William H. Rehr III

William H. Rehr III, 84, of Reading, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in the care of Spruce Manor. He was the loving husband of Patricia J. (Gallagher) for over 63 years.

He was born in Reading to the late William H. Rehr Jr. and late Marjorie E. (Warner), wife of the late J. Fred Kilmer. Bill graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959 and attended University of Maryland. He joined the Army Reserves in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1968 as a Staff Sergeant.

Bill was a dedicated servant to his community and served as a firefighter for the City of Reading for over 50 years, earning many accolades during his service. He worked diligently to bring the 911 emergency phone system to Berks County, and in February of 1988 he served as the first 911 coordinator. He was promoted to Fire Chief in 1996, a role he held until his retirement in 2011. Firefighting remained his passion, and he served as a committed board member and President of the Reading Area Fire Museum.

He credited a hobby of running for helping him keep fit for duty. He treasured time at the beach with his family.

Left to treasure Bill’s memory is his wife, Patricia; their children: Christine M. Perniski, fiancé of James Geraci, of Wyomissing; Sheila A. Esposito of Hillsdale, NJ; Maureen B. Bischler, wife of Robert, of Reading; and Thomas J. Rehr, husband of Stephanie, of Reading; grandchildren: Celeste Rehr; Gabrielle Brugger, wife of Ryan; Michael Esposito; Matthew Esposito; Jack Esposito; Alexandria Bischler; Jessica Bischler; Kylie Bischler; Joshua Rehr; Victoria Rehr; and Makayla Weaver; and great grandchildren, Connor James Himmelrich and Paisley Cox.

Contributions in Bill’s memory may be offered to the Internation Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation, https://www.pemphigus.org/. 

Friends are welcome to pay their respects and visit the family at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA, 19611, on Sunday, June 7, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and again Monday, June 8, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am.

A Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday June 8, at 11:00 am. Committal Services will be held privately.

Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.