Walter James Brookover

Walter J. Brookover, 68, of Reading, passed away in his home on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Born in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late Andrew J. III and Claire (Nihen) Brookover.

Raised from birth in the Catholic faith, Walt studied for four years at seminary before being called to serve in other ways.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1978, and he was honorably released from active duty in 1992. During his 14-year Air Force career, he earned many accolades, including the Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with three bronze oak-leaf clusters, and the Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon. Staff Sergeant Brookover served abroad in Korea and Japan, and he served during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. During his career, he worked on B-1B bombers, U-2 spy planes, and SR-71 Blackbirds. His last duty station was Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

After his honorable discharge, Walt settled in Reading. For many years, he served as part of Reading YMCA's security staff.

Walt often dwelled in the backdrop of family gatherings. But those who knew him best knew what sparked his interest and conversational side: Books, military history, movies, music, Dachshunds, and comedy, particularly anything hailing from the era of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players of SNL. He was always ready for a good joke or witty observation to make his eyes smile and elicit his appreciative, wheezy chuckle. His quiet, gentle presence will be missed, especially by those who knew and loved him.

Walt is survived by his brother, Andrew J. Brookover IV (Brenda), of Nazareth; his aunts Ginny Ferretti, of Paoli, and Eleanor Nihen, of Summit Hill; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and several great-nieces and -nephews, of whom he was very fond. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Virginia Pennepacker, survived by husband, Ray, and Marisa Rossino, survived by husband, Frank.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Walt's memory may be offered to: Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County and NJ, 111 Main Street Lebanon, NJ 08833; Keystone Military Families, 331 Main St, Shoemakersville, PA 19555; or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Baptist de la Salle R.C.C., 42 Kerrick Rd, Shillington, PA 19607. Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the start of Mass. Committal with Military Honors will be on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd, Annville, PA 17003. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.