An Everyday Hero

Bob Gellock’s Mission: Truth, Justice and the United Way

Be a United Way superhero!

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg electrician Bob Gellock is a hero to children, families, seniors and neighborhoods. During his 15 years at Lehigh Valley Health Network, he has donated to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Because he benefited from such funds as a child, it’s his way of giving back.

Bob Gellock depended on the generosity of others during most of his childhood. At age 4, he and his two younger sisters moved to a foster home, and then to the Wiley House, a home for children, formerly in Fountain Hill, Pa. “It was rough, but it was all I knew,” he says.

He looked forward to holiday parties hosted by local organizations and being called to the laundry room to receive a donated pair of pants or shirt. “We didn’t have much,” he says, “but it was obvious that people cared about us.”

Gellock, an electrician at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg in Bethlehem, Pa., has never forgotten that feeling. This is why he faithfully gives to Lehigh Valley Health Network's United Way campaign. “Because of organizations like United Way, I was blessed with opportunity,” he says. Donations helped support his education, health care, food and more. “This is my way of giving back,” he says. “People cared for me without ever knowing who I was. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here today.”

At 61, Gellock continues to take advantage of opportunities before him. He’s been a private pilot for 25 years and spends his free time writing poetry and his third book. Six years ago, the oldest of his four grandchildren taught him to ski. Now, he’s sharing this passion with his other grandchildren and his colleagues through an informal ski club. “I want all children to have the same opportunities as I did,” he says. “I know I can help through the United Way.”

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