Anthony R. Papich

Anthony R. Papich, 83, of Reading, died March 29, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. in Reading Hospital, where he had been since Sunday.

He was the husband of Rita E. (Drexel) Papich.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Martin and Agnes (Zelko) Papich.

He was first employed as a tire builder for 28 years for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., Pottstown retiring in 1980. Later, he was the Maintenance Supervisor for the Wyomissing School District retiring on February 5, 1998.

Anthony was a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Reading.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Mr. Papich coached CYO baseball and basketball for St. Peter's School; he also coached the 18th Ward football team.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Robert, husband of Kerry Papich, Exeter Twp.; and Dennis, husband of Kathy Papich, Denver, PA; and his daughter, Cheryl, wife of Barry Waren, Cumru Twp. Six grandchildren, Christopher and Todd Papich; Jason and David Waren; and Matthew and Ryan Papich; and two great-grandchildren, Cami Alexa Waren and Ethan Thomas Papich also survive him. He was predeceased by three brothers.

Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Entombment will be in Gethsemane Mausoleum. Friends may call Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to, American Heart Association, 25 Stevens Avenue, West Lawn, PA 19609. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com