Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Harry Merle Reitz , 86

Name of Deceased Harry Merle Reitz
Age 86
Date of Death 11/17/2009
Date of Birth 07/26/1923
Funeral Home Koch Funeral Home

Harry Merle Reitz, 86, of Boalsburg, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at Mount Nittany Medical Center with family by his side. Born July 26, 1923, in Burnham, he was the son of the late Earl F. and Charlotte Snavely Reitz. On Jan. 26, 1946 he married Ruth Mardine Esworthy, who preceded him in death on Jan. 14, 2002.

A 1941 graduate of Burnham High School, he also graduated from the United Aircraft School in Detroit, Mich. He served in the US Army, achieving the rank of Corporal. He operated John's Fruit Market on South Atherton Street for more than 20 years, and later was employed by Penn State's Office of Physical Plant.

He is survived by five daughters, Donna M. DeHoff and her husband, Michael, of State College, Debra K. Howe and her husband, Brian, of Petersburg, Peggy L. Harman and her husband, Henry, of Alexandria, Shirley A. Wagner, of Petersburg, and Barbara J. Hambright and her husband, Joe, of Hobart, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Reitz, of Lewistown; and two sisters, Virginia Frymire, of Carlisle, and Frances Hlozansky, of Brunswick, Ga. He was preceded in death by an infant son and a brother, Earl E. Reitz. He will be sadly missed by his family, neighbors and friends who admired his quick wit and tenacity and will cherish wonderful memories of such a strong, loving, and good-natured man.

Visitation will be held at Koch Funeral Home in State College on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. James L. Williams officiating. Interment will be in the Lind Memorial Cemetery, Lewistown. Memorial contributions can be made to Centre County P.A.W.S., 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.