Neil Owen Werner, 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, surrounded by family, under the passionate care of Genesis HealthCare, Shillington, PA.


Neil is a 7th generation direct descendant of Jacob Werner, a farmer from southern Germany who traveled to Bushkill Township, Northampton County, PA in the mid 1700s to start a new life and a large family, later serving in the Northampton County Militia during the Revolutionary period.


Born in Nazareth, PA, Neil was the son of the late Melvin Otto and Julia (Keller) Werner. He was the widower of Margaret (Evans) Werner, who he married on April 25, 1978.


Neil was a 1956 graduate of Muhlenberg High School, Reading, PA, and attended Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA.


He was employed in the manufacturing sales sector and also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician. Early in his career, he was the assistant director of the Reading-Berks Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the chamber’s Merchants Division. Neil was also very active in the Berks County Tennis Association and served as an umpire. Additionally, he held the Boy Scouts of America role of Scoutmaster for Troop 413 in Wyomissing, PA for several years.


Neil was an avid outdoorsman and dog enthusiast. He was active in Ducks Unlimited, and dedicated much of his time to the Waterland Retriever Club as well as the Berks County Dog Training Club, where he served as an instructor for the Canine Good Citizen program. He was passionate about his involvement with therapy dog programs throughout the county, bringing comfort to others. Neil was also an accomplished musician early in his life and continued a love of big band jazz and blues.


Neil is survived by two children: Mark R., husband of Charlotte J. (Howell-Clarke) Werner, Sinking Spring, PA and Krista A. (Werner) Stafford, West Reading, PA, both from his first marriage. Two sisters: Carol A. Miller, Palmerton, PA and Cathy A. Huber, Nazareth, PA. Two stepchildren: James G. McAndrew, Reading, PA and Catherine A. (McAndrew) Smith, Hampton, VA. And 3 grandchildren: Shawn M. Krause and Ethan J. and Jacob H. Werner.


Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Inc., 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.