Tim Metzel passed peacefully in the loving presence of his wife Louise, son Matt, daughter-in-law Brittany Metzel, and sister-in-law Eileen Redinger on May 1, 2010.

Following graduation from Eastern High School, and with the looming possibility of being drafted, Tim decided to enlist in the Navy. He served on the USS Ticonderoga and was a navigator with the Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 35. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Tim attended Penn State University, was a member of the Chi Gamma Iota Veterans Fraternity, and graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in Community Development and a minor in Transportation. He began working at RRTA after graduation, where he met his wife-to-be, Louise Rebman. They married in 1979 and were blessed with their son Matthew in 1984. Shortly after, Tim started working for PennDOT as a mass transit analyst. In 2006, he transferred to the PA Dept. of Welfare, where he worked as a fiscal manager until his disability retirement in 2008.

From sitting around a campfire with their dog Maggie, to traveling to Disney World, to white water rafting, to marching behind the EAHS marching band as a band parent, Tim was always happiest when he was with Matt and his "Weezie". He took great joy and serenity from the small things in life and had an unpredictable sense of humor which always kept his friends and loved ones on their toes.

Tim always cared deeply for his fellow veterans, whom he worked hard to support. He was a former Commander and Treasurer of VVNW Lancaster Post 30, a current member of VVA Lancaster Post 1008, belonged to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and was a member of the Blue Water Navy Veterans. He was a founding board member and Treasurer of the United Veterans Beacon House, a transitional home for homeless veterans in Akron, PA.

The devastating effects of his service connected ALS were counteracted by the immense love and support he received from his family and friends. Please omit flowers; anyone who so desires, can make a donation to the Humane League of Lancaster County at 2195 Lincoln Highway East. You can also honor Tim's memory by thanking a veteran, questioning authority, and celebrating our differences.

Peace Shalom Om Shanti

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, July 16, 2010 at Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia 22211 at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz 17543. To send an online condolence or for more information please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com