Bernard Matthew Brophy

Bernard Matthew "Bo" Brophy, 87, of Wernersville, died January 21, 2016, in Reading Hospital.

His wife, Leona (Jarsocrak) Brophy, died December 7, 1987; they were married on May 24, 1952.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Edward, Sr. and Dorothy (Grund) Brophy.

Following his graduation from Reading High School in 1946, Bernard joined the US Army, serving in the occupational forces in post WWII Japan.

He was employed as a lineman and installer for Bell Telephone until his retirement in 1990.

Bernard was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wernersville, and was a former member of St. James Lutheran Church, Reading. While at St. James, he served on their church council over the period of five pastors.

He loved sports from high school to the pros; he especially enjoyed following the NY Yankees. Bernard loved to dance and sing including his favorite, Frank Sinatra. He was a lover of nature and enjoyed nature walks that included Galen Hall and areas near Caron Foundation. Bernard cherished his family vacations that included clamming, fishing and crabbing in Cape May, NJ.

Bernard kept a very well manicured yard, was always independent, and was a loyal friend, serving as a guardian angel to many.

Always a family man, Bernard adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Kathy Marie, wife of Daniel G. Ebersole, Denver, PA and David Edward Brophy, Dublin, CA. There is one brother, Edward, widow of Mary Brophy, Reading; three grandchildren, Kevin, husband of Melissa Ebersole; Kristen, wife of Joel Broughton; and Kyle, husband of Christina Ebersole; and seven great-grandchildren, Jordan, Steven, Tessa, Seth and Kash Broughton; and Collin and Alison Ebersole. His lady friend, Josephine "Josie" Gardecki, also survives him.

Services will be Wednesday at 12 p.m. with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Burial will be private in Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Reading Berks Basketball Association, P.O.Box 391 Reading, PA 19607.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.