Gilbert A. Scheetz

Gilbert A. Scheetz, 94, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and lifelong resident of Sellersville, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

Born in Sellersville on June 13, 1914, he was the son of the late Arthur Katz Scheetz and Anna Marie (Steininger) Scheetz.

Mr. Scheetz was a 1932 graduate of Sell-Perk High School, where he received an athletic letter during the 1931 championship football season as a lineman.

Following his graduation, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Elk Grove.

During World War II, he served as a combat infantryman in the 88th "Blue Devils" Division, U.S. Army Air Corps and was wounded during the Italian campaign. He also served in the 719th Railway Operating Battalion.

The recipient of the Purple Heart, Mr. Scheetz was also awarded a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1950 during the Korean War. Assigned to McGuire Air Force Base, Burlington County, New Jersey, he worked in various administrative positions with the 1st Air Force Reserve Headquarters, with the recruitment office, and, later, as the Air Transportation Superintendent for the 49th Aerial Port Squadron, a reserve unit of the 514 Military Airlift Wing.

After 22 years of service, he retired from the Reserves in 1974 as a Chief Master Sergeant.

In his civilian life, Mr. Scheetz was employed as an instrument inspector by the U.S. Gauge, Sellersville, and as a postal clerk and carrier for the Sellersville Post Office. For many years, he was a quality assurance specialist with the Defense Supply Agency, Philadelphia.

At age 60 in 1974, Gil began his post-secondary educational career, attending night courses at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, where he received an associate degree in nursing. In 1979, he completed an associate degree in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Lehigh County Community College in Schnecksville.

For the next ten years, Mr. Scheetz was employed in the physical therapy department at Grand View Hospital, West Rockhill Township, while completing a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences at Thomas Edison State College, in Trenton, New Jersey, and a Master’s degree in education from Temple University, in Philadelphia.

He served on the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc., Quakertown, for over 20 years.

Gil was a life member of the American Legion Nase-Kraft Post 255, Sellersville, where he had served as chaplain for many years. He was also a life member of the VFW Forrest Lodge Post 245, West Rockhill Township, where he had been Vice Commander and Post Commander during the 1960’s.

A member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 170, Chalfont, and the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 94, Doylestown, Mr. Scheetz was also a member of the Stroke Club, Doylestown, and the Pennridge Community Senior Center.

Through 2007, he was a yearly participant in locally-held Veterans Day programs. Blessed with a strong speaking voice, he always read "Taps" to elementary school students during Veterans Day assemblies.

Gil was also a 71-year member of the Sellersville Volunteer Fire Department, where he worked in the carnival kitchens for many years and helped with banquets, ham dinners, and breakfasts. He was also on the annual Memorial Service Committee for many years.

Mr. Scheetz was the recipient of an award from the Department of State for his 50-year continuous voting record.

In 2001, he received the Outstanding Service to Society Award as a Distinguished Alumnus from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, New Jersey.

For many years, Mr. Scheetz sponsored the Gilbert A. Scheetz Scholastic Achievement Award at Lehigh Carbon Community College (previously known as Lehigh County Community College). This honor is accorded to the physical therapy student with the highest achievement in professional studies and academic course work. The award will continue annually as a memorial to him.

Mr. Scheetz was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sellersville, where he had served as a lector.

Gil enjoyed gardening, reading, listening to Big Band music, and, especially, volunteering with various local community organizations. In 1985, he was awarded a Letter of Commendation for his volunteer efforts from President Ronald Reagan.

He is survived by three nieces: Sherry A. Ormeño, and her husband, José, of Sellersville; Carlotta R. "Carla" Stoudt, and her husband, Jeffrey, of New Freedom, Pennsylvania; and Lisette M. "Lisa" Lazor, of Bethlehem; three great-nieces; three great-nephews; four great-great-nieces; and one great-great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by a brother, James W. Scheetz, and a sister, Betty June Lazor.

His memorial service will be held Sunday, June 14, 2009, at 1:00 PM in the Sellersville Volunteer Fire Department, 2 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960. Immediately following the memorial service, all are invited to remain for a celebration of Gilbert's life with food and music commemorating his extraordinary accomplishments.

Interment will be conducted privately in Sellersville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sellersville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 315, Sellersville, PA 18960.