Howard W. Kreitz, age 87, of Juniper Village, 455 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA for the past two years, died Friday, December 16th, 2011 at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown where he had been for two days. He had been in failing health for the past several months. Born in Cambridge Township, Crawford County on May 21, 1924, where he lived for most of his entire life, Howard was a son of the late Harvey Kreitz and Amy Dean Kreitz. On July 29, 1950 he married the former Beryl A. Williams Kreitz and she survives.

Kreitz, Howard W.Following his high school education, he attended Penn State University and then attended and graduated from Allegheny College in 1951 and later from Edinboro University in 1975 where he received a Masters Degree in Biology. A very special part of Howard’s life was growing up on the family farm and delivering milk for Rose Garden Dairy. Later his interests in farming continued in the ownership and operation of beef and dairy cattle. The farm which was a producer of maple syrup was featured in a book “Miracles on Maple Hill”. From 1970 until 1990, when he retired, Howard taught 9th grade school at Meadville Junior High.

A lifetime member for 65 years of the Cambridge Springs United Methodist Church, Howard was primarily active there as a well known bass singer soloist and serving as the Choir Director for more than 44 years. Howard also shared his singing talents as a member of the Tetrachords quartet know in the area during the 60’s and 70’s. As a member of SPEBSQUA barbershop quartet for 17 years, his talents took him to performances in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In addition, Howard’s talents for play acting and singing lead roles for plays presented by the Cambridge Springs Theater Group drew popular acclaim. He played the character “Curley” in Oklahoma, and had lead roles in Li’l Abner, South Pacific, and other local productions.

Howard was a member of Cambridge Springs Masonic Lodge #473 which he entered on October 12, 1945 and where he was a past master in 1960. (Masonic services will be held Wednesday at a time to be announced.) The Lodge recognized Howard’s membership of 65 years last year.

Preceding Howard in death, in addition to his parents, were two sisters -Dr. Ruth Kreitz and Marjorie Hipple. Surviving Howard in addition to his wife – Beryl, of 61 years, are two children – Douglas A. Kreitz and his wife, Kelly of Cummings, GA; and Darcie Ann Thayer of Cambridge Springs; and three grandchildren – Christian Kreitz, Anie Kreitz, and Melina Thayer.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00am at the Cambridge Springs United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeff Bobbin, Pastor of the Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Church located at 326 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, 16403 or to the Masonic Lodge, South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA, 16403.