Salvation Army

Commissioner Lawrence Roy Moretz Jr. became a junior soldier at the Lewistown, Pennsylvania Corps in 1949. He entered training from Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He attended the International College for Officers Training in 1981. He is buried in Kensico Cemetery.

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25
On May 16, 2013 Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz, a true Hero of the Faith, laid down his sword as he entered his Eternal rest from his earthly home surrounded by his loving wife, Commissioner Nancy Moretz and family. As a true hero, he fought the good fight against illness. Now he has received a welcome home from the Lord whom he loved and served with all his heart. His presence will truly be missed by many.

Commissioner Moretz was one of two children born into the officer family of Lawrence and Evelyn Moretz on July 22, 1943 in Lewistown, PA. The family attended the Lewistown, PA Corps where Commissioner became a Junior Soldier in 1949. His parents became officers and were transferred to Plymouth, PA where he became a Senior Soldier and a 1961 graduate of Plymouth, PA Senior High School. Commissioner became very active at the Plymouth, PA Corps. He had a great interest in Boy Scouts and youth work. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and became the first General's Scout in the USA.

Commissioner Moretz stated, “As a young boy, I was taught the need of a Savior in my life and so at the age of 9 I gave my heart to Jesus. It was not until I became a Senior Soldier that I realized the need for not just giving my heart but my whole being. It was while attending Youth Councils in 1958 that I surrendered my all to the Master.” He became aware that growing in Holiness required him to make sure his faith was anchored in Jesus alone. Jesus became his “Solid Rock”.

Commissioner Moretz said his call did not come in a dramatic way as those he read about. “My call came as an increased obligation to do more than just corps participation.” His calling came in the words of our Lord, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”. This was Commissioner's calling and passion.

Commissioner Moretz entered Training at SFOT Bronx, NY, (1962) from the Sunbury, PA Corps as a member of the Heroes of Faith Session. Upon his commissioning, he assisted at Stapleton, SI, (1964), Jamaica Citadel, LI (1964), New York, DHQ, Pro Tem, (1965) and in 1965 he married Lt. Nancy Burke. Together they served as Corps Officers in opening the New York Yorkville Corps (1965). Corps Officers for New York Times Square, (1967), Yonkers Citadel, (1968), Hempstead Citadel, NY(1971), Pittsburgh Temple, PA, (1973). He was appointed as DYS, Cleveland, OH, (1975), Ass't TYS, THQ, (1977), Youth & Candidates' Secretary, (1979), (1981) attended ICO, General Secretary for Field Operations, New York, NY (1984), Regional Commander, Puerto Rico (1987), D.C. Cincinnati, OH, (1989), Program Secretary, THQ, (1993). He was appointed by the General as Territorial Commander South America West Chile, (1997), USA, Territorial Commander Central Territory (2000) USA Territorial Commander, Eastern Territory, (2002). He was honorably retired on August 1, 2010 after serving 47 yeas and 2 months as a Salvation Army Officer - humbly grateful for every opportunity and blessing as God graced him for faithful, dynamic, pace setting leadership always embracing the mission and vision for the many ministries of the Army. The Moretzes settled in Lancaster, PA. He joyfully continued his service to the Lord and the Army through Post Retirement Service at the Philadelphia Kroc Center and provided Pastoral Care for the Eastern Pennsylvania /Delaware Division as part of the Territorial Pastoral Care Team. Both Commissioners Larry and Nancy have been greatly blessed with three children and seven grand children who all love the Lord.

Arrangements are as follows: Viewing will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 19, 2013 followed by a Celebration Service at 4:00 PM at The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Headquarters, 440 West Nyack Rd, West Nyack, NY 10954 (845) 620-7200 conducted by Commissioner Barry C .Swanson and Commissioner Israel L. Gaither. Interment will take place 10am, May 20,2013 at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY conducted by Commissioner Israel L. Gaither.

We uphold the Moretz family during these most difficult days, his loving wife, Commissioner Nancy Moretz of Lancaster, PA; son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Joanne Moretz, grandson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha and Megan Moretz; granddaughter, Jennifer Moretz, 101 Pedersen Ridge Road, Milford, Pa. 18337, son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Ximena Moretz, grandchildren, Esteban, Nathan and Zachary, Star Lake Conference Center, Box 132, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403; daughter, Cadet Christine Moretz Baker, grandchildren; Michael and Victoria 201 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, N.Y. 10901 and sister, Brenda Kissinger 1265 Coronado Terrace, Deltona, Florida 32725.

Messages of condolence may be sent to Commissioner Nancy Moretz, 35 Bentley Ln. Lancaster, PA 17603. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in memory of Commissioner Lawrence Moretz to The Salvation Army, 440 West Nyack Road, for the Hospital work in Bolivia of The Salvation Army South America West Territory and/or the Army's International Child Sponsorship Program.

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