'Rudy' Wertime leaves legacy in field of law, service to community
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

RUDOLPH 'Rudy'WERTIME

Longtime Greencastle and Chambersburg lawyer Rudolf "Rudy" Wertime died last week at the age of 95.

Wertime practiced law for 65 years, retiring in 2004. He spent his career in Franklin County, first in private practice and then in partnerships with David Dickey, Jay Gingrich, and most recently his son David Wertime and Dennis Guyer.

Wertime died Oct. 31 at his home at 207 Leitersburg St. His memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 10, at Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring in Chambersburg. The family will receive friends following the service and burial will be private.

His career professionalism stands out amongst his peers. Guyer, who worked with him for 30 years, recalls his first day of work with Wertime. His mentor gave him a book on responsibility which they later discussed. That struck a chord with him.

"Rudy always believed the practice of law was a profession. For him it was more than a business," said Guyer. "He put the client's interest first. If he said he would do something, he did it. He's the last of a breed."

David Wertime, working side by side for 20 years, said his father was dedicated to the practice of law and other attorneys found him a respected and worthy adversary. On a regular basis, clients and counsel from the past have asked him how Rudy was doing.

"He had a sincere interest in his clients," David said. "He loved talking with people and knowing them beyond their legal problems."

He is remembered fondly by local citizens for often riding his bicycle to work. David recalls attending elementary school on South Washington Street, and waving to his dad during recess when he pedaled by on his way to the office.

He was also noted for his love of his family, his garden and music.

Wertime served in several capacities for long tenures. For 50 years he was a member of the Franklin County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, including 10 years as president. He was a member of Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring for 84 years. He was an ordained elder and deacon, president of the Board of Trustees and Sunday School teacher.

Wertime entered Haverford College at age 16, earning a degree in mathematics. He then enrolled in Dickinson School of Law and graduated in three years. In 1936 he was sworn in as a member of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

He served as president of the Franklin County Bar Association for three years. At various times he was solicitor for the Rescue Hose Company and the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, as well as the Greencastle Borough Council, various school districts and authorities. His pro-bono work helped save Martin's Mill Covered Bridge.

Ed Bittner remembered their days together on borough council.

"He knew municipal law. I was there 23 years. Rudy was there before me and he was there when I left. He was good. He was very professional."

In the 1950s the council installed the sewer system throughout Greencastle. Richard Fisher, 87, was also a councilman during that time.

He said, "Rudy was outstanding. With his finagling we saved lots of money."

Wertime is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis, and his children Robert, Timothy, David and Rebecca Wertime, and Mary Beth Walker. He is also survived by two grandchildren, sister Selma Thomson, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolf and Flora Wertime, his brothers Theodore and Joseph, and sisters Mary Katherine Wehausen and Clara Gilmer.