Obituaries

George A. Resh, 91

December 31, 2023

George A. Resh left this earth, but not our hearts on December 31, 2023. He was deeply loved and will live on through all of us who loved him. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Claressa Hilton Resh. In addition he is survived by his 3 daughters and their spouses: Sharon and Ernie Forni, Kristan and Dave Smith, and Susan and Bill Riley. He also cared deeply for and enjoyed his 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

George was born August 24, 1932 in Lancaster. He was the son of Charles W. Resh and Vera Adams Beam. George graduated from Manheim Township HS where he was a member of the 1950 State Champion Track Team and set a district record in the 200 yard low hurdles. After graduation from Penn State University, he entered active duty in the US Air Force as a pilot. His service and love of flying continued for 30 years, many of them as a member of the Active Air Force Reserves, serving at both Willow Grove Naval Air Station and later Dover Air Force Base. He retired from the military as a C5 pilot and Vice Wing Commander of the 512th Military Airlift Wing at Dover. After retirement he stayed connected to the Air Force as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the Air Force Academy in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. He was also a member of MOAA and the Red Rose Honor Guard.

George’s other profession and passion was teaching and coaching. He taught in the School District of Lancaster at Washington Elementary, Jackson Middle School (formerly Edward Hand) and finally, McCaskey HS where he taught Social Studies, local history and a special extra credit course in aviation (complete with a flight simulator). He coached middle and HS track. He also founded and was active in the AFS club. He was presented with the Charles Lohin Friend of McCaskey award and elected to the McCaskey Athletic Hall of Fame.

Because George wasn’t a fan of free time, he also served several terms on the Hempfield School Board. He was a PIAA track official after retiring and visited schools with the Adopt a Vet program to talk about his military service and to teach students that “freedom isn’t free”. He enjoyed activities at their cottage in Mt Gretna and served on the Camp Meeting Board there.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received from 10AM until the time of service. Inurnment will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank his many friends on the staff at Meadow Run in the Mennonite Home, where he spent the last year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 Pleasure Rd, Lancaster 17601 or MOAA Scholarship Fund, PO Box 5031, Lancaster 17606.

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Condolences to the Family

January 10, 2024

Chris – I am so sorry about George and that we were not at the service.  We didn’t get the notification until afterwards, but I want you  to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We always enjoyed those times talking on the porch. George was such a great guy.
Pat Allwein

January 09, 2024

Condolence to coach resh family he was my history teacher at Washington elementary  school an track coach at edward hand an viet veteran pilot fly c141 cargo jets Kenneth patterson vietnam  army vet purple 💜 rip
 

January 08, 2024

Dear Cris and family, In the short time that we have known you and George at the Mennonite Home, we have grown so fond of all of you, and of course, George, with his endearing smile. He was a wonderful man. May you find comfort at this difficult time. If there is anything we can do, feel free to call. We miss you all. 
Donna and Dale Buss

January 08, 2024

Dear Mr.Resh, I know that your kind, caring, fun spirit lives on. I met you when I became the German teacher at McCaskey, after Frau Wolf,s retirement. It was so honored to work with you on AFS club activities. I will never forget the lovely afternoon at Long Level where you introduced us to sailing on the Susquehanna. Thank you, much love to your family. Erika Miller

January 07, 2024

I’d like to take this moment and extend my condolences to the Resh family.  Coach Resh was much more than a sprint coach to us at McCaskey.  He looked at us as young people that were about to enter the world.  He spoke to us about life and the responsibilities that we had as young men.  The medals and records that I achieved, were because of him.  The lessons that I learned about off the track, were because of him.  I want to thank the Resh family for allowing him to be an influence in my life.  Keeping you in my prayers. 
Walter Whack, class of 83′

January 07, 2024

Dear Chris and family,
The news of George’s passing have been devastating to us, as I am sure for you along with great sorrow. Tony and I began to remember all those times we were together with the Honor Guard and the time we travel together. Those memories will always be with us.
I pray that God grants you strength to bear this sorrow along with your family. 
We are hoping that we can attend the service for George, as I am recuperating from my knee replacement from 4 weeks ago. 
Please know that we are always thinking of you. God bless and keep you and your family as you walk this hard path.
With Love, Dina and Tony Cerase

