Howard L. Briel, Jr.

Howard L. “Butch” Briel, Jr., 67 of Elizabethtown, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Hospice & Community Care of Mount Joy.

He was born on Sunday, October 13, 1946 in Mahanoy City, PA to the late Howard L. Briel, Sr. and Florence (Shaad) Briel.

Butch was a United States Navy Veteran; he served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed aboard the USS Okinawa.

He was a mechanic and tow truck operator for Cocker’s Towing, Inc. of Elizabethtown and had previously worked for Waste Management for 25 years as a mechanic.

He was a member of the Elizabethtown Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Dela-Ches Fishing Assoc.

Butch was a very compassionate family oriented man who loved his children and grandchildren immensely. He was always willing to help others in any way he possibly could and often put others needs ahead of his own. Although Butch did not have an official church affiliation, he had a strong Christian faith.

He had a passion for building Hot Rods and built his own 1951 Henry J. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, football and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Betty M. Briel, five daughters Mindy Blasick and her husband Steven of Columbia, Missy Murphy of Elizabethtown, Marcie Briel of Columbia, Dawn Matheny and her husband Brian of Columbia, Sarah Roush and her husband Donald of Bainbridge, a son Robert Christofic and his wife Missy of Elizabethtown, a brother Thomas Briel and his wife Sharon of Bainbridge, three sisters Betty Gordon of Elizabethtown, Sandra Hippensteel and her husband Robert of Elizabethtown, Linda Herneisen and her husband Bruce of Elizabethtown, 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 9am on Saturday, September 13, 2014 in Good’s Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of the Miller-Sekely Funeral Home & Crematory of Elizabethtown. To share condolences please go to www.millerfuneralhome.com .

Memorial contributions in Butch’s honor may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive Lancaster, PA 17601.