In Memoriam: Ernest Orphanos

Ernest "Ernie" Nick Orphanos, 65, of Lower Heidelberg, passed away at home on Monday, July 23, 2012, with his family by his side.

Ernie was born on June 11, 1947, in Reading, a son of Nick A. Orphanos of Durham, NC, and the late Irene (Zaferes) Orphanos.

He attended Reading area schools and graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.

Ernie was last employed at Berkshire Mechanical, a division of UGIHVAC Enterprises. Before that he was the former owner of Allied Trades Inc.

Ernie was a member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and was very active with the church. He was a co-founder and chairman of the Summer Golf Tournament with the church, served on the church board as the Secretary, the Athletic Director of AHEPA William Penn Ch. 61, the GOYA advisor and the basketball coach, and was very active with the Annual Greek Food Bazaar.

Ernie was known for cracking jokes and laughing. He enjoyed golfing and playing poker with his card club of which he was member for 35 years. He also enjoyed woodworking and making furniture for his family.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. Family meant everything to him.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Patricia L. (Steffa), of Lower Heidelberg; a daughter, Anastasia M. (Orphanos) Noll, and her husband, John L. Jr. of Shillington; a son, Nicholas P. Orphanos, and his wife, Mary, of Medford, NJ; and three grandsons: John Christopher, Anthony John, and Patrick Anastasios.
Also surviving are two sisters, Frances Franks and Kathleen G. Elliot, and her husband, Gary; a brother, Nicholas J. Orphanos and his wife, Cynthia all of Durham, NC, and many cousins and nieces.

A funeral service will be held for Ernie at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012, at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading. Family and friends are invited to the viewings Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Trisagion prayers being said at 7 p.m. at Theo C. Auman, 247 Penn St., Reading, and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow services in Charles Evans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie's name to the AHEPA William Penn Chapter 61 Scholarship Fund, 26 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607. Arrangements are entrusted to the Theo C. Auman Funeral Home. www.theocauman.com