Howard E. Speck, Jr.

Howard E. Speck, Jr., 86, of Pottsville, PA, formerly of Deer Lake passed away Monday, September 1st, peacefully, at his residence in Providence Place, where he resided for the past three years.

Howard was born in Abington, PA on December 24, 1938, a son of the late Margaret H. (Harland) and Howard E. Speck, Sr.

He was the widower of Esther Miriam (Rebuck) Speck.

He earned his undergraduate degree at Susquehanna University and his Master's degree at Lehigh University. He attended Temple and Bucknell Universities. He belonged to Fraternity Theta Chi. He started his education teaching social studies at Bensalem High School. He was a guidance counselor for one year at Schuylkill Haven School District. He was the guidance counselor at Blue Mountain Middle School for many years and was in education for 36 years.

He was a member of St. Paul's Smoke Lutheran Church Hamburg. Howard supported his church by being in the choir and doing sermons when the minister was on vacation. He supported the Deer Lake community by helping with voter registration. Howard enjoyed genealogy, photography, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed setting up elaborate Easter egg hunts for his whole family. Howard was a Boy Scout. He worked as a short order cook and a bus boy at Howard Johnson's on the PA turnpike. His first car at 16 was a Studebaker.

Howard is survived by two sons Jeffrey H. Speck, husband of Jennifer, of Mountain Top, PA; Robert C. Speck, husband of JoDee, of Cleona PA.

He is also survived by six grandchildren Amanda, Melanie, Rachel, Adam, Emily and Joshua; three great grandchildren Cecelia, Milo, Natalie and one great granddaughter on the way; and nieces & nephews.

In addition to his college sweetheart Esther Miriam, and his parents, Howard was also predeceased by his Aunt Jean & Uncle Al McNamara.

A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, September 6th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, with Pastor Al Sones officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00.

Interment will be at St. Johns UCC Cemetery Orwigsburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Smoke Lutheran Church Hamburg, PA .

The family would like to offer special thanks for all the love and support that Howard received from Providence Place in Pottsville, also for the love and support from his church community at St. Paul's Smoke Lutheran Church, Hamburg.

Orwigsburg is celebrating Heritage Day. Please use caution when approaching the barricades to the funeral home and call for assistance. 570-366-0521.

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