Gary R. Nintze

Gary R. Nintze, 67, of Franklin, passed away peacefully in the company of his loved ones on Thursday, September 17th at 5:55 a.m. in his home. Gary, the son of the late Robert Vincent and Geraldine O. Beynon Nintze, was born in Pittsburgh on November 29, 1947. On February 19, 1982, Gary married Joan C. Merritt, who survives.Gary was a Vietnam era United States Navy Veteran, where he was a Vietnam 6T-70 Seabeee. He served two tours in Vietnam. He received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Pistol Medal, the Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross/Palm, the Civil Action Honor Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Ribbon, and the Navy Unit Commendation.Gary was a member of many organizations, including the BPO Elks #110, the Fraternal Order of Eagles #328, the Loyal Order of Moose #83, the VFW Jesse Greer Post #1835 lifetime member, the America Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, a Commander in the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, a US Navy Plankowner, a member of the Boilermakers Local 154 Union, and a Vietnam 6T-70 Seabee.Gary also spent two years with the Little Pirates; was an 8-time Franklin Pool #1 shooter; was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, particularly for the Steelers and the Penguins; and enjoyed golfing.In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his brother Robert Todd Nintze, of Denver, CO; his sister-in-law, Judy Schaldenbrand of Pittsburgh; and his brother-in-law, Jim Merritt, and his wife, Nora, of Loudon, Tennessee.Gary is additionally survived by his nephew, Ed Schaldenbrand, and his wife, Felyn, of Washington, PA; as well as many other loved nieces and nephews.Gary was preceded in death only by his parents and his brother, Bradley Allen Nintze.Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.Funeral services will be held on Sunday, following visitation at 6:00 pm with Rev. Randy Kightlinger, the Venango County VNA Hospice Chaplain, officiating.. Interment with full military honors will be held in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, 421 Ninth Street, Franklin, PA 16323.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.