Philip Calabria

Philip E. Calabria, 91, formerly of Reading, passed away Friday July 26 in Phoebe Berks, Wernersville. He was married to the late Sarah R. (Degler) Calabria.

Born in Clearfield, PA, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Nancy (Butto) Calabria.

He was employed by Carpenter Technology for 40 years, retiring in 1979.

He was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Hyde Park.

Philip was a graduate of St. Peter's Catholic High School in Reading. Drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937, served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II, played third base for the Keystone Juniors Legion team under legendary coach Doc Silva, played for city championship fast pitch softball teams for Carpenter Steel and the Boo Boos. He was considered by many as one of the top baseball players of his era. Phil was an avid Notre Dame fan and was proud to be a member of their subway alumni. He was also a lifetime member of Berks Basketball Oldtimers Assoc. He loved his family and the city where he grew up.

He is survived by a brother, William Calabria of Mt. Penn and a sister, Rose Miller of Brooksville, FL. He is predeceased by his brothers, Samuel, Russell, Frank, Charles, Joseph, and Anthony Calabria, and his sister, Carmela Bibbo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday July 31 at 10 a.m. in Gethsemane Cemetery Chapel of Resurrection, 3139 Kutztown Rd., Reading, PA, with interment to follow in the adjoining Cemetery. Family and friends may attend a viewing Wednesday morning from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in the Milkins Giles Funeral Home, Inc. 4914 Kutztown Rd. Temple. Online condolences may be made at www.milkinsgilesfuneralhome.com.