Obituaries

Erin K. Byrne

Erin K. Byrne

Jun 5, 2025

Erin K. Byrne, 63, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 5th, 2025, at Reading Hospital, after confronting glioblastoma with admirable courage and dignity.

Born in Watertown, New York, she attended local schools and graduated as valedictorian of South Jefferson High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D....

Manuel Morales Gonzalez

Manuel Morales Gonzalez

May 20, 2025

Manuel Morales Gonzalez, 61, of Reading, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the West Reading Skilled & Nursing Center. He was the beloved husband of Maria Guadalupe Rivera Zamudio.

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 28, 1964, he was the son of Zeferino Morales Gallardo and Maria Gonzalez Gonzalez.

Manuel is survived by his wife Maria Guadalupe Rivera Zamudio...

Walter John MacBrine, Sr.

Walter John MacBrine, Sr.

May 18, 2025

Walter John MacBrine Sr., 74, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 23, 1951, Walter grew up in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Darby Township High School. He began his career working at his father’s greenhouse, a family business that became a lifelong passion. Alongside his brother Charles, Walter co-managed the...

Phoebe A. Townsend

Phoebe A. Townsend

May 2, 2025

Phoebe A. (Snell) Townsend age 92 of Exter Township, passed away on May 2nd, 2025 at the Berks Heim, where she had been a resident for a little over a year. She was the wife of the late, Noel M. Townsend, who passed away in 2021. Born in Mysore India, she was the daughter of Percival A Snell and Emma...

Maritza Corado Retana

Maritza Corado Retana

Apr 28, 2025

Maritza Corado Retana, querida hija, madre, esposa y amiga, falleció en paz en el Hospital Reading el 28 de abril de 2025, tras una valiente batalla contra el cáncer. Nació el 22 de septiembre de 1978 en Quesada, Jutiapa, Guatemala. A lo largo de su vida, Maritza irradió amor y calidez, dejando una huella imborrable en quienes tuvieron el privilegio...

George R. Sheaman

George R. Sheaman

Apr 28, 2025

George R. Sheaman, 85, of Bernville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Reading Hospital, with his loving family by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, George will be remembered for his steady hands, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

George is survived by his wife, Dawn A. (Noll) Sheaman; and predeceased by...

Anne L. Civitarese

Anne L. Civitarese

Apr 24, 2025

Anne L. (Sekulski) Civitarese, a beloved wife, mother and sister, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 73. She was the wife of Frank M. Civitarese, whom she married on September 29, 1973. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Paul A. Sekulski and Barbara (Murray) Fox.

In addition to her husband, she is...

Luis A. Ocasio

Luis A. Ocasio

Apr 18, 2025

Luis A. Ocasio, 82, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025 at 12:43 pm at Sinking Spring Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Puerto Rico, Mr. Ocasio was the son of the late Gustavo Ocasio Abreu and Carmen Plaza. He was employed in maintenance in the construction industry until his retirement. Mr. Ocasio is survived by his daughters Sherry L. Haas...

Maria Delcarmen Guzman Lopez

Maria Delcarmen Guzman Lopez

Apr 15, 2025

María Delcarmen Guzmán López, un alma radiante, llena de vida y amor, falleció el 15 de abril de 2025 en el Hospital Reading. Nacida el 5 de septiembre de 1982 en el encantador pueblo de Moroleón, Guanajuato, México, se convirtió en un faro de calidez y bondad que conmovió a todos los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerla.

María no solo...

Jennifer L. Yeager

Jennifer L. Yeager

Apr 3, 2025

Jennifer L. (Bullock) Yeager, 63, of Morgantown, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at her home, with her loving family by her side. She was the loving wife to Raymond A. Yeager Sr. Born in West Chester, Jennifer was the daughter of the late Donald Bullock and Ruth (Lentz).

Jennifer cherished the many trips she shared with her family to...

Melissa C. Wallace

Melissa C. Wallace

Mar 14, 2025

Melissa C. Wallace, 45, of Reading, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. She was the loving wife of Michael Joseph Wallace. Born in Edison, New Jersey, on October 9, 1979, she was the daughter of Michael J. Warnock and the late Jill (Campbell).

Melissa was a beach lover with a heart for...

Rev. Darryl E. Dech

Rev. Darryl E. Dech

Mar 11, 2025

The Rev. Dr. Darryl E. Dech passed away on March 11, 2025, at Laureldale Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his wife Robin (Fisher) Dech, sister Susan (Dech) Connor, wife of John Connor of Havertown, PA, and nephews, John Jacob Connor of Newtown Square, PA and Jared Connor of Havertown, PA.

A graduate of Northampton High School class...

Azara Fern Mapp

Azara Fern Mapp

Mar 8, 2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Azara Fern Mapp, who left us far too soon at the tender age of 23. Born on October 7, 2001, in Reading, PA, Azara brought boundless joy and light to all those fortunate enough to know her. On a heartbreaking night in March, surrounded by love, she succumbed to...

Olwen J. (Bell) Mort

Olwen J. (Bell) Mort

Feb 27, 2025

 Olwen J. (Bell) Mort, 76, formerly of Birdsboro, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in the Mifflin Center. Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Sarah (Jones) and John Bell. She was the loving wife of Thomas P. Mort, Sr., who passed away November 9, 2015. Olwen worked as the Lead Technician at Pottstown Hospital for...

Doreen Robin Ricketts

Doreen Robin Ricketts

Feb 7, 2025

Doreen Robin Ricketts

September 5, 1954-February 7, 2025

Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 927 North Franklin Street, Pottstown Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 am. Pastor Steve DeFrain will officiate. Interment will follow at Pottstown Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Friday from 10:00 am to...

Richard R. Gillette

Richard R. Gillette

Feb 4, 2025

Richard R. Gillette, 88, of Cumru Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of Gretchen E. (Heier) Gillette. Together they shared 48 years of marriage. Born on January 12, 1937, in Los Angeles, CA, he was the son of the late Robert J. and Eleanor...

Elena Velez

Elena Velez

Feb 4, 2025

Elena Velez, 78, of Reading passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Berks Heim. Born on October 29, 1946, in Yaco, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Jorge Velez and Bernardina Mercado Velez. During her life, she volunteered in various senior centers until retirement. Elena loved to cook and spend time with her family.

She is...

Randy J. Crossley

Randy J. Crossley

Jan 26, 2025

 Randy J. Crossley, 74, formerly of Wyomissing, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Berks Heim Nursing Home. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Doris (Epler) and Richard M. Crossley, Sr. He was the loving husband of Lucia (Bogais Luta) Crossley and together they shared 44 years of marriage. He graduated from Reading High School....

Kathryn "Mom Kass" L. Houck

Kathryn "Mom Kass" L. Houck

Jan 3, 2025

Kathryn "Mom Kass" L. Houck, born on August 2, 1928, was a beloved figure in her community and a cherished matriarch of her family. She peacefully passed away on January 3, 2025, at Berks Heim, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

Kathryn devoted much of her life to serving others, notably running the fire department canteen, where her dedication...