Earl W. Price

Earl W. Price, 88, of Reading, died November 21, 2011 in the presence of his loving and caring daughter Carol and Earl's untiring caregiver Maria Reyes Perez.

He was the husband of that late Julia (Tacyn) Price.

Born November 9, 1923 in Reading, he was a son of the late I. Earl and Margaret (Chelius) Price.

Earl was a graduate of Reading High School.

He was employed as General Manager of Bortz Chocolates, Reading, working for 39 years and retiring in 1983. Earl's grandchildren loved Earl very much especially during Easter when Earl would deliver the traditional Bortz chocolate bunnies, eggs and other special Easter candy treats.

Earl was a member of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Reading. He was very involved in the church's affairs and was the church's business and facilities coordinator for many years. Earl often attended mass twice each weekend, helping at mass and sharing coffee and camaraderie at the early Sunday morning gatherings

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and Korean Conflict and received various military awards.

Surviving is one daughter, Carol A., wife of Jan P. Sockel of Mohnton. Other survivors include a sister, June Schiessler of Reiffton and two grandchildren, Christian, husband of Jennifer Sockel and Chiara, wife of Ryan Renninger and four great grandchildren Portia, Annika, Cole and Saray.

Earl was devoted to his family and took daily care of his mother and father during the last years of their lives. After Earl's wife's passing in 1981 Earl lived for his remaining years in his daughter's backyard cottage enjoying daily meals with his family and taking full care of the family garden. Earl especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and experiencing their joy in all of their scholastic, athletic, and family accomplishments. Earl also memorialized parts of the family's life in various folk art paintings now on display in their homes.

In Earl's last 10 years he was lovingly cared for by his daughter Carol, and many devoted caregivers in his home, especially Maria. The Berks Heim also provided a loving and caring environment during the last two years of his life.

Earl will be missed but we all share a sense of joy and happiness in knowing that Earl is now at peace in heaven with God, his wife and his parents.

Earl is the quiet example of the philosophy that one must bear the Cross to receive the Crown of heaven. May he rest in peace.

A requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 at B.V.M. Ukrainian Church, 7th and Laurel Streets, Reading. A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00 in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

Contributions may be made to: Nativity of BVM Church, 1814 Philadelphia Avenue, Reading, PA 19607.

For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.