Category Archives: Obituaries

Honoring our fallen members

Thoughts & Prayers to the family of Tony Miller

We are saddened to learn of the loss of long-time member Tony Miller. Tony was an active member of the post and often helped at our ceremonies and events. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family.

From his obituary in the Lancaster Newspaper:

Tony Miller
Tony Miller
Leroy “Tony” Miller, 63, of Holtwood, died unexpectedly on Sunday morning, July 31, 2011. Tony was, among other things, a Vietnam Veteran, recipient of a purple heart, an aluminum worker, a family man and the partner-in-crime of an oversized German Shepherd. He was also the devoted father of four lucky children and the stepfather of two others who never felt the distinction. He was the husband of Eileen Miller, a woman who justifiably felt there was no more compassionate soul to be found. He brought joy, humor, and earthy wisdom to everyone he touched.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late John and Dorothy Stumpf Miller. He resided in nearly every neighborhood of town, before moving to the country to find a quiet place to raise a family. Tony was a past-president of the Otter’s Club and an active member in the Millersville VFW.

Tony liked to drink cold beer. He was fond of cooking Sunday dinners, especially those that included pork, sauerkraut and other German fare of his own invention. Much to the chagrin of relatives invested in professional sports, Tony was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cruises, gambling, carpentry, hunting, fishing and being outdoors in summer heat. He would do anything for you.

Perhaps more than anything he’ll be remembered for his laugh, an infectious sort of belly laugh that ended in a high-pitched wheeze, and, if properly stoked, the most genuinely joyous tears. Luckily for those who survive him, he was a man who laughed loud and often.

In addition to his wife, Tony is survived by his children, Gary W. Miller of Alabama, Tonya wife of Russ Sexton of Mountville, Michele wife of Matt Sipel of Holtwood, Kimmie D. Miller of Wilmington, DE, Amanda wife of Orlando Cruz of Lititz and Matthew Johnson of Lancaster. Also surviving are his four brothers, Gene Miller of Columbia, Chet Priest, John Miller, and Paul Miller, all of Lancaster; a sister, Dottie Wittlinger of Lampeter; and nine grandchildren, Brandon, Chaya, Jorden, Mercedes, Emily, Hunter, ZJ, Parker and Charlee. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys Novack.

Tony’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at The Groffs Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 528 W. Orange Street (at the corner of Orange & Pine Sts.), Lancaster at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Taylor officiating. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Tony’s name to The Vietnam Vet Memorial Fund, 2600 Virginia Avenue, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20037.

Condolences to Family & Friends of Ronnie Keen

Post member Ronnie Keen passed away Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. His full obituary is on the Lancaster News website:

Ronnie Keen
Ronnie Keen
C. Ronald “Ronnie” Keen, 64, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center, Lancaster.

Born January 15, 1947 in Lancaster, he was the son of Elizabeth Jane “Bette” (Nauffts) Keen and the late Charles J. Keen. He was married to Patricia M. “Patty” (Jones) Keen on April 16, 1966.

A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Ronnie proudly served with the U.S. Army with the 1st Calvary Division.

He retired from Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster after 40 years of service. Following retirement, Ronnie worked at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic and a short time at AMT Music Theatre.

He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, and we wish them all well in this difficult time.

A Sad Holiday Loss

All of us here were saddened to learn of the passing of Ed Williams, a beloved member of the post. From his obituary:

Edwin “Ed” L. Williams, Sr., 72, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 27, 2010 in the ER of the Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center, Lititz. He was the beloved husband of Sharon R. Williams.

Ed retired from Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) after many years of service. He currently had worked at the Manheim Auto Auction.

Born March 6, 1938, in West Chester, PA, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Helen Williams.

A Veteran, Ed proudly served four years with the U.S. Navy. Ed was a member of the Millersville/Manor VFW-Post 7294. He was an avid golfer, boater, beach lover and car enthusiast. He took great pride in his cars. Poppy enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, Sarah and Mary. They were the light of his life and Ed lived his life to the fullest.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by three sons, Edwin L. Jr. and John K. Williams, both of West Chester and Richard J. (Cindy) Williams, of Downingtown; 5 grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret and Judy as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and caring friends. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilfred and David Williams.

Ed was a regular at the post, and will be sorely missed.

Loss of a Local Marine

Lancaster Newspapers are reporting the sad news that we’ve lost a marine from our community:

Cpl. Eric Torbert, 25, a 2003 graduate of Penn Manor High School, is the fallen Marine. Circumstances of his death were not immediately available.

Torbert’s parents, Denise and Eric, live in Millersville. He has a brother and sister, Lynn and Dennis.

Torbert was married in June to Marcelle Torbert. The couple lived in California, where he was stationed.

Torbert’s body was scheduled to be returned this evening to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, according to a press release from the base.

Read the entire article here. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Cpl Torbert.

Our Thoughts go out to the Family of Peg Shopf

From her obituary:

Peg SchopfMargaret G. (Peg) Shopf, 90, of Miami, FL, formerly of N. Prince St., Millersville, passed away peacefully at Jackson North Hospital, Miami, FL, on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Born on July 16, 1920 in Lancaster to the late Edward M. and Florence Schmidt Garnet, she was married for 50 years to Willis L. Shopf, who preceded her in death January 3, 2002. Peg graduated from Strasburg High School, class of 1940. A homemaker most of her life, she worked from 1968 to 1980 at the Millersville University Bookstore. She was a lifetime member of Millersville VFW Post 7294 Women’s Auxiliary. Survived by two sons, Scott of Hollywood, FL & Ward, husband of Diane (Denlinger), of Gloveland, FL; daughters, Sheila, wife of Gregory Arnold, of Landisville, Fay, wife of Jarry Miller, of Millersville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and niece, Louise, wife of Dave Williamson, of Heathrow, FL. Last of her immediate family, Peg was preceded in death by sister, Jane Hartye, and brother, Edward Garnet, Sr.

Funeral Services and Interment in Florida will be at the convenience of the family. The family is also planning a Celebration of Peg’s Life to be held in Pennsylvania. For further details, contact scottshopf@aol.com.

Arrangements by Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Dr., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024, 954-983-6400.

Please sign online guestbook www.bpfamilycare.com

Peg was a life member of our Ladies Auxiliary, and our thoughts & prayers go out to her family.