Robert W. Zellers

Robert W. Zellers, 73, of Reading, passed away during the evening hours of Wednesday, February 2, 2022, in the care of Penn State St. Joseph's Medical Center. He was the widower of Jeanette M. (Jarsocrak) Bender-Zellers, who passed away in 2018 after 42 years of happy marriage.

Born in Reading to the late Walter B. and Arlene M. (Bagenstose) Zellers, Bob graduated from Hamburg High School in 1966. His draft number was called in 1968. Wounded during his service after stepping on a booby-trap, Bob earned the Purple Heart for his injuries and received treatment in Japan before transferring to Valley Forge. He survived Vietnam at the height of the conflict.

After leaving the service, Bob met Jeanette and her sons, Dennis and Scott. He was a very dutiful husband and a loving father. Bob took great joy in spending time with his wife and treasured their numerous lucky casino trips together. He had a passion for racing, both NASCAR races and at more local race tracks. He was the track photographer for several area tracks, including the Reading Fair Grounds and the Central Pennsylvania Sprint Car Circuit.

Retiring in 2006 after 36 years, Bob served as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Wyomissing and West Reading.

Bob is survived by his stepsons, Dennis R. Bender, husband of Patricia, of Wyomissing, and Scott H. Bender of Reading; his grandson, Rory Bender, husband of Kristen, and granddaughter, Megan Bender, companion of Kyle Hiester. He is also survived by his great grandchildren: Giovanna, Kylee, Charles, Austyn, Jackson, Fiona, Gavin, Madeline, and Cecilia.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, with committal and military honors to follow at Charles Evans Cemetery, 1119 Centre Ave, Reading. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral home Tuesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.