John R. Bertolet

John Renninger Bertolet, 77, of Spring Township, known as Jack to his friends and family died December 28, 2008 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, where he had been a patient since December 23rd.

Born April 4, 1931 in West Reading, PA, he was a son of the late John R and Kathryn (Renninger) Bertolet.

John is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary Jane (Shappell) Bertolet of Spring Township and two daughters: Jayne R. (Bertolet), wife of Eric R. Schaeffer of Rockland Township and Jacqueline R. Bertolet of Spring Township.

He was a 1949 graduate of Central Catholic High School and attended The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1950.

John was an Army Veteran stationed in Germany from 1954 to 1956; he served an additional 27 years in the Army Reserve and National Guard Service including 13 years as an instructor with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. John retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1984.

John was employed 14 years as Director of Finance and Board Treasurer for the Reading School District until his retirement in 1996.

He maintained a home accounting business his entire professional career, last working December 22nd on behalf of two catholic churches, several local businesses and non-profits.

He was serving as Treasurer of the Stone Hill Farms Homeowners Association and was past President of the PA-East Chapter of the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA).

John is also survived by a brother, James R., husband of Martha Bertolet of Hamburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1018 North 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604. No public viewing. Burial will be private in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph R.C. Church at the above address or St. Margaret R.C. Church, 925 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com