Herbert R. Critser

Herbert R. "Herb" Critser, age 94, of Naples, FL, and a long-time resident of Steubenville, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in his home.

Born Mar. 12, 1918, in Steubenville, he was a son of the late Herbert and Frances Bluck Critser. Herb attended Oak Grove School in Jefferson County, and later attended Wintersville High School often riding a pony to school. He married the former Betty Davis on Jun. 15, 1939, in Steubenville's St. Paul's Episcopal Church; the couple celebrated seventy-three years of marriage this past June. Herb served honorably with the U.S. Army Air Force during the Second World War. Prior to, and following his service time, he was employed by the Weirton Steel Co., from which he retired after thirty-five years as an electrician and motor inspector. In addition to his career with Weirton, and for much of his life, Herb worked the family farm in Jefferson County, growing wheat, oats, corn and rye, and there are many happy memories of family parties there. Foremost, he was a loving husband, father and "most amazing grandfather ever."

Herb was a member of Pilgrim Lodge No. 691 F. & A.M., and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Steubenville. He loved jogging, and participated in numerous runs throughout Ohio, as well as the Senior Olympics. From time to time Herb was also known to play a tune on the harmonica.

Survivors include his loving and beloved wife, Betty; his daughter and son-in-law, Bonny and Ray Altier of Dover; and his granddaughter, Debora Jo Tripodi of New York, NY.

Besides his parents, Herb was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers.

A private committal service will be held in Steubenville's Union Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Herb, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that contributions in Herb's memory be made to a charity of the donor's choice.