Joseph T. Woytek

Joseph T. Woytek, 85, Spring Twp., passed away peacefully on July 2, 2008 in Reading Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving husband, devoted father and proud Zeddo (Grandfather in Slovak) to his equally devoted grandchildren. A gentle man, with a genuine love for people and for conversation, he will truly be missed by all.

Joe was the husband of Ethel (Dufallo) Woytek, having celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on May 26th.

Born in Ebervale, he was a son of the late Stephen and Susan (Scavnicky) Woytek.

He was a 1940 graduate of Hazle Township High School.

Joe was employed by Prestolite Battery Company for 36 years; the last 26 years he served as manager of the company's Muhlenberg Twp. plant. He retired in 1986.

He was an active member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, West Reading, where he served as an usher and extraordinary minister. He was also a member of the Finance Committee for many years and served on the Parish Council. Joe was instrumental in the building of the Parish Center.

Mr. Woytek was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving in the South Pacific during World War II.

In addition to his wife, Ethel, he is survived by five children, Mary E. Woytek, wife of Craig C. Rice, Rockville, MD: Patricia A. Woytek, Wayne; Janice Woytek wife of Mark P. Calabria, Phoenixville; Joe R. Woytek, Laurel, MD and Robert J. Woytek, Tampa, FL. There are two siblings, Marie Hudock, Spring Twp. and Andrew J. Woytek, Allentown. Five grandchildren, Katy, Jessica, Michael, Eugenia and Melissa also survive him. He was predeceased by two brothers, Steve of Denver, CO and John of Hazleton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with religious services at 7:30; friends may also call Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society 498 Bellevue Avenue Reading, PA 19605 or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. June Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.