Harold Jonas “Cork” Egli
Harold Jonas “Cork” Egli passed away January 21, 2018. Cork was born in Muncy, PA, December 20, 1927 to David “Crocket” and Winnifred Egli and had three older siblings including brothers, David “Paul,” James, and sister Gene Agnello. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Connie Stein (originally of Williamsport, PA), his five children Daniel (Muncy, PA), Diane (Yardley, PA), Dane (Florissant, CO), Debra (Tucson, AZ) and Denise (Philomont, VA) along with 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
As a young man, his passions were sports and swimming in Muncy Creek. In high school he excelled and lettered in four sports, and ultimately was inducted into the Muncy High School Sports Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Muncy High School in 1946 he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service Cork attended East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College, received his PT training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and graduated from Lock Haven State Teacher’s College with a degree in Physical Education & Biological Science. In 1982, he received a Master’s degree from Bloomsburg University in Special Education.
Cork’s positive leadership and work ethic carried him through his vocation as a physical therapist (PT). His faith and medical training inspired and confirmed his calling to love and serve others-especially the weak and wounded. His initial PT career was launched in the crucible of the 1950’s polio epidemic. Cork was especially gifted at connecting with all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Cork came to Danville and launched the Physical Therapy Department at Geisinger Medical Center in 1957. After 28 years at Geisinger, he finished his career in Rehabilitation Medicine at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, FL (1984-85), and Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN (1986-91).
Upon retiring for the second time and moving back to Riverside, PA, he served as a PT consultant for many local nursing homes, including Grandview-where he was cared for during the last four months of his life. Many nurses and staff reported memorable stories of Cork’s impact when he was there-as a PT and as a patient.
The most significant event in his life occurred when he made a step of faith to trust Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Having been born in 1927, he was born again in the summer of 1959.
Sparked by his colorful personality, Cork shared his faith with everyone, especially those who expressed their need for the Lord’s unconditional love and forgiveness. No one was beyond his urgent calling when he shared the Gospel bead bracelet and the plan of salvation. He wanted everyone to understand and act on their personal need for the Savior. His love for God’s Word was evident in his life and his faithful application of Scripture in his conversation and prayer.
Cork expressed his brave compassion for others through outreach to migrant camps, passing out tracts at the Bloomsburg Fair, Northumberland County Prison ministry, home Bible studies, and always reaching out to the hurting and less fortunate. Connie and the kids never quite knew who he would be bringing home for dinner, but it was frequently a visiting missionary, someone from his work, or a hitch-hiker passing through the area who was looking for help.
Cork’s radiant sense of humor and encouraging style with patients put him in demand for PT support in the region even into his 80’s. His skills as a clinician were beautifully balanced with, and uniquely complimented by, his love for people and the Lord.
After a private family graveside service at Muncy Cemetery, a visitation time was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 12:00-1:45 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the Danville First Baptist Church. There was a social gathering following the service from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.
“Oh, glorify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!” Psalm 34:3