Franklin Rothenberger Obituary

Franklin G. Rothenberger, age 76, of Wyomissing and formerly of Kenhorst, passed away Sunday, December 18th, 2011 at the Highlands at Wyomissing.

He is the husband of Mary L. (Church) Rothenberger. He was predeceased by his first wife, Imogene A. (Coleman) Rothenberger in 1991.

Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Paul P. and Mary A. (Gerhart) Rothenberger, and stepson of the late Maude (Hull) Rothenberger.

Franklin served in the PA Air National Guard for six years.

Upon graduation from Wilson High School in 1953, he was hired full time by Eastern Radio Corp. (WHUM-TV and WHUM radio) as a staff announcer and on-air news person.

From 1954 to 1961 he was employed as staff announcer, newscaster, disc jockey, and ultimately Program Director-News Director at radio station WRAW. He was also a "stringer" for NBC radio network, covering local news that had national interest. From 1961 to 1963 he was Station Manager at WRFY-FM radio.

Throughout his career in broadcasting he was known as his on-air name of "Frank Roth".

From 1963 to 2000 he was the Vice President and General Manager of Manpower, Inc. of Reading, which was one of the top performing locations during his tenure. He was also the co-founder of GKR Corp. and Security Guards, Inc.

He was a member of the Reading Rotary.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Mark A. Rothenberger, husband of Kathleen, Mountville, PA; a stepson, Mark Knauer, husband of Jane, Chicago, IL; a brother, Russell P. Rothenberger, Wyomissing; and a stepgranddaughter, Hannah.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, Inc., Wernersville, with Rev. Elton Richards officiating. A visitation with the family will be on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or visit them at www.pancan.org. Online condolences may be made at www.lammandwitman.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Rothenberger

10 Entries

December 24, 2011

Dear Mary, I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Frank. Nat and I had such a great day with you both last year,running all over town finding all about our history. You were both so gratious and fun. You both were lucky to have had eachother. Keep those memories with him,close to your heart,as we will. All my love..Janey Hoffman Forest hill Maryland.

December 22, 2011

Dear Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. It was a great pleasure to have known Frank. I always enjoyed our conversations when you and he would come into the Club. My sincere sympathy,
Christine Batastini (YR Club)

Dorothy Knouse

December 21, 2011

Dear Mary and Mark, I was deeply saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He was a dear friend from way back in the '60s. Although we lost touch I will always remember him, he was a very special man. His is at peace and his suffering is over. May God help you through this time of grief.

paula & stanley szortyka

December 21, 2011

Our dear old friend Mary

We are very sorry for your loss. We never got to know Frank except for the couple of times we ran into you both at dinner and he seemed like a nice person.

Paula & Stanley Szortyka

December 21, 2011

Dear old friend Mary

We are sorry about your loss. We never got to know Frank but the few times we met you with him at dinner at Nick's he was a very nice person and we wish we had gotten to know him better.

Barry Mohler

December 20, 2011

My friendship with Frank began while temporarily attending Wilson High School. Frank was a wonderful fellow and will be missed by all those that knew him.

Dee & Bill Kreiter

December 19, 2011

Mary & Mark. Please know how very sorry we are to hear of Frank's passing. We will always remember how much he always made us feel like we were a part of the family. Thanks for "adopting" us. We will miss him very much. Dee & Bill

Uncle Frank and Mary visit Virginia Beach

Natalie Cassell

December 19, 2011

Dear Mary and Mark, I can't begin to tell you how sad I am to hear about my Uncle Frank. I am soo glad that God nudged Janey and I to come last year to visit. We will treasure that time we spent with you both forever. It is my prayer that you feel Jesus' comforting arms wrapped around you during this difficult time. Grace and Peace, Natalie Cassell

Ralph Stamm

December 19, 2011

My condolences to Frank's family. Frank & I were in the Wilson Bands together thru high school. I was a senior when Frank was junior. He was a very good friend of mine.

Lidia Zidik

December 19, 2011

To Mary and Frank's family,
I can hardly find words to express my sadness at Frank's passing. I was fortunate to have met Frank through business many years ago. He became my mentor, counselor, employer, advocate, and friend. I and everyone who knew him looked up to Frank as a gentlemen and a consummate professional - always thoughtful and honest, and with a genuine friendly manner that put everyone at ease. I owe Frank a debt of gratitude for all his guidance in my career, and Mary and Frank for all their kind interest in my success over the years. Mary, you and your family will remain in my warmest thoughts and heartfelt prayers for your consolation always. Be comforted in the knowledge that so many of us will remember Frank for all he did for us, and for all he was. He will be missed beyond measure as a respected part of our business community, and as a treasured friend.

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