George Richard "Dick" Wetmiller, 87, was born March 16, 1925, in Berlin, Pa., the son of George H. and Elfreda M. Wetmiller.
Upon retirement in January 1991, he and Shirley moved to their dream location in Boca Grande. He quickly became a familiar figure on the island.
He was active in the Boca Grande United Methodist Church and was a member of the Boca Grande Pass Club. Most of his time was spent in the sun on his golf cart, 'fighting' with his schnauzer "Rocky," or dining every Saturday night at The Temp, where he knew most everyone and most everyone knew him.
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George Richard “Dick” Wetmiller
In addition, he enjoyed visits by family and friends and socializing with new friends on Gasparilla Island.
In 2003, Dick and Shirley moved to Cape Haze returning to Boca Grande on a regular basis.
His mind was sharp up to his final days. He read several newspapers daily and was well versed and opinionated on world events, politics, sports and business news. He was an engaging and intelligent participant in conversations on virtually any topic.
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Memorial services will be held at the Boca Grande United Methodist Church and at Trinity United Church of Christ, Berlin, Pa., at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions be given to the Suncoast Humane Society at suncoasthumane.org.?
Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been selected to handle the arrangements. Express condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com.
He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.
Upon graduating from high school in 1943. he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as an aerial gunner and instructor during World War II.
Prior to discharge, he married his sweetheart, Shirley G. Thompson of Orlando on July 6, 1945. After discharge, he became the proprietor of Wetmiller's Market in Berlin, joined the American Legion became commander of Post No. 445 and president of the Veteran's Home Association.
His passions: family first, his banking career a close second. Wetmiller enjoyed golfing and was an original member of the Indian Lake Golf Club and a member at the Somerset Country Club.
Wetmiller was well known and later started a career at The First National Bank of Berlin as assistant cashier in 1959 and soon was elevated to cashier. After banking school he was involved in banking conferences and organizations.?
He remained active in civic organizations as president of the Berlin Lions Club and a member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department. He later served on the Board of Education for Berlin-Brothersvalley Schools and was president of the Consistory at Trinity United Church of Christ.
As he guided the growth of the bank, it became a player in mergers and acquisitions. Eventually, the bank became First National Bank of Somerset County and then evolved into National Bank of Western Pennsylvania where he continued as president and CEO until his retirement Dec. 31, 1990.
Under his leadership the bank grew from one of the smallest in Somerset County to the largest at the time of his retirement. His final big deal closed when the bank merged with long-time town rival, Philson National Bank, which became First Philson Bank and is now part of FNB Corp.
In the Pennsylvania Bankers Association he served in capacities, including chairman of western Pennsylvania banks) and as a member of the Agricultural Committee and Governing Council.
In 1974 he was named chairman of the PBA Convention in Atlantic City - a high point in his career. He was responsible for the convention, which was attended by sons, George and Mark. Keynote speakers Barry Goldwater and Joe Paterno worked with Wetmiller during the convention.
He was also active in the American Bankers Association and served in Washington on the Community Banking Council.
Known as innovative, tenacious, and driven to success, Wetmiller was a banker's banker.
He also helped raise four sons: David, George, Mark and Marty. The Rev. David Wetmiller had two sons - Jon (Kerry), and Tim - before he passed away unexpectedly July 22, 1998.
Mark married Melody Duppstadt and their daughters - Lindsey (Tim), and Madison - were the first Wetmiller girls in 96 years. Marty married Sherry Gross and, like his father, has four sons, Alex, Andy, Ben and Nick.
George and his wife, Alicia, have a son, Eric (Cyndi), and two daughters, Jennifer and Alyson.
Wetmiller also had four great-grandchildren - Sam, Henry, Matthew and Meredith.?
Memorial services will be held at the Boca Grande United Methodist Church and at Trinity United Church of Christ, Berlin, Pa., at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions be given to the Suncoast Humane Society at suncoasthumane.org.?
Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been selected to handle the arrangements. Express condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com.
