Daniel Mathias

Daniel Leroy Mathias, of Birdsboro, Pa., died at 83 from heart disease on July 12, 2016, at Reading Hospital, surrounded by his children and extended family.

He was married for 60 years and was

predeceased by his wife, the late Betsy Ann Boote Mathias. Born in Reading, Pa., Dan was the third child of the late Minerva B. Reifsnyder Mathias and Daniel Mathias of Pikeville, Pa.

He was a graduate of Oley Valley High School in 1951, and thereafter went on to serve in the US military for 3 years.

Dan owned and operated a grocery store in Reading, Pa., for several years after his military service and later embarked on a career in insurance. He remained in this field until he retired from his own insurance business in Birdsboro in the late 1990s. Thereafter, he continued to pursue his love of gardening, while taking care of his wife who was afflicted with Alzheimers for 15 years.

Dedicated to his family, Dan was a father and husband before anything else in his life. He gave of his time generously by teaching Sunday School, coaching baseball for many years for all 4 of his sons and attended countless functions of his many children and grandchildren in his later years. He was affectionately called 'Danny' by his friends and neighbors who knew him as a kind, humble, gentle, introspective and loving person.

Dan is survived by his children: Robin A. Zeigler, Mohrsville; Michael D. Mathias, Leesport; Carl S. Mathias, Campobello, S.C.; Timothy S. Mathias, Pennsville, N.J.; Matthew D. Mathias, Durham, N.C.; and Alison R.B.M.

Wagner, Sinking Spring.

Other survivors include 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, as well as 2 brothers, Stewart and Carl Mathias, of Berks County.

He was predeceased by 3 siblings: Lawrence Mathias, John Mathias and Naomi Mathias, also of Berks County.

Services were previously held at the Lobachsville Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association of America, 237 Court St., Reading, PA 19601.

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