Ronald David Lotz, age 81, lifelong resident of Prospect, passed away Wednesday morning, February 17, 2021, at Concordia in Cabot, following a long battle with advanced Parkinson’s Disease.
Born December 12, 1939 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Samuel Clyde and Aida Marion Barkley Lotz.
In 2004, he retired after 44 years as a career truck driver. He was the owner operator who enjoyed the trips, and often referred to himself as a “Commercial Tourist”.
He was a lifetime member of The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, where he left a legacy, volunteering as a Trustee and Usher for many years.
David was a kind and giving person. He was a husband, father, grandfather, a Mason, and a Shriner. He dedicated his life to children through his work with the Shriners and was committed to serving others. He belonged to the Infinity Lodge #546 in Verona; the Butler Caravan 14 where he served on the Board of Directors and was a Past President; the Syria Shrine; the Syria Motor Corps, where he drove a yellow roadster in numerous parades; the Scottish Rite Consistory, where he was a 32nd degree Mason; the Shrine Hillbillies; and the Butler Shrine Lunch Club, where he was a Past President. He also belonged to the Elks #170 in Butler.
He was well known and active in his community of Prospect. He was a supporter of the Prospect Vol. Fire Department and volunteered for over 15 years on the Prospect Memorial Day Parade Committee, where he enjoyed canvasing for Parade donations and ads, and also hosted the Shriners for the after parade picnic at his residence. He will be remembered for his love of traveling, socializing, and hosting parties at his home and at the River at PYC, Phillipston Yacht Club near East Brady.
His family will remember him as an ice cream connoisseur, his love of candy and to tinker around, and his phenomenal prayers at Holiday dinners. He was loved by all and will be missed.
He is survived by his loving wife Beverly E. Metcalfe Lotz, who he married on September 15, 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii; children Kimberly Ann (Mike) Pradko of Franklin, Massachusetts and David Kirby (Lisa) Lotz of Prospect, David Alan (Dawn) Fisher of Slippery Rock, Dianna Leigh Varner of Butler; 12 grandchildren Rachel, Meghan, Josh, Ben, Sam (MengMeng), Ali, Brandon, Brooke, Hailie (Jack), Nicholas, Gavin, and Madison; 2 great grandchildren Cassius and Miles.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert Lotz and his mother in law Dorothea Metcalfe.
Visitation will be on Sunday, 1pm to 5pm at the Raisley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PC., 387 Main Street, Prospect.
Funeral will be on Monday, 11am, with viewing from 10am until time of service, at The Presbyterian Church of Prospect, 115 Church Street, with Rev. Dr. Larry Maley, his church pastor officiating.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital at www.lovetotherescue.org or the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA at www.pfwpa.org
For more information or to leave an online tribute go to www.raisleyfuneralhome.com