Kenneth W. Zittel

Kenneth W. Zittel, 59, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 26, 2024. He is survived by his wife Cassandra Zittel; brother John Zittel; brothers-in-law William Montgomery and William Berholtz; and nieces and nephews Sarah, Jonathan, Kira, and Kyle.

Ken was born March 4, 1964 in Glen Cove, Long Island New York. He grew up in Seaford, New York and graduated from Island Trees High School in 1982. In his last two years of high school he received welding training which turned into his lifelong career.

After high school, Ken worked at Marine Manifold in Farmingdale NY as a welder, then at Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage. He was certified in 12 different types of welding procedures.

During this time, Ken purchased his pride and joy: a 1968 Dodge Charger. In his spare time he worked on his car and shot pool with his good friends Gabe and Jimmy. He also enjoyed bowling with his parents, John and Carol, and brother John. Ken was proud of his high score of 290.

In 1992, Ken moved with his family to Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. He continued his career in welding at Reading Sheet Metal, then at Dana Corporation for 11 years until it closed.

Ken’s hobbies during this time included bowling, pool and dart leagues, and poker tournaments. Another hobby was racing his Dodge Charger at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton. He was part of the “Z Team” with his mom, who raced a black 1969 Chevy Nova, and dad, who raced a 1970 Chevy Chevelle. Ken raced in both trophy class and for money (and won each event multiple times).

After purchasing his home in Stevens, Pennsylvania in 2001, he proceeded to work at American La France where he made fire truck ladders for fire companies. His last welding job was at Reitnouer Trailers before he retired.

Ken, also known as “Mr. Fix It,” enjoyed racing radio control cars, making candles, wine, decorative robots, and products from his special green plants. Never one to take life too seriously, Ken would take every opportunity to make people laugh with one of his crazy stories that began with, “You wanna laugh your ass off?”

Over the years, Ken persevered through multiple knee and back surgeries, as well as thyroid surgery. Despite this, Ken was always eager to give blood at a Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank or one of their bloodmobiles.

In his retirement, Ken continued to take great pride in his house, his garage, and his cars – a 2023 Dodge Hellcat Jail Break, a 2010 purple & white Challenger with modifications to look like a Cuda, and a 2016 Toyota Tundra. For years he enjoyed spending Saturdays at Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway watching the Micro Sprints.

A lover of animals, Ken outlived his dog (Cody), and cats (Hannah, Max, and Willie). He is survived by his cats Peanut, Comet, and Rusty.

In September 2023, Ken married his childhood friend, Cassandra Berholtz, in Las Vegas Nevada by none other than Darth Vader. He enjoyed spending his last months living and laughing with his wife, driving his cars, traveling, visiting casinos, and enjoying the benefits of his medical marijuana card.

Ken leaves us with this advice: “If you got ‘em, smoke ‘em.”

Friends and family are invited for a viewing and time for sharing at Good Sipler Funeral Home in Reamstown, Pennsylvania on Saturday, March 2 starting at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., followed by interment at Wyomissing Cemetery in Gouglersville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Loving Care Cat Rescue by pressing the Donate button at lovingcarecatrescue.org.