George Zietz Jr.

George Zietz Jr., 75, of Tarentum, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in H. John Heinz III Veterans Medical Center. He was born April 16, 1948, to his parents, the late George and Sarah Simmons Zietz Sr. and had been a lifelong resident of our valley. George served in the Army during the Vietnam War for two years and the Army Reserves for six. His medals include the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Stars, Air Medal, With "V" Device, Army Commendation Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit citation and Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar. After his honorable discharge, he worked for various coal mines, the Aspinwall Veterans Administration, and his gun shop that he owned and operated for 25 years. He was a life member of The Springdale VFW. He was a local gunsmith that loved his family, faith and friends. Many days he'd spend in his shop with people wanting him to get their guns ready for the "big day" of deer season. It was one of his passions. The others were hunting and fishing with his kids and grandchildren at his camp in Tionesta. Many friends would come up for a day or week, enjoying the outdoor activities he offered at his camp. His hunting and fishing skills were on display all over the walls of the addition he added himself and was very proud of. Joyce, his wife of 42 years, stood by his side as they made the camp as it is today. George enjoyed life itself and it showed through his work and helping others. His friends, Logan and Dennis, made times special on their visits with George reminiscing their Army days. Surviving him are his wife, Cheryl Zietz; children, Jason (Jennifer), Robin (Randy), Douglas (Erin) and Mathew (Susan); brother, Jim (Michelle) Zietz; sister, Tammy (John) Cox; brother-in-law, Mark Hughes, and sister-in-law, Joyce Hughes; stepson, Jason (Stacie) Rich; grandchildren, Maiden (Jeremiah), Jacob, Isaac, Savannah and Sydney Zietz, Dean, Alayna, and Eli Callen, Addi, Elli, Ronan Zietz, and Casey, Connor, Reid and Libby Harris; step-grandchildren, Candace, Dawn and Mike; and great-grandchildren, Derrick, Ronan, and Camryn. His family would like to thank The VA in Fox Chapel Hospice Unit for all the love and support for George and his family. The hospice team were spectacular, in particular, Dr. K, Vale, Mo, Brittany and Chase, Chris, Gina and too many to name, but they are all Angels of Mercy. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in THE CHARLES B. JARVIE CHESWICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1607 Pittsburgh St., where a blessing service will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, with burial to follow in Deer Creek Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ALS Association of Western Pa. 416 Lincoln Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15209 www.jarviefuneralhome.com.

Justin Guerriero

Trib Total Media

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