Vernon M. Knoll, 73, of Ontelaunee Twp., died in his residence on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after a one-year battle with cancer. He was the husband of Phyllis K. (Gibble) Knoll. They were married on October 25, 1958 and celebrated 54 years of marriage.
Born in Tulpehocken Twp., he was the son of the late Alvin J. and Elsie A. (Sherman) Knoll. He was a 1957 graduate of Bethel High School. Vernon worked for thirty-four years for Dana Corporation, Reading, retiring in 1998. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Leesport, where he was a member of the Consistory, a Deacon, and a member of the property committee. Vernon was former School Board Member of the Schuylkill Valley School District; a member of the Shoemakersville Fire Company; a former secretary of the Schuylkill Valley Boosters; and a member of the Leesport Rod and Gun Club. Since 1975, he was a member of Vaux Masonic Lodge #406 F. & A.M., Hamburg; and a member of the A.A.S.R. Valley of Reading since 1976. Vernon's family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of his life. He enjoyed traveling and was a fan of Philadelphia Sports Teams. Vernon's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Life Choice Hospice for their care and compassion.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons: Jeffrey A., husband of Sheree M. (Einsig) Knoll, Fleetwood; and Duane S. Knoll, Leesport; one daughter: Rosemarie Knoll Zorrilla, wife of Felix Zorrilla, Jr., Lancaster; four grandchildren: Kristin, wife of Wes Zimmerman; Jarred Knoll, Elizabeth Zorrilla; and Abigail Zorrilla; and three great-grandchildren: Makenzie, Luke, and Walker Zimmerman. Vernon is also survived by one brother: Jay L. Knoll, Green Valley, Arizona; and three sisters: Margie Riegel, Bernville; Gloria Strickler, Wernersville; and Blanche Hummel, Lebanon.
A Memorial Service will be held next Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:30 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport, with a visitation with the family from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Vaux Masonic Lodge service will be held at 11:15 am. Burial will be private in Leesport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Trinity United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 482, Leesport, PA 19533. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.