Kenneth Hare

Kenneth G. "Ted" Hare of Barnesville, age 77, died

on Friday, January 20th at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, E. Norwegian Street, in Pottsville, Pa. He was born on December 22, 1939 at the former St. Joseph's

Hospital at 13th and Walnut streets in Reading, Pa., to the late Robert H. Hare and Eleanor A. (Hill) Petersen. Ted was named after his cousin, Kenneth R. "Ted" Moyer, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in September 1939.

Ted also spent part of his childhood being reared by his paternal grandmother, Lillian M. Brandt.

During his youth, Ted worked various part-time jobs while attending Reading schools. He was also a wrestler in the lightweight class. His education and wrestling career ended when he withdrew during his senoir year (1957-1958) of high school to care for his new family.

He then secured full-time employment as a miner with the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation at Grace Mines, Morgantown, Pa.

Ted was briefly enrolled at Kutztown State College

to pursue a career as a Math teacher and eventually as a wrestling coach. He also spent some time as a member of Kutztown's golf team. He eventually withdrew from school because of employment obligations, but refereed many wrestling matches throughout Pennsylvania.

Hired by MSHA in Albany, N.Y., in 1978, Ted worked as a metal and non-metal mine inspector. He inspected many types of quarries and mines throughout the New England area. He was later transferred to the MSHA location in Pottsville and was eventually promoted to the Wilkes-Barre office. He served as a coal mine inspector at both

locations.

He was trained at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beckley, W.Va., and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. He received many achievement awards and was considered by many to be fair and honest with regard to his job. He retired January 2, 2007.

Ted enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending a lot of time

at "Tri-Maple Camp" in Sebring, Tioga County, Pa. He claimed many deer, turkey and other game animals throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. He also enjoyed traveling and watching sports, particularly football, baseball, golf and

traditional wrestling.

He was a former member of the Men of Marian and a

lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club.

Ted was predeceased by his parents; a step-father,

Richard L. "Red" Petersen; and a step-brother, Richard E. Petersen.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia (Smith) Hare; two sons, Patrick R. Hare of Barnesville, and Michael O. Hare,

at home; and three children from a previous marriage: Kenneth G. Hare Jr. of Bernville; Todd S. Hare Sr. of Limekiln; Terri A. Taft of Reading; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a half-sister, Lorrie L. (Petersen) Buck of Reinholds.

Interment will be held in Laureldale Cemetery, Reading, and will be private at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church, 99 Valley St., New Philadelphia, PA 17959.

Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home of New Philadelphia is in charge of the funeral arrangements.