Obituaries

Donald C. Mayer, 90

May 23, 2019

Donald C. Mayer, 90, of Millersville, passed away early Thursday morning, May 23, 2019, at his home surrounded by family. Born in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late Gustave and Elizabeth (Bellak) Mayer. Donald was the beloved husband of Alice R. (Hockey) Mayer. They were married at St. Francis Catholic Church in Johnstown and celebrated 70 years of marriage this past February 28th.

A member of the US Navy, Donald honorably served his country from 1946-1948, and again while a reservist during the Korean Conflict in 1951. Working as a Class A Machinist, Donald was employed at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown for 13 years, and then came to Lancaster where he worked for Armstrong World Industries, from where he retired in 1993 after 30 years of service. He was a member of Millersville VFW Post 7294, the Lititz American Legion Post 0056, and the Johnstown Catholic War Vets.

Donald was a charter member of St. Philips the Apostle Catholic Church in Millersville, where he served as an usher and played softball with the church team for many years.

He and his wife Alice enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states and many other countries and islands. He also enjoyed hunting, bowling and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his wife Alice, Donald is survived by four daughters, Sandy Lerch of Quakertown, PA, Patricia Gerlitzki and her husband Gerald of Salisbury, MD, Donna Millhouse and her husband Louis of Richmond, VA, and Pamela Schwebel and her husband David of Lancaster. Also surviving is his sister, Jean Forsha and her husband Jim of Lancaster; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 with Father Lawrence Sherdel as Celebrant. A viewing will take place from 10-11 AM at the church. Interment will take place on Thursday, May 30, at 12 Noon at Grandview Cemetery, 801 Millcreek Road, Johnstown, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be offered to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

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Condolences to the Family

June 06, 2019

Thank you John and Nancy Straw, Lynn Addie(My mother still resides at the family home) and Kourtney Penatzar for your wonderful words about my father. I am so proud to be his namesake. I read this poem at my father’s funeral. My husband wrote it as a song 10 years ago at my parents 70th anniversary, and then changed the last stanza. It sums up a lot about his life.
A CHEER FOR DON AND ALICE
In a quaint part of Johnstown lived sweet Alice Hockey
We thought she’d marry a doctor or a lawyer or a jockey
We all thought that Alice was the prettiest girl in town
When she met her future husband, our whole world turned upside down.
Donnie Mayer was a tough from down in Cambria City
Saw Alice walking down the street looking sweet and pretty
Alice looked at Donnie and she thougt he was so cute
The way he strutted around in his sailor hat and suit.
The two of them got to talking on the street right then and there
Alice had to leave-she turned and swished her derriere.
Donnie couldn’t believe how lucky he had been
You’ve never seen a tough guy skipping home with such a silly grin.
Into the house he gave his Mom a kiss right on th ckeek
“Ho Ho Ho”, she greetd him and waited for him to speak.
“I met the perfect girl today she isn’t mean or shrewish”,
His mother fervently hoped she wasn’t Protestant or Jewish.
They picked a church, a priest, a ring and then they spicked some flowers
Confession was quick for Alice but for Don it took three hours.
They had a little wedding, it was such a nice affair
and Donnie spent an hour putting Brylcream in his hair.
They had themselves a little girl and then they wanted more
So they had another little girl each time he came ashore
They moved to New Jersey, then to Millersville PA
421 Spring Drive is where they live until today.
The girls were like their mother and became so sweet and pretty
That boys came from farms and towns and all parts of the city.
Alice was proud of all her girls she like their many flames
Don didn’t like a one of them and couldn’t remember their names.
The girls got married- had some kids and get together thru the year
With family all around them
Don and Alice were full of cheer.
So here we are at St Phillips, his friends and all his clan
To remember Donald Mayer, A TRULY …REMARKABLE…MAN!!!
Donna Millhouse

May 31, 2019

It is with the deepest sorrow we saw of Donnie’s passing and want to offer to you, Alice, and your entire family our deepest sympathy. We’re sorry we were unable to attend the funeral but you were, and are, in our thoughts and prayers.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
John and Nancy Straw

May 28, 2019

I have such great memories of your dad and mom and you four girls being right across the street from me growing up. I have a few pictures of your dad that I took when I was about ten that I would love to get to you
Lynn Addie

May 28, 2019

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Donald. I have very fond memories of him when he visited Johnstown and would stop to see my grandparents, Ed and Cathy Mayer. He was a wonderful man and always made me laugh and smile. He was always good for a hug too. He was the last of a long line of great Mayer men. He will be truly missed by all of us.
Kourtney Penatzer

Visitation: Wednesday, May 29, 2019; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church; 2111 Millersville Pike; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Wednesday, May 29, 2019; 11:00 AM; St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church; 2111 Millersville Pike; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >