Harold Royer

Harold L Royer, 84, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Hal was born on October 31, 1940, in Elizabethtown. He was the son of the late Clarence and Bertha Hoover Royer and brother to James, the late Spurgine Burger, and the late Norma Hershberger. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Roland Royer. He graduated from Elizabethtown High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball and was the recipient of the Gil Shirk Award for Outstanding Athlete. Hal was most proud of being a member of the 11-0 1957 football team, the only undefeated, untied team in Etown Bears history. He attended Juniata College, where he played football and graduated with a degree in biology. Early in his career Hal taught biology and coached football. He was the head football coach at his high school alma mater and at James Buchanan High School in Mercersburg, where he led the Rockets to a championship. He spent three years at Franklin & Marshall College, coaching wide receivers and quarterbacks. He worked for Conestoga Valley School District in the guidance office for nearly 30 years from which he retired. Hal married his high school sweetheart, Mary Roland. They settled on a farm outside of Elizabethtown where they raised their children. After his football coaching career was over, Hal transitioned to and embraced the life of a chicken farmer. He loved working the farm, loved the challenge of figuring things out and problem solving, and loved being outside and part of nature. Hal was a longtime and active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, serving in many roles and volunteering for just about everything. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a passionate fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State Nittany Lions. Hal was a great family man and cherished times with his kids and grandkids at the farm and at the family cabin, which he designed and built with his own two hands. He was easy-going, always quick with a smile and a laugh, and showed warmth and kindness to everyone he ever met. Hal loved spending good times with friends, especially the old high school gang and his best buddy Cass. Hal is survived by his son, Matthew Royer, husband of Kerry, of Mount Gretna; daughter, Michelle Singiser, wife of Eric, of Elizabethtown; his four beloved grandchildren, Emily Singiser Myers, wife of Jesse, Luke Royer, Julia Singiser, and Finnian Royer; and brother James of Mount Joy. A memorial service honoring Hal’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 398 N Locust St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 2 PM. Family and friends will be received at the church before the service from 1 PM to 2 PM. Interment will be private at Mt. Tunnel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (address above).

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Harold Royer

October 31, 1940 - September 9, 2025