George Diehl

George C. Diehl, “The Cantaloupe Man” 93, a guest at Transitions Healthcare Shook Home, passed away Wednesday evening, February 7, 2024 at the nursing home. Born November 16, 1930 in Broad Top City, Huntingdon County, he was a son of the late Robert B. and Margaret O. Diggins Diehl. George was a 1949 graduate of the Robertsdale High School and served honorably with the US Army. He had been employed with H.J. Williams Construction and later retired from Robert Kinsley Construction. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ and the Marine Corps League in Chambersburg; a life member of Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW in Chambersburg; and a life member of Watson and Black Post 126 American Legion in Broad Top City. He enjoyed selling cantaloupes along Lincoln Way West in Chambersburg, volunteering with the Chambersburg Toy Mission, and yard sales. His wife, of 65 years, Marilyn L. (Jones) Diehl, preceded him in death on March 22, 2022.

He is survived by two daughters, Carol Foltz and husband Ed and Holly Pefley, all of Chambersburg; his granddaughter, Tara Foltz of St. Petersburg, FL; his grandson Jason Foltz (Nina) of Greenville, NC; two great-granddaughters, Clara and Macy Foltz; and two great-grandsons, Preston Piver and Drew Foltz. He is also survived by three brothers, Walter Diehl of Mechanicsburg, Donald Diehl of York, and Ronald Diehl of Broad Top City; and a sister, Mary Gail Witmer of Dover. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel and Maude Ann; and three brothers, Guy, Charles, and Willard.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Caroline Saxton will officiate. Interment with military honors conducted by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1811 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202.