William J. Pendleton

William J. Pendleton, 70, of Wyomissing, went with God on March 22, 2010 in Reading Hospital after a long and valiant fight with lung cancer, first diagnosed in May, 2008.

His wife, M. Annette (Ludwig) Pendleton predeceased him on July 10, 2001.

A native of Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anne (Ball) Pendleton.

He earned his B.E.E. in Electrical Engineering from the Catholic University of America (CUA) in 1961; and in 1964, earned a B.A. in Physics from the CUA School of Arts and Sciences, and a Juris Doctor from the CUA Columbus School of Law.

Bill began his career as an electrical engineer for the U.S. Naval Ordinance Laboratory, White Oak, MD and spent 8 years at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters in Washington DC, during which time he managed certain aspects of the Apollo program and other manned space programs. In 1972 he began working for Carpenter Technology Corporation in Reading, PA, from which he retired as Director of Corporate Affairs in 2002. For 10 years, he also served as the Chairman of ITAC (International Trade Advisory Committee), which represents industry's interests in facilitating foreign trade barriers.

Bill also served on a number of local community organizations on a volunteer basis throughout his career

Most importantly, Bill believed in the value of living life to the fullest. He was a devoted family man who always found a way to balance his career with spending time with his family and friends. Those who knew him understood that he enjoyed the beauty and adventure that life holds. Bill enjoyed boating, golfing, bicycling, hiking, dancing and talking politics with his friends. Bill was an avid skier for 45 years, and shared the wonderful bond of skiing with his daughter, whom he taught to ski when she was 4. Bill spent the last 8 winter seasons in Vail, Colorado where proudly served as a ski instructor for the Vail Ski School.

Bill showed incredible courage and strength during his long battle with lung cancer. Despite the chemotherapy treatments, and complications of the disease, he continued to ski and pursue all of his usual activities. He faced his illness with determination, never complained, and fought until the end. Bill will be missed dearly by his family and friends, who can take comfort that he is reunited with family members and friends who passed before him. Bill's beautiful spirit will remain with us long after he is gone.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, West Reading.

William is survived by his loving daughter, Carolyn, wife of Peter Cataldo, Alexandria, VA. His fiancée of many years, Dolores Guitas also survives him.

He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Green.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. in Mt. Comfort Cemetery, Alexandria, VA. A visitation will be held Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Words of remembrance will be shared Friday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Contributions may be made to: American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.