George Stephen Hornberger

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of George Stephen "Steve" Hornberger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Steve left us peacefully on May 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 72 years old.

Born on July 15, 1953, to George and Virginia Hornberger, Steve grew up in a household filled with love and laughter. He was predeceased by his parents, who instilled in him the values of kindness, perseverance, and integrity that he carried throughout his life.

Steve graduated from high school in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University in 1975. His passion for science and the environment led him to a distinguished career as an environmental toxicologist, culminating in his retirement from Aqua Survey in 2018. His work contributed significantly to the field, and his colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional who was both innovative and compassionate.

On April 16, 1983, Steve married the love of his life, Joanne. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and joy, raising three wonderful children: Patrick, Jeffrey, and Carrie. Steve and Joanne shared 43 beautiful years together, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Steve was a devoted father and grandfather, always ready with a smile and a word of encouragement for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his sons, Patrick and wife Laurie, and Jeffrey and wife Nicole; his daughter, Carrie; his cherished granddaughters, Allie, Lexie, and Charlotte; his sisters, Susan (Richard) Fankhanel and Beth (Todd) Cobaugh, and Uncle Thomas Fletcher. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored him.

A true sports enthusiast, Steve was a devoted fan of all Philadelphia and Penn State teams, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer them on with family and friends. He also had a deep love for the outdoors and cherished family vacations that allowed him to connect with nature and create lasting memories with those he loved most.

Steve's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his memory will be cherished forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to honor a life well-lived and a man dearly loved.

In his memory, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association , an organization close to their hearts, at https://act.Alzheimer's Association /site/TR?pg=personal&px=27211118&fr_id=19782