George E Kressley

George E. Kressley, age 87, of 2 Longsdale Drive, Mertztown PA, died Tuesday, October 2, 2001 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Violet L. (Schaffer) Kressley. The couple celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary this past April.

Born in Longswamp Township, Berks County PA, he was the son of the late Howard N. D. and Augusta S. (Seip) Kressley. He was a teacher for Brandywine Heights Area School District for 38 years. He began his career in a one--room schoolhouse in 1934. For many years he had a fly--tying club in school, during which time he and his club helped the Pennsylvania Fish Commission stock local streams. He was a State Justice of the Peace for three terms, and ran a sporting goods store in Longswamp Township for 30 years. He was a 1934 graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College, with an elementary teaching certificate. He was of the Lutheran Faith.

At age 16, Kressley was called upon to play for Johnstown, a farm team of the Washington Senators, but was made to finish his education by his parents. In 1933 while still in college, he played professional baseball for the East Greenville Tigers of the Eastern Pennsylvania League. In 1940 he played for the Allentown Cardinals, a farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals, and in 1942 with the Norfolk Virginia Tars, a farm team of the New York Yankees. He was a Life Scout in Longswamp Boy Scout Troop One.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army having served in the European Theater of World War II. He earned a Bronze Star and other commendations. He was one of the organizers and the First Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7071, Mertztown. He coached the Topton Legion baseball team for three years, and Little League in Longswamp for three years, winning the Inter-County Championship in 1960. He was the Founder and First President of the Berks County Trap Shooting Association.

He is survived by his Wife; Sons, George H. Kressley of Alburtis PA, Robert G. Kressley of Allentown PA and Charles C. Kressley both of Allentown PA; Daughter, Jeanne G. Hertzog of Reading PA; 9 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. He is predeceased by a Daughter, Diane V. Peters in 1997.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, October 6, 2001 in the Ludwick Funeral Home, 25 East Weis Street, Topton. Family and Friends may call 7:00 - 8:30 PM Friday evening in the Funeral Home. Interment in Longswamp Union Cemetery, Mertztown PA.