Bernard E. Shirkness, Jr.

Bernard E. Shirkness, Jr., 82, of Orwigsburg, died August 23, 2024 at Reading Hospital - Tower Health, West Reading.

Born in Shenandoah on January 6, 1942, he was a son of the late Bernard & Alice (Tarlecki) Shirkness.

He graduated from J. W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah in 1959, at the age of 17. As a senior, he signed up to join the armed forces upon graduation. He left for basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was a Spec. 4 Medic at Fifth Evacuation Hospital at Fort Bragg, NC. He was honorably discharged August 10, 1962.

Bernie then took a job as a photographer and reporter for the Evening Herald, Shenandoah, covering stories of the Fallon Mine disaster and return of Father Walter J. Ciszek. After working 40 years for Omnova Solutions, Auburn, as a supervisor he retired in 2003. He got to enjoy traveling with his family, hunting, fishing, boating, gardening, and time spent in Canada with friends.

He married his beloved wife, Judith (Graf) Shirkness, his high school sweetheart, on August 20, 1962. The couple had three children: Lisa, wife of David Siminitus, Pine Grove, Julie, wife of George Sanchez, Wescosville, and Michael Shirkness, Orwigsburg. Bernie is also survived by five grandchildren: Jarid Siminitus & wife, Brielle, Wyomissing, Kelci Siminitus, Pine Grove, Matthew Sanchez & wife, Aja, Alexander Backstrom, all of Allentown, & Kristen Littleton & husband, Alex, Philadelphia, and a great-granddaughter, Sylvie Jude Littleton, three weeks old. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Bosavage, many nieces & nephews, and his doxies: Penny & Molly.

In addition to his parents, Bernie is also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Shirkness, & brother-in-law, Larry Bosavage.

He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. For 53 years he belonged to the American Legion Post #38, Schuylkill Haven. He was a member of the Landingville Fire Company, and a past member of the Orwigsburg Lions Club.

Bernie's faith was a very important part of his life, along with his family and country. He will be remembered for his laughter and infectious smile. Bernie was always ready to help anyone... his friends, family, and strangers alike.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, at 10:30 AM. A Visitation will be held from 9:15-10:15 AM.

Interment with military honors will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

In lieu of flowers donations in Bernie's memory may be made to St. Ambrose RCC, 201 Randel St., Sch. Haven PA 17972 or Red Creek Wildlife Center, 300 Moon Hill Dr., Sch. Haven PA 17972.