Jesse David Romberger of Rising Sun, Md., beloved son of David and Vicki (Koppenhaver) Romberger, passed away unexpectedly at home on his 17th birthday, September 28, 2017. Jesse will be 17 forever, and is forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jesse exuded joy and happiness. His warm, loving nature and sense of humor brought laughs and smiles to many at just the right time. He was part of a very close family with whom he never hesitated to share love in many ways, especially bursting into song with a verse from, “You Are My Sunshine.” To make sense out of his tragic loss at such a young age, Jesse’s family truly believes that God called him home to brighten today’s dark, difficult world using Jesse’s “sunshine.”

Jesse always wore a smile and his friends were blessed to know him as a warm, bubbling teenager. He was fortunate to have many dear friends who appreciated his humor, quick wit and intelligence beyond his years. He loved history, particularly German history and learning about World Wars I and II. He had a bright future and was considering career paths in either psychology or history so he could help others, share what can be learned from past events, and inspire future historians. Jesse was a distinguished honors student and recently was invited for membership in the National Honor Society. He was considering running for student government at Rising Sun High School where he was a junior.

In addition to his parents, Jesse is survived by his brother and best friend, Zane Romberger of Rising Sun, Md; grandparents Larry and Barbara Koppenhaver of Halifax, Pa., and Rufus Romberger of Millersburg, Pa.; great-grandmother Mary Koppenhaver of Dalmatia, Pa.; aunts and uncles Scott and Kelly Kuntz of New Cumberland, Pa.; Andrew and Amy Romberger of Millersburg, Pa.; and Linda Romberger of Elizabethville, Pa; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Jesse was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Mary Jane Romberger, great-grandfather Paul Koppenhaver, and his uncle John Romberger.

Two services will be held to celebrate Jesse’s life. The first service will be held Sunday, Oct. 8 in the Life Event Center at R. T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, Md 21911. Visitation from 1 to 3pm with a service at 3pm. The second service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Saint Luke’s United Church of Christ, Mahantango Creek Road, Dalmatia, Pa 17017. Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm with a burial service at 1pm.

Just five days before his death, family members gathered to celebrate Jesse’s 17th birthday. In addition to the many jokes and fond memories shared around the dinner table, Jesse talked about joining his school’s prom committee. Always a thinker, Jesse was brainstorming ways to raise funds to give his classmates a prom to remember forever. In this spirit, Jesse’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rising Sun High School Class of 2019, Jesse Romberger Memorial Fund, 100 Tiger Drive, North East, MD, 21901. With this gift, Jesse’s beloved classmates can enjoy events during their last two years of high school knowing that Jesse remains a caring, contributing classmate, shining his light on every class member.

Jesse’s family asks everyone reading this tribute to hold loved ones tight, and pray that Jesse’s sunshine beams like a beacon to lead all of us towards the path to a kinder, more loving world.