JOHN METZLER Obituary
Age 46, suddenly on Thurs, May 13, 2010, of Pittsburgh. Loving father of Chelsie Mae Metzler; son of Frederick Metzler and Eileen McCann; brother of Lynn, Maura, Letty, Janine, Adam, Cara and the late Eric and Owen; soulmate of Randie Snow. John was a well known Pgh wood artisan and owner of Urban Tree Forge. Friends will be received at WM. F. CONROY FUNERAL HOME, 2944 Chartiers Ave., Sheraden, MONDAY, 5-8pm. Funeral Service Tues., 11am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Greentree, 46 School Rd, Pgh, 15220. (Everyone please meet at the church). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pgh Friends of the Urban Forest, 5427 Penn Ave., Pgh,15206 or John's daughter, Chelsie.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sam and Pat Sherrill
June 9, 2010
My wife and I met John for the first time when he called us during a return trip from Utah and asked if he could stop and visit. He had read my book, Harvesting Urban Timber, and wanted to meet me and discuss what he was starting in Pittsburgh. We visited him at his workshop this past March and were very impressed with his own wood artistry. All the years I have been involved in urban tree utilization led me to think in terms of lumber and boards. I learned from John and the wonderful pieces he made from limbs and other parts (that I would have discarded) to look with an artistic eye at the totality of the tree and what it can yield in its next life.
Following the example of the trees he revered, John was firmly rooted in the earth but was always reaching for the sky.
Our heartfelt condolences to his daughter, his family, his many friends and artistic colleagues.
Sam and Pat Sherrill
Milford, OH
David & Rebecca Antico
June 8, 2010
Randie,
I'm so sorry for your loss that my heart cries for you. I know you are soulmates and how much beauty and LOVE you shared with John.
Please share our deepest sympathy with Chelsie and the rest of the family.
We are praying that GOD gives you the strength to continue to help make his dreams come true, and fill your heart with HIS peace.
In prayer and sympathy,
Tico.
June 2, 2010
John,
We really miss you, buddy. You're the best brother in-law I ever had. I can't used to you being gone, but we, all the Metzlers and the rest of your family & friends (you sure have a LOT of them, John!) will take good care of Chelsie - don't worry about that. One day I'll see you again, and then we'll laugh hard. Love,
Joe & Jeannie Veedock, Raleigh, NC
Diane Wolf
June 2, 2010
John, I remember you took me for a motorcycle ride when we were teenagers and I lost your helmet and you were so forgiving. I'll never forget your smiling face. My brother Mike Patton was going to your viewing the day he passed away, I know you two are up in heaven watching over us.
Diane Wolf (Patton)
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Thomas Swedish
June 2, 2010
John you were a small one the last time I seen you. The love and thoughtful caring you learned then obviously was shared with everyone you came in contact with as you grew to be a Man. God Bless You and your Family. Always remembered
Roberta (Voci) Hendrick
May 28, 2010
Maura and the entire Metzler family:
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I will never forget the good times that I had the opportunity to share with John. Not only at school but working my first job in Greentree.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Brent and Owen
Brenton Andrews
May 24, 2010
Letty (Tisha) Metzler-Andrews
May 23, 2010
Oh my dear brother John, how my heart aches at losing you so young! You will always be an inspiration to me big brother. You have touched so many. My memory of you and our laughs forever in my heart. Thank you for the wonderful chat only a week before your passing. Your laughter I shall miss and "Hey Darlin" will continue to comfort me. I miss you!
May 20, 2010
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of the senseless death of John Metzler. I had the pleasure of meeting John through his contacts with Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest and the City Forester's office, and enjoyed a lively tour of his operation in January. He truly championed the beauty and benefits of trees, and was a passionate supporter of Pittsburgh's urban forest.
Last week at a meeting of the state urban forestry coordinators from the 20 notheast states, I distributed small mementos that John made using sycamore wood from Pittsburgh trees. They are all the more dear now. I am so very sorry for John's family and many friends who loved him, and hope you find some comfort in the knowledge that so many share in your sadness. Sincerely, Ellen Roane, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Urban Forestry Coordinator
Steve Sabram
May 19, 2010
I knew both Maura and Letty Ann as I attended high school with them. They and the entire Metzler family are in my prayers.
