Claude Dundore Jr

Claude W. Dundore Jr., 88, passed away March 28, 2010 in the skilled nursing unit of Stoneridge Village, Myerstown. He was the husband for 62 years of the late Alma M. Dundore, who passed away in June of 2008.

Born November 5, 1922 in Reading, he was the son of the late Claude W. Dundore Sr.

Dundore was a retired school teacher and school administrator, having begun his 38 year career in 1948 as a teacher of English and Social Studies at the former Mt. Penn Senior High School from 1953 until retirement in 1986. He was employed by Exeter Twp. School District, first as a teacher of English and Social Studies, and Chairman of the English Department in the High School. In 1959, he was appointed assistant High School principal. Then, from 1967 to 1972, Dundore served as Principal of Exeter Twp. Senior High School. In 1974, he was appointed administrative assistant in the district's central office, writing programs for gifted students and coordinating the long range planning process. He continued to teach two classes a day until retirement.

He was a graduate of Reading Senior High School in 1940. From 1941 until enlistment in the army in January of 1943, he attended Gettysburg College, where he was the soloist in the college's touring choir. After the war years, he continued his studies at Kutztown State Teachers College, now Kutztown University, where he graduated with honors in 1948. In 1951, Dundore was awarded a Masters of Education by Temple University.

Dundore was president of the English Teachers of Berks County during the 1956-57 school year, and from 1978-81, he served as vice president and president of Kutztown University's Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a national honorary educational fraternity.

Dundore was a veteran of World War II with the field artillery of the 69th Infantry Division, and served in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. While on occupation duty at war's end, he organized and directed a male chorus of fellow soldiers in Germany.

His lifelong involvement in music began in 1928 when he was accepted into the boys choir at Christ Episcpoal Church, Reading, where he was soprano soloist. He also was soloist in the Bethany E.C. Church choir and led numerous hymn sings throughout the area. In many of the these churches, he and his wife and daughter also presented sacred concerts of voice, organ, and piano. In 1986, he joined the Horizon Center Chorus of the Berks County Senior Center and sang with that group until 1998. He and his wife also entertained Senior Citizens by leading sing a longs at various senior centers. After moving to Stone Ridge Village in January of 1999, Dundore regularly asssisted as devotional leader and choruster in the Sunday Vesper services.

He is survived by a daughter: Sharon A. Daikeler, wife of Raymond Daikeler of Ewing, NJ, a beloved grandson: John R. Alexander of Pennington, NJ, and a half sister: Rosalie Stoner of Tucson, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made in his memory to the Annual Giving Scholarship Fund, Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Office of Annual Giving, 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08546-3819.