Stewart P. Biehl, 91, of Hamburg, died Saturday, April 7, 2012 in the Reading Hospital. He was taken there from the Laurel Center, Tilden Twp., where he resided. His wife, Grace L. (Smith) Biehl, died October 5, 2010.
Born in Leesport, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Edna M. (Painter) Smith. Stewart was a 1937 graduate of Hamburg High School, a 1940 graduate of Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, and a 1950 graduate of Penn State - Berks Center. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
Stewart owned and operated Biehl's Stationary and Photo Supply Store in Hamburg for twenty years. Following its sale, he became the Treasurer and Business Manager of the Hamburg Area School District for twenty years, retiring in 1982. In retirement, Stewart became an active watercolor artist and was widely known for painting the streetscenes and views of Hamburg, its industries, and the homes of its residents. He was elected to signatory membership in the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society for his work was frequently exhibited in State and National Juried Exhibitions, and hang in many industry and private collections.
Stewart was a member of First United Church of Christ, Hamburg. He was a member of Vaux Lodge #406 F. & A.M., Hamburg, and also a former member of the Hamburg Rotary Club. He played the violin and viola with the Berks County Senior Orchestra.
Surviving are two daughters: Patricia L. (Biehl), wife of Ronald W. Cranford, Williamsburg, Virginia; and Pamela L. (Biehl), wife of Randolph L. Schonour, Leesport; two grandchildren: Pamela Sue Homan and Brian Lee Schonour; and two great-grandchildren: Karina and Jonathan Homan. Stewart was predeceased by one brother: Mark P. Biehl.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hamburg Public Library, 35 N. Third Street, Hamburg, PA 19526. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.