John Howard Deitz

John Howard Deitz

Semper Fi -

John Howard Deitz marched to the beat of his own drum, and you loved him or you did not. He was born in Altoona, on February 15, 1932, son of the late Viola Mae (Nearhooff) Deitz and Harry Kauffman Deitz. John passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013 in Mechanicsburg with his daughter Linda by his side for his last road trip.

John was a 1949 graduate of Altoona High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation. He was first a Marine and from that day of enlistment forward, he served his country with honor, pride and great personal sacrifice during the Korean War . John was a highly decorated veteran, receiving the Purple Heart , a Bronze Star for Valor and numerous other awards. As a civilian, he continued his life journey, working for Bell Telephone and ultimately retiring in 1988.  John experienced marriage, fatherhood & divorce and while one may not have always agreed with his approach, one could not argue his passion for living and loving. He was happiest and at peace when he was among nature. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, fast cars, motorcycles, Indy & Sprint Car racing, guns, reading, history, inciting mischief and of course, beer.

John’s survivors include his loving daughter, Linda Deitz LeVan and her husband Bob of Lewisberry; a sister Erma Glass of Chambersburg; a brother, Robert and his wife Ardith of Chelmsford, MA; a very special nephew, Doug Glass of Chambersburg, with whom he shared a special bond; and three generations of nieces and nephews. As a son, brother, husband, father and uncle, John touched the lives of his family in ways never to be forgotten.  John smiled with his eyes.  Among those preceding John in death are his brothers, Carl and his wife Lyda, Russell, Meryl, Harry Jr.; and a brother in law, Charles Glass.

All are welcome to join John’s family at his Celebration of Life on Monday, May 6, 2013, from 2:00 to 3:00 at Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055. The family invites everybody to gather at Liberty Forge, 3804 Lisburn Road, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055 from 4-5 pm for happy hour to honor John.  The family requests no formal attire, and blue jeans are preferred.  Memorial contributions are suggested to a Marine Corps, Veterans, or Children’s fund or a charity of one’s choice.  Interment with Military Honors will be private and at the convenience of the family.

John’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read’s full obituary, shares your memories and photos, offer your condolences and view his memorial video and portrait at www.Myers-Buhrig.com