Amy DiMichele
May 19, 2010
My sincere condolences to John's family and all who knew/loved him. I talked with John only once when I met him and Randie Snow at the Everday Objects/Everday Places Exhibit at Sirani Gallery in Nov. 2008 as one of the participating artists. His passion as an artist was seen in his profoundly beautiful work and in his presence as one in love with life. He left a lasting impression.+
Cheryl Weaver
May 18, 2010
John and family I wish i had gotten to know you better than just a classmate however it has been a pleasure just knowing you RIP you will be missed and my condolences to your family Cheryl Holzapfel Weaver
Rich Horner
May 18, 2010
My condolences, I met John through Shawn Shullack on one of their fishing trips to Alaska and had the pleasure of spending a relaxing time with him 2 years in a row up there. John has a good soul. The world is a lesser place with him not in it.
OR
Kim Zoelle
May 18, 2010
To the Metzler family, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. I got to know your family as a child since I went to grade school with Letty Ann. We were very good friends and lost touch when I moved away in the sixth grade. I always enjoyed being around your family and truly felt the love you all had for each other. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Kim Zoelle (Pittsburgh (Greentree) PA
Alex Palau
May 18, 2010
My condolonces to the Metzler Family and to all friends of John. Truly a great and talented man. To hear about his passing is a sad shock. He will be missed and loved.
Denise Marino
May 18, 2010
I just came from Johns funeral and may I just say what an amazing show of love and spirit for a man I wish I had known. ~ God bless your family.
Sincerely,
Denise Marino-Schmitt
friend and youth counselor to Kiersten Kelly ( an amazing girl)
Mark Schmidt
May 18, 2010
To the Metzler family,
My sincere condolences. I just recently ran into John. We talked about the old neigborhood ( Home Avenue ) and he spoke with such enthusiasm about his new business venture. We exchanged a handshake and a smile as we parted. It was so good to see someone from the old neighborhood. May God bless John and his entire family.
Pearl (Wilson) Gales
May 18, 2010
I am truly sorry to hear about John. He was a good man and a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan Klemmer
May 17, 2010
Dear Metzler Family, My heartfelt condolences to the Metzlers. It saddens me to hear of your loss. I will always remember John's wonderful smile and vitality...His gusto for life. Susan (Klemmer) Lenarz
Christine & Peter Healy
May 17, 2010
We were shocked & deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. Although we haven't been close in recent years, we knew John best when he was transitioning from construction to artistry - what a transition he made! The courage to take a huge risk & do what he loved is profound. Always a kind heart. His smile, his laugh, his easy going way, his energy, his sensitivity & sincerity, his love of & loyalty to friends & family, especially Chelsie Mae. We hope his dream will go on through the people he touched. He was a wonderful man & we're better for having known him.
Julie (Holl) Bradford
May 17, 2010
I light this candle for you John,to guide you in the right direction so you may watch over all of us. You truley are an Angel. We had many good times together, I just wish I would have kept in touch with all my good friends from high school. You will be sadly missed by all who every knew you. Rest In Peace.
Ken and Aileen
May 17, 2010
Words cannot express how sorry we were to hear of John's passing, he had a beautiful soul and a kind word for all. John will be truly missed.
Scott Welsh-McGoran
May 17, 2010
The world is that much emptier through the loss of such a great man. Though it is still hard to accept that he is gone, within us, he will continue to live on.
Mark Sommer
May 17, 2010
Your dedication and hardwork to make Pittsburgh & the world a better place will be sorely missed. We should all try to carry on the work you started in our own way...
Bobbi Jo Cantley
May 17, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers!
Jenny Williams
May 17, 2010
I not only got to call John my friend but I hold my head high and say he was my best friend. And for that I am honored and I am a better person for having him in my life. The entire Metzler clan are forever in my heart.
Jenny Williams
Diane Kelly
May 17, 2010
I'm so saddened to hear of John's passing. I have many happy memories of John from years past. May your wonderful memories of John help you through this most difficult time. May God's peace be on all of you as you mourn such a tragic loss.
Missie Welsh
May 17, 2010
The world has lost a truly special person in John, he had a smile for everyone, found good in everyone, his talent was truly amazing. May you rest in peace and may your family find peace in the knowledge that you will live on in the memories of all that you have touched and the beautiful art that you have created.
May 17, 2010
John,
That smile on your face and in your eyes when you turn your head at that angle. That laugh! Always there to offer hugs to family, friends, and strangers when we need them. Remember the attic, the hat, and your dad? How about the conversation with hotel security when Jesse accidently got locked in the bathroom on the morning of the wedding (we all have these stories)? To say that you have a zeal for life does not approach your passion for it. These are the things that we must remember when thinking of you.
Matt Sell
May 17, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the Metzler family. May you find comfort in God's arms and in memories.
The Smiley family
May 17, 2010
John,
That smile on your face and in your eyes when you turn your head at that angle. That laugh! Always there to offer hugs to family, friends, and strangers when we need them. Remember the attic, the hat, and your dad? How about the conversation with hotel security when Jesse accidently got locked in the bathroom on the morning of the wedding (we all have these stories)? To say that you have a zeal for life does not approach your passion for it. These are the things that we must remember when thinking of you.
