Dr. Chick Orbin Empfield

Dr. Chick Orbin Empfield, of Jersey Shore, Pa., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, esteemed professor and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on Jan. 30, 1935, in Mylo Park, Ebensburg, Pa., Chick lived a life marked by service and caring. He was the son of the late Amelia Melinda (Chick) Empfield and Roy Orbin Empfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jo’an Settlemyer; brother-in-law, Raymond Koerber; and nephew, Timothy Settlemyer.

He graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria County High School in 1952 before attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Chick graduated from college in 1956 and taught high school math, science and biology before joining the U.S. army. After the service, he returned to teaching high school while obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1973. In 1974 he joined Lock Haven University as an assistant professor where he taught audiovisual and photography. He became a full professor and department head prior to his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Covenant United Methodist Church in Lock Haven.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chick was a beloved family man. He married his loving wife, Ethel, on Aug. 21, 1957, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories. He was a proud father to James, Jeffrey and Janna and a doting grandfather to Matthew, Bethany, Lindsay, Keirstyn, Jennifer, Kimberly, Catherine, Alex and great-grandfather to Natalie, Max and Danielle, always offering his guidance, support and unconditional love. In 2017, he made an endearing friendship with his golden doodle, Shelby. They formed a strong bond that brought him comfort and joy.

Chick will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and warm smile. He leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication and a passion for helping others that continues to inspire all who knew him. He was instrumental in starting four shoe banks (Lock Haven, Jersey Shore, Williamsport and Hanover) to provide shoes for those in need. God worked through him in numerous outreach capacities through mission trips, as a Sunday school teacher, as well as a local pastor.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel; his children, James (Martha), Jeffrey (Ann) and Janna (Terry); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Roian Koerber; and nieces (Jackie, Roian) and nephews (Raymond, Roger, Ronald, Kenneth, Jon).

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 W. Main St, Lock Haven. The Rev. Justin Frear will officiate. He will be laid to rest in the Jersey Shore Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Jersey Shore Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Jersey Shore or Lock Haven Shoe Banks in Chick’s memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, Jersey Shore.