Obituaries E to H

G

Gallagher, Grace C., – 1/22/2005

Grace C. Gallagher, 87, Reading, died Jan. 22 in Phoebe Berks Skilled Nursing Unit, Wernersville, where she had resided since February. Her husband, Joseph P. Gallagher, died Dec. 9, 1999. Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late George and Mary (Cummings) Boas. Gallagher was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School, Reading. She was a member of St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, Reading. Gallagher served as a judge of elections in Reading for many years until 2003.

Surviving are two sons, the Rev. Joseph P., Philadelphia, and Kevin T., Spring Township; and two daughters, Patricia J. (Gallagher) Rehr, Reading, and Kathleen G. (Gallagher) Strause, Bernville.

Other survivors include two sisters, Dorothy (Boas) Buser and Miriam (Boas) Hillbish, both of Reading.

There are also 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 7 p.m. in St. Margaret’s Church. Burial will be private in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. ¹

Gundy, Walter M. – 12/28/2007

Walter M. Gundy, 98, Berkshire Commons, Exeter Township, and formerly of Robeson Township, died Dec. 28, 2007, of natural causes in Reading Hospital.

Born in Robeson Township, he was a son of the late Lee and Mary (Messner) Gundy.

He had been a self-employed farmer. His farm was on Gunhart Road, Robeson Township.

He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Gibraltar.

Surviving are six nephews and a niece.

Graveside services and burial will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in St. John’s Cemetery, Gibraltar, with the Rev. William E. Harner Jr., officiating.

Dengler Funeral Home Inc., 144 N. Spruce St., Birdsboro, is in charge of arrangements. ²

H

Hiester, Adam Reber – 8/15/1962

Fleetwood, August 16—Adam R, Hiester, 87, of Fleetwood, R.D. 3, died last night in the Community General Hospital. Born in Lower Heidelberg Township, he was the son of the late Wellington and Amelia (Reber) Hiester. His wife, Ellen (Weihrer) Hiester, died in 1961.

He is survived by five sons: Albert E., Morgantown; Walter A., Aberdeen, Washington; Wellington A., Fleetwood R.D. 3; Paul G. Reading; and Daniel W., Reading. Four daughters, Florence M., wife of Jerome Kachline, Egypt, Lehigh County; Mildred E., wife of Charles Conrath, Fleetwood; Helen M., wife of Milton Ochs, Sinking Spring, and Elsie E., wife of J. Walter Emore, Leesport; 23 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and two sisters, Lillia, wife of Raymond Manderbach, Laureldale; and Mrs. Debbie Esterly, Ocean Grove, NJ.

Services will be held from the Lamm and Witman Funerall Home, Wernersville, on Saturday at 1:30 PM with the Rev. Ralph E. Starr officiating. Burial will be made in Hain’s Cemetery, Wernersville R.D.

Hiester, Adam W. – 12/8/1956

Adam W. Hiester, 87, Clock Maker, Dies

Adam W. Hiester, 87, well known Strausstown resident and retired watch and clock maker, died Saturday at his home following a year’s illness.

A native of Upper Tulpehocken Twp., Berks County, he was a lifelong resident of the Strausstown area. For many years he served as a correspondent for a Reading newspaper,

Active in the community life, he was a member of various fraternal and sports organizations, including the Strasusstown P.O.S.of A., fire company, Rod and Gun Club, and the Wilderness Park Ass’n, and the Eagle Climbing Club of Reading.

He was also an active member of the Evangelical and Reformed congragation of Zion’s Church and Sunday School. He formerly served as Sunday School superintendent.

He is survived by his wife, the former Sallie B. (Spatz) Hiester, and several nieces and nephews. ³

Hiester, Albert E. – 2/21/1970

Albert E. Hiester

Word has been received her of the death of Albert E. Hiester, 69, of 6701 Richardson Road, Baltimore, Md., formerly of Elverson, R. D. 1, in Woodlawn, Md.

Born in Reading, a son of the late Adam and Ella (Weiherer) Hiester, he was employed by Armour & Co., before retiring in 1963.

Mr Hiester was a member of Reading Lodge 549, F&AM.

Surviving are his widow, Ruth (Boas) Hiester; a son, James, Baltimore, Md., and two grandchildren.

