William Cinfici, 88, passed away from cancer on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Laurel Center, Hamburg, after a brief stay. He was the husband of the late Rosina “Rose” C. (Floriani) Cinfici, to whom he was married for 54 years.

Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Mauro “Morris” and Rosa “Rose” (Damato) Ciufici (also known as Cinfici). William graduated from Reading High School.

William enlisted in the military out of high school. He served in the Navy for four years, beginning in the Korean War era, working as a boatswain, ship helmsman and pilot of the captain’s gig. William served on the carriers Intrepid and Valley Forge. A non-combat injury aboard the Intrepid forced him to have to leave the Navy. He then joined the Air Force, in which he served for 16 years, working as an air policeman and then as an illustrator, and retiring as a Tech Sergeant. William’s artistic skills led to him being sent to Vietnam shortly after his wedding, where he reported directly to commanding General William Westmoreland, who ordered him to produce an organizational chart of the joint American and allied forces. Among other work, he illustrated a book on enemy traps. William saw action in two major battles, as well as smaller engagements. Although he was slightly injured by shrapnel, he was wounded more by Agent Orange and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

After his service to his country, William graduated from Reading Area Community College in 1974 before earning his BA degree in art from Albright College in 1982. In peacetime, he held several jobs, including being the arts and crafts coordinator at Berks Heim. He worked briefly at the County Veterans office and would always help fellow veterans obtain their benefits. William was active in the Disabled American Veterans for many years and assisted the Armed Forces Day Parade committee. Other civic involvement included serving on the Board of Directors of the Italian American Cultural Center and membership in Reading Lodge #29 of the Order Sons of Italy of America.

William was a member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

Survivors include his son, William F. Cinfici of Reading, PA, his brother Louis of Cumru and his sister Margaret (Cinfici) Davis of Houston, TX and many loving nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Samuel Abitable, and brothers Joseph, John, Alfred, James, and Anthony Cinfici, sister Rosemarie (Cinfici) Dallessandro, and nephews Thomas Dallessandro and Samuel Cinfici.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church with entombment at Gethsemane Mausoleum to follow. The visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Church, 237 Franklin Street, Reading, PA 19602.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to assist the Cinfici family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.