Richard Horst

Richard B. Horst, 82, of Wernersville, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the care of Reading Hospital. He was the loving husband of Susette (Van Pelt) Horst.

Born in Reading to the late Earl W. and Nora M. (Swavely) Horst, Richard graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1967 as a sergeant.

Richard was a lifetime member of the IBEW Local 743 and worked as a professional electrician for over 50 years.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Susette; his daughter, Adrienne M., wife of Mark Trafford, of Fleetwood; step-daughter, Andrea Hartong of Ohio; grandchildren, Sarah V. and Gwyneth E. Trafford; and four step-grandchildren.

Richard's family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Macciocca, Dr. Bachour, and the staff of T Building at Reading Hospital for their compassionate care.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers: Earl W. Horst Jr. and late wife, Nancy; James R. Horst; and Thomas D. Horst, survived by wife, Betty Jo Horst; sister, Melissa Cerivo, survived by husband, Ronald Cerivo; and one step-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Richard's memory may be made to a charity of choice.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading PA 19611. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 7:00 p.m. Committal will be held privately at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.