Four brothers: Walter, Aberdeen, Wash.; Wellington, Fleetwood R D 3, and Danel and Pual, both of Reading, and three sisters: Florence, widow of Jerome Kachline, Allentown; Mildred, widow of Charles Cronrath, Boyertown, and Helen, wife of Milton Ochs, Sinking Spring RD 6.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Woodlawn, Md. ⁴

Hiester, Alexander S. -0 5/25/1884

Reading, PA. May 25. Alexander S. Hiester, a well known citizen, died very suddenly at twelve o’clock last night, at the residence of his brother, Gabriel Hiester, in this city, in the forty-fifth year of his age. Mr. Hiester was born on the banks of the Tuplehocken creek, Bern Township, this county. ⁵

Hiester, Amelia Ahrens [Reber] – 7/16/1924

Amelia A. (Reber) Hiester, widow of Wellington Hiester, aged 71 years, 6 months and 16 days, died of complications of ailments at 1:30 AM today at the home of son-in-law Raymond L. Manderbach on Earl St., Rosedale after an illness of five years. She was a member of the Lutheran denomination.

Surviving are eight children: Adam R., North Heidelberg Twp.; Alma, wife of John Stoudt , Reading; Harrison P., Louton, Oklahoma; Deborah, wife of George Esterly, Reading; Anna, wife of T. G. Stein, Phila.; Wellington, Lebanon; Robert W., Rosedale; and Lillie, wife of Raymond L. Manderbach at whose home she died. Also, 29 grand and 6 great-grand children. Two brothers: Adam, Lower Heidelberg and Jonathan , South Temple and two sisters, Sarah, wife of William Eyrich, and Malinda wife of Devilla Schaeffer of Reading. ⁶

Hiester, Charles H. – 4/10/1952

Charles H. Hiester, 84, a native of Stausstown, died yesterday in the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Miller, Bethlehem.

A retired mechanic, he was a son of Moses and Maris (Degler) Hiester. He was a member of Grace Reformed Church, Fountain Hill, of which he was an elder emeritus; the Washington Republican Club, Bethlehem; Knights of Pythias, Myerstown, and the P.O.S. of A., Strausstown.

His wife, Hannah (Dierwachter) died 40 years ago. Surviving are the daughter with whom he resided; a grandchild; and two brothers, G. A. Hiester, Pauling, Ca.; and Adam W. Hiester, Strausstown. ⁷

Hiester, Daniel W. – 8/1/1993

Daniel Washington Hiester Sr., 78, formerly of Reading R.D. 9. died Sunday at 8:50 a.m. in the Leader Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Spring Township, where he had been a patient since June 1991.

Born in Heidelberg Township, he was a son of the late Adam R. and Ella R. (Wieherer) Hiester.

He was co-owner of the former Hiester’s Driveway Service for 22 years before retiring in 1979.

Surviving are two daughters, E. Helen Janet Keller and Marie E. Ohlinger, both of Fleetwood, and a son, Daniel W. Jr., Kent, England.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mildred E., widow of Charles Cronrath, Boyertown, and Helen, widow of Milton M. Ochs, Reading; and three brothers, Walter A., Aberdeen, Wash., Wellington A., Fleetwood, and Paul, Reading.

There are also seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren..

John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.

Hiester, Earl H. – 12/26/2007

Earl H. “Deacon” Hiester, 89, Laureldale, passed away Dec. 26, 2007, in ManorCare Health Services, Muhlenberg Township.

He was the husband of Caroline (DeSantis) Hiester. Caroline and Earl were married Aug. 9, 1945, and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Born in Bern Township, he was a son of the late Abner S. Hiester and Lillie (Dietrich) Hiester.

He was employed by the former Gilbert Associates of Reading as a chemist for 47 years, retiring in 1982.

Earl was a member of Olivet Reformed United Church of Christ, Reading, where he was a former elder on the consistory, superintendent of Sunday school, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer.

He was a 1936 graduate of Reading High School.

He was an avid bowler at the former Laurel Lanes and rolled a 300 game in October 1972.

He was co-captain of the track and cross country teams at Reading High School, winning many medals and awards. He ran the 880 and competed in the Venzke and Penn Relays.

He also is survived by a son, Craig Hiester, husband of Patricia Hiester, Lower Alsace Township; and a daughter, Carol (Hiester) Snyder, wife of James H. Snyder, Temple.

