Christ's church even when faced with tremendous opposition. Gary was instrumental in leading my husband, Brandon, as he answered his own call to ministry. Gary introduced us to the church in Bellwood where we met wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. He was the connection between us and them. Our introduction to them was "not by chance." For many years we joined with Bellwood in taking youth to Creation Fest.

How much fun we had...Gary, Deb, Brandon and myself....from late night card games where we laughed ourselves silly to mid-week revival services in Delaware that changed our lives forever. I remember Gary's love of Zane Grey books, his obsession with hunting, and devotion to Penn State. Also, I remember his quest to continue in education, always wanting to achieve the highest goal he had set for himself...Reverend Doctor Gary Bumbarger. Finally, he had arrived! Our deepest sympathy to Gary's family...especially Betty Lou and Tori. May God's peace overshadow you today and in the days to come. May you know His comfort in the innermost recesses of your hearts. Know that Gary was loved...by Jesus and me.

Kimberly Gill

I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brenda Kyler

You left us way too soon here on earth but God must need you in heaven.
I didn't know you well but enjoyed your humor and the love you brought to my sister's life. You will be so missed. Until we meet in heaven...Rest in peace

Liz and Bob Gill

To the family we would like to send our condolences to the whole family. We know that this is a hard time for the family but please know that we are there for all of you. Know that God has a great person to help in all that is needed in heaven and we all wish to see him again.

Liz and Bob Gill

Brandi Levish

I had the joy of meeting Dr. Bumbarger for one of my classes at Mount Aloysius and he was one of best professors I have encountered so far in my educational journey. He always had a way for you to think outside the box and made the class interesting even if it was three hours long. I would like to send my condolences to his family as it is with great sympathy to hear this news. I will keep Dr. Bumbarger and his family in my prayers as God has received a wonderful person with a wonderful heart.

Justin Merryweather

I will never forget the great times we had in class at the mount talking about how good your lions were to my wolverines I will never forget the times in class you would help me when i was down n out you always found away to make me smile and laugh even if it was telling me a story how the lions will always win. But most of all i will remember the times you would call me MICHIGAN. Then when it would come to the final in college you at us all scared n when we got it we all felt relieve to understand that your final was the real meaning of learning and teaching. You will always be missed and in my prayers n thoughts. God bless you and the family with love and my full heart of care that i can give. Thanks again for everything.

Love and God Bless,
Justin Merryweather (MICHIGAN)

PS ROAR LIONS

Hannah Quinn Corbett

Dr. B is my favourite teacher at Mount Aloysius College. He always had a smile on his face, and welcomed all his students with open arms. I've taken every class he taught. I will always remember the friendly debates we had over the Red Sox and the Yankees. He was a fantastic teacher and a huge inspiration to me.
Dr. B I know you are watching over all of us. You will be missed very much. Rest easy.

Thanks for being a great teacher.

Love,
Hannah

Haleigh Millward

He was a wonderful man and an excellent instructor! He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.

Nicole Altmanshofer

He was a great man and great professor! I enjoyed taking his classes. He will definitely be missed!

Tracey and Samantha Smith

My daughter and I are former students of Dr. Bumbarger at Mt. Aloysius College. We were in his Philosophy class. He told us to call him Dr. B. I always looked forward going to his class as he made us think in a way that you did not think was possible. Sometimes after class a few of us would sit there and talk about different subjects and he would ask our thoughts about the subject. I know that Dr. B will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He had made huge impact on my life as a professor. Even after I had finished his class when and I would see him on the days he had class I would go to his classroom and talk with him and I would also pick up Herkimer the squirrel. Dr. B also said to us in class whoever got to Heaven first to send a gold block. So Dr . B I will be waiting for that gold block. God must have needed another angel so he called you home to Heaven. Maybe you can send me a sign and let me know what Heaven is like so we can think philosophically about it. I would also like thank you for being an awesome professor and friend. GOD BLESS YOU DR.B. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW YOU .

Cody Ebersole

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I had the distinct pleasure of having Dr. B's classes a of total of five times during my four years at Mount Aloysius College. The spring semester at Mount Aloysius College just wouldn't have been the same without spending a Tuesday or Thursday evening listening to his teachings. He was not only a great professor but a great person as well. He had incredible religious beliefs as well as incredible ethics. Graduating from Mount Aloysius last spring with my bachelor's degree was a great feeling but I was kind of sad knowing that was probably going to be the last class I would ever take with Dr. B. However, I will always have the great memories and teachings that he taught me over the years. I also enjoyed talking to him about politics, classic rock, and sports, but above all else the teachings and the passion that you had towards it will be what I remember the most. My deepest simplifies to your family and loved ones and rest in peace to you Dr. B. a great person who I will always admire and respect.

Tristan Mauk

I've had him for my World's Religions teacher since the beginning of the second semester and he was such an amazing person. We could tell he loved what he was doing and talking about. He also talked about his family a lot. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Altara Nyiri

You will be missed so much !! Rest in peace DR.B

Anjelique Gorba

My heart is saddened to hear of Dr. B's passing. He was the person who taught me how to open my mind, to question, never to live the unexamined life. We often spoke of Star Trek and time loops, getting stuck in the snow in the middle of the woods, loving nature, and puzzling out many a philosophical, theological and spiritual riddle. He taught me how to have a conversation and how to debate. He taught me how to live. He has touched so many lives and we are so blessed to have had him teach us. On behalf of myself and my family, thank you Dr. B and thank you to all of his family for sharing him with us at Mt. Aloysius. May you find comfort in the Lord and in each other.

Lex Acosta

Dr. B is my favorite professor, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so great full I was able to take two classes with him, one just ending in December. He was the most kind, friendly, and warmhearted person. I will never forget hearing him talk about Herkimer, his lessons will last a life time in my heart and my fellow classmates. Rest in peace Dr. B, you are truly going to be missed by us at Mount Aloysius

Kelley Sable

I knew Gary not only as a professor of mine, but also as a colleague here at Mt. Aloysius. He was a wonderful, kind and caring man. I loved his openness as a professor and our working relationship was great. Every time I talked to him, he ended the conversation with “be well my friend” and I felt that we were friends. My deepest sympathy to your family and to all of Gary’s loved ones. I will miss him.

Austin Toth

Dr. Bumbarger was a tremendous teacher but an even greater human being. I wish I had the opportunity to have more classes with him, but at least the one I had was enough to show me the one of a kind person he was. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity he provided for us students to learn. My thoughts are with his family at this time, and may he rest in peace.

Cathy Snook

Dear Betty Lou and Dick,
I had no idea that Gary had passed away, and this comes as quite a shock. I am so sorry for what you have gone through in this terrible loss.
What a wonderful man he was! Upbeat always.....caring, compassionate, smart, and with such great faith! We were in touch a couple years back........I will always be grateful for having known him, and the pleasure of knowing you two.
My condolences, and love,
Cathy
Macon, Georgia
(formerly from Thomasville, GA)