January 07, 2024

My condolences to the Resh family.  I had the privilege of being around Coach Resh, because he was my sprint coach in high school from ’88-90′.  His hard work ethic and sterness reminded me a lot of my father’s ways, so I appreciated that.  He made sure we worked hard as well and reaped the benefits of success from it.  It was so nice to then see Coach Resh later, while he was officiating and then I was coaching.  I always had tremendous respect for Coach Resh and must say he’s a big part of me loving my passion for coaching my students.  Blessings to you all and know that he definitely made a positive impact in this world!  Sincerely,  Jill Cypress

January 06, 2024

It was a pleasure knowing George and you, the family, while my dad, Penn, was on the same floor at Mennonite Home. My deepest sympathies.
Regards,
Martha Forwood 

January 05, 2024

I was a student of Mr. Resh in 6th grade at George Washington Elementary School on South Ann Street.
 
I live and am registered to vote in an East Hempfield location where Mr. Resh worked the poles for many years.
 

May the family find solace
in his life well lived.

 
S. L. Sayers
 

January 05, 2024

George seemed tireless in his support for the Lancaster Chapter Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).  He was consistantly in leadership positions serving as treasurer, multiple terms as director and twice as president. He was deeply involved in community service activities visiting local schools and in managing the chapter’s secondary education scholarship program. His service to the nation and to the community have been exceptional. I am proud to have known him.
David Shelton, LtCol USAF (Ret), Past President Lancaster Chapter MOAA

January 04, 2024

Cris. So sorry to hear about George. Always enjoyed seeing you both at Wanda’s for an enjoyable meal and socializing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and family. God Bless. 🙏 Galen

January 04, 2024

I had the prividge of being a student of Mr. Reshs’ in the 60’s and then served on the Hempfield Rec Commision board with Mr. Resh.   He was a kind and considerate and fair man and a please and privildge to know.  RIP Mr. Resh until we meet again…….Tom Arnold

January 04, 2024

I crossed paths twice with Mr. Resh.  I was a student in his aviation class back in 1992.  It was my absolute favorite class as we got to spend a day flying Cesnas at the Lancaster Airport at the end of the semester.  I remember his genuine love of aircrafts showed each and every day in class.  Many years later, our paths crossed again as I met with him to plan Veterans Day activities with my students in the Hempfield School District.  He showed the same enthusiasm as I remembered as he shared his experiences in the US Air Force with the students at my school.  What an awesome life this extraordinary person lived!!!  May his memory be eternal.
Nick Kouros

January 04, 2024

Dear Chris & Family,
George was honorable, kind, caring, & I could go on & on with accolades for George. I know he will be deeply missed .  Our prayers are with you.  You have our deepest sympathy.
 
Tom & Jane Burger

January 04, 2024

To Chris, daughters and their families,
I am deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing. You are in my heart. May his memeory be eternal. RIP
Terri Nicholaou Francino

January 04, 2024

To the Resh family….So sorry for your loss…Mr Resh was my Guidance Counselor at Edward Hand Jr. High….He was a GREAT, fair and kind man.  He had a exceptional sense of knowing if you had a gift of learning…l thank GOD for his terrific guidance and for his kindness towards goodwill. Rest in peace…you certainly deserve it.   ♥️GOD BLESS US ALL…~Cheri

January 04, 2024

Mr.RESH, my condolences to the family. This man brings so many memories back from Edward Hand we’re he coached me in track and history class .Didn’t know of all his accomplishments WOW what a man! Paul Eshleman

January 04, 2024

Sending prayers n condolences to the Resh family/relatives/friends.  Mr Resh was my 6th grade teacher at George Washington Elementary n track coach at Edward Hand Jr High. He was a great teacher, track coach but more important a positive mentor in my life. RIP Mr Resh
Earl Papa Boots

January 03, 2024

There was never a better man or friend than this man. He was a great Father to his girls and I enjoyed many times in his company listening to stories and learning from his wisdom.
I wish you all peace at this time knowing he is in a better place sitting in his place in Heaven that was waiting for him. God Bless.  Keith & Amanda Tomlinson

Visitation
Tuesday, January 09, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Tuesday, January 09, 2024
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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