Galen Herb Deibler

Galen H. Deibler, 94, of Selinsgrove, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Nottingham Village, Northumberland.

Born on May 31, 1931, in a bedroom above his grandparents’ general store in Snydertown, Northumberland County, Galen was the son of the late Robert and Helen (Herb) Deibler.

Galen began studying piano at the age of five with L. Pearl Seiler of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and attended the one-room schoolhouse in Snydertown from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Helping younger students there helped shape his decision to become a teacher. In ninth grade, he enrolled at Sunbury High School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1949.

He went on to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, studying with Howard Goding and earning a Bachelor of Music degree. Following graduation, Galen attended Yale University, where he studied with Bruce Simonds and earned a second Bachelor of Music degree, as well as a Master of Music in Piano Performance. From 1968 to 1972, he completed PhD coursework, performance requirements, and all examinations at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland, studying with Leon Fleisher.

After Yale, Galen attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia as a Rockefeller Scholar. In 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years, stationed in Korea, as Chaplain’s Assistant. During that time, he traveled independently to India, Thailand, and Japan, igniting a lifelong passion for travel and a deep interest in other cultures.

In 1959, Galen joined the music faculty at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, where he taught for more than 50 years, while also maintaining a private piano studio. Known for his passion for music and unwavering commitment to his students, he spent his career performing, teaching, accompanying, mentoring, nurturing talent, and sharing his profound love of the arts. Colleagues and students alike remember him as an inspiring educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom.

Galen also served as pianist at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Snydertown from the age of 10 and remained a devoted member until the church closed in 2014. During this time, he also served as a lay leader and supply pastor for the Upper Susquehanna Synod. His music was a treasured part of the church’s life for decades.

Beyond his professional and church work, Galen was a lifelong train enthusiast, especially steam engines, having lived along both the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroads as a boy. He deeply loved spending time with his family, exploring the world, and embracing every opportunity to learn, experience, and connect. He was a man of great good humor, used especially as a tool for weathering difficulties; a tradition carried on by his family today. Galen and his wife, Deanna, opened their home to many over the years—exchange students, refugees, international friends, students in need of support, and any friends their children brought home. Their hospitality extended as well to a menagerie of animals, from mice to horses, countless dogs and cats, and a skunk. Their home was always filled with love, laughter, and good food, and there was always room for one more plate at the table.

Galen is survived by his loving wife, Deanna (Cole) Deibler; one son, Rev. Eric Deibler (Pastor Anke); three daughters, Andrea Deibler-Gorman (David), Cora Lynn Deibler (Patricia Argoff), and Shira Vergauwen (Mark); grandchildren Noah Deibler-Gorman (Linda), Aaron Deibler-Gorman (Lauren), Kiah Deibler-Gorman (Oliver Miller-Farrell), Maya and Lidiya Vergauwen, Ezekiel Deibler, Julia Deibler, and Nora Deibler; and six great-grandchildren, Isla, Cole, Ian, Maddy, Graham, and Hughes. He is also survived by his first cousin, Joe Herb (Kathleen), of Selinsgrove, with whom he had a lifelong friendship.

A Recital and Celebration of Galen’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Sharon Lutheran Church, 120 S. Market Street, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., with his pastor, Rev. Bob Doll, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Herb-Deibler Piano Award, Office of Advancement, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. Make checks payable to Susquehanna University. Alternatively, donations can be accepted online at www.susqu.edu/alumni/give . Designate “Herb-Deibler Piano Award” on the giving page.

Arrangements are by V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 North High Street, Selinsgrove.

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