Harry "Gene" Eugene Stiffler

Harry “Gene” Eugene Stiffler

Harry Eugene “Gene” Stiffler, mac ‘n cheese master, Sasquatch believer, and dapper baseball cap wearer, died on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

He had a love affair with WWII documentaries and hot dogs. He excelled at imparting wisdom to his family, and was a talented woodworker. He cultivated friends as easily as he cultivated his flower beds. Anyone who waited on him at a restaurant by the second visit, would be made to feel like family. His listening skills were exceptional, and his advice spot-on.

He was proud of his eldest daughter, Michele L. Hunter in the life that she continues to build with her husband, Stephen P. Hunter, who he considered a son. Equally, he was proud of his youngest daughter, Melissa A. Stiffler in all that she has achieved. He enjoyed sharing a laugh with his grandson, Christopher D. Hunter, and watched with pride as Chris hot-dogged around the hockey rink trying to attain the hat trick that would make the fans stand and cheer. Christopher’s wife, Samantha and their son, Zackary, added extra love to his life.

During his courageous battle with colon cancer, he was considered a hero by many people: long-time friend, Samuel C. Robertson, brothers-in-law, Eric L. Glassmyer and Jeffrey E. Whittington I, his wife Susan N. Whittington, and their children: Amanda (her daughter Josephine), Karen, Emily, Jeffrey II and his wife, Jennifer Whittington (their son Jeffrey III brought a new level of joy to Gene’s life.) Added to the list are best neighbors ever: Deborah Hammaker and Richard Lantz. We suggested making a cape for Gene, but he would have none of it. His mother-in-law, Joan E. Glassmyer, is probably his biggest fan. She harvested the most hugs from him. If he had a nickel for every hug ...

He saw the ocean for the first time when he was forty-years-old while on vacation with his wife, Karen L. Stiffler, and their dear friends William J. and Annette D. Yohe. He spent the day walking up and down the boardwalk, and his feet were so sunburned that he could barely walk the next day. Sometimes being a “beginner” is tough.

Harry retired from Roadway Express where he worked as a mechanic in the tire shop. He also had a part-time job keeping his wife happy working through her “honey-can-you-make-this-for-me” list. The man had the patience of Job.

His favorite mode of transportation was his Ram trucks, freshly washed and waxed; a great sense of pride were they. But no mode of transportation beats the angel(s) that came to accompany him into the arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May he rest in peace, and save a seat at the table for the rest of his family, who look forward (in time, mind you) to joining him.

Harry’s family will be remembering and celebrating his life privately at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory).  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Cremation was private.

Harry’s family is in the care of Buhrig’s Gathering Place in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Harry’s full obituary, view his memorial video and picture, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.