For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193.
Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com.
In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email. Please put the text of the obituary in a Word document, a Google document or in the body of the email. The Reading Eagle also requires a way to verify the death, so please include either the phone number of the funeral home or cremation service that is in charge of the deceased’s care or a photo of his/her death certificate. We also request that your full name, phone number and address are all included in this email.
All payments by families must be made with a credit card. We will send a proof of the completed obituary before we require payment. The obituary cannot run, however, until we receive payment in full.
Obituaries can be submitted for any future date, but they must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to its running for it to be published.
Please call the obituary desk, at 610-371-5018, for information on pricing.
Two candidates are vying for a seat on the Rockland Township board of supervisors in the Nov. 4 election.
Republican candidate Ericka Thomas-Ernst and independent candidate Janice McDermott are competing for a six-year term on the board.
The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions.
Question 1: What makes you an ideal representative of this area?
Question 2: What needs improvement in your municipality?
Ericka Thomas-Ernst
Party: Republican.
Age: 63.
Occupation: Thomas-Ernst is a property manager.
Response 1: My husband and I have proudly raised our four children in Rockland Township, all graduates of Brandywine Heights and now residents of this community we love. Rockland has shaped our family, and I’m deeply committed to preserving its values and rural character for generations to come.
I’m a licensed professional engineer with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, and a certified water operator. I’ve served as clerk of elections for Rockland’s 2nd Precinct, and together with my husband, we’ve built several small businesses that reflect our dedication to this township — including Ernst Christmas Tree Farm, Corriedale Farm Event Venue and two manufactured home communities.
I believe in limited government and the right to govern your homestead freely — so long as it respects the safety and well-being of your neighbors. I cherish Rockland’s agricultural heritage and will work to ensure our farming community continues to thrive.
I bring a unique blend of experience:
• Engineer: critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Business owner: fiscal responsibility and safety awareness.
• Landlord: strong communication and relationship-building.
• Farmer: deep respect for rural life and agriculture.
• Mother and grandmother: unwavering commitment to our community’s future.
My promise is to serve with integrity, transparency and deep love for Rockland Township.
Response 2: I believe it’s time to bring common sense back to local government. As a township supervisor, my job is to serve the taxpayers — not obstruct them. When residents want to improve their homes, businesses, or properties, the process should be straightforward, affordable and met with cooperation — not red tape.
Township officials and contractors should work as partners, not gatekeepers.
I’m committed to supporting our residents in their everyday lives — whether that means ensuring public safety, protecting property rights or fostering a welcoming environment for families and businesses. I will work to make Rockland Township not only safe and secure, but also an attractive and sought-after place to live, work and grow.
Janice McDermott
Party: Independent.
Age: 73.
Occupation: McDermott is a retired lawyer and teacher.
Response 1: I have called Rockland Township home since 1988, raising my children here and enjoying a community of good neighbors. Professionally, I worked in Reading as an associate attorney at Stevens & Lee and served as guardian ad litem and hearing master in Berks County’s juvenile court system. No matter where my work took me, coming home to Rockland was always the best part of my day.
I’ve also served locally as an assistant Girl Scout leader and on the Brandywine Heights School Board. I hold a teaching degree from Kutztown University and am training to become a certified Pennsylvania master naturalist.
Rockland Township represents family, heritage and community to me. Its rural and agricultural character is something I deeply value and am committed to preserving for future generations. I am ready to bring experience, dedication and a practical, community-focused approach to serve all residents.
Response 2: Rockland Township is a wonderful place to live, with its rural character and low tax rate — achievements our officials work hard to maintain. I want to bring a listening ear to the township, learning from neighbors about ways to improve. Traffic is a concern for many residents, and I will work with the community to address it thoughtfully.
I also appreciate that Rockland participates in a regional comprehensive plan with Topton and District Township while keeping its own planning commission, zoning board and 2024 zoning plan. Maintaining this balance — regional cooperation with local control — is key to keeping Rockland Township the special place we all love. I am committed to listening, learning and leading responsibly to preserve what we value while addressing areas for improvement.