Felix J. Uhrinek, Colonel (Ret.)
Felix J. Uhrinek, 91, Reading, died April 13, 2011. He was the husband of the late Margaret F. Uhrinek who died on November 7, 2002.
Born on December 13, 1919 in Catasaqua, Pa. he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Mary Uhrinek.
A member of Holy Guardian Angels Church, he served in the US Army during World War II as a Sgt Major in the 774th Tank Battalion which fought in 5 major battles in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, ETO with 5 Major Campaigns, WW II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal.
Post WW II, he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and retired after 20 years as a Colonel where he achieved that rank on Jan.19, 1973.
He was a Charter member of the Battle of Normandy Foundation, Battle of Normandy Museum, WW II Memorial Society, Reading Artillerists, Veteran’s of the Battle of the Bulge. He was a Distinguished Member of the 213th Regiment, Past Honorary Colonel of the 213th Regiment. He was a member of the Berks Armed Forces Advisory Committee, having served as President and Treasurer. He was the Parade Marshall for the 250th Anniversary Parade for the City of Reading and a Reviewing Officer for the 54th Armed Forces Day Parade.
He had the distinguished honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on November 12, 2003. He was also honored as a Holocaust Liberator in Washington, DC during the 60th anniversary of V E Day on May 4, 2005.
He was a member and volunteer of the American Red Cross for over 30 years. He received the MidAtlantic Pride Award in addition to the National Outstanding Volunteer for Armed Forces Emergency Service Award, which he received in May 1999 at the National Conference.
He retired from United Gas Improvement Company after 40 years of employment as Data Processing Manager. He was the past President of the Data Processing Management Association. He received the UGI Community Volunteer of the Year Award.
He is survived by a daughter, Jane Tranquillo, wife of Thomas Tranquillo, Reading, Pa. and a son, Joseph Uhrinek, husband of Dawn, Chesnee, S.C. In addition, he is survived by 5 grandchildren, Janelle Tranquillo Blankenship, Indianapolis, IN, Gwen Tranquillo Andrews, Hershey, PA., Michael Uhrinek, Moore S.C., Darin Tranquillo, Atlanta, GA., and Jessica Uhrinek Wilson, Kennesaw, GA. Also surviving are 5 great grandchildren, Coby, Mattie, Gavin, Chance, and Sadie.
Military Honors will be held Saturday at 11:30 AM in Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. 229 North 5th St., Reading. Viewing will be from 10 AM to 12 Noon.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made the The American Red Cross, 701 Center Ave., Reading, PA 19601. Condolences may be left at www.henningerfuneralhome.com
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