With heavy hearts, we share the passing of George Richard Stephan of Lancaster, PA.
Here is what we wish the world to know of George.
George held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What George believed shaped how he loved.
George Richard Stephan, age 88, of Lancaster, PA passed away on May 2, 2026, in Lancaster. Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late George M. and Grace M. (Sparr) Stephan. George was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School in 1955, and a 1959 graduate of the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.He was the Assistant Credit Manager at Carpenter Technology Inc. and served our country honorably in the US Navy. Commissioned at Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI; completed Naval Supply Corps School, Athens, GA and assigned to the USS Noa as Supply Officer, later to Naval Photographic Center, Washington DC; he achieved rank of Lt JG.He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster.George is survived by his wife, Joanne (Young) Stephan, his children, Scott (husband of Alexis), and Cynthia; three grandchildren, Olivia, Katherine, and Caroline. Stepchildren, Barry D. Hassler (husband of Lori) and TammyJo Stetler (wife of Craig) and step grandchildren, Briana, Casey, Jenna, Alex, and Joseph as well as four step great-grandsons. A sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Yerger, and brother, Rodney (Judy) Stephan and several nieces and nephews.Services will be held on Saturday, May 9,2026 at First United Methodist Church, 29 E Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 at 5:00pm; a visitation starting at 4pm until the time of the service.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Lancaster in honor of George’s faithful membership, to support its ministry to the downtown community that he loved!To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.debordnsyder.com
