Merle V. Stroz

Stroz, Merle V., 90, Johnstown, peacefully passed away at Windber Hospice March 27, 2015.  Merle was a first-generation American born September 13, 1924 in Johnstown, son of the late John and Magdalene (Sala) Stroz, who emigrated to the United States from Krakow, Poland.  Preceded in death by parents, loving wife of 57 years Dorothy Agnes (Partsch) Stroz; brothers  Joseph, Walter, Blaine, Frank and sisters Emily Curtis, Marie Smuro, and Frances Bradian.  Survived by his loving daughter Dorothy Louise of Johnstown, sister Jennie Meredith and sister-in-law Agnes Stroz and many godchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Merle enjoyed attending Mass, spending time with family, puttering around the house, and hearing his great-niece Erin Schmura sing opera. Merle served proudly in the US Army Medical Corps in the European Theatre during World War II.  Retired electrician from Bethlehem Steel.  Member of St. Gregory & Barnabas Catholic Church. Friends received 3-8 PM Monday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland where Vigil service will be held. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at St. Gregory Church at 10:00 AM in Daisytown. Committal at St. Joseph Mausoleum, Geistown, with military rites by Conemaugh Valley Detachment # 287, Marine Corps League. The family thanks Dr. Roy Ziegelstein of the Johns Hopkins Hospital for his outstanding care and wise counsel.  Special thanks to Dr. Rashad Awan and the staff of the John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Dr. Richard Ross, and Dr. Conor Mulcahy for their outstanding care as well of the staff of Windber Hospice for their compassion. Family suggests donations to the Merle V. and Dorothy A. (Partsch) Stroz Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in memory of Merle. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)