Harold R. Gehman

Harold R. “Bob” Gehman, 81, formerly of New Holland, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown. He is survived by his wife Constance “Connie” (Davis) Gehman, Elizabethtown, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in Valley Twp., Chester Co., he was the son of the late Harold B. and Dorothy Anna (Smith) Gehman.

Robert worked for Conestoga Telephone, Birdsboro, for 45 years, retiring in 1997. He also had been a member of the Caernarvon Twp. Police Dept., Lancaster County, for 30 years retiring in 1995.

He was a member of Bridgeville E.C. Church, Ephrata Lodge F & A.M. #665, Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Reading Consistory, Ephrata Lodge B.P.O.E. #1933 and Telephone Pioneers.

Bob was a 53-year member of the Boy Scouts of America having served as scoutmaster of Troop #48, New Holland, and as a member of District Committee and various training committees. Under his leadership at the Troop, 50 boys received Eagle Scout rank. For his service to Scouting, along with his Woodbadge Beads, he was awarded the Scouter’s Key, District Award of Merit, Daniel Carter Beard Award, and Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He led a Philmont contingent and was Scoutmaster for three B.S.A. National Jamborees.

He enjoyed traveling, photography and collecting Scouting memorabilia.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children Kimberly A., married to Kurt Getz, Lamar, PA, Gale, married to Haydn McLean, New Holland, John R., married to Tetiana (Burlaka) Gehman, Honey Brook, and Anne L., married to Randy High, Ephrata, nine grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a sister Betty Ann Stewart and a nephew Robert Lee Stewart.

Special thanks to Jeremy Griffith, a special friend during Bob’s last days.

A celebration of his life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Stephen Reformed Church, 249 E. Main St., New Holland. Private interment will be in Bridgeville E.C. Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 – 5 p.m. and immediately following the service at the church. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Boy Scout Troop #48, P.O. Box 153, New Holland, PA 17557. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.