Henry Frederick "Fred" Lentz, Jr.

On June 14, 2019 Henry Frederick “Fred” Lentz, Jr. of Queenstown, MD (formally a long time resident of Catonsville) peacefully and surrounded by family went home to be with God and his beloved wife Ruth Ann Miller Lentz. He was 92 years old. Fred was born in Jersey City, NJ. His parents Henry F. Lentz Sr, Alma E. Duchek and Anton J. Duchek (stepfather). Fred enlisted in the Navy during WWII when he was 17 years old. He served as a signalman on the U.S.S L.S.T. 844 in the Asia-Pacific region of the war. After returning from the Navy, his work with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation brought him to Baltimore where he worked at the BWI location until 1970. Fred started his own home improvement business then he moved into the printed circuit board business until he retired in 1982. Fred met the love of his life Ruth when he moved to Baltimore. Freddie Boy and Ruthie Girl were married in 1956. They resided in Catonsville for 54 years. They had a happy life and enjoyed many things together including dancing. Upon retirement from their formal careers Ruth started the antique business “Ruthie’s Rhapsody” and Fred joined in later. Ruth took care of the glass and collectables and Fred took care of the furniture and tools. They sold their wares in Ellicott City and enjoyed yard sales, auctions and road trips together. Upon Ruth’s passing in 2002, Fred kept up the business and gained the reputation as “The Tool Man” having locations in the Ellicott City, Annapolis, Frederick and finally selling out of his garage. One of his greatest joys in life was to take an old dirty, nonfunctioning tool and bring it back to life and usefulness to be sold at a fair price! Fred retired from the tool business at the age of 90. Fred was an avid gardener, loved to fish and was a collector of model trains. Fred loved to dance so much that he was an instructor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. These hobbies brought him much joy. Fred considered his family his greatest accomplishment and loved them very much. He leaves behind his brother Karl R.and sister-in-law Judi of Westfield, NJ. His beautiful family legacy is: Children: Steven M. Lentz and wife Victoria of Rehoboth Beach, DE Ruth A. Dunn and husband Michael of West Palm Beach, FL Christopher A. Lentz and wife Jamie of Queenstown, MD Laura A. Beelen and late husband Carl of Oliver Beach, MD Grandchildren: Andy Hall and wife Tracy Pryce Christopher Lentz James Lentz and wife Jenna Maura Potoczak and husband Michael Nicole Beelen Melissa Lentz Derek Beelen Mathew Lentz and wife Taylor William Dunn Great-grandchildren: Jessa, Jill, Miles, August and Sloane (on the way). Fred also had many nieces and nephews that he treasured and loved. He was also blessed to have many friends. Fred’s last words on this earth were “I love my family.” On the morning of Wednesday, July 24th there will be a private internment of Fred’s ashes at St John’s Cemetery in Ellicott City for family and very close friends. Additionally, on July 24th there will be a "Celebration of Life” open house from 12:00 PM-2:30 PM at Matthews 1600 in Catonsville. Casual attire is suggested. All are welcome to visit, share a story about Fred and enjoy lunch. Instead of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.