Samuel J. "Shorty" Rumberger

Samuel J. " Shorty" Rumberger, Jr., age 92, of Bloomsburg, passed into eternal Heaven from this Earth, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, a patient of the Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital. Sam was born on Tuesday, March 21, 1933 in Shamokin, a son of the late Samuel J. and Cecilia (Masinos) Rumberger. He attended Coal Township Schools and Military Prep School in Fort Union, VA. Sam was an exceptional running back on the football team. He was known for his speed described as a "diminutive ball of fire.” After school, he served in the United States Army and returned home to work in his father’s coal mine. Sam went on to open his own barbershop in Coal Township. Always good with crunching numbers, he worked for over 50 years with the Northumberland County Tax Assessors office until his retirement as a Chief Tax Assessor. In July 2001, he met his second loving partner in life, Christine L. Hess, at the Indian Hills Golf Course as he was an avid golfer. They would have celebrated 25 years together in July. His favorite past times were sitting on the front porch to banter with his neighborhood buddies, smoking a cigar with a cold one in hand. He enjoyed many trips to Delaware spending time on the pontoon with his brother ‘Santa’ Bernie and nephew B.J. He was very sharp playing pinochle teaching the basics to his family and friends. He was always the score keeper so of course he won! In Florida, he was first mate on Captain Gary's 'Mary Time' boat. His love of the Eagles and Penn State Football was unparalleled. Sam was truly one of a kind. He will be incredibly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Irene, his daughter in law, Maryann, brother Bill and wife Fran, sister Pat and husband Edmund, and brother Bernie. He leaves behind his partner Christine L. Hess of Bloomsburg, son Samuel J. Rumberger III of Coal Township, daughter Ruby A. Thomas and husband Lee of Paxinos, step daughter Natalie R. Hess and partner Bruce B. Leickel of Catawissa, brother Bobby and wife Lisa of Elysburg, and sister in law Gayle A. Rumberger of Bay wood Longneck, DE. He will forever be cherished by his grandson Samuel J. Rumberger IV and great grandson Connor of Coal Township, grandson Randy T. Rumberger of Mechanicsburg, grandson D.L. Thomas Jr. and wife Crystal of Coal Township, granddaughter Dezzy L. Thomas and great grandson Axel of Paxinos. He is forever in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews and Christine’s extended family and friends. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am with Rev. Richard J. Mowery, celebrant. Graveside committal services will be planned at a future date. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Rumberger family. Memorial contributions in Samuel's name are suggested to: Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Samuel J. "Shorty" Rumberger

March 21, 1933 - February 14, 2026