Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/09/2017
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Renowned Tamaqua area Chiropractor, Dr. Albert E. Rocuskie of Mahanoy Ave., Hometown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, with his family by his side, at the age of 80.
Survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Sylvia (Poplaski) Rocuskie; 4 daughters whom he cherished & 11 grandchildren whom he adored: Kelly Cappos, wife of David Cappos, Harrisburg; Karen Brandt, wife of Dr. John Brandt, Lock Haven; Kathy Ringenbach, wife of Paul Ringenbach, Hummelstown; and Kimberly Sandelier, wife of Peter Sandelier, Turnersville, NJ; His grandchildren include: Dr. Ashley Brandt, Eric Cappos, John Paul Brandt, Esq., Dr. Christopher Cappos, Brian Cappos, Kristin Brandt, Esq., Michael Ringenbach, Amanda Ringenbach, Nicole Sandelier, Jonathan Ringenbach, & Lauren Sandelier. Grandchildren in-laws include: Jordan Cappos, Colin Bishop, Esq. & Amber Cappos.
He is survived by brother, Benjamin Rocuskie (Marlene), Harrisburg and sister Alice Tetkoskie (Jim) York Haven; sisters-in-laws, Joanie Rocuskie, Milton, and Alice Rocuskie, York Haven; and numerous nieces, nephews & godchildren.
Born in Sunbury, Northumberland County, the second son of the late, Albert E. Raczkowski, Sr and Miriam (Shelly) Raczkowski. He was predeceased by brothers, Tony and Charlie Rocuskie.
Nothing in the world meant more to Dr. Rocuskie than his beautiful wife, loving family & dedicated patients. He was kind, compassionate, and inspirational. He always enjoyed spending time with family, attending his daughters’ & grandchildren’s sporting events, playing baseball, golfing, ice-skating, swimming, skiing, hunting, cheering for Penn State, & annually vacationing with all 25 family members in Myrtle Beach, SC. A consummate story teller he loved to entertain with stories about his family and life experiences and always had pockets full of candy to share with everyone. He ended EVERY phone call or interaction with his family saying “I love you!”
Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie were married for 58 years. They met in grade school and were a perfect example of everlasting love. They worked together, raised a family together, & bought sunshine into every interaction they had with their patients, friends, and even strangers.
Dr. Rocuskie graduated from Coal Township High School, Shamokin - Class of 1955. He was an excellent shortstop who was happiest playing semi-pro baseball in Shamokin, was invited to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16, & played semipro baseball throughout college. He received his undergraduate degree from Moline Community College, Moline, Illinois, his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa and his post graduate degree from Toftness Institute of Chiropractic, Cumberland, Wisconsin. He obtained his Pennsylvania Chiropractic license in 1960 and began his professional practice at the Kashuba Chiropractic Clinic, Mt. Carmel, PA.
Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie moved their family from Mt Carmel to Hometown in 1967 where they fulfilled their dream of opening a solo Chiropractic private practice. Dr. Rocuskie brought pain relief to thousands of patients over the years and continued to practice until the day of his recent accident. He was recognized for providing excellent compassionate care to patients for over half a century by receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and a 50th anniversary commemorative medal from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. In May 2017 he was honored for his lifetime dedication to his profession when he returned to Iowa and Palmer College where he and his family were guests of honor by the university administration, alumni, and students. Mrs. Sylvia Rocuskie, a Medical Assistant graduate of the Pennsylvania Junior College of Medical Arts, was also recognized with a plaque for assisting her husband in his practice for over 50 years.
He was a long time member of the International Chiropractic Association, the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, the Palmer Alumni Association, the Hometown Fire Company, Tamaqua Knights of Columbus, Tamaqua Elks and a 50 year member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church. In the 1970s and 1980s Dr. Rocuskie was the team doctor for the Marian Colt’s football and basketball teams as well as assistant coach of the Marian Fillies softball team.
The family of Dr. Rocuskie would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of his dedicated patients who he had the privilege of treating over the course of his lifetime. He was passionate about his career and never considered it work. He loved his patients!
They would like to thank the wonderful family friends who have been a constant source of support and love over the years.
The family would also like to recognize the amazing physicians and healthcare teams at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pinnacle Health Harrisburg Hospital, and St Luke’s Miners Memorial Medical Center who provided him with outstanding compassionate care over the last 40 years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
Extended family and friends shall be received on Friday evening at the funeral home from 5 to 8:00 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 14, 2017 at 10 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 266 West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
No Saturday morning calling.
Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, Pennsylvania will be private.
Renowned Tamaqua area Chiropractor, Dr. Albert E. Rocuskie of Mahanoy Ave., Hometown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, with his family by his side, at the age of 80.
Survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Sylvia (Poplaski) Rocuskie; 4 daughters whom he cherished & 11 grandchildren whom he adored: Kelly Cappos, wife of David Cappos, Harrisburg; Karen Brandt, wife of Dr. John Brandt, Lock Haven; Kathy Ringenbach, wife of Paul Ringenbach, Hummelstown; and Kimberly Sandelier, wife of Peter Sandelier, Turnersville, NJ; His grandchildren include: Dr. Ashley Brandt, Eric Cappos, John Paul Brandt, Esq., Dr. Christopher Cappos, Brian Cappos, Kristin Brandt, Esq., Michael Ringenbach, Amanda Ringenbach, Nicole Sandelier, Jonathan Ringenbach, & Lauren Sandelier. Grandchildren in-laws include: Jordan Cappos, Colin Bishop, Esq. & Amber Cappos.
He is survived by brother, Benjamin Rocuskie (Marlene), Harrisburg and sister Alice Tetkoskie (Jim) York Haven; sisters-in-laws, Joanie Rocuskie, Milton, and Alice Rocuskie, York Haven; and numerous nieces, nephews & godchildren.
Born in Sunbury, Northumberland County, the second son of the late, Albert E. Raczkowski, Sr and Miriam (Shelly) Raczkowski. He was predeceased by brothers, Tony and Charlie Rocuskie.
Nothing in the world meant more to Dr. Rocuskie than his beautiful wife, loving family & dedicated patients. He was kind, compassionate, and inspirational. He always enjoyed spending time with family, attending his daughters’ & grandchildren’s sporting events, playing baseball, golfing, ice-skating, swimming, skiing, hunting, cheering for Penn State, & annually vacationing with all 25 family members in Myrtle Beach, SC. A consummate story teller he loved to entertain with stories about his family and life experiences and always had pockets full of candy to share with everyone. He ended EVERY phone call or interaction with his family saying “I love you!”
Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie were married for 58 years. They met in grade school and were a perfect example of everlasting love. They worked together, raised a family together, & bought sunshine into every interaction they had with their patients, friends, and even strangers.
Dr. Rocuskie graduated from Coal Township High School, Shamokin - Class of 1955. He was an excellent shortstop who was happiest playing semi-pro baseball in Shamokin, was invited to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16, & played semipro baseball throughout college. He received his undergraduate degree from Moline Community College, Moline, Illinois, his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa and his post graduate degree from Toftness Institute of Chiropractic, Cumberland, Wisconsin. He obtained his Pennsylvania Chiropractic license in 1960 and began his professional practice at the Kashuba Chiropractic Clinic, Mt. Carmel, PA.
Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie moved their family from Mt Carmel to Hometown in 1967 where they fulfilled their dream of opening a solo Chiropractic private practice. Dr. Rocuskie brought pain relief to thousands of patients over the years and continued to practice until the day of his recent accident. He was recognized for providing excellent compassionate care to patients for over half a century by receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and a 50th anniversary commemorative medal from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. In May 2017 he was honored for his lifetime dedication to his profession when he returned to Iowa and Palmer College where he and his family were guests of honor by the university administration, alumni, and students. Mrs. Sylvia Rocuskie, a Medical Assistant graduate of the Pennsylvania Junior College of Medical Arts, was also recognized with a plaque for assisting her husband in his practice for over 50 years.
He was a long time member of the International Chiropractic Association, the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, the Palmer Alumni Association, the Hometown Fire Company, Tamaqua Knights of Columbus, Tamaqua Elks and a 50 year member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church. In the 1970s and 1980s Dr. Rocuskie was the team doctor for the Marian Colt’s football and basketball teams as well as assistant coach of the Marian Fillies softball team.
The family of Dr. Rocuskie would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of his dedicated patients who he had the privilege of treating over the course of his lifetime. He was passionate about his career and never considered it work. He loved his patients!
They would like to thank the wonderful family friends who have been a constant source of support and love over the years.
The family would also like to recognize the amazing physicians and healthcare teams at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pinnacle Health Harrisburg Hospital, and St Luke’s Miners Memorial Medical Center who provided him with outstanding compassionate care over the last 40 years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
Extended family and friends shall be received on Friday evening at the funeral home from 5 to 8:00 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 14, 2017 at 10 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 266 West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
No Saturday morning calling.
Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, Pennsylvania will be private.
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David B. "Dave the DJ" Tertel, 61 of Seventh Street Coaldale, Pennsylvania passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp.
Survived by his wife Liz (Shook ) Tertel; son, David Tertel of Treemont; daughter, Kathy Heffelfinger of Hegins; brothers, Eugene F. Tertel and his companion Susan Schaffer of Lehighton, Stephen E. Tertel and his wife Carol of Frackville, Peter Urso and his companion Nancy Beers of Lansford; sisters, Nancy Stevens of Tamaqua, and Stephanie Holcombe wife of Rich of Georgia; 8 grandchildren; step daughters, Mary and Alyss Troxell.
Born Sunday, February 5, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. the son of Theresa (Smulligan) Tertel-Urso of Lansford, and the late Charles Tertel.
David had worked for J.R. Slaw of Bowmanstown. He was a talented mechanic and enjoyed hunting.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home, Rev. Barry & Tina Brown to officiate. Friends shall be received on Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 P.M., and on the morning of services from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, PA.
