Melvin Ralph Lehman

Melvin Ralph Lehman, 88 of Wyomissing, PA., and Avalon, N.J. died in the Reading Hospital February 4, 2009.

Born in Wyomissing, he was the son of the late Ralph H. and Elsie A. (Wiegand) Lehman. His family were founding members of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

He was a 1939 graduate of Wyomissing High School as well as a graduate of McCann's School of Business and the Wharton extension of the University of Pennsylvania.

During World War II., he served in the 8th air force of the headquarters of General James Doolittle, first in High Wycombe, England, and after V.E. day in Weisbaden, Germany.

After his return from Europe, he associated himself with the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company where he remained for nine years.

In 1956 he joined his father at the Tropical Coatings Division of Hooker Chemical Co. In his years at Tropical Coatings, he was a manufacturers representative, a regional sales manager and an industry marketing manager. He retired from the company in 1980.

He is perhaps best remembered as the owner and proprietor of Mom Chaffe's Cellarette Restaurant in West Reading. Although not a physical presence, in later years, he remained president of Mom Chaffe's Incorporated until his death.

He was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Wyomissing Public Library, last serving as its president. He was also a Wyomissing Borough councilman from 1980-1984.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Polly Mohn Lerch, Wyomissing.

He is also survived by a son, John Lerch Lehman, Wyomissing.

The reverend Rick Summy will officiate private graveside services at the convenience of the family in Charles Evans Cemetery. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.