John Homcha, formerly of Wyomissing Hills, and most recently, Exeter Twp., entered into eternal rest in the early morning of Thursday, Nov. 18 in Tower Health Reading following a brief illness.
He was born in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, in 1925, to parents Vasil (Wash) Homcha, and Justina (Sas) Homcha.
He was predeceased by 7 siblings, Elsie, Helen, Michael, Wash, Frank, George, and a 2nd George.
Following graduation from Nesquehoning High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in WW 2, and saw combat action in Okinawa, Saipan, and Tinian. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars with V Device for each, for heroism in battle. He attained the rank of Sargent and received an Honorable Discharge. He was a Post Commander of American Legion Post 930, West Reading before it was disbanded. In addition, he was a life member of VFW Post 8008 in Nesquehoning, and member of American Legion Post 626 in Birdsboro.
In 1946, Homcha married his sweetheart, Bertha Kattner, and they enjoyed a marriage of almost 58 years until the Lord called her home.
Following their marriage, they moved to Reading where he graduated from the former Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute and immediately started a 50 plus years career at Textile Machine Works and later, Rockwell International. He had an amazing mechanical aptitude and was able to work on, disassemble, repair then reassemble almost anything that moved.
He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, and playing golf and bowling, playing in both leagues at Textile Machine Works. He also liked deep sea fishing.
He was also one of the original parishioners of St. Ignatius Loyola RC Church in Whitfield and faithfully served as an usher until the age of 88.
John is survived by two daughters, Michele Green of Wyomissing, and Marie Kaminskas, wife of Michael Kaminskas, Wyomissing, and a son, Michael Homcha, husband of Joan Homcha of Douglassville. In addition, he is survived by 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his name to VFW Post 8008, 300 E. Center St. Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240 or American Legion Post 626, 445 E. Main St. Birdsboro, Pa. 19508
Services will be private. Interment will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap with full military honors. Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
