In loving memory of Deputy Chief John R. Horvat, Sr.

November 23, 1951 – October 23, 2005

It is with great sadness that the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad announces the death of Life Member and Deputy Chief John R. Horvat, Sr. in a fall from the auditorium catwalk at his full-time job at Seneca Valley High School on the morning of Sunday, October 23, 2005.

Deputy Chief Horvat began his service to the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad in March of 1977. He rose to the rank of Deputy Chief after many years of dedicated service to the Wheaton, Kensington, and Silver Spring communities. Even after nearly 30 years of service, he routinely spent several nights a week at the rescue squad, repairing equipment, training new members, and serving as a mentor to the entire organization.

Deputy Chief Horvat is survived by his wife Beth, sons John Jr and Michael, daughter Laura Barnes, granddaughter Alexandra, his mother Phyllis Horvat, and sisters Dona, Susan, and Jill.

Deputy Chief Horvat’s funeral was held on October 27, 2005. Thank you to the members of the rescue squad, past and present, the extended fire/rescue family in Montgomery County and beyond, the Montgomery County Police, the staff and students from Seneca Valley High School, Hughes United Methodist Church, and all the other friends who came together in a great tribute to John’s life.

Offsite links:

Washington Post story

Washington Post death notice/guestbook

NBC 4 story

Updated Gazette story

Montgomery County press release

Seneca Valley HS announcement
Peary HS page

brucedjohnson.net

nitchel.blogspot.com

In Memory of First Vice President William A. Bell

November 4, 1944 – February 21, 2007

It is with deep sadness that the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad announces the sudden death of retired career Sergeant, mechanic, Life Member, and current First Vice President and Captain William A. Bell Jr on the afternoon of February 21, 2007.

Viewing TUE 27 FEB, 1500-1700 & 1900-2100 Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739
Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD

Funeral WED 28 FEB 1100 hrs, Gasch’s Funeral Home with internment to
follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd., Brentwood, MD

Reception to follow: Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Association, 11900 Glenn
Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769 (PG Sta. 18)

The family has asked to please omit flowers, donations in lieu of to
Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad.

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In Memory of Chief Harold M. “Buddy” Schantz

March 18, 1942 – February 19, 2007

It is with deep sadness that the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad announces the death of Life Member and Past Chief Harold M. “Buddy” Schantz suddenly, at home, on the morning of February 19, 2007.

Funeral

1:30 pm, Saturday, February 24, 2007

Saint Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD

Burial to follow – Norbeck Memorial Gardens, Georgia Ave. & Batchelors Forest Rd., Olney, MD

The family has asked to please omit flowers, donations in lieu of to Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad.