The DCFPA sadly announces the passing of its former President Robert H. "Pete" Pickel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pickel family and friends in this sad time.

The Lower Swatara Fire Department sadly announces the death of Robert “Pete” Pickle who passed away on Tuesday December 2, 2008. Mr. Pickle proudly served the Fire Department as past president, chief, trustee and fire police captain. Mr. Pickle had over 50 years of service with the fire department.

Mr. Pickle served as past President of the Dauphin County Fire Police Association.

Mr. Pickle will be buried with fire department honor‘s at a time and date to be determined in the near future.
 

Robert H. "Pete" Pickel, 67, of 815 Oberlin Road, Middletown, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend departed this life on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Frey Village Nursing Center, surrounded by his family.

 Pete was born in Middletown on April 9, 1941 and was the son of the late Robert L. and Edna Wickenhiser Pickel.

He was a retired machine operator for the Lower Swatara Township.

Robert was a member of the Swatara Hill Church of the Brethren, Dauphin County Firemen's and Fire Police Associations, Lower Swatara Twp. Fire Company and the PA Fire Police Association.

He is survived by his loving wife, Faith H. Pickel; three sons, Henry L. and wife, Sherry Pickel, Michael S. and wife, Janet Pickel and Joseph A. Costa, all of Middletown; three daughters, Carol A. Gardner of Mechanicsburg, Laura E. Boger of Hummelstown and Kaye L. wife of Donavan Spotz of Middleburg; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by a son, Robert H. Pickel, Jr. and granddaughter, Ashley Gardner.

A tribute to his life will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Matinchek and Daughter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Middletown, with the Rev. Nancy L. Fittery his pastor officiating. Burial with Fireman's Honors will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Annville. Viewing will be from 6-9 p.m., on Friday and from 10-11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lower Swatara Fire Company, 1499 Spring Garden Drive, Middletown, PA 17057 or to Pinnacle Health Services, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. www.pennlive.com/obits

Published in the Patriot-News on 12/4/2008

   Please feel free to use our informational website. I would like  to extend my personal thanks to you for your dedication and efforts that you put forth as a fire police officer in the performance of your duties. My goal as President is to pledge  my support by providing information, services, and organizational support to the Dauphin County Fire Police Association through our Web Site, Officers, and Directors.