Thomas Rose

Thomas "Jack" Rose, 90, of Exeter Township, passed away on April 30, 2014 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Born December 17, 1923 in Reading, PA. He was the son of the late Michael A. Rose, Sr. and Miriam H. (Davis) Rose. He was married to his wonderful, loving, caring wife, Rita R. (Ceci) Rose, who he adored, for 65 years. He graduated from Reading High School in 1942. After graduating from high school he worked at the Berkshire Knitting Mills, Alexander Hat Factory, and at the Rome Army Air Force Base in Rome, New York. He was a Veteran of WW II and served in the Army Air Force as a member of 425th Night Fighter Squadron specializing in sheet metal work and anything that needed to be done to keep the planes flying. During His tour of duty he was in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. He was awarded 5 battle stars, 2 presidential citations, the American Service Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and WW II Victory Medal. He was in the Mushroom Growing Business for 28 years. He was a charter member of The American Mushroom Institute and served on the PA Mushroom Advisory Counsel for 5 years. He was a member of the Berks County Planning Commission for 5 years. He was a past member of the Exeter Township Zoning and Hearing Board. He was an Exeter Township Supervisor for 12 years, and served as Road Master for a number of those years. He was Executive Director of the Berks County Tax Claim Bureau for 11 years from where he retired. He also served as President of the PA Tax Claim Bureau for 2 years. He was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church for 62 years. He was a member of the Exeter Township Lions Club for 40 years and served as President for 2 years and he was presented with The Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years. He enjoyed Ballroom Dancing, Big Band Music, The Phillies and Eagles, Gardening, Stamp Collecting, Traveling, and spending winters in Florida. He attended many Phillies Games and many Spring Training Games while wintering in Florida. He is survived by a Son Vincent J. Rose of St. Lawrence, PA; a Granddaughter Dr. Andrea Lynn, wife of Steve Farrell of Wyomissing, PA; Son-in-Law Russell M. Smith, husband of Joan Smith of Exeter Township; a Brother Michael A. Rose, Jr. of Delaware, PA; and many many friends and relatives. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Kathleen S. Smith and a sister Janice M. Rose. The Family would like to thank the staff of Berkshire Commons for taking excellent care of him and making the last two years of his life very pleasant, enjoyable and fun.

Cemetery:
Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington with Military Honors.