Vernon Martin Kamp of 800 Golden Drive, Blandon, PA, was born on August 1, 1926, in
Kempton, Albany Township a son of the late William David and Elmira ( nee Reber )
Kamp.
He was married to Mary (nee Collyer) Block Kamp, a native of England on August 7,
1971.
He was a member of Community Baptist Church of Fleetwood.
He was 1944 graduate of Slatington High School, Slatington, and a member of the
National Honor Society since 1944,
He was employed for over 36 years, November 2, 1952, retiring February 3,1989, as
news editor of THE PATRIOT, Kutztown, PA. While news editor he penned a column in
Pennsylvania German entitled "Scholla Aus'm Rosen Dahl," (Echoes from Rose-Valley)
and received a citation from the Pennsylvania German Society in recognition for his
contribution toward preserving the Pennsylvania German dialect.
Prior to entering the employment of THE PATRIOT, he was employed from May 1, 1945,
to October 31, 1952, by Abner B. Greenawalt General Merchandise, Kempton, PA.
He served as a member of Kutztown Area School Board from 1971 to 1977, during
which time he served as vice president and also treasurer.
He served two six-year terms, 1950 tom1962, as a Justice of the Peace in and for
Albany Township, Berks County, PA.
Taught Bible at Gateway Christian School, Mertztown, from 1985 through 1991.
He was a two year member of Lenhartsville Borough Council, 1977-1979, as a resident
of that borough.
He taught Sunday School for 52 years, 33 years at New Bethel Union Church in Albany
Township, the other 19 years at various churches, both as a substitute and full-time.
He and his wife had two children: Martin C. Kamp, Mount Penn, Mary Kamp Riccardi,
Fleetwood Borough, and 7 grandchildren: Alexander J. Riccardi, Philip N. Riccardi,
Thaddaeus M. Riccardi, Andrew C. Riccardi, Katherine H. Riccardi, Diana G. Riccardi, and
Jason A. Riccardi.
Also Four step-children: Elizabeth Block Cole, Robert J. Block, Kenneth G. Block, and
Stephen C. Block and nieces and nephews. Also Surviving are:
A sister, Marie Kamp Lutz, Kempton, and four brothers: Arlan W. Kamp, Hamburg;
Woodrow C. Kamp and David C. Kamp, both of Kutztown, and Mark R. Kamp, Spring City.
Thirteen step-grandchildren, and 23 step-great-grandchildren. A brother, Wayne E.
Kamp, Mount Behtel, preceded him in death.
Graveside service will be Monday April 17th at 2:30pm In New Bethel Cemetery, 135 New Bethel Church Road, Kempton, followed by a Memorial service at 3:30pm in Community Baptist Church, 112 North Richmond Street. Fleetwood. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Pennsylvania German Society, P. O. Box 118, Ephrata, PA 17522.