Richard Henry Zellers Sr.

Richard Henry Zellers, Sr., 96, of Stony Creek, passed away peacefully in the Reading Hospital on Thursday, January 21, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of the late Ethel A. (Kauffman) Zellers for 72 years before she sadly passed away on December 12, 2013.

Born in Reading on August 25, 1919, Richard was a son of the late Charles L. and Millie (Christman) Zellers. He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran, serving from 1943 to 1945 before being honorably discharged.

Richard was employed with Bridgestone, the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. as an inspector and repair man for 34 years before retiring in 1980.

Richard was a member of the Wyomissing 1st Church of the Brethren. He was known as a collector and making unique knick knacks such as creating lamps out of bowling pins, bottles and cans. Richard enjoyed bowling, golf and watching football. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and rummy. One of Richards favorite things to do was to dress up every year as Santa Claus.

Surviving is his daughter, JoAnn (Zellers) Long of Stony Creek; four grandchildren, Terry M. Long, Sr., James S. Long, Martin L. Zellers and Ashley L. Zellers; two great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Ethel; Richard is predeceased by a son, Richard H. Zellers, Jr. and three brothers, Earl, Ralph and Charles Zellers.

A funeral service for Richard will be Friday, January 29, 2015 at 11am in Auman's Inc. Funeral Home, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Family and friends will be received in the funeral home on Friday morning from 10 to 11am. Richard will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart, Ethel in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading.

Richard was a loving father and mentor to his entire family.

On line condolences may be sent to www.aumansinc.com