William Charles Protheroe

William Charles Protheroe, 83 of Birdsboro, PA, beloved husband, father and Pop Pop was adored by all who had the good fortune to know him. On Friday, September 10th, 2021 he passed away at Reading Hospital after a month-long battle with Meningitis. Born in Pottsville, PA on March 30, 1938, Bill was a son of the late William T. and Dorothy M. (Simmers) Protheroe. He was a 1956 graduate of Wilson High School, a 1960 graduate of Albright College and member of Kappa Phi Omega fraternity. After college he served in the US Army Reserves.

Bill had a career in packaging sales spanning over 50 years at companies such as Boyertown Packaging, Hargo, Reynolds Metals and his latest endeavor ProPak. At the age of 83 he was still actively working and was admired by his clients and colleagues alike.

Bill shared a love of golf with his son and was a member of the Reading Country Club for over 30 years. Over his lifetime, he achieved five holes-inone. He was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan and enjoyed Sunday season tickets for the Phillies and annual trips to Clearwater, FL for spring training. He never missed a chance to watch his 3 favorite football teams: the Philadelphia Eagles, University of Delaware Blue Hens and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

He loved a good cup of coffee, a flakey pie crust and grabbing a “bite to eat” at his favorite local spots. Bill liked to be by the sea and could often be found on his way to Cape May where many happy memories were made. He had sparkling blue eyes just like his favorite singer, Frank Sinatra and his quick wit and charming smile lit up every room he entered.

Bill is survived by his wife Kaliope “Popi” (Tellis) Protheroe with whom he recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to his five children, two from a previous marriage Jennifer Protheroe and Robert Protheroe, husband to Erin (Mannion) and his three daughters, Olivia Protheroe, Emily (Protheroe) Nichols wife to Jeremy and Millicent Protheroe. He was a proud Pop Pop to his seven grandchildren, Mitchell, Meghan, Rachel, Emma and Grace Protheroe and Beau and Archer Nichols. He leaves behind a brother, Thomas Protheroe, husband of the late Susan (Lothrop) of Great Barrington, MA, a sister, Carol (Protheroe) Young wife to Ian of Fleetwood and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Reading Hospital for the exceptional care he received during his illness.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, September 17th, 2021 at EJ Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611. A viewing will be in the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 to 11am. A private interment will be held the following day at Highland Memorial Park in Pottstown, PA.

To honor Bill’s memory, the family encourages memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Fond memories, condolences and tributes may be shared at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com