Melvin J. Sollenberger

Melvin J. “Solly” Sollenberger, 90, of 110 Water St., New Holland, died Saturday, April 28, 2012 at his home.

Born in Mt. Airy, Salisbury Twp., he was the son of the late Harrison and Blanche (Simmons) Sollenberger. He was married 65 years, on July 21, to Kathryne (Goretzke) Sollenberger.

He retired in 1982 from the former Sperry New Holland as Plant General Manager after 40 years in the manufacturing division.

He was a member of the Salem Evangelical Reformed Church at Hellers, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Tall Cedars and the Shriners. He enjoyed traveling, bowling, golfing, hunting and fishing, and spending time at the family cabin and woodland in Berks County. He was a member of the Spring Garden Hunting Club, Inc. in Lycoming County since 1941 where he served many years as secretary and treasurer. He also was a member of a number of other social, service, and sportsman’s clubs.

During WWII he served over two years in the US Army with 18 months in Italy where he was personally blessed by Pope Pius XII.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Gary, married to Brenda (Stauffer) Sollenberger of Liberty; three daughters, Kathy, married to Doug Griesemer of Manheim, Karen, married to Ray High of Union Grove, and Susan, married to Ron DiAngelo, Jr. of Wrightsville; four grandchildren, Joshua, married to Amanda Rhoads of KY, Erin, married to Orrin Duvuvuei of UT, Kylie Rhoads of FL, and Cody DiAngelo of PA; and a brother, Harold, married to Dorothy (Studd) Sollenberger of Blue Ball.

Preceding him in death are two sisters, Norma Moore and Helen Williams.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 2 at 1:15 pm at the Salem Evangelical Reformed Church at Hellers, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Leola, with the Reverend Bruce Tully officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wed. at the Church from Noon -1 pm with a Masonic service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.