Douglas Walter Tietze died Dec. 5, 2016, due to heart failure brought on by the ravages of a seven-year struggle with kidney failure and cancer, with his loving and devoted wife, Kathie, by his side.

Born Oct. 1, 1942, in Englewood, N.J., he was the son of the late Walter E. Tietze and Wanda (Bonardi) Tietze.

Through it all, he was eternally optimistic he would beat his afflictions.

Always cheerful and determined to live life to the fullest, he did not want others to be burdened by the knowledge of what was happening to him because his illnesses were not who he was.

If anyone asked how he was doing, he always replied, “I’m doing great! How are you?”

He loved life and did not want to leave his friends, family or his wife. He enjoyed his friendships with all whom he met, especially his longtime buddies who are taking his death hard.

He always said there was still so much to do, military leather to restore, places to go, books to read.

A 1961 graduate of Teaneck High School in New Jersey, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served at Jacksonville Florida Naval Air Station.

He served with commendation in Patrol Squadron Seven sent to Guantanamo during the presidential quarantine of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

His tour of duty with his squadron also took him to Sigonella NAS, Sicily.

He was a leather artisan, specializing in creating exact replicas of military leather accouterments as well as an expert in leather repair and replacement of original parts.

His experience and accomplishments brought him nationwide attention among military collectors and aficionados who would send him their treasures to rescue.

An avid collector with many interests, he was a life member of the National Rifle Association and The Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society as well as a member of its board of directors.

He served for many years on the planning commission of Heidelberg Township.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Kathie, his survivors include a brother Wayne Tietze and niece Samantha Tietze of Brazil; June Brokhoff, a cousin and the sister he never had, of Florida; a long list of beloved friends including close friends Robert and Ann Bilotta of New Jersey, Richard and Carol Breunich of New Hampshire, and William Ricca and Suzanne Miller of Pennsylvania.

He leaves a void in all of our lives and will be remembered with love and affection by those who appreciated his humor and honesty, his great gift of gab and storytelling.

To hear his laugh, to see his smile, his beautiful soul expressed through his eyes, was truly God’s gift to us all. It is heartbreaking to realize that so much will go on without him.

The world will be a poorer place without his unique personality.

Deep appreciation is extended to the Fresenius Dialysis Center, Whitehall; the Intensive Care Unit of the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg campus, Bethlehem, and to his caring oncologists and nurses at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.

As he wished, his body was donated to Science Care for medical research and teaching.

His corneas were donated to SightLife.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org and the Fox Chase Cancer Center at foxchase.org/giving.