Richard Mettel

Richard (Dick) Mettel passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024 in Orange Park, Flordia, where he had been living at Moosehaven since September 2021.

Dick was born in Aurora, IL on July 26, 1934 and married the love of his life Velma L Harvey on August 9, 1952, Velma preceded him in death on July 15, 2022 at Moosehaven.

Dick devoted his life to the Moose Organization starting at age of 17 for their drum & bugle team. Dick worked as a carpenter at Mooseheart for 25 years and then as Facilities Manager at Moosehaven in Orange Park Florida for 10 years until his retirement. Richard was secretary of Batavia Moose Lodge, held several leadership positions at Batavia Moose, received his pilgrim degree and was a ritualist with winning 1st place for the governor’s part.

He is preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Velma. His parents Margaret and Leonard and his sister Patricia Mott. 

Dick is survived by his daughter Debbie/Donald Friend, grandsons Michael, Douglas and Daniel/Kevin Christy Friend, and 3 generations of nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the care staff at the Schmitz building at Moosehaven where he received the best care. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. There will be a private internment at Moosehaven for both Dick & Velma.