Kathryn “Kitty” Louise (Wiand) Reese Tribbett, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Chestnut Knoll in Boyertown after a long journey with dementia. She was the wife of the late Richard D. Reese who passed away on August 15, 2004 and the late Dr. James A. Tribbett who passed away on March 29, 2024.
Kitty was born in Pottstown to the late William H. and Emily Kathryn (Lightcap) Wiand on September 21, 1938.
She was a 1956 graduate of Boyertown High School.
Kitty worked in the office at Schmoyer’s Lumber and Coal Co then later Hollenbach Home Center, Boyertown. She worked at Berks-Mont Newspapers for 26 years, retiring as office manager in 2003. She returned to Berks-Mont Newspapers after retirement working part-time until 2009.
She volunteered at the Boyertown United Way office and for Boyertown Meals on Wheels during her retirement. Kitty was a member of the Boyertown Lions Club, where she received the Bing Miller Fellow award for “character, devotion, humanitarian service, and leadership”. This award exemplifies all that Kitty was as a person.
Kitty enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, listening to country and bluegrass music, traveling all over the world, seeing new places, and traveling to visit family and friends.
Kitty is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Reese) Yacovelli, husband of Mark Yacovelli, Boyertown and her beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Yacovelli and Nicole Yacovelli. She is also survived by her sister, Linda L. (Wiand) Young, widow of Jacob. Kitty is survived by four stepdaughters: Vicki L. (Reese) Hilbert, wife of Elmer; Angie (Tribbett) Hernandez, wife of Al; Bonnie (Tribbett) Rosario, wife of Donald; and Dawn (Tribbett) Danielson, wife of Kris; also 5 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Chestnut Knoll Personal and Memory Care, Chestnut Knoll at Home, and Caring Hospice for their love, support, and wonderful care they provided to Kitty. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Morrell Funeral Home, 124 W. Philadelphia Ave, Boyertown. A memorial service to celebrate Kitty’s life to follow at 11:00 am.
Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Boyertown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Kitty.
Kitty will be deeply missed by all that knew her with her kind and caring personality. She was a beautiful person both inside and out.
Miss Kitty was one of the nicest kindest people we had the privilege of knowing.
Always a smiling face and sweet personality.
We will always remember our crab eating and polish poker games at her and Jim’s house.
So happy we had the pleasure of having Kitty and Jim as friends.
They are truly missed.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. She will truly be missed, she was a kind and pleasant person to work with.
Your mom was the best boss I ever had and the most kind, happy,and one of the sweetest ladies I ever known 💗
I am the former spouse and mother of Jim Tribbett’s daughters and attended several family events with your mother; she was very kind and hospitable towards my daughters and grandchildren. During many conversations with her I found her quite amicable and understanding! I’m sure your family will miss her and I wish you much happiness and good health!
I have known Kitty for many years. First through Berks-Mont Newspapers, then as my favorite neighbor. I was thrilled when I bought my house and realized I would live across the street from Kitty. Shaner St will not be the same without her here. My heart goes out to her family. She was quite a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.
Kitty was one of a kind, sweetest smile and laugh and made everyone around her feel good. I am forever thankful for her being a part of our lives. Rest in peace sweet Kitty Lou.