Paul Dennis ‘Denny’ Metz – Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Belle Vernon

Paul Dennis “Denny” Metz, 71, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away at his home on Aug. 3, 2021, from complications due to toxic Agent Orange exposure. He was born on Sept. 27, 1949, in Uniontown, Pa., to the late Paul A. Metz and Lula Mae Lucy Metz Johnson. He was a resident of Belle Vernon for 41 years before moving briefly to Scottsdale and then to Mesa, Ariz. Denny graduated in 1967 from North Union High School. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served his country in the Vietnam War with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, being honorably discharged as corporal. While he lived in Belle Vernon, Denny assisted coaching Washington Township youth baseball and basketball, Belle Vernon youth soccer and was equipment manager for the former Lynnwood Eagles midget football team. He retired from U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works in 2002. He enjoyed watching all Pittsburgh sports especially the Pirates, participating in car shows and listening to music from the ’60s. He enjoyed hunting until his illness didn’t allow that any longer. He tried not to miss any of his grandchildren’s events, showing his full support. Denny was a member of USW Local 1557, Clairton, lifetime member of AMVETS Post 7, Fountain Hill, Ariz., and the VFW Post 7968, Apache Junction, Ariz. He never met a stranger and was always a friend. To our beloved husband, father, pap pap, family and friend, you will forever remain in our hearts. He is survived by his wife, Dee Metz, whom he married on Aug. 11, 1972, in Winchester, Va. He was proud of his sons and their accomplishments, Keith (Amber) Metz of Gilbert, Ariz., and Justin (Bri) Metz of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Charlie, Ripley Bryson and ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Easton. Surviving siblings are Nancy (Wil) Keener of Uniontown and Roger (Nicky) Metz of Plymouth, Ind.; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Firas Marayati and the staff of Davita Gilbert Dialysis for their excellent care in his dialysis treatments. Visitation will be held at MARIPOSA GARDENS from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 13, 2021. Funeral service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Cave Creek, Ariz., with military honors. Once a Marine Always a Marine. Semper Fi.