Other survivors include a granddaughter, Allison (Snyder) Peterson, wife of Alexander Peterson, Collegeville; and a great-granddaughter, Samantha Peterson.

He was predeceased by three sisters: Elsie Hiester, Marian (Hiester) Kutz and Elizabeth (Hiester) Elliott.

Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Milkins Funeral Home Inc., 4914 Kutztown Road, Temple, with the Rev. William Albright officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday one hour prior to services in the funeral home.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made in his name to Olivet Reformed UCC, 1648 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601. ⁸

Hiester, Elizabeth F. [Miller] – 3/28/1894

Elizabeth F., wife of William Hiester, died of general debility at her residence, on the Dry Road in Spring Township, Wednesday after a lingering illness, aged 73 years, 3 months and 3 days. The following children survive: Mrs. Sophia Buch; Henry M. and Wellington M. Hiester of Reading; Mrs. Kate Spatz of Douglassville; Elizabeth Moyer, Ridgewood Park; and Mrs. Valeria Lash, of Spring Township. James L. Miller and Mrs. Rebecca Dundore of Mt. Pleasant are brother and sister. Funeral Tuesday, April 3, at 9:30. Deceased was a member of St. John’s Reformed Church, Sinking Spring. Reverend W. J. Kershner will officiate. The husband of the deceased is a retired farmer.

Hiester, Ellen R. [Angstadt] – 6/19/2006

Ellen R. Hiester, 90, of Tulpehocken Township, died June 19th at 7:55 a.m. in the Reading Hospital. Her husband, Russell J. Hiester died Sept. 30, 1996.

Born in Oley Township she was the daughter of the late Peter and Sallie (Rothenberger) Angstadt. She was a graduate of Oley High School and a graduate of Kutztown Normal School. She was a member of Trinity U.C.C., Rehrersburg. She is also a member of the Rehrersburg Lionettes and the Rehrersburg Fire Co. She is a life member of the Conrad Weiser Chapter No. 449 O.E.S., Womelsdorf. She was an elementary school teacher for Oley School District from 1938 to 1948 and for the Hamburg School District, Strausstown, from 1956 to 1962. She and her late husband owned and operated Hiester’s General Merchandise Store, Oley, from 1946 to 1956 and from 1956 to 1978 Hiester’s General Merchandise Store, Rehrersburg.

Surviving are two daughters, Sally R., wife of John H. Lesher, Bethel Township, Mary Ann, wife of Ronald D. Rhode, Tulpehocken Township; and one son, Norman J., husband of Debra S. Hiester, West Milton, Ohio. There are also seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by brother Daniel Angstadt and sister Sarah Gilmer. Memorial services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. from Trinity U.C.C., PO Box 111, Rehrersburg, PA 19550. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church with services conducted by the Conrad Weiser Chapter O.E.S. at 10:15 a.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Hill Funeral Home, Rehrersburg, is handling arrangements. ⁹

Hiester, Elmer J. – 3/17/2008

Elmer J. Hiester, 92, formerly of Chew Street, Allentown, went home to his Lord Monday, March 17, 2008, in Phoebe Home, Allentown. He was the husband of the late Dorothy I. (Long) Hiester, who waits for him since 1995. Born in Strausstown, he was the son of the late Robert B. and Katie (Klahr) Hiester. Elmer served with the Army during World War II in England and Germany. He worked in building maintenance at the former Bell Telephone in Allentown for 35 years, retiring in 1985. Elmer was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Free Church of Trexlertown, and member of its Seniors in Action. Elmer was a man of deep faith in his Lord and deep devotion to his wife and family.

Survivors: Daughters, Sylvia D. Nonnemacher and her husband Harry of Miller, S.D., and Jane M. Hiester of Macungie; son, Chester L. Hiester his wife Teresa of Bear Creek; seven grandchildren, Charise, Abby, Karyn, Bryan, Chris, David and Megan; four great-grandchildren, Angel, Joshua, Shawn and Elliot. Elmer was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy and Lee and sisters, Edna Braithwaite and Esther Dries. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, in Zions Blue Mountain United Church Church, 6573 Old Rt. 22, Strausstown. Calling hours will be Friday 4-7 p.m. in the Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St, Bethlehem, and Saturday 10 a.m. until time of service in the church. Online condolences may be made at www.longfuneralhome.com. Contributions: Faith Church Missions, 6528 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA 18106. ¹⁰

Hiester, Ethel M. [Ahrens] – 1/19/2010

Ethel M. Hiester, 90, formerly of Reading, lastly of Laurel Center, Hamburg, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2010, in St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late William J. Ahrens and Marian M. (Baker) Ahrens.

