Jesse W. Tobias

Jesse W. Tobias, 80, of Sinking Spring, son of the late Anna (Starr) and Edward Tobias, died March 30, 2009 in Reading Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Santina M. (Brussellis) Tobias and children Cynthia (Tobias) Hettinger and husband Scott Hettinger of Drums, PA and Peggy Ann Overholtzer, Blackwood, NJ. Jesse has 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Other survivors include: sisters, Marie, wife of Gene Kasper, Wyomissing and Betty, wife of Harry Storch, Reading, a brother, Robert, husband of Susan, of Arizona, predeceased by a brother, Edward Tobias.

Jesse was a graduate of Reading Senior High School and attended Albright College. He was a graduate of the Industrial Management Institute of Reading.

He contributed in so many ways to his community. First, Jesse served in the U.S. Air Force and while serving played baseball for the Lackland Air Force Team. Jesse was one of the organizers of Wodenschiere Country Club, serving as past president, As sports was a favorite of his, he served on the board that originated the Touchdown Club of Berks County and is a past president. Jesse was a member of the Reading High Boosters and also served as a president of that organization. He was a member of the Reading/Berks Basketball Oldtimes. Jesse coached Little League Baseball for the Police Athletic League and Rising Sun. Presently, Jesse was a member in the UGI Senior Citizens Association.

Jesse enjoyed all his athletic endeavors. He was known as an outstanding athlete at Reading High School, played baseball and football. He continued his football career at Albright College. Jesse played on many baseball teams including the VVV's, Hillside, the Guard House, East Ends, and Charmers, A highlight of his athletics was being a member of the 1944 American Legion State Baseball Championship Team. He continued his baseball career by playing for the New York Giants farm team system. Jesse was a catcher and played third base.

Jesse worked as a salesman for Hajoca Corporation and continued in sales until he retired from Yeager Supply in 1993.

Jesse was a member of Nativity Lutheran Church, Reading.

Services will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading. Interment will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Friends may call Thursday 11:30-1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com