Rodney L. Hand

Rodney Lawrence Hand, 87, of Exeter Township, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was the loving husband of Jean (castor) Hand who he married on December 18, 1999.

Born September 17, 1938, in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Lawrence Hand and Kathryn (Piersol) Hand.

Rodney was a 1956 graduate of Reading High School. During high school he was employed by Bollman Hat Factory in Adamstown. He then went on to graduate from Kutztown State Teachers School with a degree in teaching.

During his working years he first coached Olivet Boys Club #1 to the NE States Boys Club Title. In the early 1960's Rodney coached Croll & Keck men's team class A to two titles. Later in the 1960's he coached the Exeter Black Knights and won two championships in the Middle Atlantic Amateur Basketball League. Rodney then moved on to coaching high school basketball and was the JV head coach for Oley High School for one year. He moved to becoming the assistant coach of Reading Central Catholic for two years. Rodney became the head coach of Exeter High School for nine years where he played for a state championship. He moved into college coaching after Exeter and was Alvernia's Varsity coach for nine years. Rodney won two league titles and was middle states NABA coach of the year. After retiring his love for basketball never left so he coached Reading YMCA 15-18 year old city league for one year. He was also a life member of Reading Berks Basketball Old-Timers Association. Once he stopped coaching he operated and owned a home painting company.

In Rodney's free time he loved to trout fish and go hunting. He enjoyed hunting deer, small game, and doves. He was a history buff at heart and could tell someone anything about the Civil War and WW2. Growing up he had an interest in birds and would raise "Show Race Pigeons". Rodney was an active member in the community. He was the founder of North East States Show Racing Pigeon Association starting in 1991. Rodney was also a volunteer coordinator at ManorCare Health Services, West Reading.

Surviving are two children, Selena Ehlert, wife of Bradley of Bolivia, NC, and Seth Hand of Mebane, NC. As well as one step-son, Brandon Gill of Exeter.

Also surviving are four grandchildren: Dylan Ehlert of Lancaster; Maggie (Ehlert) Yocum, wife of Kyle of Raleigh, NC; Jackson Ehlert of San Francisco, CA, and Ella Ehlert of Burbank, CA.

He leaves behind two great grandchildren, Harvey Ehlert, and Emilia Yocum.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Laureldale, is in charge of arrangements.
For online condolences please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com