Dr. Wilbur G. Renken

Dr. Wilbur G. Renken, 91, of Wyomissing, passed away April 24, 2014, in The Highlands at Wyomissing.

He was predeceased by his two wives: Pauline A. (Andrews) Renken, in 1985; and Geraldine W. (Ely) Renken, in 2007.

Born December 14, 1922, in New York, NY he was a son of the late Henry and Ruth (Wittemer) Renken.

He was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Queens, NY. He earned his B.S. from Springfield College in 1947; his M.A. from Montclair State College in 1953; and his Doctorate from Springfield College in 1955.

Wilbur was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in WWII.

He was the physical education and athletic director for Albright College from 1955 to 1988. During his time at Albright he was the varsity basketball coach from 1955 to 1988; assistant football coach from 1955 to 1961; tennis coach from 1955 to 1965; and the golf coach from 1965 to 1988.

Wilbur had 500 victories which ranked him second among active Division III coaches and 11th among coaches at all levels. He served as chairman of the committee that selected the 1976 Olympic gold medal-winning basketball team. Wilbur also served on the committee that selected the 1980 team, which did not play because of the U.S. boycott. He served another prestigious appointment when he became president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1979; he was the first non-Division I coach so honored. His basketball teams won MAC titles in 1961, '65, '66, '74 and '77. In 1979-80, his 23-7 team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Tournament. In addition, he earned the Sam Schoenfeld Sportsmanship Award, selected by collegiate basketball officials, 18 times.

He was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church, was a past Director of Recreation for the Borough of Wyomissing, and had served on the Wyomissing School Board.

He is survived by his son, Dennis E., husband of Julia Renken, Fairfax, VA; and his three daughters: Judith, wife of Jeffrey Poley, Chester Springs; Amy, wife of George Lutz, Wyomissing; and Barbara Faber, Seattle, WA. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren: Jason Poley, Justin Poley, Joshua Poley, William Lutz, Paul Lutz, Rebecca Floyd, and Katherine Renken; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Wilbur was predeceased by his brother, Fred P. Renken.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609, with a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be private in Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to West Lawn United Methodist Church, at the address above or Albright College Development Fund, P.O. Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612-5234. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.