Rodney T. Holter, 79

July 16, 2014

Rodney T. Holter, 79, of Lititz, PA, went to his forever home on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. He was in the prayerful arms of his family.

He was the loving husband, and high school sweetheart, of the late A. Sandy Eckel Holter, who passed away in 2002. Born in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Dr. Willard Clyde and Josephine Emma Tibbins Holter.

Rodney had worked as an accountant and payroll administrator for Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company in Philadelphia and Radnor, PA until his retirement in 1991.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served on church council as treasurer. Rod had a “Walter Cronkite-like” voice and actually did radio commercials for Avis Car Rental, and several other companies which aired on many Philadelphia radio stations.

A US Army veteran, he served as a corporal and dental specialist during his time in the service from 1957 to 1959.

Rodney was a 1956 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College earning a BA in History. He loved jazz music and played tenor saxophone professionally in a dance trio during his college years to help fund his education. Rod was also an all-state saxophone player and band member at Lock Haven High School. He was a member of the Neffsville Lions Club, and a member of the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge 43 of Lancaster. A master woodworker and craftsman, he lived for the many projects he worked on throughout the years. He enjoyed good home cooking and was known for his sense of humor which brought smiles, sometimes at unexpected moments.

He is survived by his children: Mark E. married to Gretchen K. Holter of The Woodlands, TX, and Jody Holter-Allen, married to Gordon L. Allen of Lancaster; his grandchildren Rodney Allen Holter and Taylor Allen, Joseph Halaszynski, Whitney Allen and James Halaszynski and their son, Rod’s great grandson, Ashton. Rod is survived by his sister, Betty, married to John Kemak of Waterloo, NY. He was preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” and Bill’s widow, Margaret “Peg” Holter of Warsaw, VA.

Although there will be no viewing, friends will be received by his family at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601 on Saturday, August 2, 2014 from 10-11AM, with the Memorial Service and luncheon to follow at 11AM. Interment will be at 1:30PM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Neffsville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rodney’s memory to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at the above address.