Dr. Lewis Manbeck, First Lady Susan Corbett's Father, Passes

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Office of the Governor today announced the passing of Dr. Lewis M. Manbeck, the father of Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett.

Dr. Manbeck died Aug. 7 at his home in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County. He was 90.

"My father-in-law was a kind and gentle man who raised a loving family," Governor Tom Corbett said. "He never had a cross word to say about anyone, and he will be deeply missed by all of his friends and family."

Manbeck was born Sept. 3, 1921, to the late John and Ida Mae Heinbach Manbeck.

He graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School and Elizabethtown College, and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Temple University.

Manbeck left college at age 20 and enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He flew in the Europe, China, Burma and India theaters, and was twice-decorated.

He received an honorable discharge after four years and returned to finish college and attend dental school. Manbeck started a dental practice in Pottstown, but was recalled into the Air Force during the Korean War to serve as a dentist.

He later practiced dentistry in Pine Grove for 32 years and was an active member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ.

He is survived by Mildred Heinbach Manbeck, his loving wife of 69 years. He is also survived by a sister, Jean Gordan.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Manbeck and John Manbeck; and a sister, Sally Strause.

He was the beloved father of four daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Tom Corbett, Sally and Larry Reber, SaraJane and Mark Camillo, and Sandra and Kenneth Stolarick.

Lewis was the proud grandfather of Tom Corbett III, Kate Corbett Gibson and her husband, Gerald Gibson, Andrew Reber and his wife, Melissa Freeman Reber, Luke Reber, Natalie Camillo, Daniel Camillo, Emily Stolarick and Joseph Stolarick. During his last months, he enjoyed his first great-grandson, Liam Thomas Gibson.

Gov. Corbett noted that at the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the St. Peter's United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 277 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, 2665 Lake Meade Road, East Berlin, PA 17316.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Media contact: Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor