Arthur Richard Porcelli

Arthur Richard Porcelli, 83, formerly of Montclair, NJ, passed away October 29, 2013 at the Highlands of Wyomissing, where he resided since 2001. He was born in New York City, January 5, 1930, the youngest of seven siblings of the late Francis Porcelli and Maria Franchina Porcelli. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Katherine Marie Roche. Arthur Richard was raised in Harrison New York and graduated from White Plains High School, where he was very involved in all sports, played quarterback and was captain of the team. He then graduated from the New York Institute of Technology. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy as an electronics technician. Upon completion of his enlistment, he matriculated from The NJ Institute of Technology with a BSME. He was active in the Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity and was President of the Alumni Association. He was employed by General Electric and Chatham Electronics before he ventured into the entrepreneurial world and started Suburban Rug and Furniture Cleaners where he was President and CEO for over 40 years. As a small-business owner in Montclair, NJ, Arthur was very involved in the community, especially when it came to his children. He was a Cub Master at Pack 12 and Assistant Scout Master of Troop 12. He coached numerous little league teams and positively influenced multitudes of youth in Montclair. He was also very active in his church, Immaculate Conception, as a lector for over 30 years. In addition to his multiple public service activities, he donated well over 30 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and was one of ten members of the Century Club of the NJ Blood Center of the American Red Cross. Arthur was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading, PA. Arthur became a member of Montclair Council 1277of the Knights of Columbus in 1970, where he ultimately served as a Grand Knight, District Deputy and Fourth Degree Faithful Navigator. Lauded as a true Catholic gentleman, he was honored by the Knights of Columbus NJ Chapter Number 1 as its past Chairman in November 2001 after he moved to Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. The Knights represent charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Arthur is survived by his three children: CDR Arthur R. Porcelli Jr., fianceé Terry Witt-Green, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Katherine P. Restrepo, husband James P. Restrepo M.D., of Wyomissing, PA; and Thomas Anthony Porcelli, wife Kathryn H. Porcelli, of Succasunna, NJ; and his surviving sibling Virginia Owen of White Plains, New York and many nieces and nephews. Arthur was blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren: Arthur Richard Porcelli III, Lauren Duval Lehman, and Maureen Ross Porcelli; James Price Restrepo Jr. and Katherine Patricia Restrepo; Allison Houston Porcelli, and Thomas Anthony Porcelli Jr. Arthur had four great-grandchildren: Arthur Richard Porcelli IV, Layne Elizabeth Porcelli, Wesley Ross Lehman and Grant Thomas Lehman. The viewing will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Edward Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, West Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lutheran Home Care and Hospice Berks County Branch 1030 Reed Ave., Suite 102, Wyomissing, PA 19610, who provided wonderful care for our father in his last months of life. He will be missed by all.