Wayne E. Bortz, 96, of Cumru Township, died October 8, 2014, in Reading Hospital.
Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Earl E. and Emily (Schoener) Bortz.
He was a 1936 graduate of Reading High School and in 1940 earned a bachelor's degree in Fine Art from Penn State University where he was also a member of the varsity rifle team, wrestling team, glee club, college symphony, and was the past president of the P.I. Kappa Alpha fraternity.
A U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, master rifleman, and First Lieutenant, he also flew a P47 and P51 in the European Theatre. A war quip as told by Wayne: "My buddy, John, and I used to take test flights, and roam around. One time we decided to see the Alps in Switzerland, and not so far off the Swiss border, we noticed flak (explosions from cannon shots). The Swiss were shooting at us so I broke right and John broke left, and we hightailed back to base with the cannon fire following John all around".
Wayne was co-owner of Bortz Chocolate Company for 40 years, serving as president for the last 25 years of his career.
He was a former two term commissioner for Cumru Township and was a past president of the Pennsylvanians for Right to Work.
Wayne was an inventor, master bridge player, furniture maker, and traveled extensively around the world. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed golfing, skiing, hunting, fishing and hiking; he flew planes and skied into his 80's. He was also the concert master violinist in the Reading Senior Orchestra.
Wayne is survived by nine children: W. Scott, Wyomissing; Craig, Steubenville, OH; Susan Carr, Reading; Nancy Aulenbach, Fleetwood; Robert, Exeter Township; Daniel, Reading; Michael, Denver, CO; Theresa Stork, Bernville; and Justin, Reading. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren: Eric, Annie, Peter, Nancy, David, Valerie, Jessica, Sarah, Amy, Angela, David, Patrick, Skye, Briana, Alex, Gene A, April, Houstan, Hailey, Ethan, and Jack; and 17 great-grandchildren: Juniper, Melody, Cain, Jude, Mazie, Piper, Quinn, Aydan, Archer, Michael, Alex, Mary Jane, Lila, Elijah, Gaby, Evan, Ella.
He was predeceased by one son, Eric and one brother, Richard.
Friends and family are welcome to Viva Bistro and Lounge, Park, Rd., Wyomissing for a celebration of Wayne's life on Sunday, October 12 anytime during 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pennsylvanians for Right to Work, Inc., 1253 Claremont Rd., Carlisle, PA 17015 or Wounded Warrior Project
PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.
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