Obituary for Roger Neil Longenecker
Roger Neil Longenecker, MD, 83, of Wyomissing, passed away unexpectedly December 25, 2018, at the Reading Hospital.
He was the loving husband of Louise Carole (Pray) Longenecker. They were married on November 3, 1956.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Harry and Gladys (Kerschner) Longenecker.
He was a graduate of Reading High School, Albright College and Temple University, where he earned his medical degree and was inducted into the AOA honor society.
Roger was a U.S. Naval Reserve veteran.
Prior to entering medical school, Roger worked at Glidden Paint Co. and remained close with many of his co-workers.
He served his internship at the Reading Hospital after which he was a medical missionary in Malaysia for two years.
He joined Dr Robert Donovan at East Penn Medical Center, and retired at age 65. He had a mutual love and respect for his patients, remembered them fondly, recollecting memories of each of them with gratitude.
In addition, he joined the medical staff of Berks Heim, and continued there beyond his private practice. He was committed to the Reading Hospital, initially providing care to all of his in-patients including ICU, delivery, and newborns. He was active and served as the Chief of Family Practice before the recruitment of full time hospital based faculty. He was an engaged learner, attending the weekly conferences even in his 80s.
Always appreciative of relationships in his life, Roger remained close with his Magi Group, the Reading Hospital Sail Group, and members of his church and Highlands communities. An avid gardener, he enjoyed spending time on his land in Bern Township. Known as a good steward, he valued giving back to what was most important to him.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Glenside, where he served as past president of the council, and in more recent years continued to do volunteer work and sang in the choir.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Melanie, wife of Donald Freeman, FL; Timothy N., husband of Delores, Reading; and Stephen, husband of Lisa, Wyomissing. One brother, Harry “Bud”, widower of Lori, Gibraltar; one sister-in-law, Marina, seven grandchildren: Stephen Jr., Andrew, and Mary Longenecker, Michael, Matthew, Megan, and Mark Saraceno; and three great-grandchildren: Eva and Ellie Longenecker and Emmy Lou Saraceno also survive him.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Beth E. Longenecker and his brother, Elwood “Woody” Longenecker.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, at The Highlands, Wyomissing in the Cultural Center at 11:00 a.m. He will be remembered at Christ Lutheran during the 10:30 worship service on Sunday January 13.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 1301 Luzerne St, Reading, PA 19601 or the Highlands Endowment Fund.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
He was the loving husband of Louise Carole (Pray) Longenecker. They were married on November 3, 1956.
Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Harry and Gladys (Kerschner) Longenecker.
He was a graduate of Reading High School, Albright College and Temple University, where he earned his medical degree and was inducted into the AOA honor society.
Roger was a U.S. Naval Reserve veteran.
Prior to entering medical school, Roger worked at Glidden Paint Co. and remained close with many of his co-workers.
He served his internship at the Reading Hospital after which he was a medical missionary in Malaysia for two years.
He joined Dr Robert Donovan at East Penn Medical Center, and retired at age 65. He had a mutual love and respect for his patients, remembered them fondly, recollecting memories of each of them with gratitude.
In addition, he joined the medical staff of Berks Heim, and continued there beyond his private practice. He was committed to the Reading Hospital, initially providing care to all of his in-patients including ICU, delivery, and newborns. He was active and served as the Chief of Family Practice before the recruitment of full time hospital based faculty. He was an engaged learner, attending the weekly conferences even in his 80s.
Always appreciative of relationships in his life, Roger remained close with his Magi Group, the Reading Hospital Sail Group, and members of his church and Highlands communities. An avid gardener, he enjoyed spending time on his land in Bern Township. Known as a good steward, he valued giving back to what was most important to him.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Glenside, where he served as past president of the council, and in more recent years continued to do volunteer work and sang in the choir.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Melanie, wife of Donald Freeman, FL; Timothy N., husband of Delores, Reading; and Stephen, husband of Lisa, Wyomissing. One brother, Harry “Bud”, widower of Lori, Gibraltar; one sister-in-law, Marina, seven grandchildren: Stephen Jr., Andrew, and Mary Longenecker, Michael, Matthew, Megan, and Mark Saraceno; and three great-grandchildren: Eva and Ellie Longenecker and Emmy Lou Saraceno also survive him.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Beth E. Longenecker and his brother, Elwood “Woody” Longenecker.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, at The Highlands, Wyomissing in the Cultural Center at 11:00 a.m. He will be remembered at Christ Lutheran during the 10:30 worship service on Sunday January 13.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 1301 Luzerne St, Reading, PA 19601 or the Highlands Endowment Fund.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.