Mrs. Hiester worked as an LPN for Community General Hospital from 1959 until her retirement in 1981.

Survivors include two sons, Ronald R. Rhein, husband of Mary Lou, Kutztown; and Daniel W. Hiester, husband of Elizabeth, Faversham, Kent, England.

Other survivors include five grandchildren: Kathleen Hildebrand, Laura Orginos, Jennifer Almond and Hannah and Abigail Hiester; and three great-grandchildren.

There are also a brother, Robert P. Ahrens, West Reading; and a half brother, Richard E. Ahrens, Reading.

She was predeceased by a brother, William D. Ahrens.

A viewing will be held in Lutz Funeral Home Inc., Mount Penn, on Friday, Jan. 29, from 10 to 11 a.m., with services following at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Sinking Spring. ¹¹

Hiester, Grace M. – 4/28/2001

Grace M. Hiester, age 83, of 72-C South Elm Street, Kutztown PA, died Saturday, April 28, 2001 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading PA.

Born in Kutztown, Berks County PA, she was the Daughter of the late Edward S. and Florence M. (DeLong) Hiester. She was the switchboard operator at NGK Metals, Temple PA for 38 years before retiring in 1981. She was a Member of Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ Church, Kutztown PA.

She is survived by her Sisters, Ruth D. Hiester with whom she resided and Pauline E. (Hiester) DeTurk of Kutztown PA; and several Nieces and Nephews.

Services are private at the convenience of the family. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, (Maxatawny Twp), Kutztown. No calling hours. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown PA is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests contributions be made to Saint Paul’s UCC Church, Kutztown PA.

Hiester, Isaac – 3/14/1921

Isaac Hiester, Reading Lawyer and Banker, Deid Yesterday

Reading, Pa., March 15. Isaac Hiester, 65 years old, leader of the Berks County bar, president of the Second National Bank and identified with many local enterprises, died suddenly yesterday. He was regarded as one of Reading’s most eminent citizens.

His widow, who survives with several sons, is a daughter of the late George F. Baer, formerly president of the Reading Railway.

Hiester, James C. – 11/20/1974

Word has been received here of the death Wednesday night of James C. Hiester, 47, of 6708 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, Md.

Mr. Hiester died in the Baltimore County Hospital, Randallstown, Md., where he had been a patient five days.

Formerly of Elverson R.D.1, he was born in Los Angelas, Calif., a son of Mrs. Ruth B. Hiester, Baltimore, and the late Albert E. Hiester.

A 1945 graduate of Twin Valley High School, Morgantown, Mr. Hiester graduated from the Mssachusetts Instiute of Technology in 1951. ¹²

Hiester, Leroy A. – 7/26/2007

LeRoy A. Hiester, 90, formerly of 3540 Oak St. Laureldale, died Saturday morning in Berkshire Manor, where he had resided since Mach 1995.

He was the husband of Elizabeth C. (St. Clair) Hiester.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Alexander and Mayme (Miller) Hiester.

He was a Marine veteran of World War II.

Hiester is also survived by a nephew and three nieces.

Graveside services will be Tuessday at 1 p.m. in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton. Bean Funeral Homes Inc, Reading, is in charge of arrangements. ¹³

Hiester, Paul David – 12/23/1996

Paul D. Hiester, 84; owned former firm

Paul D. Hiester, co-owner of a former city business, died Saturday at 6:15 p.m., shortly after being admitted to the continuing care unit of the Reading Hospital. He had been a patient in the hospital for two weeks.

Hiester, 82, of 2405 River Road, co-owned the former Hiester’s Driveway Service, Reading, for 25 years, retiring in 1979.

He was the husband of Alberta E. (Chaykowski) Hiester.

Born in Lower Heidelberg Township, he was a son of the late Adam R. and Ellen L. (Weirher) Hiester.

He was a 60-year member of the Bernville Grange and was a past president of the Muhlenberg Democratic Club.

