Edward Walter Vitz, 88, of Rock Lake Drive, Zelienople, died at 7:15 p.m. Sunday at the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Born Aug. 4, 1918, in Autoria, N.Y., he was the son of Edward W. Vitz and Ethel Hatosy.

Mr. Vitz was a self-employed mechanic.

He was a life associate of the Ex-POW Association and a member of the National Audubon Society. He enjoyed reading.

Mr. Vitz was a World War II Army veteran. He served as a captain in the infantry in Germany and France and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in the Battle of the Bulge.

Surviving are a son, Edward W. Vitz of Kutztown; a daughter, Marj C. Vitz of Southbury, Conn.; four grandchildren, and his companion, Florence.

His wife, Elinor L. Coder Vitz, died March 17, 2000.

<B>VITZ</B> — There will be no public visitation or services for Edward Walter Vitz, who died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2006.Contributions may be made to Butler V.A. Hospice Unit, 325 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, and information also is available at www.thompson-miller.com.