Richard H. Spence

Richard H. Spence, 82, of Robeson Township, died June 1, 2011, in Mifflin Center.

He was the husband of Miriam L. (Enck) Spence.

Born in Hyde Park, he was the son of the late Jesse H. and Mary L. (Knarr) Spence.

He was a 1947 graduate of West Reading High School and a1958 graduate of Kutztown University State College with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Richard continued his education at Kutztown University earning his masters degree in 1964 and Principal Certification thru Temple University.

At West Reading, Richard was a four letter athlete and an all-county member of the championship football team. He was a catcher on the baseball team, and with "Pro" Nelson as pitcher, comprised the battery for several years at West Reading. He played for Adamstown in the Lebanon Valley League. Richard also played in several city league teams and was an avid bowler and golfer.

Richard was employed as a teacher and home school visitation teacher for 30 years by the Reading School District, retiring on June 1 6, 1989. Prior to his retirement, he taught 5th grade at Tyson- Schoener Elementary School for 6 years and Southwest Junior High School for 10 years, also as a 5th grade teacher. During his time at Southwest Junior High, Richard also served as Director of the program, "Learning Outside the Classroom" and as a counselor for the Spanish-speaking students and families. He was the baseball and bowling coach at Southwest.

Richard was proud of his 10-year membership in the West Reading Police Cadets as Master Sergeant and baritone player. He was also a member of the International Lions Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Susan S., wife of Michael Erickson, Wyomissing; two step-daughters, Michelle L.., wife of Dennis E. Gehman, Mohnton and Jeanice L.., wife of Robert Naulty, Birdsboro; three grandchildren, Katie, wife of Andrew Moyer, Kevin, husband of Jessica Gehman, Jamie Imbesi and one great-grandson, Michael Imbesi who also survives him.

Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Korean War.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, June 10 at noon in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Burial will be private in Berks County Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 225 City Avenue, Suite 104, Bala Cynwd, PA 19004. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.