George F. Wambold

Local race enthusiast and legend George F. Wambold, 84, of Bushkill Township, died suddenly on Monday, August 14, 2023.  He was the beloved husband of the late Norma A. (Flurer) Wambold, to whom he was married 35 years before her passing in 1996.  Born at home in Moore Township, George was one of 12 children born to the late William Sr. and Edith (Frantz) Wambold.  George proudly and honorably served in the United States Army.  After many years of employment atBethlehem Steel Corporation, where he worked in both #2 and #8 machine shops, he retired in 1993 as a supervisor of #2 machine shop.  Additionally, George owned and operated Nazareth Garage Door, LLC, since 1991, which his grandson Brian proudly continues to operate.  Known as “The Legend”, he competitively raced cars locally at the former Dorney Park and Mahoning Valley Speedways for many years, which led to his induction to several halls of fame,including the National Hall of Fame.  A race career that began in the 1950s, George successfully won races every year from 1966 to 1997 and compiled a career total of 72 wins.  Racing was not his only passion; he also loved fishing and hunting and embarked on a very memorable fishing trip to Alaska in 2008, which led to a near record catch of a 72.5-pound King Salmon the day before theseason ended.  His catch landed his picture on the front page of several local papers including that of the Anchorage Daily News.George was a member of several local rod & gun clubs as well as social clubs.  He was a life member of Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co. since its inception in 1959 serving as Captain of the Fire Police for many years.

Survivors: George will be greatly missed by his sons, Brian N. Wambold, Sr. of Bushkill Township, and Michael Wambold and partner, Emily Dougherty, of Brodheadsville; three grandchildren, Tiffany Wambold, and Brian N. Wambold, Jr. and fiancée, Lyndsay Buss, both of Zionsville, and Justin Merkel and wife, Ashley, of Hellertown; four great-grandchildren, Autumn, Maggie, Saige, JustinJr., and a granddaughter expected; brothers, Grant “Pappy” Wambold and wife, Joanne, of Moore Township, and Robert Wambold of Bushkill Township; sisters, Betty Muffley of Danielsville, and Arlene Smith of Wind Gap; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins, and many loyalrace fans.  In addition to his wife, Norma, he was predeceased by three brothers, Stanley, William Jr. and Earl Wambold; four sisters, Gladys Bensing, Geraldine Snyder, Loraine Rissmiller, and Shirley Heckman.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 11:00 A.M.in Covenant United Methodist Church of Klecknersville, 2715 Mountain View Drive, Bath, PA 18014.  Friends and relatives are invited to call on Tuesday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M in church and Wednesday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in church.  Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Hecktown.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC, in the Village of Moorestown – Bath.

Contributions: Please consider offering a contribution in memory of George to the American Cancer Society.