Donald E. Pertz

Donald E. Pertz, 94, of Oil City, passed away Saturday evening July 5, 2025 at Marquette Hospice House in Meadville following a brief illness.

Don was born on August 6, 1930 in Oil City, a son of the late Herman and Helen Thrasher Pertz. He was married to his high school sweetheart Rebecca “Becky” Hart on May 26, 1948 in Oil City. She preceded him in death on November 10, 2014.

Don was a graduate of Oil City High School, class of 1948. After graduation he worked for US Steel Oilwell Division in Oil City for 10 years. He spent the next 40 years in the auto parts and service business until his retirement. He worked at the former White Lincoln and Mercury in Oil City. He also worked for Lyle W. Peebles Motor Sales in Titusville and at Dumpe Auto located in Seneca and Franklin. He was known to many as “Pertz for Parts”. He had also worked briefly at other auto dealers including Weaver Buick and Venus Motors.

Don was a former member of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City where he had served as a Boy Scout Leader. He had also served with his brother-in-law, David Hart, as ambulance drivers. Don was also known to his family as the mayor of Siverly, being the oldest living native of the community.

Don and Becky had taken many foster children into their home over the years, developing close relationships with many of them that lasted years.

Although Don had enjoyed all his cars and motorcycles over the years, his favorite of all time was his 1988 Jeep Commanche Truck. You would often see he and Becky and their pet dog Remy riding in the Jeep.

Don had done many home projects over the years, occasionally assisted by his father, and also gave the boys lots of jobs to do. During his decline, Don enjoyed sitting on his patio and watching the wildlife around his home. He was an avid composer of many family photo albums.

Don is survived by three sons, Daniel Pertz and wife Darole of Venus, Jayce Pertz and wife Karen of Titusville, and Mark Pertz and companion Denise Koch of Lowellville, OH; foster daughter, Tammy Klescz and husband Francis of Seneca; grandchildren, Jayla Pertz of Cheat Lake, WV, DeAnn Salvo and husband Scott of Titusville, Scott Pertz of Oil City, Danielle Copley and husband Rick of Waterford, Leigha Pertz of Pittsburgh, Janel Hanna and husband Jason of Cranberry, Amy Folwell of Seneca and Matt Folwell of Las Vegas, NV; great grandchildren, Mason, Landon, Bria, Kyle, Katie, Serafina, Maria and Madison; and great great grandson, Crew; a sister, Judy Walters of Binghamton, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Donald R. Pertz; his grandson, Aaron Pertz; a sister, Betty Champion; and a brother, Bill “Sonny” Pertz.

The family will receive friends at the Titusville Methodist Church 302 W. Walnut Street Titusville PA 16354 on Tuesday July 8th from noon to 1:00 PM. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 PM with Rev. David Hart and Rev. Samuel Wagner officiating.

A live stream of the service can be viewed at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rmDut8rI-g

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marquette Hospice House c/o Hospice of Crawford County 766 Liberty St. Meadville, PA 16335.

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