Howard L. Metz, 89, formerly of Smoketown, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Loraine F. Long Metz, who passed away in 2005 and the late Regina T. Heisler Metz who passed away in 1967. Born in Springfield, IL, he was the son of the late Frank S. and Etta F. Burns Metze.

Howard had worked for the RCA Corporation for 35 years until his retirement in 1985. Following retirement, he worked part-time for the High Steel Corp. as an escort driver for many years. Prior to RCA, he had worked at K&D Manufacturing for 10 years.

A US Navy veteran, Howard had served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters, receiving the Purple Heart for being injured in the invasion of Okinawa, serving on the USS Witter. He then enlisted again, serving on the USS Tarawa during the Korean War.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and was a third degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 867.

Howard was a member of the American Legion Post 34, the Lancaster Liederkranz, and the 8 ^th Ward Club. He was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting many destinations in Europe and almost all the states in the US.  He loved the Philadelphia Phillies.

He is survived by his children: H. Lee Jr. married to Barbara Metz of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lawrence G. married to Kathi Metz of Mountville and Joyce E. married to Glenn Eshleman of Lancaster; and his 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Metze.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 11,2012 from 7-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA  and again on Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 10-1030AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to St. Anthony of Padua Church at the above address. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661