Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - Sinking Spring

09/04/2026

At Bean Funeral Homes, many of our families choose cremation, and they also choose to have services. These can be at a place of worship, the cemetery, our funeral homes, or another venue. Funeral services and visitations present meaningful opportunities for friends, loved ones, and members of the community to come together and honor someone’s life. This is true whether the family chooses burial or cremation. For many families, these services provide a fitting venue to grieve and reflect on their loved one’s life.

09/02/2026

Pre-arranging your funeral takes the burden off of your family and ensures that you get the funeral that you want. If you’re curious about preplanning and want to know more, join us at Salute Ristorante on Wednesday, September 9 for a Lunch and Learn. The team from Bean will guide you through the process and benefits of preplanning. We’ll cover planning options, documenting your plan, contingency plans, securing benefits, and more. Join us in a low pressure environment with delicious food and plenty of time for questions.

📍Location: Salute Ristorante (4716 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring, PA 19608)
📅Date: September 9, 2026
🕛Time: 12:00

Register: RSVP online at https://www.beanfuneralhomes.com/events/details/lunch-and-learn-17 or call us (610) 376-1129.

08/31/2026

John Ziemba

John Ziemba, 93, of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Berks Heim. He was the beloved husband of Joan M. (Majka) Ziemba, with whom he shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Reading in November of 1932, John was the son of the late John Ziemba and Katherine (Materniak) Ziemba. A proud graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1950, he went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War.

John dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Postal Service, where he worked as a supervisor before retiring in 1992. He took pride in his work and in the many relationships formed throughout his career.

A man of faith, John was a lifetime parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reading. His life was centered around family, service, and the quiet strength he shared with those who knew and loved him.

John was an avid birdwatcher, and enjoyed polka music, the mysteries of space, and photography.

Above all, John cherished his family. In addition to his loving wife, Joan M. Ziemba, of Wyomissing, he is survived by his daughters, Theresa Pietrowski, of West Reading; Katherine Latshaw, wife of David, of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Mary Rathman, wife of Joseph, of Louisville, Kentucky; and Bernadette Ziemba, wife of Vidal Rodriguez, of Ephrata. He will also be lovingly remembered by his 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought great joy to his life.

A Funeral Mass for John has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 250 S. 12th St., in Reading, PA 19602.

Donations also can be made in John's memory to the St. Mary's Church Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

View John Ziemba's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/28/2026

We trace our roots back to the 1940s. In 1946, Robert E. and Jacqueline D. Bean moved to Reading from Lebanon County. Robert quickly found his first job as a funeral director but was soon drafted to serve in the Korean War. After serving as an Artillery Sergeant, Robert came back to Reading only to find that his job had been taken by someone else. That’s when he and Jacqueline decided to open their own funeral home. In December 1955, they founded the first Bean Funeral Home in Berks County. For over 70 years, the Bean family has carried on their legacy by proudly serving families in and around Reading.

08/26/2026

Did you know that Bean Funeral Homes has a cafe at our Shillington location? We understand that funerals and visitations can sometimes be tiring or overwhelming and what you really need is a cup of coffee and a few minutes to sit down and relax. That’s why we put in our cafe. It’s an informal and welcoming space where you can share memories, have a beverage, and take a moment to sit back and recharge.

08/26/2026

Jimmy T. Pantoja

Jimmy T. Pantoja, 25, of Reading passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Reading Hospital. Born June 2001, in Reading, to Jose Francisco Pantoja and Maria G. (Guzman) Pantoja.

Jimmy was a loving father, brother, boyfriend, uncle, and friend who cared deeply for everyone he loved. Above all, his two daughters, Adalynn and Azelaïa, and his significant other, Jasmine Valadez, were his world. He loved spending time with his girls, playing with them, making them laugh, and creating the memories they will carry with them forever.

He had a beautiful smile and contagious laughter that could light up every room he walked into. Jimmy loved to have a good time—partying, dancing, going out with his friends and family, and simply enjoying life. He loved listening to music, especially G Herbo, Los Tamaulipas, and Junior H, and he was always down for whatever fun came his way, especially playing his maquinitas.

Jimmy had a way of making every moment more fun and every gathering more memorable. His loving heart, big personality, laughter, and unforgettable smile will forever be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Although he is no longer with us, the love he gave and the memories he created will live on forever through his family, and all those who loved him. He was deeply loved, will be deeply missed, and will never be forgotten.

