Earl H Angel

Zephyrhills – Earl H. Angel, 100, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Hanover, PA, passed away at Solaris Health Center on January 26th, 2024 from natural causes. He was fortunate to have lived in his home until the last 10 days of his life.

He was born in Hanover, PA on August 12, 1923, and was the son of the late Charles and Katie (Loyer) Angel. He was the loving husband of Alice (Miller) to whom he was married for 80 years.

Earl worked as a brick mason for 40 years and was a paratrooper in the Army during World War II serving in the Philippines and Japan. He was awarded a Purple Heart and many other medals.

He was proud to be a veteran and would show anyone who visited his citations and medals. After retirement he and his wife moved to Florida where he was very active in his community and the local Purple Heart Chapter. He was instrumental in having a monument to World War II veterans erected in the town’s park.

As a young man he learned to fly airplanes, owned a motorcycle and raced midget cars at Lincoln Speedway. Later he owned a boat and then a travel trailer and with his wife traveled all over the United States. He enjoyed being with people, playing cards, boating, camping, traveling, watching cowboy movies and listening to Big Bands and country music. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Most of all, Earl loved his family and spending time with them, never missing a special occasion and traveling to wherever they lived.

Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters Carol (Dennis) Pratt of Warwick, RI, Barbara Heltebridle of Taneytown, MD and Patricia (Lawrence) Staub of Murrells Inlet, SC, 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by son-in-law, Larry Heltebridle. He was the last of his immediate family having been predeceased by his 3 sisters and 6 brothers.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 8th, 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Whitfield Funeral Home, 5008 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL. A military service will be held Friday, February 9th, 2024, 2:00 pm at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Memorials may be sent to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, PO Box 49, Annandale, VA 22033 or Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5626 20th St, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.