Ernie was born on June 11, 1947 in Reading, a son of Nick A. Orphanos of Durham, NC and the late Irene (Zaferes) Orphanos. He attended Reading area schools and graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Ernie was last employed at Berkshire Mechanical, a division of UGIHVAC Enterprises. Before that, he was the former owner of Allied Trades Inc.
Ernie was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and was very active with the church. He was a co-founder and chairman of the Summer Golf Tournament with the church, served on the church board as the Secretary, the Athletic Director of AHEPA William Penn Ch. 61, the GOYA adviser and the basketball coach, and was very active with the Annual Greek Food Bazaar.
Ernie was known for cracking jokes and laughing. He enjoyed golfing and playing poker with his card club of which he was member for 35 years. He also enjoyed woodworking and making furniture for his family.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. Family meant everything to him.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Patricia L. (Steffa) of Lower Heidelberg; a daughter, Anastasia M. (Orphanos) Noll and her husband John L., Jr. of Shillington; a son, Nicholas P. Orphanos and his wife, Mary of Medford, NJ; and three grandsons, John Christopher, Anthony John, and Patrick Anastasios.
Also surviving are two sisters, Frances Franks and Kathleen G. Elliot, and her husband, Gary; a brother, Nicholas J. Orphanos and his wife, Cynthia all of Durham, NC and many cousins and nieces.
All are invited for the funeral service which will be held for Ernie at 11:00am on Friday, July 27, 2012 at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 6 to 8pm with Trisagion prayers being said at 7pm at Theo C. Auman, 247 Penn St., Reading and Friday from 10 to 11:00am at the church. Burial will follow services in Charles Evan Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie's name to the AHEPA William Penn Chapter 61 Scholarship Fund, 26 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Theo C. Auman Funeral Home.
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