Hubert Gantz

Hubert J. Gantz, age 74, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away on May 7, 2017. Born in Darby, PA, he was the son of the late William L. and Catherine V. Gantz (nee McIntyre). Hubert attended Villanova University for two years.



Hubert was employed as an Auditor with NEIS (New England Insurance Services) based in Connecticut. He retired in 2013.



Hubert was a member of Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company from the age of 16. He was past President of Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company and a member of the Delaware County Fire Police and past President of AOH Division 22. He was also a past Commodore of the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club.



He was also a past President of the Home and School Association of St. Bernadette in Drexel Hill, PA. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was devoted to his family and loved by all. He was very proud of his family and what accomplishments he made in his life.



He is survived by his beloved wife, Claire M. Gantz (nee Goldschmidt), his loving children Margaret "Meg" McDonough (Keith), Eric Gantz (Michelle) and Kristen Kolody, his grandchildren Caitlin, Allison, Siobhan, Alyssa, Alexa, Grace, Hayleigh and Christopher, Jr., his brothers William Gantz (Rita) and Donald Gantz (Beth) and his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Gantz.



Relatives, friends and organizations of which he was a member are invited to visit the family Friday, May 12, 2017 8:30 AM-11:00 AM St. Bernadette Church, 1035 Turner Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA and to his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment is private.



In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Eastern Chapter of PA, 555 Croton Road, Suite 111, King of Prussia, PA 19406 would be appreciated.



Hubert Gantz 53 Years in the Fire Service

The Garrettford Drexel Hill Volunteer Fire Company was first organized in January of 1907 and contrary to popular opinion Hubert Gantz was not in attendance at this first meeting. Hubert did not actually join the fire company until August of 1960. Although he did not become a Contributing Active Member until he was 18 years old he did work in the bowling lanes in the basement of the fire house prior to becoming a Firefighter. Back in the day it was much more difficult for a Bonner boy to become part of the Active Crew and then latter the Fire Fighting Crew. In his early years as a firefighter before smoke detectors and sprinklers were required he saw more fire than most. Hubert worked hard to graduate from high school and then attended Villanova University while continuing to make calls and train as a firefighter. Sometime along the way he actually found time to get married and start a family with Claire. It wasn't until 1980 when he decided to become a Company Officer by accepting the position as Secretary. He then became a line officer in 1984 and continued as a Lieutenant until 1990. There was a lot going on during this time for an officer of the fire company with the modernization of the fire apparatus and the inclusion of the "jaws of life" to the rescue truck. In 1991 Hubert accepted the position as Vice President where his was very effective at promoting the fire company. Even after 30 + years in the fire house he still continued his training and become one of the oldest firefighters in the state of Pennsylvania to receive national certified.



As you may know firefighting and fire houses in particular are steeped in tradition and Hubert has continued and even initiate several. Hubert was part of the initial crew for the annual Santa detail when Santa Clause makes local visits to the Garrettford Drexel Hill members' homes and has only missed this event once in almost 30 years. He continues to work on and promote the "Old Ford" the fire company's 1937 Ford/Buffalo antique pumper which is taken to block parties, parades and special events. He continues to promote the fire company and serve the community by attending political and social events.



He joined the AOH Div 22 in 1999 along with several other members of Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company and completed his Degrees in 2002. He has attended the State and National Conventions and of course Irish weekend and the St. Patrick's Day parades. He was one of the key individuals to arrange the donation of "Big Green" the 1975 Seagrave Engine which serves as the official apparatus of the Hibernian Hose Company. He is currently the Recording Secretary of the division where he promotes not only the fire service but his Irish Catholic upbringing. Hubert has been an active member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in Drexel Hill where his Parents were founding members back in 1947.



Hubert was elected to the office of President of the Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company in 2000 and continues to hold this position today. He continues to dedicate a substantial amount of time to the fire service and the Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association. After 47 years in the fire service he has tons of stories, reports, rewards, citations, and thankfully more good times than bad.



Man is the only creature that dares to light a fire and live with it. The reason? Because he alone has learned to put it out. ~Henry Jackson Vandyke, Jr.