Richard C. Holder

Rev. Richard C. Holder, 84, of Reading, passed away December 7, 2010 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

He was the husband of Sally A. (Robison) Holder.

Born in Wilkes Barre, he was a son of the late Merwyn Bruce, Sr. and Louise (Mould) Holder.

Richard was a 1944 graduate of Reading High School, a 1951 graduate of Kutztown University, a 1955 graduate of Penn State University and attended Drew Seminary as well as Lancaster Theological Seminary.

He was a pastor for the past 20 years at Grace United Methodist Church, Reading, retiring in 2009. Previously, he had worked in education. He was a teacher and then principal for 34 years in the Reading School District. He also taught at Charles Foos Elementary School and 12th and Merion Elementary School. For 7 years he was the director at Camp Jolly.

Richard loved stamp collecting, painting, drawing and reading.

He was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church, West Lawn.

Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in WWII.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Rev. Douglas R. Holder, partner of John Farmer, Reading. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy J. Holder, Upper Darby. Three grandchildren: Laura Holder, Abigale Holder, Ryan, husband of Alycia Holder and one great-grandson, Jayden Holder survive him. He was also a foster parent for 12 children.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Phoebe Berks Village, 1 Reading Dr., Wernersville. A visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by music from 2 to 2:30. Burial will be in Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 1112 Union Street, Reading, PA 19604. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.