Carl L. Stitzer, 92, of Montoursville, died April 17, 2019, at his residence.
He was born January 8, 1927, in Lock Haven, a son of the late Harry A. and Lera (Brungard) Stitzer.
Carl was a 1944 graduate of Walker Township High School, in Centre County, and served three years and nine months, in the U.S. Air Force. After working 38 years for The Atlantic Refining Company, he retired as Terminal Superintendent, in Altoona. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and working with his hands. During his lifetime he built two homes.
Carl was an active mason. He was a member and past Master of Portage Lodge No. 220, in Hollidaysburg, and of John F. Laedlein Lodge No. 707, in Williamsport; a member of Lycoming Royal Arch Chapter No. 222, where he served as Most Excellent High Priest; a member of Adoniram Council No. 26, where he served as Thrice Illustrious Master, he also served one year as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of Pennsylvania; a member of Baldwin II Commandery No. 22, where he served as Commander, President of the Howard Club and Recorder for many years; served four years as Division Commander of Division No. 15 of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania; a member and Past Preeminent Governor of Pennsylvania York Rite College No. 11 in Shamokin and received the Order of the Purple Cross in Atlanta, Georgia; a member of Williamsport Conclave Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, where he served as Puissant Sovereign; a member of Robert L. Rooke Council No. 343 Allied Mason Degrees, in Lewisburg, where he served as Sovereign Master; a member of Penn Priory No. 6 Knights of the York Cross of Honour; a member of Erin Council No. 6 Knight Masons; a charter member of Susquehanna Forest No. 199 Tall Cedars of Lebanon, where he served many years as Chaplain; a member and coordinator of the Williamsport Masonic Breakfast Club for many years; a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Williamsport where he served as Most Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix. Carl received the Thirty-third Degree in Masonry, in Chicago, Illinois, on August 29, 2006. He was a Scottish Rite 115th Spring Class Anniversary Honoree.
Carl was also very active in church related activities, where he served in many different capacities. He had been the Lay President of the Council in three different Lutheran Churches. Locally, he was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where he served on Church Council and numerous committees. He was in charge of the Ushering Staff for many years.
In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were two brothers, Paul and Walter.
Surviving is his wife of 65 years the former, Mary Ann Mosteller; three children, Sharon M. (Dan) Berkebile, of Johnstown, Gail E. (Chris) Tucker, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Scott A. (Lori) Stitzer, of Danville; six grandchildren, Laura (Keith) Hower, Jennifer (Eric) Schmalz, Joshua (Alyse) Tucker, Jason Tucker, and Caleb and Bethany Stitzer; a step great-grandchild, Rylee; and three sisters, Anna K. Miller, of Red Lion, Doris M. Butt, of South Williamsport, and Ruby J. (Burt) Ware, of Linden.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 324 Howard Street, South Williamsport, with Rev. Joshua L. Reinsburrow officiating. Entombment will follow in Twin Hills Memorial Park.
A viewing for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the church.
A Masonic Service will be at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tall Cedars of Lebanon, 2609 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110, for Special Olympics or Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 1033 Long Prarie Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022.
