At 92, Gene Waltz is living life to the fullest at The Heritage of Green Hills — full of energy, purpose and love. He’s built a life at the Cumru Township, Berks County, senior living community that continues to reflect his lifelong values: commitment to family, community, and service.
A choice made together
Like many older couples, Gene and his wife, Patricia, realized their longtime home was no longer the right fit.
“We weren’t necessarily ready to move,” Gene said. “But my wife had undergone multiple surgeries, and stairs were becoming a problem.”
Their split-level house simply wasn’t manageable anymore.
Rather than wait for a crisis that would limit their options, they wisely took proactive steps. After touring several communities, they ultimately chose The Heritage.
“We’ve been here nearly 12 years now,” Gene said. “And I don’t think we’ve ever regretted it.”
A new chapter, side by side
About three years ago, Patricia moved into the personal care neighborhood in the Care Center at The Heritage after a series of falls. Gene, recovering from his own heart attack, knew he couldn’t continue caregiving on his own.
“But the beautiful thing is, I still see her all the time — I walk over and see her every afternoon,” he said. “If we didn’t live in a Life Plan Community with both independent living and care options on the same campus, that simply wouldn’t be possible.”
Not only do they live on the same campus — they can see each other’s windows across the yard.
“We talked about signaling each other with flashlights at night,” Gene laughed. “But that wouldn’t really work — she stays up later than I do!”
A life of purpose
Gene has lived a life of community-minded service. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a 37-year employee of Dana Corp. in Reading, he held many roles throughout his career — from draftsman to sales leader. He also spent two decades on Borough Council in Shillington and was active in his church and the Boy Scouts.
At The Heritage, he remained just as involved.
“I was president of the Veterans Association here for years,” he said. “We’ve built a very active group, and I still help out when I can.”
He also keeps physically active, playing pool volleyball multiple times a week — with his cardiologist’s wholehearted blessing.
A son’s gratitude
Gene Jr. said the family is deeply grateful his parents made the move themselves.
“They took care of everything,” he said. “After helping my wife’s parents move from a farm, we know how hard it can be. But my dad organized everything — what to take, what to give away, what to toss. It was a smooth move, and they did it on their own terms.”
Living just eight minutes away, Gene Jr. cherishes the peace of mind that comes from knowing both parents are safe, close by and surrounded by a supportive community.
“When we saw a bad forecast, we used to rush over in the snow to help,” he said. “Now we know he’s not shoveling or worrying about steps. That means a lot. I know where they are. They’re safe, with friends and people who truly know and care about them.”
Lessons that last
Their close relationship — built on years of shared projects, from building screened porches to taking canoe trips — has only deepened with time.
“He was a great role model,” Gene Jr. said. “Always volunteering, always helping others. I’ve followed in his footsteps in many ways.”
“We had good times in that canoe,” Gene Sr. said. “He liked being up front where I couldn’t reach him with the paddle when he got mouthy.”
Community, connection and care
The Heritage stood out among the senior living communities they visited because of the friendly and welcoming people they met in the lobby, hallways and restaurant.
“Everyone said hello,” Gene said. “That sounds small, but it isn’t. It means something.”
He contrasts it with more formal and quiet communities where residents barely spoke during meals.
“Here, First Fridays are like a party,” he said. “It’s noisy, lively. People talk. You feel like you belong.”
Still living life fully
Now living in a cozy fourth-floor apartment — which he jokingly calls his executive suite — Gene keeps busy, keeps moving and keeps smiling. He happily does laundry for Patricia, carrying a bag of clothes back and forth every day.
Given his direct view of his wife’s apartment, he laughingly suggests that adding a zip line would make his trips to the Care Center even more convenient.
“We’re happy here,” he said. “We planned ahead so our children wouldn’t have to worry. We have everything we need — and we have each other.”
Learn more
To learn more about The Heritage of Green Hills, visit https://heritageofgreenhills.com.
