Thomas S. Tirdell

Thomas S. Tirdell, 63, of West Reading, died Saturday, December 16, 2006 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

He was the husband of Lucille A. (Nestro) Tirdell, whom he married May 25, 1996.

Born October 12, 1943, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and Mathilda A. (Karabinos) Tirdell.

He was a 1963 graduate of Reading Catholic.

Thomas was a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Reading, where he was a extra ordinary minister; lector; member of the finance committee; former Basketball Coach and choir member.

He was employed a number of years with the Reading Eagle Company as a District Manager and was later employed 10 years with Polymer Plastics.

Thomas was last employed with the Reading School District for 25 years, retiring January 2006 as the Head Custodian at Tyson-Schoener School. He was a 25 year member and served 12 years as the recording secretary for the Teamsters Local 429, also retiring in 2006.

Thomas served as the campaign specialist for the United Way in 1989.

He is also survived by a daughter, Valerie (Tirdell) wife of Timothy Kline of Sinking Spring and a son, Todd Tirdell of Wernersville.

Other survivors include two step-sons; James M. Keller, Jr., and Shane J. husband of Rebecca (Baum) Keller all of West Reading.

There are also two sisters; Julie (Tirdell) wife of Thurman Keiper of Inverness, Florida and Sinde (Tirdell) wife of Jose Rodriguez of Hyde Park.

Thomas is also survived by three granddaughters; Christie Kline, Cassandra Kline and Victoria Kline and two step-granddaughters; Meredith Keller and Audrey Keller.

He was predeceased by a sister, Anne Tirdell and a brother, Daniel Tirdell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 9:30 am in St. Peter's R.C. Church, Reading, with the Rev. Thomas J. Orsulak celebrating. Viewings will be held Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm and Thursday 8:30 - 9:00 am in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, P.O. Box 939, Reading, PA 19603-0939 or the Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com