Jimmy is survived by his daughters Adalynn and Azelaïa; his significant other, Jasmine Valadez; his parents Maria G. Pantoja and Jose Francisco Pantoja; siblings, Francisco Pantoja; Juana Pantoja; Rodrigo Pantoja; and his nieces and nephews Yarilynn, Nana, Angela, Lexa, Jayla, Panchito, Grio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church 2600 St. Albans Drive Reading, PA 19609. Funeral Procession will depart Bean Funeral Home, Sinking Spring on Monday at 10:30 AM. The Family will receive relatives and guests in Bean Funeral Home, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Online guest book and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

In honor of Jimmy’s joyful nature, the family has requested that attendees wear red or white, rather than black, to reflect his vibrant spirit.

View Jimmy T. Pantoja's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/24/2026

Elizabeth M. DeLong "Betty"

Elizabeth M. DeLong, “Betty,” 90, of Shillington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mifflin Center.

She was the wife of the late Charles J. DeLong, who passed away on July 25, 2013. They shared more than 50 years of marriage. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Warren V. and Margaret S. (Blouch) Derr. Betty graduated from Shillington High School in 1953 and worked as a school bus driver for the Wilson School District for 23 years before retiring. She enjoyed camping, reading, playing bingo, and taking trips to Friendly’s with her lady friends. Betty was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Reading, where she enjoyed participating in ladies’ groups.

Betty is survived by her son, David C. DeLong, husband of Lisa J. DeLong, of Mohnton; her granddaughter, Aimee L. Kercher, wife of Jason M. Kercher, of Mohnton; and her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Jerni, Landon, and Liam.

The family extends their gratitude to the nurses and staff of the memory care unit at Mifflin Center for the compassionate care Elizabeth received.

A funeral service will be held at Bean Funeral Homes, 129 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, PA 19607, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Amy S. Landis, certified celebrant, will officiate. The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helping Harvest or the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

View Elizabeth M. DeLong's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/23/2026

Gerald Paul Smith

Gerald (Gerry) Paul Smith, 92, of Sinking Spring, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Reading Hospital. Gerry was the devoted husband of Catharine I. (Moyer) Smith and was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley A. (Bingaman) Smith in 1987. Born in Womelsdorf, Gerry was the son of the late Paul J. and Clara E. (Keeney) Smith. He was a graduate of Womelsdorf High School and attended Wyomissing Poly Technical Institute. Gerry proudly served in the United States Army and worked at Hofmann Industries Inc. Sinking Spring for 30 + years. In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother Donald R. Smith husband of Nancy (Gehrhart) Smith of Fredericksburg, Lebanon County and his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by his sister Shirley L. (Smith) Chelius.

Gerry loved to travel, especially his yearly trips to Clear Lake, Ontario, and North Wildwood, New Jersey, where he enjoyed the beauty of nature and spending precious time with his family.

Music was a special part of Gerry’s life. A member of Advent Lutheran Church, he shared his beautiful voice and love of music through both the church choir and bell choir.

When Gerry wasn’t listening to music, he could often be found cheering on his favorite teams—the Phillies and Eagles. He also enjoyed the excitement of Friday night lights, proudly cheering on the Wilson Bulldogs.

Gerry will be remembered for his love of family, music, travel, and the many simple joys that brought people together.

Memorial Service will be held at Advent Lutheran Church 16 Telford Ave. West Lawn, PA 19609 Saturday August 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM Reverend Rashion”Woody” Santiago will officiate. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Drehersville Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg. The family will receive relatives and friends at Advent Lutheran Church Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Advent Lutheran Church Music Department at the above address in memory of Mr. Gerald Paul Smith. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

View Gerald Paul Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/21/2026

Richard Foster Whitford

Richard Foster Whitford, 91, of Wernersville, passed away Thursday, August 20,2026 at 9:49 pm at Phoebe Berks Health Care Center. He was the husband of May Ruth (Kegg) Whitford. Born in Johnstown, Mr. Whitford was the son of the late Foster and Arlene (Lape) Whitford. He was a computer programmer employed by Penelec, now GPU until his retirement. In addition to his wife, Mr. Whitford is survived by his children Richard James Whitford husband of Connie Whitford of Reading; Cynthia M. Messner wife of Scott M. Messner of Reading; Sharon L. Shearer wife of Randall Shearer of Ephrata; David B. Whitford husband of Cheri Whitford of Adamstown; Stephen F. Whitford of Shillington and his 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

View Richard Foster Whitford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/21/2026

In 1955 Bean Funeral Home was founded by Robert E. and Jacqueline D. Bean when they opened their first funeral home in Berks County. A lot has changed in the past seventy years, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving friends, neighbors, and members of our community. We’re honored to be able to continue helping those around us, both now and into the future.