Nelson E. Schwartz

Nelson E. Schwartz, 77, of Reading, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, in the care of Promedica Sinking Spring, where he resided since 2021. He was the widower of Diane L. (Blimline) Schwartz, who passed away on August 7, 2019.

Born in Reading to the late Henry E. and Janet M. (Moser) Schwartz, Nelson graduated from Exeter High School in 1964.

Nelson started his working life as a movie theater usher. He later worked for Firestone and for Interstate Container, but he was most proud of his 20 years as the owner and operator of Washington Novelty.

He was a hard worker who was very dedicated to his business. He liked to have things his own way. As he grew older, he learned a deeper appreciation for family. His two years at Promedicia were made brighter by the friendship he formed with his roommate, Charles.

Nelson is survived by his children, Michael N. Schwartz, of Reading, and Lori Dautrich, of Reading, and his grandchildren, Jessica Adams, Julie Schwartz, Kristen Schwartz, George Smits, and David Smits. Nelson is also survived by his brother, Scott Schwartz and wife, Ruth, of Colorado.

In addition to his wife, Diane, and his parents, Nelson was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey, and by his sister, Sheila M. Knappenberger. Nelson's life was profoundly impacted by the tragic deaths of his siblings Cindy, Jean, Jane, Carol, and Billy during a house fire on New Year's Eve, 1962.

A funeral service for Nelson will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11: a.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19611. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Condolences may be expressed at KuhnFuneralHomes.com.