William H. Combs

Bill Combs 86 died on January 20, 2009 while he was a patient for five days in Baptist Hospital, Miami, FL.

He was born on August 9,1922 in San Francisco, California and raised in New Rochelle, NY.

He married Edmee Schaefer on June 16, 1945.

He was a loving husband for 63 years. The couple has resided in Bryn Mawr, PA and most recently in Wyomissing, PA and Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL Bill had nine children: Bill III, George M., Lucia Combs Geraci, and C. Noel Combs Garapola all of Wyomissing, PA. Edmee (Toni) Combs West of West Chester, PA, Jerome J., Devon, PA, Suzanne Combs, Naperville, IL, and Thomas B., Tunkannoch, PA.

Bill was preceded in death by a son, Richard Combs, and a granddaughter, Mimi Barrett.

He has 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Surviving sisters are Carol Syversen and Cynthia Combs, both of New York State.

There are also many nieces and nephews and two brothers-in-law: Rudie Schaefer and William Schaefer.

Bill Combs was lovingly known as "Grumps" by his family members. Bill was a 1945 Graduate of the United States Military Academy and served in World War II.

He later became a graduate brewmaster and worked for the F. and M. Schaefer Brewing Company, Brooklyn, NY.

In the late 50's he went to work for the Skakel family and after several promotions became Vice President, General Manager of the Coke and Chemical Division of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, St. Louis, MO.

In the early 60's he moved his family to Devon, PA and founded Wascon Systems, Hatboro, PA and subsequently sold it to the American Sterilizer Company, Erie, PA.

He went on to start many companies, most notably, Tamaqua Cable Products, Schuylkill Haven, PA. He served on numerous Boards and was a member of many organizations.

Always involved in maritime activities, he was a member of the Coast Guard Advisory Committee, participated in the rebuilding of the battleship U.S.S. Niagara, served as Sailing Master for the tall ship "Gazela"'s voyage from Lisbon to Philadelphia, was Commissioner of the Delaware River Port Authority, and on the boards of Mystic Seaport Museum, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. Back in 1983, his yacht-"Black Knight" served as the committee boat for the America's Cup Races.

He was a member of a number of clubs, among them, the New York Yacht Club. Being the generous philanthropist that he was he served on the Board of Trustees at Cabrini College for many years. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 26 at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist De La Salle Church, 420 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607 (610 777-1697). Visitation with the family will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Church.

Immediately following the funeral everyone is invited to attend a light lunch at the YR Club, South Parkside Drive & Thrush Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610 376-1303).

A memorial service at Ocean Reef Chapel will be arranged at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Children's Hospital Foundation, The Mimi Barrett Fund, P.O. Box 827790, Philadelphia, PA 19182.

The Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading PA is handling the arrangements: 610 374-5440. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com