Richard Zellers Sr.

Richard Henry Zellers Sr., 96, of Stony Creek, passed away peacefully in the Reading Hospital on Thursday, January 21, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of the late Ethel A. (Kauffman) Zellers for 72 years before she sadly passed

away on December 12, 2013.

Born in Reading on August 25, 1919, Richard was a son of the late Charles L. and Millie (Christman) Zellers.

He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran, serving from 1943 to 1945, before being honorably discharged.

Richard was employed with Bridgestone, the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., as an inspector and repair man for 34 years, before retiring in 1980.

Richard was a member of the Wyomissing First Church of the Brethren.

He was known as a collector and for making unique knick-knacks, such as creating lamps out of bowling pins, bottles and cans. Richard enjoyed bowling, golf and watching football. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and rummy. One of Richard's favorite things to do was to dress up every year as Santa Claus.

Surviving is his daughter, JoAnn (Zellers) Long of Stony Creek; four grandchildren: Terry M. Long Sr., James S. Long, Martin L. Zellers and Ashley L. Zellers; two great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Ethel; Richard is predeceased by a son, Richard H. Zellers Jr.; and three brothers: Earl, Ralph and Charles Zellers.

A funeral service for Richard will be Friday, January 29, 2016, at 11 a.m., in Auman's Inc. Funeral Home, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Family and friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday morning, from 10 to 11 a.m. Richard will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart, Ethel, in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading.

Richard was a loving father and mentor to his entire family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.aumansinc.com.