Obituaries
Gary R. Metzger
January 14, 2014
Gary R. Metzger of Lancaster, retired police officer, loving son, father and husband, died peacefully Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was the husband of Beth Taylor Metzger. Born in Lancaster and raised in Mountville, he was the son of Betty Gingerich Metzger of Mountville and the late Donald R. Metzger Sr.
Gary graduated from Hempfield High School in 1966. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from February 1967 to February 1971. Following in the footsteps of his father, Gary became a member of the Lancaster City Police Department in 1971, retiring in 2008 after 37 years of distinguished service to his community. For the past five years, Gary worked as a security officer at Womens & Babies Hospital, where he developed many strong friendships in the wake of his cancer diagnosis.
Gary loved fishing with his wife and family and hunting with his brother and friends. His favorite place to spend time was his cabin in Franklin County. Gary cherished all the time he spent with his family. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Red Rose Lodge 16 and Mill Creek Sportsmen’s Association.
In addition to his wife and mother, he survived by two daughters, Michelle Wiley, wife of Terry Wiley, and Allison Schlegelmilch, wife of Matt Schlegelmilch, both of Lancaster; a stepson, Seth Taylor, husband of Cheryl Brooks Taylor of Strasburg; and a stepdaughter, Erin Taylor Maddox, wife of Daniel Maddox of Lancaster; as well as five grandsons and two granddaughters. Gary is also survived by a brother, Donald R. Metzger of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by a son, Brian R. Metzger.
Gary’s Funeral will be held 1 PM Monday, January 20, 2014, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, with Rev. Mark J. Thiboldeaux officiating. A Visitation will take place 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Interment in Mountville Church of the Brethren Cemetery with Honors accorded by the Lancaster City Bureau of Police Honor Guard. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
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Condolences to the Family
January 15, 2018
My deepest sympathy to his family. Gary was by far an outstanding gentleman. RIP Gary. My prayers are with you and your family. Vic DeMascolo
January 21, 2014
While working many sports events at McCaskey High School during the 1980’s and 1990’s, it was always a pleasure to know that Gary would be one of the police officers who would be there to work as a security officer for an event. Gary was a consummate professional and a gentleman. I enjoyed many friendly conversations with him during our time together at these events. My sincere sympathy is extended to Gary’s family and close friends!
John Valori
January 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family! My prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Roger Brubaker
January 19, 2014
Beth and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With sincere sympathy,
Chuck and Rose Gallagher (class of 1966)
January 19, 2014
I worked with Gary for over three years and he was the most kind and respectable person I knew. He took a genuine interest in my life that meant alot to me. Even when he was struggling he would not complain and even go out of his way and help others whenever possible. He was always in a good humor which brightened the day of everyone around him. He will be missed by eveyone who knew him.
Jason Wiederwax
January 18, 2014
I had the honor and privilege in knowing Gary through my job as a Sergeant with the Millersville Borough Police Department. I enjoyed Gary’s sense of duty, his professionalism, and his belief that law enforcement was a honorable profession.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Metzger family. Rest in peace Gary, job well done!
Mark Peifer
January 18, 2014
SWometime words just aren’t enough. Life can be so hard sometimes. May you and yoyur family be comforted by the many warm memories Gary left with you. I worked with a number of years aqnd found him to be a friend and a professional in carrying out his duties in the police department. Remember god does not send more than we can bear, our hearts will mend if we keep God there. I will pray for you and your family. I will always remember Gary.
Dick McCue
January 17, 2014
Mrs Gary Metzger & Family
Sorry for your loss. Gary was one of the good guys and it was my great pleasure to have worked with him.
Joed Geesey, LPD (Ret.)
January 17, 2014
I am very sorry the hear Gary passed away. I knew him for many years, both in police work and security at Women & Babies Hospital (WBH) He was well liked and had a great sense of humor I will miss Gary very much. We had a lot of fun while working with him at WBH. Please accept my condolences. Wayne Merrill
January 17, 2014
Beth, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I had been told he was being treated at Hopkins and know what sensational Drs they have there. I met Gary a couple of times over the years when he stopped into Stephs. I was immediately struck with how nice he was and how much in love he was with you. A very honorable man. He will be your special angel and always be there. I am hoping to make the service. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your whole family.
