Richard L. Bletz, 84, husband of the late Sandra (Sechrist) Bletz, of 1242 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore, Pa., passed away on Monday, May 7, 2012, at The Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, Pa.
Born on Aug. 13, 1927, in Lock Haven, Pa., he was the son of the late William and Elizabeth (Koch) Bletz.
Richard served his country during World War II with the U.S. Navy, entering on March 21, 1944, and being honorably discharged on May 17, 1946, at the position of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class. During his tenure with the Navy, he received the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, American Theatre Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
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He was employed as a crane operator with Jersey Shore Steel for over 43 years, retiring in 1982, and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Jersey Shore, Pa.
Richard enjoyed working on and polishing automobiles, was an avid Penn State fan and spending time with his fellow veterans at the Jiffy Mart. Earlier in life he enjoyed hunting.
He is survived by three daughters, Bonnie Fischer of Thompsontown, Pa., Tammy Davidson of Salladasburg, Pa., and Lori Allen of Jersey Shore, Pa.; five sons, Dwight Bletz of Christiansburg, Va., Mike Bletz of Jersey Shore, Pa., Mark Bletz of Baltimore, Md., Mick Willits of Jersey Shore, Pa., and Richard Willits of Cumming, Ga.; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Along with his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Fred Bletz and George Bletz.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in Lifetree Church, 500 River Road, Jersey Shore, Pa., with Pastor Dean Olson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be held in Jersey Shore Cemetery. Please omit flowers, if desired memorials may be made in Richard's name to The Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Wayne P. Urbine Funeral Home, Inc., 408 S. Main St., Jersey Shore, Pa.
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