Clyde T. Fetzer

     Clyde T. Fetzer, was called home to be with the Lord today March 3rd, 2021.  While no one knows the day they will be called home, Clyde knew he was ready.   This is the day most who knew him will mourn his death, however his life will be celebrated by the mere thoughts of who he really was here on earth. 

     Born to Charles &Viola (Rager) Garver Fetzer, on October 6th 1929, he grew up with 9 siblings and had many jobs in his youth from Potato picker during the war years to caring for his younger siblings and himself after the loss of their mother at a  very young age.  Growing up during the Great Depression in a coal mining town, sole determination, set the foundation of his life.   Meeting the Love of his Life, Jane (Sobleskie) Fetzer (1947) they ran away  to be  married on April 1st, 1950 during his leave from the Army (Korean War).  From there she joined him as he was stationed at the Panama Canal which began their journey of 70+years together.  One of their very sorrowful moments, was the loss of their first child during childbirth August 7th 1952.   Many personal changes were made as he ventured off to begin his family by moving from his hometown of Nanty Glo,  PA, in search of a job that could sustain his growing family, Daughter Kathy (1954), Daughter Debbie (1956) and Daughter Sandi (1960).  In 1953 or 54, he obtained his position with Ford Motor Company in Walton Hills Ohio and in 1957 they moved into their first home in Maple Hts., Ohio where they raised their children.  During these years they never lost sight of their families in Nanty Glo, PA and Ebensburg, PA. , bringing their parents to Ohio, numerous times to live or visit over the years.

     Travel was a pleasure they enjoyed with their family over the years, saving up they ventured by road in his pride and joy a 1959 Ford Galaxy,  to the beautiful places of the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Niagara Falls, Smokey Mountains, Washington DC, the East and West Coasts.  Later in life they enjoyed the bus tours of Canada, Novia Scotia,  and the Cruises of the Bahama's, Virgin Island and Panama Canal again to see all the sights they could.  During his working years, he decided to build a little cottage on the Lake of Pymatuning  PA , that cottage turned into a bigger project once he retired and they decided to move to their happy place.  Several years later they were back to the road in Florida and stopped to see a neighbor from Pymatuning and fell in love with a cute little trailer they would enjoy every winter for 22 years.  Golfing and enjoying the sun October to May and growing a garden and fishing on the lake from May to October, enjoying their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

     Our Dad, Husband, Grandfather has been our family’s hero always. We could without a doubt depend on him, his advice was the best, he was so wise and was our rock.  He was absolutely the best father we could have had and we could not have been more proud of him.  We loved him with all our hearts and will miss him for the rest of our lives.  He leaves a legacy of unconditional love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, there were never any strings attached to his love, always unconditional.  He welcomed the gifts of time and laughter from his loving family and friends who surrounded him with joy and comfort.  Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, he soldiered through this little known and frustrating condition with grace and courage.          

     Preceded in death by one Infant Son, parents Charles and Viola Fetzer,  sisters Violet, Hazel, Beatrice & Rita; brothers Dean, Robert & Charles.

     Survived by wife Jane (Sobleskie) Fetzer, daughters Kathy (Greg) Trumphour, Debbie (Rich) Galinovsky, Sandi (Darl) Fuller; Grandchildren; Cortney LaMantia, Joel LaMantia (Christine); Robert Ryan Legg; Jeremy Legg (Christina); Joshua Legg (Shannyn); Cory Legg (Jodi); Jeff (Lisa) Galinovsky.  Siblings Leona Stephens and Willard Fetzer (Irene), 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

     Dad would have liked to send his appreciation to his oncologist Dr. Han and Meadville Hospice Team especially Annette, Richard & Tonya, your expertise and compassion was above and beyond.

     Graveside Services with full military honors will be held on March 10th, 2021 at 11AM at Espyville Cemetery, 1868 Chapel Rd., Espyville, PA 16424.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in Clyde’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Meadville Hospice of Crawford County.

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