Roy Lorenz

At the age of 17, Roy Lorenz obtained his parents’ permission to enlist in the United States Navy during World War II. He wanted to serve, to volunteer, and to help make his community and his country a better, safer place. So began a long, meaningful life of volunteerism and a career in human relations that meshed well with his friendly, people-oriented disposition and desire to serve others.

Born to John and Regina Lorenz in Philadelphia, PA, Roy was the youngest of four siblings, a honors graduate of Northeast High School, Philadelphia, and the first member of his family to attend college. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1951, using the GI Bill to pay for much of his education at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He later earned a Master of Science Degree in Personnel Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

It was in the college choir at William and Mary that Roy met his duet-partner-for-life, Carol Gardner. Carol and Roy were married in Foundry Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. on June 28, 1952. Throughout their 59-year marriage, music filled their home and much of their spare time. They were founding members of I Cantori di Carmel and enjoyed singing with other local choral ensembles, including the Carmel Bach Festival Choir and the chancel choirs at Carmel Presbyterian Church; Church of the Wayfarer; and First United Methodist Church, Pacific Grove.

Professionally, Roy spent most of his career in human relations with McCormick and Company, Inc., first in Baltimore, MD, then in its Schilling Division in Salinas, becoming manager of human relations in 1967. He closed out his professional career in personnel management with Nestlé Foods in Salinas.

Roy transitioned easily to retirement, pouring his calm demeanor and gregarious personality into 25 years of volunteering with the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) Auxiliary. During those cherished years, he accumulated over 27,000 hours serving in many roles, including president of the Auxiliary and sitting on the Board of Trustees.

Also active in civic affairs, Roy served on several governor’s committees in Maryland, and was a vice president and a director of the Personnel Administration Association of Baltimore. Locally, he enjoyed membership in the Rotary Club of Salinas and a year-long term as a foreman on Monterey County’s Civil Grand Jury.

Roy and Carol were deeply devoted to family and invested immeasurable love and care raising their two daughters in Carmel Valley. As empty nesters, they decided to move closer to the water and enjoyed many years living in Pacific Grove and Monterey. Roy was predeceased by his wife in 2011 and is survived by his daughters, Connie Lorenz Summers (Ken) and Debbie Lorenz McDevitt (Hugh); granddaughters, Kristie Summers Donavan (Keith) and Karina Summers Cruz (Adriel); three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Roy had the heart of a volunteer, a contagious smile, an outgoing and affable personality. He captured the hearts of many in the Monterey Bay Area. If you knew him, sang with him, worked or volunteered alongside him, please join in a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, October 1, 2:00 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, Pacific Grove (the Butterfly Church). With a spirit of caring for one another, please wear a mask when inside the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an offering of your time or money to

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula or the charitable organization of your choice.