Earl "Buck" G. Hemberger

Earl George “Buck” Hemberger, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2026. Born on December 14th, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Earl was the youngest son of the late John and Sylvia Hemberger. Along with his two brothers (the late Paul Hemberger and Robert Hemberger), Earl grew up in Cheviot, Ohio. After graduating from Elder High School in 1952 Earl began his professional baseball career signing with the New York Giants and was known as the most sought-after baseball prospect of his graduating class, dubbed “the bonus baby” through various national media outlets. Shortly after signing with the Giants, Earl married the love of his life, the late JoAnn Hemberger (nee Sabino) and for 73 years Earl was a devoted and loving husband until her passing in May of 2025. Earl and JoAnn were blessed with three children: Steven, Susan and Greg.

It was through his family that Earl found his true calling as someone who was willing to do anything for his loved ones. Earl’s unconditional love and unwavering support for his family and friends became his most endearing trait. Known as one of the most selfless people you would ever meet, Earl was always putting the needs of his family and friends before his own. “Call Buck” became a common phrase for so many that knew and loved him. As Earl’s baseball career came to end his passion for helping others led him to become a Cincinnati Firefighter. For over 25 years Earl was a member of the Cincinnati Fire Department where he raised to the rank of Engineer and built lifelong friendships with his fellow firemen. As Earl and JoAnn’s family grew his love and steady support for family only became more apparent as they were blessed with grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren where Earl was better known as “Apoo”. Through thousands of baseball games, every birthday, countless vacations, holidays and absolutely every day in between Earl was there to support, celebrate and love, his family and friends unconditionally. More than any achievement or accolade, Earl’s greatest accomplishment in life and the legacy he leaves behind is the family he and JoAnn built together. Earl was the definition of a family patriarch.

Earl’s loving spirit and steady commitment to his family and friends will be deeply missed by his three children: Steven (Jennifer) Hemberger, Susan (Greg) Meyer, and Greg (Patty) Hemberger. He also leaves behind eight adoring grandchildren: Chris, Matt (Allison) and Mark (Anders) Hemberger; Gregory (Colby) Bradford (Courtney) and Stephanie (Michael Lococo) Meyer; and Elizabeth (Billy O’Conner) and Earl (Rue) Hemberger, along with seven precious great-grandchildren: Cameron and Collette Meyer; Elyn and Gwyn Meyer; Harper and Halle O’Conner, and Matthew Hemberger Jr.

Visitation will be held at Radel Funeral Home on Wednesday June 17, 2026 from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am