Roy W. Koontz
Roy W. Koontz, age 88, of Dickerson Run, Pennsylvania went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Roy was born in Dickerson Run, Pennsylvania on January 31, 1922 to Olive Ghrist Koontz and Roy C. Koontz.
Although Roy was born in Dickerson Run, he spent most of his childhood in Muse, Pennsylvania (a small town outside of C a n o n s b u r g, Pennsylvania).
Roy was a member of the Canonsburg Presbyterian Church.
He graduated from Cecil Township High School.
After g r a d u a t i o n, Roy returned to Dickerson Run where he was employed by the P & LE Railroad.
During World War II, he served in the Eighth Air Force with the 92nd Bombardment group, making 23 missions over Berlin, Germany.
After the war, he returned to Dickerson Run and continued his career with the railroad, retiring after 41 years as a Clerk and Yardmaster.
Although Roy never pursued a flying career, his love of flying never died. After Roy retired, his special friend would call on occasion and tell him “I’m taking a little trip. Meet me at the airport in half an hour”. Roy would be out the door with a smile on his face. Thank you so much, Freddie! You will never know how much those trips meant to him!
Remaining to cherish many memories of him are his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth Harshman Koontz; daughters: Cheryl Cricco and husband Francis of Dickerson Run, Cindy Hiles and her husband Walter of Connellsville, Pennsylvania and Lisa Shreve and her husband Bill of Ruffsdale, Pennsylvania; his only son, William D. Koontz and wife Cindy of Dawson, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren: Stacey Prinkey and husband Shawn, Bruce Hiles, Ethan Shreve, Kacey Koontz, Kole Koontz; and two great grandchildren: Shannon and Austin Prinkey.
Besides his parents, Roy was predeceased by a brother, William, killed in Italy in World War II; a sister, Donna Rubis; beloved granddaughter, Shannon Leigh Cricco.
Ruth would like to thank all the Hospice Nurses and Aides for their loving care and a “Special Thank You” to our Children and their Spouses for their love, devotion and sacrifice that made it possible to have Family with Roy at all times. May God bless each and everyone of you!
Friends will be received at the RALPH E. GALLEY FUNERAL HOME in Dawson, Pennsylvania today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 until 11 a.m., the hour of the Service with the Rev. Richard Schimansky officiating.
Interment will follow in the Dickerson Run Cemetery with Military Rites and Honors.