Representative George William Sarbacher

George William Sarbacher Jr. (September 30, 1919 – March 4, 1973) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania who served one term in Congress from 1947 to 1949. A member of the Republican Party, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant post–World War II period in American history, representing the interests of his constituents in the House of Representatives.

Sarbacher was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 30, 1919. He was educated in the city and went on to attend Temple University, from which he graduated in 1942. His early adulthood coincided with the United States’ entry into World War II, and his academic training was quickly followed by military service.

In January 1942, shortly after completing his studies, Sarbacher enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was commissioned a lieutenant and later rose to the rank of captain. During World War II he served overseas in the Southwest Pacific for two and a half years, participating in the broader American military effort in that theater. His active duty in the Marines extended from January 1942 to January 1947, spanning the duration of the war and the immediate postwar period.

While still serving on active duty in the Marine Corps, Sarbacher entered electoral politics. Running as a Republican, he sought a seat in the United States Congress from Pennsylvania and was elected in 1946 to the Eightieth Congress. He took office on January 3, 1947, and served until January 3, 1949. During this single term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he participated in the democratic process at a time marked by postwar economic adjustment, the beginning of the Cold War, and significant domestic legislative debates. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and he took part in representing the interests of his Pennsylvania constituents in national policymaking.

Sarbacher was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1948 and again in 1950, bringing his congressional career to a close after one term. Following his departure from the House, he continued in public service at the state level, becoming director of highway safety for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In that role he was involved in efforts to improve transportation safety and administration within the state.

In later years, Sarbacher moved into the private sector while maintaining a connection to public policy and technical innovation. He served as president and chairman of the board of directors of National Scientific Laboratories, Inc., based in Washington, D.C., and of NSL Electronics, Ltd., located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. These positions reflected his engagement with scientific and technological enterprises during a period of rapid advancement in electronics and related fields.

At the time of his death, Sarbacher was serving as chairman of the Postal Service management advisory team, a position that placed him in an advisory capacity on issues of administration and management within the United States Postal Service. George William Sarbacher Jr. died on March 4, 1973, closing a career that had encompassed military service, a term in the U.S. Congress, state-level public administration, and leadership in scientific and technical organizations.