Alway rembering,
Matt Sell
Mia
May 17, 2010
Dearest Eileen, Maura, and Beanie:
I was deeply saddened by the untimely death of your dear son and brother, John.
Please accept my heartfelt condolence.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time of loss.
May 17, 2010
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Clever
May 17, 2010
John was a great neighbor and friend. No matter what he was doing he would stop and give you a hand. John will truly be missed. I'll always remember hanging out on our front porch. My deepest sympathies.
May 17, 2010
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. It has been many years since we saw each other (your family lived across the street from us on Berry St.)but I've thought of him often ovet the years. My condolences to the entire family.
Judy Grimm Wheat
Life just ain't fair. Rest in peace John.
Sal
May 17, 2010
Doreen Scott
May 16, 2010
Chelsie, Fred and Metzler Family~
Please accept our deepest sympathies. John will be missed by many...he was a truly a great friend & neighbor. He would always look out for my mom if she needed help.
Love and prayers,
Doreen and Jeff Scott & Family
Joanne Metzler Docherty
May 16, 2010
How proud you must be to say John Fitzgerald Metzler was my father, son, brother, soul mate. John was a talented,loving person who was taken too young. My prayers,love and sympathy are extended to you his immediate family and also his extended "Pittsburgh Metzler" family. We will all miss John.
I am honored to be John's cousin
May 16, 2010
A true inspiration....
Barbara Kuhl
May 16, 2010
Eileen,
I have no words, my heart is broken for you. My deepest condolence to all of you in this time of grief.
Leslie Kittenbrink
May 16, 2010
Deeply touched by this gentle,visionary artisan in the short year I knew him! He made the world a better place,daily! Grateful, Leslie Kittenbrink
May 16, 2010
Dear Chelsie,
We were so very saddened and shocked to hear of your father's untimely passing.Our heartfelt prayers are with you and all the family, may you be comforted with happy memories of days spent together.
David and Adriana Dozzi and family
Thom Goelz
May 16, 2010
I knew John for many years and he always had a zest for life. It always seemed as if he enjoyed life and shared it with those of us who knew him. I will always remember going camping with him when he was still a teenager.
Helen, Chris & Rana Ritter
May 16, 2010
Your smile and laughter and love will be sorely missed. May your family be consoled in the knowledge that we will all meet again, through the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.
May 16, 2010
Dear Metzler Family,
I am deeply saddened and at a loss for words as to John's untimely sad and tragic passing. I have many fond memories of John while growing up in Sheraden. He was a very kind soul and talented man. God Bless you all.
Deborah Verrilla
May 16, 2010
Dear Metzler Family,
I am deeply saddened and at a loss for words as to John's untimely sad and tragic passing. I have many fond memories of John while growing up in Sheraden. He was a very kind soul and talented man. God Bless you all.
Janine Lewis ( McAlister)
May 16, 2010
John was a friend and also an old classmate. He will truly be missed!
May 16, 2010
John's smile lit up the coffee house. Belgium Waffle Sunday's at the Vault, he was always there. I am blessed that our paths crossed.
My heart sends strength and Love to his family and friends.
Cindy Reott-former manager Vault Coffee and Tea Bar
Jackie Matovich
May 16, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Amanda Spencer
May 16, 2010
The world lost a truly creative and just plain happy person. We will remember John when we look at the trees. Sami and Lilli will miss seeing him.
Heidi Bozick
May 16, 2010
I worked with John at Vinfred Interiors for over 10 years! He was such a nice guy he was a very loving father to his daughter Chelsie! God Bless his Family & Friends!!!!!
rick byerly
May 16, 2010
you will be greatly missed john.
Adam Murray
May 16, 2010
John, I knew you for only a short time, but you left a lasting impression...you will be missed.
Sharon Serbin
May 16, 2010
"Know Trees, Know Life" John Metzler. John knew and loved trees, and he knew how to embrace life. He will live forever in every tree, every leaf, every heart.
Paul Kelly
May 16, 2010
I may have received the last piece of furniture John completed. He delivered a desk top to my new office on Wednesday afternoon. I am grateful to have met him and my small business will be forever honored to have his beautiful art next to me everyday. I offer my deepest heartfelt condolence to John's nearest and dearest family and close friends.
In sympathy,
Paul Kelly
St. Lynn's Press
Showing 1 - 56 of 56 results
Make a Donation
in JOHN METZLER's name
How to support JOHN's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOHN METZLER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
