 1923 - 2014 (90 years)
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| Name |
Henry J Papich |
| Born |
18 Aug 1923 |
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania  |
| Gender |
Male |
| Died |
20 May 2014 |
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania |
| Person ID |
I226165 |
Strausstown Roots |
| Last Modified |
18 May 2017 |
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| Sources |
- [S2] Reading Eagle, 25 May 2014.
Henry Joseph "Hank" Papich, Retired Colonel, 90, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully May 20, 2014, at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg.
Born in Reading, his parents, the late Anton and Mary, had emigrated from Yugoslavia.
Hank graduated from Reading High School and at an early age, he worked hard to help support his family. He started boxing at age 16 as a way to earn money. He ran cross county to stay in shape and played semi-pro football for 2 yrs.
He enlisted in the military during WWII and served in combat in the European Theater, where he received a commission as a second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps. Following the war, Hank met Vivian, who was then working at the American Chain & Cable, and later married in March 1946.
Overall, Hank spent over 35 yrs in the Army, both Active and Reserve service. He became a Colonel in 1971 and had attended the Command & Staff College and the Armed Force College. He was awarded the Dept of Army Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding service as an Assistant Chief of Staff.
He served on the Reading Police Dept and retired after 20 yrs as a Detective. During those years, he also worked at several diverse jobs and attended McCann School of Business for over 4 yrs. After leaving the Police Dept., he worked at the Reading Trust Bank as a Sales Manager for the credit card dept. for 23 yrs until his retirement at 65.
After retirement, Hank and Vivian traveled all over Europe. They later moved to FL and eventually back to PA.
He was a member of Reading Lodge 9, the Fraternal Order of Police; St. John's Lodge 435; the Free and Accepted Masons; the American Institute of Banking; the Reserve Officer's Assn. of the US; the Civil Affairs Assn.; and the Travelers Protective Assn. He served as Church treasurer for UCC in West Lawn, PA, and as Secretary for FOP of the Reading Police Dept.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 68 yrs, Vivian; son, Robert Papich, The Villages, FL; daughter, Dianne Gabel and husband, John, Lewisberry; sister, Betty Sheck; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Anton Papich.
Services will be private at the family's convenience. Per their request, PLEASE no flowers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Arrangements by Auer Cremation Services of Pennsylvania, Inc.
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