Alfred R. Nerino

Alfred R., "Red" Nerino, passed away on April 14, 2014 in the company of his adoring family.

He and his honey, the former Anna Maslar, were married 56 years.

Born on December 17, 1931 in Bangor, PA, to Alfred and Helen (Regiec) Nerino, "Red" had endless tales of growing up in the Slate Belt. From Saturday movies to sports to music, an active childhood gave way to an adulthood filled with many fulfilling experiences and stories. It was fitting that Al's chosen career was in Journalism, allowing him to share his passion for life with others.

He attended Pennsylvania State College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1953. Following a two-year tour on active duty at a radar installation in Pittsburgh, he returned to college, earning a Master's Degree in Journalism from Pennsylvania State (now) University in 1956.

As a sports writer for the Reading Eagle, Al covered a wide range of athletic events from local high school games to the Wednesday night professional wrestling matches in Hamburg.

He himself was a talented athlete in many sports with his favorite being baseball. He often regaled listeners with stories of not only his experiences, but also those of his father and uncles. When he wasn't writing, he would officiate high school football games, and was also active as a coach in various youth organizations' sports, including starting a baseball program at Holy Guardian Angels. Al was promoted to Managing Editor of the Reading Eagle in 1982 and continued at the helm while the Reading Eagle and Reading Times were combined into a single print edition in 1983. His favorite themes were often family related situations, and these inevitably resulted in readers sharing similar incidents with him; he loved this. He retired from the newspaper in 1994.

Al instilled sincere religious convictions and, after God, valued family above all. An annual highlight was the summer week in Dewey Beach with the Shemanskis, Shaners and Lawrences that served as the stuff of stories throughout the year. When he wasn't working, Al was an avid reader and sports enthusiast who particularly enjoyed following Penn State football.

Al was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church.

He will be remembered as a quick wit with a zest for life, and the Dzedo who dearly loved his grandchildren, and the Uncle Red who equally loved his nieces, nephews and godchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Michael P., husband of Sarah (Farley) Nerino, Reading, Alfred R., husband of Ann (Marcinkowski) Nerino, Wyomissing, Eric L. Nerino, husband of Lisa Dengler, Fleetwood and Marianne, wife of R. Thomas Hufford, O'Fallon, MO; his sister, Beverly, wife of the late Basil D'Imperio, Bangor. Eleven grandchildren: Sarah Branch, Mary Margret Nerino, R. Thomas Hufford, II, Albert Lewis Nerino, Kathryn Hufford, Kevin Hufford, Jonathan Nerino, Nicholas Hufford, Hana Hufford, Maria Hufford and Elleanna Hufford also survive him.

Alfred was predeceased by his infant son, Kevin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11a.m. in St Ignatius Loyola R.C. Church, 2810 St Albans Dr, Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 10 to 11a.m. in the church. Contributions may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul co St. Ignatius Loyola at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.