Gerald L. Mckerns

Gerald Leo McKerns, Sr., 65, of Reading, died August 20, 2010 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

Born October 10, 1944 in St. Nicholas, (Mahanoy City), Schuylkill County, he was a son of the late Gerald L. and Eva (Labun) McKerns.

Gerald was employed as an inspector with Carpenter Technology, Muhlenberg Township, for 31 years, retiring in 2005.

He was the author of "The Black Rock that Built America" that was published in 2007.

Surviving are four children: Gerald L., Jr., husband of Angela M. (Reichardt) McKerns of Womelsdorf; Thomas P., husband of Desiree A. (Zuppa) McKerns of Reading; Michael J., husband of Addy E. (Fillman) McKerns of Glenmoore, Chester County and Ann M. McKerns of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County.

Other survivors include a sister, Kathleen (McKerns) Herrero, widow of Edwardo U. Herrero, M.D., of Michigan and a brother, David, husband of Donna McKerns of Mahanoy City.

In addition, there are four grandchildren surviving: Alex, Cavin, Lola and Brody McKerns.

He is also survived by his former spouse, Joan M. (Haggerty) Adam of Shartlesville.

Gerald was predeceased by a daughter, Karen Ann McKerns, April 17, 1980 and a brother, Thomas P. McKerns.

A viewing will held on Friday August 27th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. The viewing will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Resurrection at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road, Muhlenberg Township. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 498 E. Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.

For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com.