Hiester was a member of Grace Alsace United Church of Christ, Muhlenberg Township.

Other survivors include a daughter, Lucille A., wife of Harry L. Brooe, Mohnton twp; stepdaughters, Dolores E., wife of Carl A. Gangemi, West Reading, and Janet L., wife of Charles R. McLaughlin, Reading; and two stepsons, David L. Pawling, Reading, and Craig E. Pawling, Wyomissing Hills.

Heister is also survived by a brother, Walter, Aberdeen, Wash.; and two sisters, Mildred, widow of Charles Cronrath, Pottstown, and Helen, widow of Milton Ochs, Sinking Spring.

There are five grandchildren.

Services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Bean Funeral Home Inc., Reading. Burial will be in Alsace Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. ¹⁴

Hiester, Richard L. – 7/11/2208

Richard L. Hiester, Sr., 87, of Muhlenberg Twp., passed away July 11th in Manor Care Health Services, Laureldale.

He was married to the late Rachel E. (Snyder) Hiester who passed away January 1996.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Joseph Hiester and Cecelia Hiester.

He was employed for many years at Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading as a roll turner retiring in 1983.

He was in the U. S. Army serving during WWII.

He was a member of Grace Alsace United Church of Christ, Hyde Park where he was formerly president of consistory, a deacon and assisted in making candy for many years at the holidays.

Surviving is one son, Richard L. Hiester, Jr. husband of Stephanie Hiester of Manassas, Virginia. Two daughters, Joanne R. Ferro of Riverview Park and Kathy L., widow of Dennis J. Sharp of Temple. Also, one brother Robert Hiester of Sinking Spring.

Hiester, Ruth D. – 1/6/2008

uth D. Hiester, 88, of Kutztown, died January 6, 2008, in Kutztown Manor Nursing Home where she resided since 2005. Born March 7, 1919, in Kutztown, she was a daughter of the late Edward S. and Florence M. (DeLong) Hiester. She was a member of Saint Pauls United Church of Christ, Kutztown. She was employed 33 years in the purchasing department of the former N.G.K. Metals, Muhlenberg Township, until her retirement in 1981.

Survivors: Niece, Marcia F. (DeTurk) wife of John H. Keiser Jr., Maxatawny Township; Merrily J. (Leibensperger) widow of nephew David W. DeTurk, Kutztown; great nieces, Julie A. (Keiser) wife of Carmine Esposito, Sally L. (Keiser) wife of Jeffrey W. French, Kimberly A. (DeTurk) wife of Brian L. Miller and Amy E. (DeTurk) wife of Gerald C. Koenig; great great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Grace M. Hiester in 2001 and Pauline E. (Hiester) DeTurk in 2002. Services: Graveside, noon, Friday, January 11, in Fairview Cemetery, Maxatawny Township, with Reverend John W. Davies officiating. There are no calling hours. On-line condolences may be recorded at www.ludwickfh.com. Contributions: The family requests contributions be made to the memorial fund of St. Pauls U.C.C., 47-51 South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, 19530 ¹⁵

Hiester, Wellington Miller – 7/15/1891

INSPECTOR OF BERKS BRIDGES PASSES AWAY

Wellington M. Hiester, Former Well-known Contractor and Builder, Succumbs to Illness of 10 Days.

Wellington Miller Hiester, County Bridge inspector for the past three years, died at his home 350 North Front Street at 8:15 Saturday evening, after an illness of 10 weeks of liver trouble, aged 58 years, 2 months and 13 days. Mr. Hiester was a former well-known contractor and builder, being associated with H. E. Ahrens for some time, besides doing considerable work on his own account. He was a Democrat and always took an active part in the affairs of this city. He served one term as Common and one term as Select Councilman fromthe sixth ward. He was a charter member of the Schuylkill Fire Compnay, Camp 689, P.O.S. of A., and the Pennsylvania Immediate Relief Association.

Mr. Hiester was a native of Spring Township and a son of William and Elizabeth (nee Miller) Hiester. He moved to this city 30 years ago, having lived here ever since.

Besides the widow, Amelia A. (nee Reber), eight children survive, as follows: Adam R., of Heidelberg; Harrison P., of Oklahoma; J. Wellington, of Lebanon; Robert W., of Poplar Neck; Alma M., wife of John R. Stoudt, of Reading; Mrs. Annie Klingeman, of Reading; Mrs. George Esterly, of Reading, and Lillian, at home. There are four sisters and 25 grandchildren.

