Donald L Hetrick

Donald L. Hetrick, 81 years old, passed away Monday November 1, 2021 at his home in Newport, PA.
He was born in Harrisburg, November 5, 1939 to the late John W. and M. Jeannette (Miller) Hetrick.
He is survived by his wife, Doris (Trout) Hetrick of 61 years, five children Debra Gleim (David) of
Newport, PA, Jill Gerhart (Timothy) of Sterling, VA, Janice Hestor of Duncannon, PA, Barbara Kline
(Michael) of Newport, PA, Donald J. 'Jerry' Hetrick (Anna) of Enola, PA. Thirteen grandchildren: John
Gleim, PhD. of Philadelphia, PA, Lt. Benjamin Gerhart, serving in the Army stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX,
Andrew Gerhart of Sterling, VA, David (Dawn) Hestor of Duncannon, PA, Jacqueline Frey (Frederick
'Freddy') of Drumore, PA, Joseph Hestor, of Duncannon PA, Jennifer Hestor, of Duncannon, PA, Joshua
Kline of Newport, PA, Brooke Kline, of Newport, PA, Emily Kline, of Newport, PA, Julie Hetrick, of
Norwalk, CT, Steven Hetrick, of Enola, PA, Jessica Hetrick, of Enola, PA. Four great grandchildren:
Camille Frey, Madeline Hestor, Frederick Frey III 'Gunner', Daniel Hestor. A sister, Joan Wingert
(Donald) of Harrisburg and a number of extended family. He was predeceased by both his parents and his
older brother John T. 'Terry' Hetrick.
Don lived his very early years in Harrisburg before his parents moved to Perry County, living his
childhood years in Duncannon and eventually to Newport for his school age years. He graduated in 1957
from Newport High School and then went on to obtain his barber license. Don was a barber for a number
of years, cutting hair in Dillsburg, off the square in Newport, trimming the hair of soldiers at Ft
Indiantown Gap, and eventually set up a chair in the garage at his home. As his family grew, he secured a
job with Conrail, working a variety of positions, brakeman, yardmaster and train crews. He worked from
the Enola yard, but most of his 30-year career was based out of the Harrisburg Train Yard when he retired
from Norfolk Southern. He owned a small hunting supply business that he operated out of his garage as
hunting was a huge passion all his life. His high school yearbook featured a photo of him checking out a
rifle, with a big grin on his face.
He lived all of his adult life in Newport enjoying the rural lifestyle of our small-town community and
spending time with family. He looked forward to every PA hunting season - squirrel, deer, bear, etc.
Making sure his rifles were ready, he could often be found with the guys, and a few gals, shooting his
rifle in, getting the scopes set and reloading thousands of shells over the years. He often walked the
woods to find just the right spot to get the 'big one'. He enjoyed hunting camp in Tioga County with the
guys and would come home telling camp and other hunting stories for years. Spending time on the water
in his flat bottom boats allowed him to enjoy nature and find the good fishing spots, watch the birds and
wildlife at the water's edge. He enjoyed reading about the American Civil War and WWII.
He would answer to someone calling him 'Hetrick', could be found hanging out at C.A. Hess garage and
the feed mill, dabbled in selling real estate, and enjoyed helping the family during butchering season
(loved fresh scrapple).
Don enjoyed family events which kept him and Doris quite entertained over the years. As a proud dad
and grandpa, he attended their numerous school achievement ceremonies, sporting events, Eagle Scout
ceremonies, graduations from high school, trade school and colleges. He was beyond proud of the success
and accomplishments of all his children and grandchildren. The great grandchildren would light up his
day as they enjoyed cookies together and held the newest month-old littles.
Thanksgiving day with the traditional huge family gathering was looked forward to each year, since that
day included his favorite foods, that he could eat all year round, real mashed potatoes with thick gravyand crispy skinned turkey. Dessert had to always be homemade pumpkin pie with real crust, not store-bought.He was blessed to have the support of his wife and family as his health declined in recent years.

Funeral services will be held at Incarnation United Church of Christ on Saturday November 6, 2021.Visitation will be 1-2 with service at 2. Burial to follow at Newport Cemetery. Light refreshments andfellowship will follow the burial, in the church's Sunday school room.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be mailed to: Incarnation UCC, 47 N 4th Street, Newport, PA 17074

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