Henry Arthur Widmyer

Henry Hank Arthur Widmyer, 84, of Franklin died at 9:07 AM ,November 03, 2012 at UPMC-Northwest Seneca. Born February 11, 1928 in Franklin, Henry was the son of the late Elmer and Aura (Begley) Widmyer. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was married to Joretta Swartzfager on October 14, 1949, and they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Hank proudly served his country with the United States Navy during WWII, earning an American Theater Ribbon and a Victory Medal . He retired in March 1991 after working for Franklin Steel for more than 40 years as a crane operator. Hank was a member of the Nicklin United Methodist Church. He loved working with youth and managed various Little League Baseball teams for more than 20 years. While managing the Witherup Erection Little League Baseball Team, he and his team won several trophies. Hank also volunteered for the PA Game Commission and was a Hunter Safety Instructor for over 40 years. In 1977-1978 he was awarded Man of the Year by the Franklin Rotary Club. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Henry is survived by his 2 sons, Ralph E. Widmyer and his wife, Violet, of Wellford, South Carolina, and Wallace E. Widmyer and his wife, Sally Guth, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and his daughter, Virginia Rial and her husband, Jack, of Oil City. He is also survived by 3 special friends, Douglas Repman of Tionesta, Paula Vath of Franklin, and Susi Biddle (whom he called his adopted daughter) of Seneca. Additionally, Hank is survived by his 9 grandchildren, Michael E. Widmyer of Duncan, South Carolina, Marcy Brown-Lusher of Franklin, Teresa Winger and her husband, Mike, of Tionesta, Capt. Robert Henry Widmyer and his wife, Amanda, of Buena Vista, Virginia, Dr. David Widmyer and his wife, Anna, of Philadelphia, Det. Travis E. Repman and his wife, Danita, of Summerville, South Carolina, Benjamin Gene Widmyer and his wife, Maryia, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Meda Lawrence and Jeffrey A. Rial, both of Franklin; and his 14 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Katie, Kasey, Mikey Jr., Dalton, Julia, Matt, Laura, Miya, Benny, Robert Jr., Gavin, Giana, and Amanda; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Hank was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Alphius and Ruphius Widmyer; and his sister, Dora Virginia Lamere. Family and friends of Henry will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Monday, November 5, 2012, from 11 a.,m. to 1 p.m. . Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 5 at 2 p.m. at the Nicklin United Methodist Church, with Rev. Stephanie Thompson, pastor of the Church, officiating, and Rev. Bob Scheer, retired pastor, co-officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. A meal will served for all family and friends in the church social hall following the Committal Service. Interment will be in Nicklin Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to .the Nicklin United Methodist Church, 2602 Water Works Road, Franklin PA 16323 and/or the Franklin Little League Association. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.