Interment Thursday, July 20, at 1 p.m. in the cemetery at Bern Church, Undertaker Siedel has charge.

Hiester, William – 1/16/1898

WILLIAM HIESTER died in Spring township of the infirmities of old age, Sunday night at 12 o’clock, aged 76 years, 10 months and 10 days. His wife died three years ago. Following children survive: Henry M., Wellington M. and Mrs. Zacharias Buch, Reading; Mrs. Solomon Moyer, Oakbrook; Mrs. John Lash, Wernersville. Deceased was born in Tulpehocken and was a well-known farmer. Funeral: Wednesday at 1:30 pm at Peter Horn’s residence, Spring, where deceased lived. Services and interment at Sinking Spring Reformed Church.

Hiester, William Muhlenberg – 3/18/1990

Founder of ‘Mercury’ succumbs

William Muhlenberg Hiester, founder of the Pottstown Mercury, was dead on arrival Sunday morning at 11:45 in Reading Hospital.

Hiester, 82, of 1222 Monroe ave., Wyomissing, was the husband of Elizabeth F. (Feldmeier) Hiester.

Hiester, who earlier had worked in the editorial department of the Reading Times, founded the Mercury in 1931. He was president and publisher of the paper until retiring in 1967. In 1933, Hiester bought the Pottstown Daily News, which had been founded in 1887. The News was located at King and Hanover streets and the Mercury at 62 High St. Hiester merged the two papers and the the combined papers were then located at King and Hanover. Hiester sold the Mercury in 1966 to Central States Publishing, Inc., and Peerless Publications acquired the paper in May 1967.

A graduate of The Hill School, Pottstown, he was a councilman of the Historical Society of Berks County, and a member for a record 75 years.

Hiester formerly had been a director of the United Fund, Pottstown; a director of the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County; a trustee of St. Joseph Hospital and the former Central YMCA; and an advisory board member of the Salvation Army and of Philadelphia National Bank, both of Pottstown. Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Isaac and Mary (Baer) Hiester.

He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Walter W. Hiester, Hershey, and a daughter, Caroline, wife of Jack H. Mills, Plano, Texas. A stepdaughter, Caryl, wife of George G. Wilkinson, Jr., Whitefield, and two stepsons, Craig B. Libby, Carrollton, Texaz, and John R. Libby, Hatfield, Montgomery County. Also, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Emily, widow of Bruce P. Harden, Honolulu.

Theo C. Auman Inc. is in charge of arrangements. ¹⁶

Hirsch. Milton S. – 12/29/2007

Milton S. Hirsch, 96, Flying Hills, died Dec. 29, 2007, in his residence.

He was the husband of Helen (Borger) Hirsch.

Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Harry and Rose (Levy) Hirsch.

He was the owner/operator of Milton’s Youth Center, Pottstown, from 1939 to 1987.

Hirsch was a graduate of Simon Gratz High School, Philadelphia, and attended Temple University, Philadelphia.

He was a member of Kesher Zion Synagogue, Reading, and was also a former member of Congregation Mercy and Truth, Pottstown, where he served on the board of directors.

Hirsch was a member of Brookside Country Club, Pottstown. He was active in the United Jewish Appeal, Pottstown. Hirsch was a member of the Jewish Community Center of Reading.

He is also survived by a daughter, Betsy H. (Hirsch), wife of Alvin Katz, Exeter Township; and a son, Harry J. Hirsch, husband of Sharon Hirsch, Efrat, Israel.

Other survivors include six grandchildren: Beth Anne Katz, David Katz, Yael Hirsch, Yoni Hirsch, Shaul Hirsch and Daniel Hirsch; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be today at 1 p.m. in Kesher Zion Synagogue, 1245 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19602. Burial will be in Kesher Zion Cemetery. Shiva will be held at the home of Betsy Katz.

Contributions may be made to Kesher Zion Synagogue at the above address, or the Jewish Federation of Reading, 1700 City Line St., Reading, PA 19604. Henninger Funeral Home Inc., Reading, is in charge of arrangements. ¹⁷

Hoopes, Darlington – 1989

Darlington Hoopes, 93, twice the Socialist candidate for president and a former Pennsylvania state legislator, died Monday at the Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center outside Reading. He lived in Reading.

