Gerard A. "Gerry" Radke

Gerard A. "Gerry" Radke, 81, of Mt. Penn, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Reading Hospital surrounded by his loving family and life-long friend. He was the beloved husband of Christina "Tina" L. (Powers) Radke, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, Gerry was the son of the late Sylvester W. and Cecelia B. (Lubak) Radke and a 1962 graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a member of the Military Police with tours in Germany and Korea. He earned a bachelor's degree from Alvernia College in 1976, as part of the school's first Criminal Justice graduating class.

Gerry devoted his career to law enforcement as a police officer for over 35 years, serving with the Mount Penn Police Department and later the Exeter Township Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1997. Gerry was an advocate of community policing and during his tenure as chief he proudly established the Citizens Academy which taught residents about community policing. Gerry also implemented Exeter's K9 unit while serving as chief. He retired in 2006.

Gerry was a talented artist. Gerry enjoyed painting watercolors, technology, and serving as the family videographer. In addition to recording meaningful events such as weddings and baptisms, he delighted everyone with his creative and entertaining videos. Fishing was a favorite pastime, and he treasured his yearly visits to Bob's Lake in Canada. Gerry and Tina also enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful vacations with family and friends making cherished memories. His marriage to Tina was a true love story and an example of lifelong devotion.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister Bernadette Lis, wife of Gregory, and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and all who knew him.

Visitation with friends and family will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catharine of Siena R.C.C., 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, PA 19606. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Kenhorst. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online to the American Lung Association or mailed to PO Box 70360, Philadelphia PA 19176-0630. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com