Thomas John Covely

Thomas J. Covely, 79, passed away January 13, 2010 in his Whitfield residence after a 20 month battle with cancer.

He was the husband of Joyce A. (Estock) Covely; they shared 56 years of marriage on September 26, 2009.

Tom was born in Reading on July 16, 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Agnes (Frantz) Covely.

He was a 1949 graduate of Reading High School.

Tom served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He was a member of Calvary United Church of Christ, Reading.

Tom was also a member of Chandler Lodge # 227 where he was Post Master in 1971, Creigh Council #16, Knights Templar, Excelsior #17, Rajah Shrine, Ancient accepted Scottish Rite of Reading and 148th Fighter Squadron.

He served on the Wilson School Board for 12 years during 1991-2003.

Tom was employed by Aramark of Reading for 46 years, retiring as District Manager in 1995.

He enjoyed volunteering for the Wilson School District for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Brian, husband of Janet (Slamon) Covely, Shillington and his daughter, Sharon, wife of Michael Boyer, Sinking Spring; two granddaughters, Danielle and Laura Covely, both of Shillington and his brother, Joseph Covely, Spring Township.

Tom was predeceased by a brother, Clarence Covely.

A visitation will be held Saturday from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. with masonic services beginning at 11:15 a.m. Additional services will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Joy Ziegler of Heartland Hospice officiating in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to: Heartland Hospice, 4 Park Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610 or American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.