Eugene Shirk

On February 21, 1963, Shirk announced his campaign for mayor of Reading.^[6] He defeated insurance salesman George F. Graeff 4,217 votes to 1,111 to win the Republican nomination.^[7] As a 62-year-old who had never run for office before and a Republican running in a city where the Democrats outnumbered them by a 3 to 1 margin, Shirk was an underdog in the general election.^[8] However, the city had been the site of multiple federal raids and its incumbent Democratic mayor, John C. Kubacki, was under indictment for extortion.^[8] Shirk upset Democrat Harold L. Guldin and Republicans won every office except for city treasurer.^[5]

After taking office, Shirk replaced the city's police chief (who was also under indictment) and launched a crackdown on gambling and prostitution.^[8] This included an unpopular decision to shut down bingo, which was illegal in Pennsylvania.^[9] In 1967, he was defeated for reelection by Victor Yarnell.^[2]

While serving as mayor, Shirk continued to work as Albright's athletic director on a parttime basis. He was associate athletic director during the 1967–68 academic year then served as an advisor to the president.^[2][10]

In 1968, Shirk was an unsuccessful candidate for the 126th district seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.^[2] In 1971, he defeated city councilor Joseph Kuzminski by 827 votes to return to the mayor's office.^[11] He did not run for reelection in 1975 and instead was an unsuccessful candidate for the Berks County Commission.^[2]

After leaving office, Shirk returned to Albright to coach the cross country team, a position he held until his death. At 92 years old, he was the oldest active coach in college sports.^[12]

In 1976, Shirk helped found Berks Community Television and served as its president until his death.^[3] In 1981, Albright's athletic field was renamed in honor of Shirk.^[13]

Shirk was married to Annadora (Spengler) Vesper, a professor of English and speech at Albright who served on the Reading School Board from 1951 to 1957.^[14][15] The couple had a daughter, Thea, as well a son, Al, from Annadora's previous marriage.^[3]

On February 17, 1994, Eugene and Annadora were killed in automobile accident in Reading.^[12] The two were on their way to Albright College, where they were starring in a performance of Love Letters.^[2]