Philip R. Metzler Sr.

Philip R. Metzler, Sr., 88, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lancaster, PA, Philip was the son of Harry R. and Miriam Mann Metzler and the husband of the late Suzanne Trout Metzler, who died on April 12, 2020. He was the companion of Millie Brubaker until his passing. Phil graduated from Hempfield High School and the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a commission as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later received a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from George Washington University. He served in the U.S. Army from the time of his graduation from PMC in 1958 until March of 1963, serving in California and Berlin, Germany, achieving the rank of Captain. He spent an additional five years in the Maryland National Guard as Company Commander. Phil spent 34 years in Human Resources Management, the last sixteen years as H.R. Director for Kiwi Brands prior to his retirement in 1997. Following retirement, he and Sue split their time between Pleasure Shores and Tilghman, MD, and Key Largo, FL. They returned to their roots in Lancaster County in 2015 and continued their extensive worldwide travels. Phil enjoyed swimming, boating, tennis, bocce, playing cards and eating crabs with his friends and family. His favorite teams were the Baltimore Colts, Ravens, and Orioles. Philip is survived by his dear daughter, Margie Kosmerl, his four sons: Philip R. Metzler, Jr., (Hedda), Lancaster, PA, Brian R. Metzler (Jana), Mount Joy, PA, Michael S. Metzler, Lancaster, PA and Steven T. Metzler (Anne), Dublin, OH, and seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, Lizzie, Heather, Jonathan, Kelsi, and Ellie; his great-granddaughter, Isabella. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne, his son-in-law, Wayne Kosmerl, and his grandson, Danny. Relatives & friends are invited to attend Philip’s Memorial Service at Woodcrest Villa, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Please omit flowers; memorial donations in Philip’s name can be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or Tandem Living Benevolent Fund, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.