Joanne Spilman Kilduff
January 17, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. Even though Gary never was my direct supervisor, I did work many special events under his supervision while I was a member of the Lancaster Bureau of Police. He was a great person to work with & work for. Ted Makauskas
January 16, 2014
Dear Beth and Family,
I am convinced that we live in a small world. Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t realize that you were Gary’s wife. When I saw his obituary in the newspaper, I put two and two together. I was saddened by this news.
I had worked with Gary at Women and Babies’ Hospital. He was fun to talk to, and he always had wonderful things to say about his family. We talked about his hunting and fishing trips. He frequently escorted me to my car late at night after my shift was over. I so appreciated that. I was the person who sold him subs from my kids’ school. He frequently would greet me with, “When is the next sub sale?”
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, he would always ask about how my husband was doing. Then when Gary was diagnosed we compared notes. He had such a wonderful attitude about his illness; he was going to beat it!
The last time I spoke with Gary was back in spring, I think. I had gone in for blood work and then visited the lobby and security office. We talked for about 30 minutes. He was concerned about how I and my boys were doing since my husband had passed. His concern was genuine and appreciated.
Gary will indeed be missed by many!
My heart goes out to you and your family at this very tough time. I pray God will surround you and your family with grace, mercy and peace that only He can give.
Most Sincerely,
Stacey Ferguson (your Bon-Ton inventory partner)
January 16, 2014
Dear Beth and Family, I am truly sorry to hear that Gary has passed away. He was so strong and such a fighter since his cancer diagnosis. He never complained and was so dedicated to making Womens and Babies a safe place to work and to be a patient. I am privleged to have gotten to know Gary and send my sincere sympathy to you. I will pray for all of you. Sincerely, Jane and Tom Groff
January 16, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Gary at Women and Babies. I will never forget him making his security rounds and his genuinely pleasant personality and smile. My prayers are with all of you!
Eleanor Simpson
January 16, 2014
To Beth and Family:
Thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this time. I really appreciated knowing Gary and he really was a true public servant as a Vietnam vet and while working in the police force, for the school districts, and at Lancaster General Hospital’s Womens’ and Babies. In my opinion, few like him. I know that it has been and will be a very difficult time for you. Heartfelt sympathy to you all. He will be truely missed.
Rick Dover
January 16, 2014
Gary was my supervisor and co-worker at Lancaster Bureau of Police and my friend. I am very saddened by his passing. I will miss him. Rest in Peace, Brother.
David H. Miley
January 16, 2014
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. Betty & Donnie, if I was physically able to travel, I would join you to celebrate Gary’s life. I remember fondly the family vacations shared with all of you at the cabin & Stone Harbor. Fortunately, Gary & I had a lengthy conversation a few months ago, catching up with each other’s lives. I could not believe that he immediately remembered my voice after all these years! I hope you can find peace & joy knowing that Gary made a huge impact in his community while here & has now transitioned to be with his father & son where he will be surrounded by peace, joy & happiness forever!
Christine Karr Heard
Avon, Connecticut
January 16, 2014
To Beth, Garys Mother and Family,
So saddened to hear of Garys passing. I knew Gary when he was a Lancaster Police Officer. Such an outgoing, caring man as i remember.
I will keep you and your Family in my thoughts and prayers. May your grief turn to peace as you recall the special memories of Gary and know he is at peace and without pain. It will be hard. I lost my Father four yrs ago to Cancer and i still have “my moments”, but you will be ok. You have a very special Angel watching over you. Gary will always be with you.
“Blessed are the Peacekeepers”….
God Bless,
Ptlmn. Dianne Evans Murray #153
Pa. State Capitol Police
Harrisburg, PA.
- Visitation
- Monday, January 20, 2014
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Monday, January 20, 2014
- 1:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
