George A. Probst

Known to many as “Uncle George,” he befriended everyone. He loved people and strove to put them at ease with his charismatic grin and back-slapping familiarity. George had remarkable skills for problem-solving and innovation. He was the “fix-it” man who had the right tool for every job and was generous in lending his tools and talents to help others. He was all about his family, a good husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. And he was sincere in his Christian faith.

Born June 27, 1931, in Warren, Pa., George grew up working on his father’s dairy farm, the Stonecrest Dairy. He graduated Warren High School in 1949 and always enjoyed reuniting with his classmates. In 2019, he attended the class’s 70th reunion, winning recognition as the “class clown.” In 2013, George settled in Greer, S.C., with his late wife, Shirley (Peterson). They were married in Youngsville, Pa., on Sept. 6, 1952.

As a young man, George studied Personnel & Labor Relations. He worked at local businesses such as Berenfield Barrel, “New Process,” and Deluxe Metal. At Struthers Wells Corp, he directed sub-contract manufacturing. While at Pittsburgh DeMoines Steel, he was Production Manager during the construction of the St. Louis Arch which was manufactured in Warren, PA and assembled in St. Louis. George had a heart for serving people through local government. He served two terms as Brokenstraw Township Supervisor and two terms as president of the Warren County Association of Township Officials. He was Youngsville’s Borough Manager for 11 years, and later worked in a similar capacity in Eastern PA. In retirement, he tended his oil and timber holdings.

George served numerous professional and community organizations throughout his life, including the PA State Association of Borough Managers, the NW PA Water & Sewer Assoc, the Northwest PA Regional Planning & Development Assoc, the Am. Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Warren Co. Personnel Managers Assoc, the Brokenstraw Valley Jaycees, the Youngsville Kiwanis Club, the YVFD, and the Youngsville Evangelical United Methodist Church.

George is survived by his fiance Rose Ann Edmonds, his brother Richard and his wife Mary, his sister-in-law Jeanne Probst, his twin sons Ron and Don and his wife Barb, his daughter Sonia & her husband Maurice Bennett, his grandson Trevor & his wife Brenda Probst and their sons Reid and Grant, his granddaughter Alexis Probst, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to Shirley, his wife of 64 years, George was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Amy Probst, his brother, Dr. Robert Probst, and his daughter-in-law, Heather (Devore) Probst.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Covenant United Methodist Church, 1310 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer, S.C. Memorial donations may be made to the Youngsville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, PO Box 73, Youngsville, PA16371, or to the Youngsville Evangelical United Methodist Church, 18 2nd St, Youngsville, PA 16371.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.