Wayne Kotrba

Wayne A. Kotrba, 66, of Coopersburg, died Sat. April 22 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the loving husband of Dr. Robin (Sperduto) Schroeder. Born in New Brunswick, NJ he was the son of the late Walter & Emilie (Hornicek) Kotrba. Wayne was a man who loved the outdoors, both land and sea. He was a US Merchant Marine Captain licensed to operate 100 ton ships. He sailed out of Florida & New Jersey; captaining his own craft and under contract for others. Tournament sport fishing in Central America was among the highlights of his career. On land, he created a commercial blueberry farm from conception, to planting, to harvest. Although he didn't love winter in PA, he did love feeding his birds and playing guitar. Wayne was a creative carpenter who enjoyed repurposing "old stuff" into beautiful furniture. Formerly, he served as a Lieut. with the Rutgers University Fire Dept. Surviving with his wife, are his stepchildren Colin & Megan; brother Walter and his wife Becky; sister Susan Romeo and her husband Tom; and many close friends including a very special young friend, Andrew Ferguson. A ceremony of remembrance to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at noon, Sat. April 29 in the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, with a calling hour prior at 11 am. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Ocean Conservancy (www.oceanconservancy.org) www.nauglefcs.com