Harry Merle Reitz

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BOALSBURG - Harry Merle Reitz, 86, of Boalsburg, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, with family by his side.

Born July 26, in Burnham, 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 U.S. 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; 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.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, with the Rev. James L. Williams officiating. Interment will be in the Lind Memorial Cemetery, Lewistown.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Koch Funeral Home in State College.

Memorial contributions can be made to Centre County P.A.W.S., 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.