Herbert Risser Galebach

Herbert R Galebach, 96, went home to be with the Lord on May 7, 2026. He was the husband of the late Carolyn G Galebach who died in 2024.

Born in Lancaster, PA on September 3, 1929, Herb was the son of the late Frederick K and Nora R Galebach. Herb, his father and brother were honored as the “Father & Son Team” of Lancaster County in 1946. In 1947 he graduated from J.P.McCaskey High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, co-captain of the 1946-1947 football team, a member of the District 3 championship basketball team, and lettered in varsity track all four years.

Herb graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. A member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, he played football and was quarterback and defensive safety on F&M’s first undefeated and untied football team in 1950. He also competed in basketball and was captain of the F&M baseball team during his senior year, while also playing semi-professional baseball in Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1994 Herb became a member of F&M’s Athletic Hall of Fame for outstanding achievement in the sport of football. In 2002 Herb was inducted into the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Herb earned the rank of Lieutenant, serving for three years during Korean War times aboard the U.S.S. Rolette (AKA 99). Among other duties he captained the ship’s basketball team which played against teams in Mediterranean ports in early days of European basketball. Closer to home he captained the Atlantic Amphibious Fleet’s softball team.

In 1956 Herb joined the furniture business started by his father in 1945. He and his brother Luther operated Galebach’s Furniture Store in downtown Lancaster for over 34 years. Herb was a past board member of the YMCA, the YMCA Foundation, and the Military Officers Association of America, where he served in the Adopt-A-Vet, Adopt-A-Kid program visiting elementary school children to share his experiences while in the military so the children would learn our freedom is not free. He was a past member of the Lancaster Jaycees, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Herb served as president of Lancaster Northeast Rotary Club from 1992 to 1993. He was a Rotary Foundation Chairman, board member for the Rotary Leaders Camp program, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Herb was also past director of the board of the Manheim Township Baseball Association and a coach in the Baseball Little League. He was a past member of the Conestoga Country Club where he was an avid golfer and member of the men’s 18 hole golf association.

Herb was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lancaster. Most of all, Herb was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who supported his son, daughters and grandchildren in their chosen pursuits.

Herb is survived by a son, Stephen H Galebach (Diane), two daughters, Cynthia G Herr (Stuart) and Kimberly A Bourne, 16 grandchildren, 26 and soon to be 27 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Carolyn, an infant daughter, Deborah Lynn, his brother Luther Galebach and his sisters Ethel Galebach and Lorene Galebach.

Herb’s family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to the nurses, aides, staff and caregivers who gave from their hearts in providing compassionate and loving care during his last years and months at the Glen at Willow Valley.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in celebration of Herb’s life at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA, on May 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Herb’s name to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Private family interment will be held at Penryn Cemetery, Penryn, PA.