Obituaries
Howard “Buzz” Richard Messick, 75
October 28, 2020
Howard “Buzz” Richard Messick, 75, of Lititz formerly of East Hempfield Twp., passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Born in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late Miriam E. (Hostetter) and Howard L. Messick. He was the loving husband for over 51 years to Linda Sue (Fake) Messick. She survives him along with their children.
Buzz attended school in a one room schoolhouse from first to eighth grade. He then graduated from Northern Lebanon High School, Hershey Junior College, and Millersville State College. Buzz was an Industrial Arts Teacher at Manheim Township School District for over 30 years until his retirement in 1999. He also worked at Dean’s Trees and Construction, building several local homes. Buzz was never without a project. He spent over 40 years renovating his family’s farmhouse. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed building reproduction colonial furniture. Buzz was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and visiting his cabin in Huntingdon County. He and Linda enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage and especially after retirement.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: John Messick of Pequea and Melissa Messick, wife of Scott Cramer of Lancaster; his granddaughter Vivian Cramer of Lancaster; his sister Janet Patteson, wife of Basil of Annville as well as several nieces and nephews.
Interment will be private at Grantville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund at LutherCare, 600 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543 or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
The family would like to thank the Memory Unit at LutherCare and the staff at Hospice and Community Care for their exceptional comfort and care during this difficult time.
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Condolences to the Family
November 08, 2020
So sorry to hear this from Dean today. I learned a lot from buzz in my years at school. And working with him and Dean. He was a great man
Todd Hoar
November 07, 2020
Dear Linda and family,
Carol and I wish to send our condolences to you and your family. Buzz was a great guy and we had many great times teaching together at the high school. He had my daughter in his Graphics class and she would often tell me how much she liked having him as a teacher. Buzz also helped me quite a few times in his wood shop with projects I was working on. Our yearly get togethers were fun and Buzz will be sorely missed at this event in the future. I’m so glad I did get to see Buzz a few months ago when Hal and I made a visit. We had a great time telling stories of past years at Township. Our prayers are with you and your family in these hard times.
Larry Woods
November 05, 2020
Linda, John and Melissa,
I still tell stories of my times and experiences of working with Buzz to build two cabins in Huntingdon County. I have been blessed to have worked with him, and learn from him, through the first half of my career at MTHS. I have many fond memories of his woodworking skills, sense of humor, and “down to earth” kindness. I wish for you to have comfort, peace and boundless happy memories.
Jim Campbell
November 04, 2020
Linda & Family,
I have many fond memories of Buzz from the cabin. His memory will live on there forever. He was a loving husband, father and talented man. He shared a special bond with my Dad and he speaks of him often. May you be blessed with peace and surrounded by his love.
Janelle (Etnoyer) Miller and family
November 02, 2020
Linda,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your hubby. May you find comfort from the love of Family and Friends during this difficult time on your journey.
Peg Neal
November 02, 2020
Linda,
I was very sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia Longenecker
November 02, 2020
Linda, I just wanted to convey my sympathies on Buzz’s passing. Although we only got together about once a month I always enjoyed his presence at the POKER game and other projects with Dean. We enjoy some of his fine work every time we use our deck. Many fond memories with Buzz carry on.
Tom Young
November 01, 2020
Dear Linda and family, so sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing. We were room mates in 1965. He was a great guy and a good friend. And I can identify with always having a project going.
Dave and Mary Alice Fyock
November 01, 2020
Wow, I was just thinking about Buzz last week. I Have some fond memories of our conversation at Manheim Twp. high school. I Will be praying for you and the family.
Norman Bailey
November 01, 2020
Linda
i was very sorry to read about Buzz… I remember seeing you with him at the Keys coffee shop for lunch. You have been a caring spouse for many years and he needed your help daily. Bless you for your diligence support for him all these years. I wish you peace and comfort.
Cappy panus
October 31, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to the family. May God give you peace that passes understanding. May He bless you with comfort in the days ahead. Fondly, Fred and Linda Hoffman
