Harry Lee Borger, 76, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2024, at Gettysburg Hospital, Gettysburg, PA. Harry was born in Lock Haven, PA on June 22, 1947.

He was married to his loving wife, soulmate, and best friend, Mary, for 55 years. Harry was very appreciative of her help with his challenges associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Harry and Mary are most proud of being able to raise their two daughters to be productive, independent, thoughtful, and meaningful adults. Harry would frequently say that his favorite word was integrity. It was his hope that he demonstrated this to both his family and community in his words and actions.

Harry was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, and his faith was central to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Dale Borger and Beatrice Evelyn (Meeker) Borger of Hanover, PA.

Harry grew up in the Hanover area and graduated from South Western High School, Class of 1965. He graduated from Murray State University in western Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. While at Murray, Harry was the commander of the Pershing Rifle Regiment, an honorary military society. After time in the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer, he earned a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Clarion University, and Supervisor of Special Education Certification from Shippensburg University.

Harry had a meaningful career working for the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 in Special Education and Regular Education providing speech therapy in the public schools. He enjoyed working with children who stuttered and was a regional expert in that area. Harry was a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, The Thaddeus Stevens Society, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Mason Dixon Canoe Cruisers, and a former board member, President, and Vice President of the Adams County Mental Health Association.

Harry spent most of his life with his family next to Michaux State Forest in western Adams County. Living in the forest offered many joys, challenges, and fun things for the children to do. Throughout his life, Harry was a local adventurer searching out unknown things or little-known things about the history of the area and out of the area. He was an authority on many special things about Pennsylvania. He was a historian, amateur geologist, archaeologist, botanist, and explorer. He was exceptionally knowledgeable about the Gettysburg National Military Park and the many special treasured resources of Michaux State Forest. He wrote and published two books and was a professional storyteller for 10 years with the Ghosts of Gettysburg, Candlelight Walking Tours and trained many new ghost guides/storytellers in the art of storytelling.

Harry was an Eagle Scout, and ever since his days as a Boy Scout, and a two-week Canadian canoe trip, he had been an active canoeist. He paddled over 2,200 documented miles on both calm water and whitewater in his Blue Hole® whitewater canoe. He trained river guides on the Youghiogheny River southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. Harry was a Boating and Water Safety Instructor with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, as well as an American Red Cross Canoe Instructor. Harry has helped thousands of people experience river sport for the first time. He once helped a distressed man find his prosthetic leg in a quiet pool at the bottom of a rapid on the Youghiogheny River. He also once helped a friend find his wallet that was lost in the river containing $500. Both were very grateful!

Above all, Harry loved and was devoted to his family. Harry is survived by his loving wife Mary L. Borger of Gettysburg, their precious daughters Angela L. Borger of Gettysburg and Cynthia L. (Greg) Lowe of Abbottstown, and his grandchildren Natalie and Elizabeth (Libby) Lowe, and his brother Byron (Beth) Borger of Dallastown, PA, as well as many cousins, family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Feiser Funeral Home in New Oxford, PA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York St. Gettysburg, PA, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The service will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@stjamesgettysburg .

Online tributes and condolences may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Harry's name to The Stuttering Foundation at P. O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN 38111–0749 or to St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York St. Gettysburg, PA.

The Stuttering Foundation
PO Box 11749, Memphis TN 38111-0749

St. James Lutheran Church
109 York St., Gettysburg PA 17325