Earl 'Dick' R. Gentzel, Sr.

  Earl R. ‘Dick’ Gentzel, Sr., 90, of Milroy, passed away Friday afternoon, March 27, 2020, at the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.  Born April 9, 1929 in Naginey, he was a son of the late Orrice C. and Rebecca Jane (Shirk) Gentzel.  His wife, Dorothy A. (Fultz) Gentzel preceded him in death on March 16, 2011.  Surviving are: children, Earl R. Gentzel, Jr. of Somerset, Lucinda Close and husband Daniel K. of Milroy, David C. Gentzel and wife Susie of Yeagertown, Corlene Sue Zimmerman and husband Russell of Wisconsin; sister, Janet Heck and husband William of Mifflintown; 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a grandson, Earl R. Gentzel, III on Feb. 28, 1994, and a daughter-in-law, Roxanna Gentzel on May 3, 2012.  He had worked for Bethlehem Steel, Naginey quarry, before becoming a self-employed building contractor, Earl R. Gentzel & Sons built numerous homes and a community of 10 cottages in Milroy, he and Clair Barnett built a covered bridge at the foot of the Seven Mountains where the old American Legion building is located.  Dick was a U.S. Army veteran and 1947 graduate of Milroy High School.  He attended Shrader United Methodist Church and was a lay speaker and treasurer earlier in life.  He volunteered time and resources for the Milroy Ball Field, Milroy Fountain, and Milroy Senior Center.  Earlier in life he served as a fireman and ambulance driver.  Dick loved to read and be in church.

  Memorial contributions can be made to: Shrader United Methodist Church, P.O. 157, Milroy, Pa. 17063; or the American Cancer Society,P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123.

  Per Dick's request, services will be private, at the convenience of the family.

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