Final Salute

Willard D. Creitz, 96, of Lehighton, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in the Mahoning Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Mahoning Township. He was the husband of Dorothy A. (Neff) Creitz. They were married for 77 years on April 1 of this year.
Prior to retiring, he was a foundry work-er/mold-er for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
Born in Mahoning Township on Monday, May 11, 1925, he was a son of the late Daniel F. and Grace A. (Gombert) Creitz.
He served our country with the U.S. Navy during World War II, having attained the rank of Storekeeper 3rd Class. A member of the U.S. Navy
Seabees, he assisted with the construction of the Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands landing strip, from where the Enola Gay departed with the Atomic Bomb.
He was a very active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lehighton, where he volunteered his services for many years and enjoyed bowling with his friends and gardening.
Surviving are a daughter, Joan D., wife of Russell H. Miller Jr. of Franklin Township; a granddaughter, Sherry, wife of Michael Rose; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Bennett Rose; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Lester and Richard.
Service: Funeral services 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, All Saints Episcopal Church, 301 N. Second St., Lehighton, with the Rev. Bill Martin officiating. Interment with full military honors, Lehighton Cemetery, under direction of Lehighton Area UVO. Call 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Contributions in his name may be made to the church, 18235. Arrangements by Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton. Online condolences can be offered at www.ovsakfh.com.

Published by Times News on Oct. 18, 2021.