Obituary of Steve Herbert Updegrove

Steve H. Updegrove, 66, of Port Matilda, died Friday, November 24, 2017 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

Steve was born October 29, 1951 in Herndon, PA, the son of the late John H. Updegrove and Anna R. Still Updegrove. On June 23, 1973 he married the former Valerie Lee Wert who survives.

Steve was a 1969 graduate of Line Mountain High School in Herndon, PA. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1973 earning a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. Thereafter, he attended The George Washington University in Washington D.C. where he earned a Masters degree in Electrophysics in 1981.

Prior to his graduate studies he worked as an Electrical Engineer for Dunham Bush in Harrisonburg, Virginia from 1973-1976, and then for Telcom and ConTel in Washington D.C. In 1986 he relocated to State College to work for The Pennsylvania State University. He was employed at Penn State as Senior Director of Telecommunications until his retirement in March 2016.

In addition to his wife of 44 years he is survived by three sons, Eric E. Updegrove of State College, PA, Brad H. Updegrove (Jennifer) of Hopewell, NJ, and Gary F. Updegrove (Wendy) of Hershey, PA; five grandchildren, and one sister, Diane Updegrove Delcamp (Dennis) of Milton, PA.

Steve was a lifelong member of the National Street Rod Association and Centre County Cruisers. He was a skilled engineer, dedicated to his work at Penn State, and devoted to his family. He was a Penn Stater through and through. Annually, he looked forward to family picnics, Saturday football games, and fresh strawberry rhubarb pie come summertime. Steve was a proud father and loving husband. He was active in his church and with the 4th Fest. He was witty, well read, and generous with his wisdom. Most of all, Steve knew the value of family, friends, community, and time well spent. He was humble, generous, and reliable, always willing to lend a helping hand. Upon his retirement, he pursued his true passion of seeing the world with his wife while still making time for car-shows, and forming boundless memories with his children and grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA 16801.

A public visitation will be held at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 from 5-8PM. A viewing will be held at Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home in Sunbury, PA from10AM-11AM on Friday, December 1, with the service following at 11AM. Burial will follow in Herndon.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.