Col. Gilbert Rehm Houck

Col. Gilbert Rehm Houck, 89, of New Cumberland, died July 24, 2018 at the Hospice of Central PA Carolyn Croxton Slane Residence, Susquehanna Twp.

Son of the late Frederick W. and Mary Ellen (Mark) Houck, Gil was born on January 20, 1929, in Harrisburg.

Gil graduated from the former New Cumberland High School (’46) and then joined the United States Army, serving his time during the Army Occupation of Germany from 1946-1948. Following this period, he returned to school, obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College (’52), with a Chemistry major and a minor in Physics; he was also a 4-year Sigma Alpha Epsilon brother, becoming fraternity president his senior year. He entered the USAR in 1948, serving until 1986, and retired from the military with the rank of Full Bird Colonel. In the private sector, Gil retired from McCoy Electronics, Mt. Holly Springs, as the Director of Crystal Engineering. He was a member of the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay league), Secretary Emeritus of the Radio Club of America, NYC, and a lifetime member of VFW Post 7415 and American Legion Post 143, both of New Cumberland.

Gil was preceded in death by not only his parents, but also his wife, Marjorie E. (Shearer) Houck. He leaves behind his two companions and support system, Karen Barbaretta, of Harrisburg, and Jeni Ford, of New Cumberland.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on August 9, 2018, at Parthemore Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Private committal services and burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Twp. A visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Gil’s name to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc. (humanesocietyhbg.org), 7790 Grayson Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111.

For more information, or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.parthemore.com.