Jay Yohn

Jay Alan Yohn, 68, of Exeter Township, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 18, 2021, at Reading Hospital surrounded by his wife and his two daughters. Even though he was fully vaccinated and was extremely careful and cautious, he still contracted COVID-19 and passed away from COVID pneumonia.

Jay was raised on Gordon Steet in Reading by his predeceased mother, Mary Jane (Pawling) Yohn and predeceased father, George Yohn. He was a 1971 graduate of Reading High School and was also a student at the Reading Muhlenberg Vo Tech School where he studied Auto Mechanics. Jay was a proud graduate of Reading Area Community College in 1982 with a 4.0 GPA where he majored in Industrial Engineering. He also attended Penn State University where he studied Industrial Engineering. His professional career included NEAPCO in Pottstown, from 1979-2012, where he held numerous positions in Product Engineering in the Agricultural and Commercial fields. He ended his career by being a Supplier Development Engineer, primarily working with suppliers in the Asian regions of the world. In this position, he excelled tremendously and saved his company millions of dollars. Unfortunately, the company moved to Nebraska and Jay made the decision to stay in Reading with his beloved family. He was fortunate enough to work for Brentwood Industries long enough to be able to retire.

Jay was a member of St Catharine of Siena Church, where he was a Cantor, a member of the choir, a Co-chairperson for the Annual Christmas Boutique, a member of the Parish Council, and served a term as President of the Parish Council. He was also a choir member of St Catharine of Siena Church in Allentown, a member of the Diocesan Choir, and a member of the Living Word Choir. In addition, he was a member of the men’s singing group “The Barnstormers”, which consisted of professional men from the New England states and the Mid-Atlantic states. They had a terrific love for singing and would get together three times a year to have concerts. Last, but definitely not least, was his membership in the Reading Liederkranz Singers, of which he was President. He sang with them for many years and made a great many close friends with all of them. Music was a passion he enjoyed to the fullest. He had another passion, which was traveling, especially cruising. His home reflected his travels with various art pieces and items of interest that he collected throughout his travels.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of 48 years and his two daughters Angela Lewis, wife of Jason Lewis of Newark, DE and Rebecca Degler of Lower Alsace Township. He is also survived by his two favorite grandchildren, Jacob Oliver and Allyson Lauren. They were his pride and joy. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Beck, wife of Russ Beck of Lititz and his brother, Barry Yohn, of Temple. He was predeceased by his sister, Susan Wagner, wife of Rick Wagner, West Lawn.

Jay’s final wish was for all people to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church 4975 Boyertown Pike, Exeter Township, Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 11:30 am.  Reverend Monsignor Edward R. Domin, Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.  The family will receive relatives and friends at Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church Wednesday from 9:00 am to 11:15 am.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church Memorial Fund 2427 Perkiomen Ave. Mount Penn, PA 19606 or Reading Liederkranz Singers 143 Spook Lane Reading, PA 19606 in memory of Mr. Jay A. Yohn.  Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com