Robert P. Urkuski

Robert P. Urkuski, 88, of Reading, passed peacefully in his home on May 23rd. 

He was the husband of the late Emma G. (Bitting) Urkuski.  Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late John J. and Laura E. (Keenan) Urkuski.

Robert (Bob, as he liked to be called) was retired from operating his own small business, Riverside Key and Lock Shop, after 40 years of service to the community.  He was previously very active in Democratic politics in Reading; serving as the 15th Ward Committee Chairman, an elected position; and President of the Americus Club, the oldest Democratic club in the United States, to name a few.  He never missed voting in any election for well over 50 years.  He made sure he submitted his vote for the recent election earlier this month.  Robert served on the Reading Municipal Stadium Commission.  He was the Building Superintendent for the Berks County Court House for eleven years. 

In the 1950s-1960s he was an active member of the local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) unit, providing civil defense during the Cold War era, and rose to the rank of Captain. 

He was predeceased by his brothers, John J. Urkuski, Jr., Richard S. Urkuski, Kenneth K. Urkuski, and Ronald K. Urkuski.

Surviving is one daughter, Vivian J. (Urkuski) Stetzler, Sinking Spring, PA; one son, John J. Urkuski, Flagstaff, AZ; one brother, William John  N. Urkuski, Birdsboro, PA; and two sisters, Laura F. (Urkuski) Kilpatrick, Reading, PA; and Nancy A. (Urkuski) Buhl, Wellington, FL.  He enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren, Heather J. Urkuski, Bozeman, MT; Austin J. Urkuski, Collegeville, PA; and Julian P. Stetzler, Columbia SC; and three great grandchildren, Aiden J. Urkuski, Connor J. Urkuski and Declan C. Urkuski. 

He and his family enjoyed traveling domestically and abroad.  He was a five-star Holland America Line (HAL) Mariner.  

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 1st at 11:00 AM in the Cramp Hummel Funeral Home, 934 Centre Ave., Reading.  A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery.  Online photos and memories can be shared at www.cramp-hummelfuneralhome.com

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