George Henry Hornbarger, Jr.

On Friday, August 15, 2025 George Henry Hornbarger, Jr., also known as “Yoda”, age71, of Perryville, MD, passed away at home leaving this life to a life everlasting. He was surrounded by his family and in the arms of his loving wife, Susan. Born January 1954 in Wilmington, DE, eldest of three children and only son of the late George Henry Hornbarger, Sr., and Ruthann Tipton Hornbarger.

George was a big brother to his twin sisters, Ann Preston (Gary) of North East, MD, and Marcia Biggers of Elkton, MD; uncle to his nephews, Gary Lee and Jarryd Preston, Travis and Trevor Biggers; and he was an awesome brother -in -law. He will also be remembered by his lifelong friends, Jeff Gonce and Jeff Dennis, and brothers and sisters of the Perryville fire company.

George was a graduate of John Carroll High School of Bel Air, MD, Class of 72, and attended Loyola College in Baltimore, MD, where he was a member of their lacrosse team. He was a man of many talents finding his niche serving the public through his education and becoming a water and waste water treatment operator throughout Cecil and Harford County.

George joined the Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD, Inc., in 1987 and became a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician serving for 38 years. Choosing to change his career path and to help others, George became a 911 dispatcher for the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services. Staying calm and focused as a dispatcher, George helped many people in their most difficult times and always striving to be sure everyone came home safe.

Later, George would go back to his former career as a water and waste water treatment operator for the Town of Perryville where retired as Superintendent. George would continue to volunteer at the Perryville Fire Company helping mentor new volunteers through practical training, education and encouragement. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. George continued to advance his fire service education and to train.

During his years, George had become an EMS and Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Rescue Captain and Safety Officer, Hazmat Technician, and receiving the rank of 2nd Assistant Chief. George was involved in the administrative side of fire service, holding several positions on the Board of Directors throughout his years. He left this world a life member of the Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD.

George met his loving wife, Susan, while a member of the Perryville fire company, sharing their interests in helping others. They eventually were married and shared a life together for 27 ½ years. George and Sue shared the love of the water, canoeing and their love of animals. George participated in the River Sweep of the Susquehanna as this was his way of helping to protect the environment.

George lived his life his way. He was a knowledgeable, honest, trustworthy and loyal man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Perryville Fire Company, the Cecil County SPCA, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice, in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, 12 Noon, at the Minker Banquet Hall of the Perryville Fire Company, 920 Principio Furnace Road, Perryville, MD. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10 AM until 12 Noon, at the Minker Banquet Hall. Interment will be in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Mark’s Church Road, Perryville, MD.

A luncheon will immediately follow the interment and will be held at the Minker Banquet Hall.

Those fire companies wishing to bring apparatus, please contact Capt. Harold Riale, Jr., at 443-693-2433.