Last of 9 Berks' Brothers Who Served in WWII
Frank Delbert Shurr, born in the historic farm house at Gring's Mill on October 19, 1927, the fifteenth of sixteen children to Harry and Violet (Hummel) Shurr, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Reading Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.
Due to the death of his mother when he was two, Frank was raised in Bethany Orphanage, Womelsdorf, PA, along with three other young siblings. He graduated from the former Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, Lancaster and then enlisted in the army in 1944, becoming the 9th of his brothers to serve in the war at the same time. All but one brother, killed in Pearl Harbor, returned home safely.
He was married for 64 years to the late Catherine (Koyste) Shurr who passed away in October 2015. They lived most of their lives at their home on Centre Avenue in Reading. His passions were history and reading and helping his wife with her antique business. He also was known for his serious wit and sense of humor. Frank was honored with The Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Bethany Alumni Family in 1987.
Frank worked as a machinist for Textile Machine Works and later for Carpenter Technology before obtaining his stock brokerage license from The Wharton School of Business. As a broker, Shurr worked for Philadelphia's Neuberger & Co. and later Advest Corporation.
He ran unsuccessfully for the PA Senate but was then appointed to fulfill the vacant District Justice term in his District by the late State Senator Michael O'Pake.Afterwards, Shurr was appointed to serve as Berks County Court Administrator, until his retirement in 1992.
Shurr is survived by his daughter Mimi, wife of Robert Geddis, Sinking Spring; his son Kevin Shurr, husband of Nancy, Mt. Penn, two granddaughters: Lauren Shurr-Perry, wife of Todd Perry, Ontario,Canada, and Dana E. Shurr, Mt. Penn; one sister, Violet Burney of TX, and a wonderfully huge number of nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
There will be a memorial service held at the convenience of the family before interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Special thanks are sent to the Arcadia Wing at Manor Care, Spring Township for the wonderful care given to our beloved father and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to any agency that aides our veterans or active military,
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc., 625 N. 4th St. at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601. Obituary and condolences available at www.johnfeeneyfuneralhome.com.
