Robert J. Beltz

Robert Judson (Jud) Beltz, 84, of Latrobe, passed away on Oct. 5, 2024, at Bethlen Skilled Nursing Home in Ligonier, PA. Jud was born on May 16, 1940, the son of Carl D. Beltz and Miriam E. (Parmer) Beltz. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rhona Jean Beltz of Latrobe; and predeceased by his sister, Dolores Angus. Jud leaves three children, Glenn Edward Beltz and his wife, Danielle Jean Swiontek, of Goleta, CA, David Judson Beltz, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Allison Jean Butcher, and her husband, Gary Butcher, of Redmond, WA; and four grandchildren, Kenneth Judson Butcher, Kai Nielsen Beltz, Ella 'Zacque' Katherine Beltz, and Finley Michael Beltz. Jud was a lifelong resident of Latrobe and member of the Greater Latrobe High School Class of 1958. He was a proud alumnus of Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor's in 1962, a master's in 1964, and a doctorate in metallurgy in 1967. It was there where he met the love of his life, Rhona, at a mixer between his fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma, and her sorority, Alpha Phi. They married in June of 1965. After earning his Ph.D., Jud, Rhona, and baby Glenn spent a year in Norway, where Jud worked on problems in solid state physics at the University of Oslo. However, his love of Latrobe brought him and his family back to Pennsylvania in 1968. Early in his career, Jud worked at Latrobe Steel Company. In 1976, Jud co-founded Kalumetals, Inc. with his Penn State classmates Kent Snyder and Joseph Dankoff. Kalumetals, Inc. is a specialty metallurgical processing and recycling company that continues to operate today in Derry. Jud served as a Kalumetals' executive for nearly five decades until his official retirement. Even after retiring, Jud continued to show up for work every day. Jud was kind, loving, and always working toward improving his organizational skills. He had a great love of animals and took great joy in his children, employees, and their accomplishments. His children and grandchildren will miss his love, generosity, and inability to make his internet work. Jud was a lifetime member of Latrobe Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served in numerous roles over the years, including usher and Finance Committee member. A lifelong learner, Jud was passionate about the German language and culture, enrolling in a German class in his 40s and becoming proficient in the language that he studied with a small group of loyal classmates until the final weeks of his life. Jud found great joy in cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions, working out at his local gym, and spending time with family and friends. In his later years, Jud enjoyed being a part-time resident of Vero Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jud's memory may be made to Concordia Home Health and Hospice of Bethlen or the Humane Society of Westmoreland County. Jud's final resting place will be at Unity Cemetery in Latrobe, where a private ceremony will be held at the burial. A celebration of life in Jud's honor will be held in late spring for all who knew and loved him, to be announced at the convenience of the family. The HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME, INC., in Latrobe, has been entrusted with the arrangements. To post an online condolence, please visit www.hartman-grazianofuneralhome.com.