Gerald Frank Prentice Sr., 86, of Spring Township, entered eternal rest on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Good Shepherd - Specialty Hospital, Bethlehem. Born in Reading, PA on April 29, 1938, he was a son to the late Cecil C. Prentice Sr. and Gertrude C. (Lyles) Prentice. In addition to his parents, Gerald was greeted in heaven by his 2 sons Gerald Frank Prentice Jr., and Bradley Jerome Prentice-Mosley; his 2 brothers Cecil C. Prentice Jr. and Charles S. Prentice; and his 3 sisters Imogene Summers, Roberta Battle and Miriam Muldow.
Gerald graduated from Central Catholic High School, class of 1957 and was a member of St. Margaret's Church. He dedicated 35 years of his life as a steelworker at Carpenter Steel, retiring in 2000. His career also included roles at Reading Hospital and Community General in housekeeping, and Penn Optical in the furnace.
Gerald's true passion was music. An extraordinary singer with a love for dance, he brought joy and harmony to every gathering. He was the lead singer of the duo wop group, Readings Pretenders. In his youth, he excelled in basketball and baseball; and remained a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies throughout his life. A self-proclaimed "mama's boy, he cherished his mother and her beloved chicken and dumplings.
A natural people person and a true joy to be around, Gerald found happiness in pleasing others. He had an innate ability to connect with people, making friends wherever he went. His vibrant spirit and love for music will be dearly missed by all blessed enough to have known him. May his soul rest in peace.
Gerald's spirit will be carried on by his beloved wife of 41 years, Werdna D. (Mosley) Prentice; his 2 sons Gerald Martin-Prentice and Jerold Martin; his daughter Julia Prentice-Taylor; and his 2 sisters Regina Copeland and Shirley Johnson. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren Zodico, Branu, Azarri and Nikel; several great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends to cherish his memory.
A viewing for Gerald will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Theo C. Auman Inc., 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601, followed by a home going service at 10:00 AM, with Minister Barbara Walton officiating. Inurnment will be private and at the discretion of Gerald's family.
