Ernest James Farina

Ernest "Ernie" James Farina, 76, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024, at his Muhlenberg Park home, after a battle with an aggressive type of ALS.

For Ernie, family was most important to him. His lifetime mantra was "family is everything."

He was the husband of Dale Ann (Hendricks) Farina. They were married on October 2, 1982, and have been happily married for 41 years.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Charles R., Sr. and Jennie (Jarsocrak) Farina. Ernie graduated from Reading High School and went on to join the U.S. Army. During his service he was a rifle marksman. There, he became friends with Nolan Ryan, the famous baseball pitcher, while serving in the same basic training barracks. They remained lifelong friends, a relationship Ernie always cherished.

He was last employed in shipping and receiving at Berks Packing for 20 years retiring in 2015.

Ernie was always busy doing the things he loved with his family. When he was not outside working in the yard, he enjoyed going to NASCAR races, supporting his favorite collegiate football team, Penn State, and always loved listening to his favorite bands. Ernie was proud to be part of the "Hillside Hillbillies" at Hillside Pool in Reading; a group of guys he remained connected to until his passing.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Dale Ann; his sons, Kyle A. of Orlando, FL and Tyler J., daughter-in-law, Peyton J.. and his first expected grandson of Winter Garden, FL. Also surviving Ernie are sisters-in-law Patti Farina (widow of Charles R. Farina, Jr.) and Debbie Yoder of Sinking Spring; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels RCC, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, with interment at Gethsemane Cemetery to follow. The viewing will be held from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ernest J. Farina Memorial Fund at the Go Fund Me address, https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-ernest-j-memorial. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to serve the Farina family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.