1946
2013
John R. Bortz, 66, of Harrisburg, passed away suddenly Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Holy Spirit Hospital. He was born November 26, 1946 in Bedford, PA; he was the son of the late George R. Bortz.
Surviving is his wife, Marjorie A. Griffiths Bortz; 3 sons, John Nicklaus Bortz, wife, Jenn, of New Cumberland, Robert Griffiths, of Cathedral City, CA, and Jeffrey Griffiths, of Harrisburg; his mother, Margaret V. (Ott) Bortz; his brother, Jeff L. Bortz, wife, Joanne; his sister, Candace L. (Bortz) Secrest, husband, Rodney, all of Bedford; nephew, Justin Secrest; and 3 nieces, Brandee Bortz, Becky Bortz and Maggie Secrest.
John retired from the PA Turnpike Commission as a Credit and Collection Manager, with 35 years of service; and was a graduate of Robert Morris University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
He was a member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hummelstown, Trinity Lutheran Church, Bedford, Hole in One Club, Bedford Elks Lodge and the Hershey Italian Lodge.
He was an avid and competitive golfer, enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, and a Steeler's fan.
A graveside service will be held 11:30 AM Tuesday, July 30, 2013 in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 4855 Londonderry Rd., Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisburg Area Humane Society, 7790 Grayson Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111 or to an animal shelter of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 25, 2013
Janeen Goodrich
Dear Marjorie,
My deepest prayers to you and the family.
warmly,
Janeen
August 3, 2013
Dorothea Sarteschi
John was the best boss I ever worked for in the years I worked before my retirement. He was also my friend. He respected me and did a lot of wonderful things for me. I missed him when he retired and the same in his death. Thank you John for everything and especially for being my friend. You were a wonderful man and a good friend. This world has a loss where heaven has gained a good man. Your family and friends shall all miss you.
August 3, 2013
John was the best boss I ever had in my working life. He also became a good friend. I was sad when he retired and more so that he has now left this world. We shall all miss him here, but I have to say that God got himself a good man in heaven. I shall miss you John but will never forget our time together or how respectful, kind and good you were to me. You were the best!!
Dorothea Sarteschi
August 2, 2013
Deborah Fries
John was my first childhood friend. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My love to Peg and condolences to all his family.
August 1, 2013
Steve Ott
Sadly, I learned of your passing through the internet. The many good years and many good times will always remain very special to me. My condolences to all.
July 30, 2013
John Scott
My heart felt sympathoy goes out to all of you. The world was a better place with John in it. Marge, John, Jeff and Robert, my prayers are with you. Rest easy my friend, its all about the "U". :)
July 30, 2013
We will both miss the good times we had at the Wharf. Hit it straight and long. Rest in peace.
Don and Bonnie [The Wharf]
July 29, 2013
Scott Saxman
I was saddened to hear about John's passing. I hope and pray that you will have strength during this time of loss.
Sincerest condolences ,
July 29, 2013
Rod
SENIOR - You are GREATLY missed! We will never forget you and the great times!!!!
July 29, 2013
Renai Lauver & Family
Thinking of you at the difficult time with love and smypathy.
Renai, Scott and Family
July 29, 2013
Vern Schmidt
We will all miss John and his smile!
Prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace.
July 29, 2013
John and Linda Sakelaris
Words cannot express the sadness. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
July 29, 2013
Mark Caruso & Family
July 29, 2013
Megan McCarthy
Dear Bortz Family,
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go to all of you at this time and in the days ahead. He was a great man...warm smile, kind soul. Never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He's someone we'd all like to emulate in our own lives. It has been my pleasure to have known him. As for my golf lesson from this avid golfer...see you at the 19th hole, John.
July 28, 2013
Stephanie & Paul Niglio
Dear Bortz Family: I had the pleasure of working with and knowing John for about 32 of those 35 years he worked at the Turnpike. Actually, he was one of the first 3 people I met on my first day of work there in August of 1976. John, Gina & Caroline, all in Mr. Hook's Office.....what great times they were. John was so quiet, but so nice. He was always on a schedule. Ate lunch at the same time each day, ate salad, never snacked, was so dedicated at whatever he did. He was at our Wedding in 1980 and we always stayed good friends. Maybe you will see Big John Hook up there in Heaven and you can have a few cold ones and catch up on things. You both left this world way too soon. You will be missed.
July 28, 2013
Almo & Sharon Burkhalter
Sister, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
July 28, 2013
Rob & Cindy Tenetylo
We were so sad to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 28, 2013
JoAnn Zucker
John was one of the first people I had the pleasure of meeting while working for the Turnpike. He always made me laugh and never had an unkind word. He was truly a professional and a gentleman always. I am saddened to hear of our loss of such a wonderful man.
July 28, 2013
Tara O'Neil
I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing John! A great man! Prayers to the entire family.
July 28, 2013
Gary Boose
To Bortz Family,
OMG. My condolences. I had a few beers with John and son John at The Worf last Fall and it was fun. Perhaps he will have a few foursomes to get into in Heaven.
Gary
July 28, 2013
Bill Sommer
Please accept my profound sorrow at your loss. We have all lost a great guy. I was proud to have called John friend. I miss him already.
July 28, 2013
Dear Morjorie, I am very sorry for your loss, even thought he is with his savior, I know it's hard on you and your family.Look to God for your strength and comfort and support of family and friends. We will keep you all in our prayers. Sherry Weaver from Dr. Fontaine's office. Call if you need to talk or anything else. 222-2699
July 27, 2013
Jen Phillips
What a wonderful man. We will miss him always. Prayers to the entire family.
July 27, 2013
Vince Myers
Sorry for your loss
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