Obituaries

Harvey Obetz, 76

Harvey Obetz, 76, former local Union president and Army veteran, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012 after a short illness.

Mr. Obetz is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Monique Descamps, three daughters, Brigitte  Seldomridge, Christine Tufano and Michele Obetz-Moore, seven grandchildren – Nathan, Daniele, Lauren and Marc Seldomridge, Matthew and Alison Tufano and Megan Moore, and one great granddaughter, Luna Seldomridge.

Born in 1935 in Locustdale, PA, to the late Mazie Snyder and Lawrence Obetz, Harvey was the 5th of 9 children. Surviving siblings include Bernice Webster, Leonard Obetz, Ronald Obetz, Rita Burchett, and Rhoda Eshleman.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Wanita Greenawalt and brothers, Lawrence and Noah Obetz.

Mr. Obetz was drafted into the Army in 1958 and was stationed in France, where he fell in love and married his wife, Monique. Upon returning to Lancaster, the couple raised their three daughters. Mr. Obetz worked for almost 40 years as a machinist at Kerr Glass, and was elected president of the local United Rubber Workers Union.  Until his illness, he worked at the Manheim Auto Auction.  In recent years, the couple moved to Lititz, where he was known for his beautiful lawn and garden.  He also enjoyed playing with his many grandchildren and fishing.       

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 9 at 11 AM at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Avenue, Lititz, PA 17543 with Rev. James O’Blaney as Celebrant.  The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 10 AM.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.  To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100.

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I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember Harvey as man who loved his job at the Manheim Auction. He was energetic and dedicated. I have been at the Auction for 2 years and worked with Harvey several times. I think everyone knew Harvey. In fact I saw him there several weeks ago!

May our heavenly Father hold all the family in his loving, everlasting arms.

Kay Kneisley

I worked with Harvey for several years at the Manheim Auto Auction. Only one day a week, each week. But I came to look forward to being with Harvey that day.

Harvey was a tough man. That is not perjorative. He was mentally and spiritually strong. He had a well developed sense of ethics. And his manners said to each of us, that he was a perfect gentleman.

Also, I always appreciated that Harvey took pains with his clothing and grooming. Sp many of the guys at the auction are sloppy. And many of them were professionals: Doctors, dentists, accountants, managers, lawyers, etc.
I don’t know what it says about Harvey, or me, that we took pains. We never talked about it. But I always liked and respected that about Harvey.

For me, it is very difficult to loose someone who shared a value system so very well. The society does not seem to be replacing these individuals.

I can not imagine how deeply bereaved you are, but offer my sincere condolences.

Patrick McGoldrick

Dear Monique and girls: 
We were sorry to hear of your loss and offer you our deepest sympathy.  He has been many years since you left St. Anne’s.  We hoped to attend the service today but another close friend also passed away and we are at his service this morning.  Unfortunately tonight is Father Lytles service at St. Annes’ and we will be there,  Since only arriving home from FL Tuesday late night we have received much unhappy news.  Our thoughts and prayers were with you today.  
Ray and Shirley Kneisley

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