Rodney A. Focht

Rodney A. Focht, 87, of Cumru Township, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, in his residence at the Heritage of Green Hills. He was the loving husband of Mary Ann (Borst) Focht. Married on December 7, 1957, they recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. Born in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Paul L. and Ruth V. (Noll) Focht. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and its Prime Timers Club. Rodney was a 1956 graduate of Reading High School. Following graduation, he entered into the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he served with the 586th Communication and Guidance Squadron during the Cold War at Hahn Air Force base in Germany. He later served at the Francis E. Warren Strategic Air Command Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was in the 389th Communication Squadron at the base. 

After being discharged from the service, he was a self-employed insurance agent with the State Farm Insurance Company with an office on North 9th Street in Reading. Rodney retired in 1999 after being in business for 34 years. When his children were young, Rodney served as Scout Master of Troop 305 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and advisor and organizer of Post 305 Explorer Communications Post. Rodney also served as Cub Master of Pack 305. While in the scouting program, he received the Bishop’s Award and the Daniel Boone District Award of Merit. Rodney was a lifetime member and past Grand Knight of Reading Council 793 of the Knights of Columbus and Past President of their Home Association. He was also a lifetime 4th Degree member of the Pius IX Assembly and Former District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus. Rodney was a member of Sinking Spring Post 6150 of the VFW. 

In October of 2012 when the Ringgold Band had the first rehearsal of the newly formed Ringgold New Horizons Band, consisting of senior citizens, Rodney was at that first rehearsal. After more than 50 years, he retrieved his trumpet from the closet and began with a new love for the instrument, practicing and playing with Ringgold New Horizons Band. Rodney was a member of Bugles Across America and had played Taps at many military funerals and patriotic holiday memorial services. It was his great honor to be able to recognize our country’s fallen heroes. 

After moving to The Heritage of Green Hills Retirement Community in 2009, over many months, as a labor of love, he created “The Train Room” using his Lionel Trains and accessories to get the room started. Later other residents added their treasured trains to the magical village. Many children and adults enjoyed the open house of the Train Room each Christmas season at The Heritage. While living at the Heritage Rodney helped launch The Residents Council of The Heritage of Green Hills after the community’s opening in 2009. He was elected their first president. Rodney also was instrumental in starting the Veterans Association at the Heritage. He was honored to be part of this group who had 16 WWII veterans as members when it started in 2012. The group helps in providing funds for the disabled veterans around the Reading area and beyond. 

Rodney was predeceased by his son Robert P. Focht who passed away on March 31, 2012, and his brother Stanley Ray Focht. 

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Focht, of Cumru Township, daughter, Joanne M. Fromuth, wife of Philip J. Fromuth, of Reading; son, Stephen P. Focht, widower of Mary A. Haller of Temple; son, Stanley J. Focht husband of Karen L. Focht, of Wernersville; son, Timothy J. Focht, husband of Gina M. Focht, of New Jerusalem; daughter- in- law, Kathryn Focht, of Sinking Spring; 14 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; sisters, Nancy L. Leiby, of Reading; and Linda J. Straub, of Reading. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church 2020 Chestnut Hill Road Mohnton, PA 19540 on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11:00am. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 9:00am-11:00am. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Church of St. Benedict in Mohnton, in memory of Rodney A. Focht. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.