Theodore Blessing

Theodore R. "Ted" Blessing, 95, formerly of Greenfields and Country Meadows, passed away August 1, 2013, surrounded by his three children at Reading Hospital; where he was taken from Berks Heim where he resided since June. He is survived by Mary C. (Brailer) Blessing, his loving and devoted wife of 61 years. Born in Reading on March 30, 1918 he was a son of the late Francis G. and Regina T. (Foley) Blessing. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons Greg Blessing of Riverview Park and Scott F. Blessing of Wyomissing; a daughter Sally A. Blessing-Knerr of Wernersville; two grandchildren Chad Knerr and Ethan Knerr both of Wernersville; a sister Elizabeth T. Heist of Honea Path, SC and three nieces Barbara Korth, Ellen Wolf and Patricia Hastings all of Honea Path, SC. Theodore was a 1936 graduate of Wilson High School and attended the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant and receiving the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for his part in the invasion of Iwo Jima. He also served in the Korean War. Mr. Blessing was employed as the Purchasing Manager for the former Beryllium Corporation, now NGK Metals Corporation of Sweetwater, TN, for 38 years. Mr. Blessing was a member of the Reading Purchasing Agents Association and the Nation Association of Purchasing Agents and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Berks County Young Republicans Club. He was a lifelong train enthusiast.