John C. Zerr Sr.

John C. Zerr Sr., 91, Geigertown, died Dec. 5, 2009, of natural causes in his residence.

He was the husband of the late Ruth May (Brady) Zerr.

Born in Robeson Township, he was a son of the late J. George and Martha M. (Hawk) Zerr.

He was the owner of John Zerr & Sons Construction since 1973, previously being in business with his father and brother. Zerr was also former assistant director of Rehabilitation in the Redevelopment Authority for the City of Reading.

He was a World War II veteran of the 8th Army Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group, 358th Squadron.

Zerr was a graduate of the former Birdsboro High School, class of 1936; a 70-year member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America Camp 388; a 50-year member of Union Lodge 479 F&AM, Reading Consistory, Rajah Shriners; a 40-year member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Neversink Forest 32; a 50-year member of the Odd Fellows; a charter member of the Hay Creek Historical Assoc.; American Legion; founding member of the American Air Museum in Britain; and charter member of the Geigertown Grange 2061.

Surviving are five sons: John C. Zerr Jr. and Paul A. Zerr, both at home; David R., husband of Sharon K. Zerr, Geigertown; Daniel L., husband of Sherry L. Zerr, Geigertown; and Mark E. Zerr, at home; and four daughters: Sandra, wife of J. Vincent Smale, Geigertown; Ruth, wife of Bruce Gross, Exeter Township; Martha Jacob, Geigertown; and Bertha, wife of Scott Stoltzfus, Geigertown.

There are also 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, George W. Zerr; and a sister, Clara Sternberger.

Funeral services will be held in the Dengler Funeral Home Inc., on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at 11 a.m. Service by POSA Camp 388 at 10:30 a.m. Service by Union Lodge 479 F&AM at 10:45 a.m. A viewing will be Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Paul's United Methodist Cemetery, Geigertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.