Keith John "Sarge" Eschleman

Keith John “Sarge” Eschleman, 67, of Reading, passed away on April 28, 2025 at Tower Health - Reading Hospital, West Reading.

He was the loving husband of Sharon K. (Haines) Eschleman, who he married November 25, 2000.

Born April 13, 1958, in Reading, he was a son of the late Herbert L. and Emily S. (VanSciver) Eschleman.

Keith proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was employed as a firefighter and EMT with Reading Fire Department for 26 years, retiring in 2015. He served as past President of Local 1803 Union.

Keith followed in his father’s footsteps with his love for Christmas.  He proudly decorated his home each year, took part in Christmas on the Mountain as their light designer, and thoroughly enjoyed his role as “Santa,” which he was proud to play for many private and public events, including the City of Reading holiday parade.

In addition, Keith loved Duke basketball and his two Dobermans who preceded him in death.  He was a member of Northmont Fellowship Association and enjoyed golfing with the Wanderers Tuesday and Wednesday Golf League.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his three children: Keith J. Eschleman, Matthew T. Eschleman, and Jillian H.M. Colon, and ten grandchildren.

He is also survived by his wife’s children: Erin M. Stacherski (Shane Rozum) of Flying Hills and Michael S. Intelisano (Jillian L.) of Walnutport; and her three grandchildren, Lyla J. Stacherski, Nicholas S. Intelisano and Matthew S. Intelisano.

Also surviving is his sister, Denise Levengood (Brian) of Reading.

Keith was preceded in death by three siblings: Linda Kantner, Marcia Kopteros, and Samuel Eschleman.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 5-8 and Friday morning from 10-11 in the funeral home.  Burial will be at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

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