Kenneth M. Hatt

Ken “Poppy” Hatt passed away peacefully at the HIghlands of Wyomissing on Friday April 25. He was born August 18, 1935 in his grandparents’ home in Brecknock Township, son of the late Arthur and Grace (Trostle) Hatt. He was preceded in passing by his wife of 39 years Latona M. (Oldt), and also his companion Dorothy Moser of 20 years. Ken is survived by his sons Bret D. and wife Christine (Rhoads), and Kent A. and wife Lisa (Smith), 4 grandchildren Benjamin, Elizabeth (Retif), Christopher, Thomas, and 5 great-grandchildren.

After graduating from WIlson High School, Ken served 3 years in the US Army. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Albright College, University of Penn Wharton, and Columbia School of Banking. He began his banking career with Peoples Trust City Bank in Reading, and held various positions to eventually become Executive Vice President of Operations and Risk Management of Dauphin Deposit Corporation in Harrisburg, until his retirement in 1995.

Ken was actively involved in many professional, community, and charitable organizations, serving as president and director of Berks County Junior Achievement, Greater Berks Food Bank (now Helping Harvest), Central Park Methodist Food Ministry (now New Journey Community Outreach), Third Federal Reserve District Automated Clearinghouse Assoc, Green Valley Country Club, Berks County Bankers Assoc.

Ken was also a member of the Chandler Lodge 227 of the Freemasons, the Reading Consistory of the Scottish Rite and Rajah Shrine, and West Lawn United Methodist Church where he sang in the senior choir. But his children, grandchildren, and friends mostly loved the time spent with Poppy and Grandy on the Chesapeake Bay aboard the Mad Hatter boats.

Memorial services will be private at the convenience of the family, and his ashes will be spread across the Chesapeake. Contributions may be made to Ken’s favorite organizations; Shriners Children’s Hospital, New Journey Community Outreach, or Berks Schuylkill Helping Harvest Food Bank.

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