Richard E. Mcneil

Richard Evans McNeil, 68, died September 3, 2012 in his Reading residence.

He was the husband of Lorraine Patricia (Davis) McNeil, whom he had been with for 43 years.

Born March 7, 1944 in Reading, PA, he was a son of the late Joseph Brown and Dell McNeil.

Richard attended Reading Schools and Kutztown University.

He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam conflict.

Richard was employed from 1974-1976 as the program coordinator with Economic Opportunity Council, Reading and from 1978-1985 he was employed by Albright College in the food service department.

He was last employed as a mixer with Glidden Paint, Reading for 16 years, before retiring in 2002.

Richard was the first African-American plumbing apprentice in the City of Reading.

He was a founding member of "CATS", Community Action Training School, Reading; a member of "The Ironmen", Reading and a member of the American Legion, Reading.

Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He liked a good political discussion and debate on any topic.

Richard loved any dog and enjoyed listing to Jazz.

A handyman; he could fix just about anything.

His passion was cooking, especially cheesesteaks and his weakness was peanut butter candy cakes and coconut cake.

Richard is also survived by two sons: Richard E. Cook of Washington, DC and Ebony E., husband of Kelly L. (Sharp) McNeil of Muhlenberg Township.

Other survivors include a niece, who was like his daughter, Keesha A. (Lipscomb), wife of Richard M. Scott of Reading and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also a beloved "Pop-Pop" to four grandchildren: Ashlee E. Scott, L.J. Rios, Julian Rios and Jaxon McNeil.

Richard was predeceased by two siblings: Theresa Coleman and Robert McNeil.

Services will be Saturday at 11:00 am in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Viewings will be held Friday from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com