Philip C. Kretschman, age 100, passed away peacefully on May 31st, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a remarkable life filled with faith, strength, and care for those around him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucille F. (Adamczyk) Kretschman; they were married 64 years until her death in 2017. He was also preceded by his sister, Sister Marie Fatima Kretschman, and his grandson, Philip R. Kretschman.
Born in the Olney section of Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Philip J. and Edna M. (nee. Lamont) Kretschman.
Phil was a proud World War II veteran who served with the 87th Infantry Division, known as the “Golden Acorn,” and bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Following his military service, he became a Penn State graduate and later received a master’s from the University of Penn. After settling in Horsham Township and then later Montgomery Township, he built a distinguished career as a structural and civil engineer, dedicating himself to his profession and continuing to work until the age of 82. Phil was known for his strong work ethic, intelligence, and commitment to excellence.
Outside of work, he found great joy in coaching Little League, fishing, boating, working on cars, and spending time at the shore and in Florida. He cherished these pursuits and the memories made with family and friends along the way. In his later years he was happy to live independently in his retirement community of Arbour Square, where he was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Phil’. He will be remembered for his service to his country, his lifelong dedication to his work, and his love of the simple pleasures in life.
Surviving are his 5 loving children: Philip (Jeanne) Kretschman of North Wales, Kenneth (Suzanne) Kretschman of Pittsburgh, Stephen (Marianne) Kretschman of Beaver Falls, PA., Karen (Donald) Dietterich of Skippack, and Christopher (Virginia) Kretschman of Glenside; 16 grandchildren: Dana (David) Cam, Brendan, Casey (Sarai), Kyle (Rebecca), Emily (Patrick) Hodges, Allison, Genevieve (Michael) Lincheck, Kimberly (Dan) Brown, Stephen, Nicole (Ryan) Onyshczak, James (Liz) Dietterich, Rebecca (Martin) Noble, Paul, David and Christopher. And 20 great grandchildren; Fletcher, Nora, Benjamin, Patricia, Maddox, Chase, Callie, Miles, Jordan, Beau, Alesa, Adam, Cameron, Kyron, Brinley, Annabelle, Amelia, Luca, Jake and Wally.
A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 10 AM to 10:50 AM at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA. Philip’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM.
Internment at St. John Neumann Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phil’s memory may be made to the Wissahickon Valley Public Libraries at https://www.wvpl.org/.