Richard T. Karbel

Richard T. Karbel, 87, of Shillington, passed away peacefully in his home on May 13, 2018. He was the husband of Margaret A. (Krick) Karbel, with whom he enjoyed fifty-six years of marriage. Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Thomas G. and Katie R. (Dry) Karbel. He was a 1948 graduate of Reading High School. After graduation, Richard worked for Karl Liebernecht as an erector of full-fashioned knitting machines before entering the Army during the Korean War. He was an Army combat veteran, earning his Army Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean War Service Medal from Syngman Rhee, wartime President of South Korea. He also helped his unit, the 180th Regiment, earn the Presidential Unit Citation. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class before receiving an honorable discharge. Richard was employed as a power dispatcher of General Public Utilities for thirty-seven years before retiring in 1991. Upon retiring, he enjoyed traveling, golf, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a life member od the V.F.W., a member of the American Legion for over sixty years, and a life member of Pikeville Township Sportsmen's Association. He was a 32nd degree mason belonging to Reading Lodge No. 549 F&AM and the Reading Consistory Scottish Rite masons. He belonged to Rajah Shrine, where he served as past president and secretary of the Reception Committee, past secretary of the Rajah Shrine Club, and six-year trustee of their Legion of Honor. He was also a member of the \"Q\" club and Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kathy L. wife of Brian E. Phillips of Durham, NC; son Keith R. husband of Nicole G. Karbel of Wilmington, DE; and daughter Kimberly L. wife of Joel W. Zeiber, Cumru Township; six grandchildren, Courtney Karbel of Schaumburg, Il; Caroline Phillips of Los Angeles, CA; Fiona Karbel of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Lauren Phillips, a student at the University of Delaware; Thomas Belluch and K. Brody Belluch of Cumru Township. He is also survived by brother-in-law John Krick and Leonard Motze and sister-in-law Marilyn Krick, as well as several nieces and a nephew. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington. Masonic service conducted by Reading Lodge No. 549 F&AM Thursday at 7:45 PM. Additional viewing on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 8:30 - 9:30 AM followed by his funeral service at 9:30 AM officiated by Rev. Megan Huesgen, his pastor, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township. Please remember Richard by making contributions to Dayspring Homes, Inc, P.O. Box 158, Shillington, PA 19607-0158 or the Children's Dyslexia Centers, Inc., P.O. Box 6013, Reading, PA 19610. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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