Roger J. Sinistri

Roger J. Sinistri, Sr., 79, of Spring Township, passed away April 7, 2014 in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

He was the husband of Patricia (Reigle) Sinistri.

Born February 10, 1935 in Exeter Township, he was the son of the late Dominic and Jennie (Williams) Sinistri.

He was a 1952 graduate of Reading High School.

Roger's career and hobbies were truly entwined. His passion for cars and high performance were a constant in his life and led him down the path of his life's work. As a self employed professional engine builder and tuner his skill and expertise collected National Hot Rod Association national event wins , multiple national performance records, and a National Championship. In seasonal competition his customers and friends utilizing his engines were responsible for hundreds of race event wins. His proudest moment in racing was his part in winning the US Nationals, in Indianapolis, drag racings crown jewel, in 1968. His accomplishments earned him a place in NHRA affiliate track Maple Grove Raceways walk of fame, the Eastern Motorsports hall of fame and the Nostalgia Drag Racing Associations Legion of Honor. He was only interrupted by his time serving his country as part of U.S. Army. He continued through life sharing his knowledge and his focus began to change into classic car shows and events where he made many new and dear friends who shared his passion.

Roger also loved to travel and with his enjoyment of country music it became a frequent combination to visit all places country, such as Nashville,and Memphis Tennessee along with Branson Missouri as favorites. His truest strength was as a loving husband and father to his wife, Pat, and his children, he was the foundation and strength in the family where he was deeply loved and highly respected and that will never change.

In addition to his wife he is surviving by his three children: Sherry Sinistri-Fellin, wife of Gabe Fellin, Muhlenberg Township; Annmarie Sinistri-Boyer, wife of Brian Boyer, Laureldale; and Roger J. Sinistri Jr., fiance of Elizabeth Hasty, Wyomissing. Also surviving are his five grandchildren: Kristin, wife of Daniel Rose, Logan, Lauren, fiance of Nathan Blizniak, Gabriel, and Dana; as well as his four great-grandchildren: Rylie, Owen, Chase, and Nathan.

Services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Viewings will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. both in the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 30 South 17th Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.