A Community in Mourning
The Greensburg community is mourning the passing of Kevin Metzger, an Army veteran and devoted father whose life is being remembered through his military service, love of music, adventurous spirit, and strong connections with family and friends.
News of Kevin’s passing has brought sadness to people who knew him through different stages of his life. Family members, friends, and fellow veterans are now reflecting on the experiences and relationships that made him important to those around him.
Kevin J. Metzger, 37, of Greensburg, died Friday, June 18, 2021 . He was born August 30, 1983, in Monroeville, a son of David L. Metzger and Nancy A. (Kisasonak) Metzger .
Military Service: Nearly Two Decades in Uniform
Kevin’s years of service in the U.S. Army formed an important part of his life story. According to his obituary, he was a member of the Army for almost 20 years, having served in South Korea working in patriot missile defense .
After being honorably discharged from the Army, he then reenlisted in the Army Reserves, where he worked in the water purification unit . This dual commitment to service—first on active duty and later in the reserves—reflected a deep sense of duty that characterized much of his adult life.
Military service often creates lasting bonds between veterans and the people they serve alongside, while also shaping the values and experiences carried into civilian life. For those who knew Kevin through his military background, his service will remain one of the significant parts of his legacy.
His life, however, extended well beyond his time in uniform.
A Devoted Father and Family Man
Kevin was also remembered as a devoted father who placed importance on his family and the relationships closest to him. He is survived by his daughter, Salem Metzger, of Irwin .
His obituary described the depth of his commitment to fatherhood: “Above all though, he passionately cared for his daughter, Salem. He was a devoted father, and she was an extreme light in his life” .
For his children and other loved ones, memories of time spent together will carry particular significance following his passing.
Family memories are often built through ordinary experiences as much as major occasions. Conversations, gatherings, shared activities, and everyday moments can become lasting reminders of a person after they are gone. Those memories will continue to form an important part of how Kevin is remembered.
In addition to his daughter, Kevin is survived by his father, David L. Metzger, of Florida, formerly of Allegheny County; his mother, Nancy A. (Kisasonak) Metzger, of Greensburg; his brother, Jason Metzger, of Greensburg; aunts, Sharon DeCecco and Ann Crawford; cousins, Dawn DeCecco, Michael DeCecco and wife Carly, Andrew DeCecco, Kimberly (Crawford) Jordan, and Lyman Crawford IV; extended family, loving friends, and his Army brothers and sisters .
He was preceded in death by the rescue dogs in his life, Rusty, Zoe, and Jack .
Love of Music: A Passion That Defined a Community
Music was another meaningful part of Kevin Metzger’s life, and his impact on the local music scene was significant.
According to his obituary, Kevin “had a passion for music and loved the local music scene. He organized bringing back metal music events to the Greensburg area. He was a bartender and patron to the local bar scene communities” .
His appreciation for music provided opportunities to enjoy time with others and create experiences that family and friends can now look back on. Whether through listening, performing, or simply sharing an interest in music, it was one of the passions associated with Kevin’s life.
For people who knew him personally, those musical memories may remain closely connected to the person they knew beyond his military service and family role.
An Adventurous Spirit and Love of the Outdoors
Those close to Kevin also remembered his adventurous side. A willingness to explore, experience new things, and create memories with others can become an important part of a person’s character.
Kevin was described as an outdoor enthusiast who would “invite, lead, and document his climbing, repelling, snowboarding, biking, kayaking, and hiking adventures” . He enjoyed playing with gadgets and utilizing and providing gear in his outdoor activities .
These adventures reflected a spirit of curiosity and a desire to share experiences with others. His willingness to lead and document these excursions suggests a person who valued both the activity itself and the memories created along the way.
A Selfless and Dedicated Friend
Beyond his roles as a soldier, father, and music enthusiast, Kevin was remembered for the quality of his friendships. His obituary noted that he “enjoyed a good time but was always there for his friends in tough times. He was a selfless and dedicated friend” .
This description captures something essential about how Kevin was perceived by those closest to him. The combination of enjoying life’s pleasures while remaining present for others in difficult moments is a balance that many strive for but few achieve with the consistency that Kevin apparently did.
Funeral Arrangements and Legacy
Friends were received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home, Inc., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg . Full military honors were accorded at 3:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home by the VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg Honor Guard .
A celebration of Kevin’s life was planned to take place at a later date .
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kevin’s mother, Nancy .
Kevin Metzger Obituary Details
Detail Information
Full Name Kevin J. Metzger
Age 37
Born August 30, 1983, Monroeville, PA
Died June 18, 2021
Community Greensburg, PA
Military Service U.S. Army veteran (nearly 20 years), served in South Korea in patriot missile defense, later Army Reserves water purification unit
Family Daughter Salem; father David L. Metzger; mother Nancy A. Metzger; brother Jason Metzger
Known Interests Music, local music scene, outdoor adventures (climbing, snowboarding, biking, kayaking, hiking)
Funeral Home Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home, Greensburg
Military Honors VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg Honor Guard
A Life Defined by Service, Passion, and Connection
Kevin Metzger’s life, though cut short, was characterized by a remarkable range of commitments and passions. His nearly two decades of military service, his devotion to his daughter, his active role in the local music community, and his love of outdoor adventure all contributed to a life that touched many people in different ways.
For the Greensburg community, his passing represents the loss of someone who contributed to the fabric of local life—someone who organized events, patronized local establishments, and maintained connections across different social circles.
For his family, especially his daughter Salem, the loss is immeasurable. The memories they shared will serve as enduring reminders of a father who, according to those who knew him, cared passionately about his child.
As friends, family members, and fellow veterans reflect on Kevin’s life, they will remember him not for any single aspect of his identity, but for the combination of qualities that made him who he was: a soldier, a father, a music lover, an adventurer, and a dedicated friend.
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