Russell M. Lentz

     Russell M. Lentz, 72, of Montoursville, died peacefully after a courageous battle on Friday, March 8, 2019 at his home, three years after being blessed to receive a lung transplant.

     Born July 29, 1946 in Williamsport, he was a son of Charles M. Lentz and Ruth B. (Karicher) Welch.

     Russ served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as part of the USS Saratoga, attack aircraft carrier. He was a member of Pine Street United Methodist Church, where he served as President of Trustees for several years.

     A lifelong resident of Lycoming County, Russ worked in management with retail stores, Town & Country Distributors and Robert Hall Village. He was a municipal police officer, criminal investigator, and a deputy sheriff for Lycoming County, specializing in locating and the return of fugitives from county courts. Russ was appointed by the PA Senate to serve as a District Judge and was a licensed, self-employed real estate agent and property manager serving clients for over 30 years. He retired after 52 years of paying taxes and living the dream.

     Russ was a passionate Kiwanian, serving 35 years of dedicated service including mentoring fellow Kiwanians. He served as the club secretary for 21 years and received multiple distinguished Kiwanian, club president and secretary awards. He was a truly committed Kiwanian and believed in doing his part of civic duty to make Williamsport a better place.

     Russ enjoyed woodworking; hunting; fishing; transportation…motorcycle, airplane, ATV, new vehicles, excavating machinery; making people smile and loved his family dearly.

     Surviving are his wife Thelma M. (Cole) Lentz, whom he married July 5, 2003; two sons Michael G. Lentz and Mark A. Lentz; a granddaughter Harley Lentz; all of Williamsport and all faithfully stayed by his side; two great grandchildren, Layten and Sophia, on the way, a sister, Barbara Marshall (Howard) of South Williamsport; a brother, Richard Lentz (Ana) of Pittsburgh; a sister in law Pat Lentz of Williamsport; several nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

     In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lentz; a sister, Charlotte Swisher; and a brother in law, William Swisher.

     A memorial service to honor the life of Russ will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 15, at Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine St., Williamsport. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be held privately at Wildwood Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Russ’s name to any of the following organizations; Pine Street UMC, Memorial Fund, 441 Pine St., Williamsport, PA 17701, Kiwanis Club of Williamsport, PO Box 382 Williamsport, PA 17703, or Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o Hospice, 1100 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701.

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