Mr. Hoopes, who practiced law in Reading for many years, ran for president on the Socialist ticket in 1952 against Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower and Democrat Adlai E. Stevenson. Unlike the major-party candidates, though, Mr. Hoopes ran a campaign that cost only $150 and that saw him give a speech in Kenosha, Wis., to an audience of one. As a Socialist, he called for nationalization of banks, railroads, coal mines and the steel industry, and for strengthening the United Nations and reuniting the Germanys. “The wealthy have long used the power of government to enrich themselves,” he said in a radio address Oct. 31, 1952. “In a democracy, government is a tool that should be used to advance the common welfare.” On Election Day, he got 21,000 votes, to Eisenhower’s 33 million. Mr. Hoopes also ran for president in 1956 and was the Socialists’ vice presidential candidate in 1944.

Mr. Hoopes was a native of Harford County, Md., the son of the manager of a dairy farm. He attended the George School in Bucks County and graduated at the top of his class in 1913. Mr. Hoopes was a Quaker and a deeply religious man, his son Darlington Jr. said. He said his father came to embrace socialism through his Christian convictions. Mr. Hoopes studied agriculture at the University of Wisconsin but then turned to law, largely getting his legal education through correspondence courses. He first practiced law in Norristown and later in Reading, which, with support from the labor movement, was a base for Socialist political sentiment in the 1930s and ’40s. Mr. Hoopes served as national chairman of the Socialist Party for 20 years, and was elected to three terms in the Pennsylvania legislature in the 1930s. In 1933 the Philadelphia Public Ledger called him a “pleasantly aggressive” politician who “bears aloft the torch of Socialism to brighten the gloomy corners of the House chamber.” He was “good-natured, well-dressed, short, thin and talkative,” the newspaper recorded. The same year, Mr. Hoopes introduced and helped pass the state’s child labor law. He also helped found the Reading-area branches of the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP. He served as Reading’s solicitor from 1936 to 1940 and was president of the Berks County Bar Association in the early 1960s. He also was active in local consumer cooperatives and the YMCA.

Surviving are his wife, Hazelette Hoopes; sons, Darlington Jr. and Rae; daughter, Delite Hawk; 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Reading Friends Meetinghouse, 108 N. Sixth St.

Hunt, William T., Jr. – 8/1997

Dr. William Taylor Hunt, Jr., 94, formerly of 513 Parkwood Drive, Wynnewood, Montgomery County, died Sunday at 2:20 a.m. in the Highlands at Wyomissing.

His wife, Helen I. (Campbell) Hunt, died in January 1990.

Born in Renovo, Clinton County, he was a son of the late William T. Hunt, Sr. and Anna Mabel (Woodring) Hunt.

Hunt was an ophthalmologist for 45 years and served as a research associate and consultant in Reading from 1940 to 1945. He retired in 1974 as an associate professor at jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

He was a 1923 graduate of Lafayette College, Easton, and a 1927 graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. Hunt served his internship at St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, in 1927-28 and his residency at the Eye & Ear Hospital, Pittsburgh, in 1928-29.

Hunt was a member of the United Methodist Church, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomaery County.

Survivng are a sister, Helen, wife of Dr. John C. Cobey, Bellefonte, Centre County; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the UM church, Bala Cynwyd. Burial will be in the Mount Rose Cemetery, York. The Auman Funeral Home, Reading, is in charge of arrangements.

Sources & Notes

1
Reading Eagle, 1/27/2005
2
Reading Eagle, 12/30/2007
3
Lebanon Daily News, 12/10/1956
4
Reading Eagle, 2/21/1970
5
Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/25/1884
6
Reading Eagle, 7/16/1924
7
Lebnon Daily News
8
Reading Eagle, 12/27/2007
9
The Daily News, Lebanon, 6/20/2006
10
The Morning Call, 3/19/2008
11
Reading Eagle, 1/24/2010
12
Reading Eagle, 11/22/1974
13
Reading Eagle, 7/27/1997
14
Reading Rimes, 12/23/1996
15
The Morning Call, 1/8/2008
16
Reading Eagle, 3/19/1990
17
Reading Eagle, 12/30/2007

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