William Sands Jr., 79, of Reading, passed away on December 18 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Bill was predeceased by the love of his life, Florence (Santoro), in February 2006.

William was a devoted son, born on October 15, 1935 to Mary (Reaser) and William Sands. He was a loving and proud father who taught his children by example to always do the right thing, to be kind, and to never give up. He is sorely missed by his children, Debra, wife of Terry Lorah, Reading, William Sands III, Bern Township, and Ann, wife of Mauricio Lastra, Roswell, Georgia. He had one beloved granddaughter, Abigail Lorah, of Philadelphia. One of his proudest days was to be able to see her graduate from dental school last spring.

A graduate of Reading High School , Bill had a remarkable memory and an affinity for numbers. He used those skills to coordinate and schedule productions at American Chain and Cable, and Gerber Corporation, Ephrata. He was an avid sports fan and also served as a time keeper for professional boxing and wrestling.

His generous and kind heart, which became too weak to continue, touched so many lives. He stayed active by helping the community through volunteering, including Meals on Wheels Delivery, and assisted with transportation to appointments and running errands for others. He loved to play cards; often visiting his buddies in the hospitals and nursing homes to bring a snack or play a few hands with them. He especially enjoyed the weekly Poker games at The Oakshire Senior Apartments and always had rolls of nickels ready for the big game. He also enjoyed cooking up big batches of food that he selflessly shared with friends and those in need. His thoughtful gestures will be missed by so many.

He also enjoyed activities at the Berks Encore Center (especially outings to pick blueberries and peaches). He loved fishing and travel. He visited the Panama Canal, Canada, Atlanta, and the family home in the Caribbean.

Bill and Florence resided in Quail Hollow, Denver, PA through the 1990’s and maintained close friendships with their neighbors.

A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their care and support.

Bill was an animal lover. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the ASPCA,
https://www.aspca.org/secure/memorial?ms=wb_sub_donate-20130709&initialms=wb_sub_donate-20130709
If you prefer to give by phone, please call 1-800-628-0028 or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary at
http://www.hawkmountain.org/join-or-give/memorial-tribute-gifts/page.aspx?id=3989.

A viewing and tribute of this kind soul will be from 9-11 AM with service to follow at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 23 at Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. on 229 North 5th Street (ample parking to the left of the building). Entombment will follow at the Mausoleum at Gethsemane Cemetery on Kutztown Road.
Online condolences may be made at www.henningerfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William J. Sands Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.