Upper Providence Woman Dies In West Reading Factory Explosion

ROYERSFORD, PA — Susan H. Halvonik was more than just a plant manager at R.M. Palmer chocolate factory, she was a friend and confidant to her work colleagues.

The 63-year-old Upper Providence Township woman was always there to help her colleagues, friends, and others, her work friends said.

Halvonik was pronounced dead in a March 24 explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company, 77 S. Second Ave., West Reading. Halvonik was one of the seven victims who died in the explosion.

Her funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, at Sacred Heart Church, 838 Walnut St., Royersford, 19468.

A luncheon will follow mass at Copperfield Inn, Lakeside, 594 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick, 19468.

Burial will be private at a later date.

In her obituary, Halvonik was described as “a selfless person who always put others above herself.”

She was also an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and an excellent baker.

“She loved baking and planning holiday events,” the obituary said.

Other victims identified by the Berks County coroner’s office are Xiorky D. Nunez, 30; Diana M. Cedeno, 44; Judith Lopez-Moran, 55; and Domingo Cruz, 60, all of Reading; Michael D. Breedy, 62 of Marion Township, Berks County; and Amy S. Sandoe, 49, of Ephrata, Lancaster County.

Nine others were injured and one survivor was discovered and rescued.

Palmer has 850 employees and is well-known for its Easter candy.

Born in Connersville, Fayette County, Halvonik is survived by a son, Erik and his wife, Selena; daughter, Kelly Batchelor and her husband, Tim; sisters, Cynthia Poole, Joyce Markiewicz and her husband, Kevin “Chunky,” Jeanne Kisiel, wife of late Joe Kiesel, and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Reading Disaster Relief Fund here in Susan's name.