A touching ceremony was held Monday morning in Centre Park to dedicate a bench in honor of the late City Council President Jeffrey Waltman, who passed away unexpectedly at age 58 on June 13, 2022. The event was led by Reading Mayor Eddie Morán, with heartfelt tributes from City Council President Donna Reed and Waltman’s daughter, Ashley Waltman. The dedication was followed by a community clean-up of the park, an initiative that has become an annual tradition in memory of Waltman.
City Council President Donna Reed spoke fondly of her late colleague, highlighting his many contributions to the city and the warmth he brought to his role. “Jeff was one in a million,” Reed said, reflecting on their years of service together. She recalled Waltman’s efforts to save Antietam Lake Park, his dedication to the city’s finances, and his instrumental role in leading Reading out of Act 47, a state program for financially distressed municipalities. “He led us through multiple iterations of the budget… working with a variety of administrations, culminating with Mayor Morán’s administration.”
Reed’s remarks were filled with emotion as she reminisced about Waltman’s love for Reading, often calling the city a “picture postcard,” with Centre Park at its heart. “He would always show us pictures of his mom when she was young being here in Centre Park… Every time I sit in the council president seat, I feel like I’m just sitting there and substituting for him because he was such a guiding force.”
Mayor Eddie Morán shared personal memories of Waltman, emphasizing his role as a peacemaker and mentor. “When it comes to Jeff, it’s hard to write a speech because there’s so much to talk about,” said Morán. The mayor recalled seeking Waltman’s counsel before running for office, a conversation that left a lasting impact. “I sat down with Jeff… and Jeff said, ‘Let’s do this.’ He was there to create peace, to do the right thing for all of us.”
Morán reflected on Waltman’s dedication to the city, often seen walking through Reading after work, picking up trash and engaging with community members. “I hope that this bench and everyone that comes and sits here reflects on his memory and remembers how he loved this city,” Morán added. He expressed his hope that the bench will be just the beginning of honoring Waltman’s legacy.
Ashley Waltman, the late council president’s daughter, expressed her gratitude to the community for their continued support and participation in the annual park clean-up, which began as a tribute to her father’s spirit of service. “It’s amazing, after three years, to see more people show up as the years go on,” she said.
In a prepared speech, Ashley shared personal memories of growing up in the city, particularly in Centre Park, where her father dedicated much of his time. “I remember being a little girl looking out of the living room window, seeing my dad walk around early mornings, selflessly picking up trash,” she recalled. “Now, as an adult, it all made sense… those little things create a big picture.”
She spoke about how her father’s philosophy of living in the moment and being a helping hand to others shaped her life. “I will always be proud of my father for all of the years he dedicated himself to the city from his heart… that, in my eyes, is a true legend.”
The bench, placed in the heart of Centre Park, is intended to serve as a reminder of Waltman’s enduring legacy of community service, kindness, and leadership. As Ashley Waltman concluded her remarks, she expressed hope that the bench would offer peace to those who sit there and remember her father’s love for Reading. “I’m so happy that we have this here… I hope you all come here and just find yourself at peace.”