Howard Firestine, 101, of Pine Grove, formerly of Myerstown and Lewistown, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Firestine, whom he married on April 28, 1943.
Born in Lebanon County on June 19, 1920, he was the son of the late Harvey B. and Mary E. Firestine.
Howard served as a Sgt. in the U.S. Army during World War II for Company A, 113th Engineers, 38th Division. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, and a World War II Victory Medal.
He worked as a weaver for Quality Fabrics Co. in Myerstown for four years prior to military service. After the war, he was an electrician for Shirk Electrical and Quaker Alloy in Myerstown for many years. After his retirement, he continued to work for Buckell Plastic Co., Inc. in Lewistown.
He is survived by his children, Nancy Gockley, and her husband, Glenn, of Myerstown, Dennis Firestine, of Bethel, and Sharon Schell, and her husband, Brian, of Lebanon; grandchildren, Sean and Justin Firestine, Kristel Bell, James Schware, and Ashley Britt; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren, with the fifth one on the way.
Howard was preceded in death by brothers, Walter (his twin), as well as Nelson and Colonel Firestine, and his sister, Della Wagner.
Memorial services will be on Thursday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. at Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Rt. 72 & Camp Meeting Rd., Jonestown. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus, 1001 James Dr., Suite B34, Leesport, PA 19533.