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David B. "Dave the DJ" Tertel, 61 of Seventh Street Coaldale, Pennsylvania passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp.
Survived by his wife Liz (Shook ) Tertel; son, David Tertel of Treemont; daughter, Kathy Heffelfinger of Hegins; brothers, Eugene F. Tertel and his companion Susan Schaffer of Lehighton, Stephen E. Tertel and his wife Carol of Frackville, Peter Urso and his companion Nancy Beers of Lansford; sisters, Nancy Stevens of Tamaqua, and Stephanie Holcombe wife of Rich of Georgia; 8 grandchildren; step daughters, Mary and Alyss Troxell.
Born Sunday, February 5, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. the son of Theresa (Smulligan) Tertel-Urso of Lansford, and the late Charles Tertel.
David had worked for J.R. Slaw of Bowmanstown. He was a talented mechanic and enjoyed hunting.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home, Rev. Barry & Tina Brown to officiate. Friends shall be received on Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 P.M., and on the morning of services from 10:00 A.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, PA.
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Wesley Phillip Anchorstar, age 22, of Port Carbon, PA , passed away on Thursday, October 5th, 2017 at his home.
Born in Pottsville, PA on May 15, 1995, he was the son of Mark F. Anchorstar, Port Carbon and Kim R. Murray, Schuylkill Haven.
Wesley was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Class of 2014.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Zachary Murray and paternal grandfather Milton Anchorstar Jr.
In addition to his parents, Wesley is survived by a brother Aden Kyle Anchorstar, Schuylkill Haven; maternal grandmother Jeanne Ann (Rauch) Murray, Schuylkill Haven; paternal grandmother Phillis Anchorstar, Pottsville; and cousins, aunts and uncles.
Funeral Services and Interment will be held private.
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John R. Boniscavage, 82, of Girardville, passed away Saturday evening surrounded by his loving family at his residence.
Born in Girardville on February 24, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Anna Boniscavage.
John was a graduate of Girardville High School. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Church of Girardville.
John proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Randolph.
He retired from Blaschack Coal Company.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Albert, and Edward Boniscavage.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Sonia A. (Jones) Boniscavage; son, John S. Boniscavage husband of Cindy, Girardville; daughters, Victoria Nestor wife of Raymond, Ringtown and Laura Chapman, Lawrenceville, GA; grandsons, David W. Brown, Jr., Girardville and William J. Brown, Ringtown and nieces and nephews.
Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market St., Pottsville has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit SchlitzerAllenPugh.com to leave a condolence for the Boniscavage family.
The family request memorial contributions to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.
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Elizabeth "Libby" Gursky , 93, formerly of St. Clair, died Sunday October 8, 2017 at Orwigsburg Center.
Born in St. Clair, December 17, 1923, She was a daughter of the late John Sr. and Mary (Jurick) Dudick.
She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, PA
Libby was preceded in death her husband Henry J. Gursky on June 22, 2007; 4 brothers John, George, Joseph and Bishop Michael Dudick.; 4 sisters Mary O'Brien, Dorothy Keffer, Irene Giemza and Ann Tizieker.
Surviving are son Henry Gursky of Allentown; 3 daughters Kathleen Hart and her husband John of Emmaus; Elizabeth Carl and her husband Robert of Orwigsburg; Ann Gursky Kirby of Deer Lake. 8 Grandchildren; 3 Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair with Msgr. William F. Glosser officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer Association 3544 N. Progress Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110. Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville will be private.
Elizabeth "Libby" Gursky , 93, formerly of St. Clair, died Sunday October 8, 2017 at Orwigsburg Center.
Born in St. Clair, December 17, 1923, She was a daughter of the late John Sr. and Mary (Jurick) Dudick.
She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, PA
Libby was preceded in death her husband Henry J. Gursky on June 22, 2007; 4 brothers John, George, Joseph and Bishop Michael Dudick.; 4 sisters Mary O'Brien, Dorothy Keffer, Irene Giemza and Ann Tizieker.
Surviving are son Henry Gursky of Allentown; 3 daughters Kathleen Hart and her husband John of Emmaus; Elizabeth Carl and her husband Robert of Orwigsburg; Ann Gursky Kirby of Deer Lake. 8 Grandchildren; 3 Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair with Msgr. William F. Glosser officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer Association 3544 N. Progress Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110. Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville will be private.
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Teresa M. Watson , 88, of Port Carbon, died Monday at The Meadows at York Terrace, Pottsville.
Born in St. Clair, July 27, 1929, She was a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Bardzak) Chismar.
She had worked as a Clerk at Woolworth's Store, Pottsville.
She was a member of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Port Carbon.
She was preceded in death by 3 sisters Margaret Chismar, Bertha Chismar, Anna Reilly; 3 brothers Albert, Joseph and John Chismar.
Surviving are her husband Donald E. Watson; a son Donald R. Watson and his wife Terri of Tamaqua; daughter Mary Louise Paul and her husband John of Deleware. 3 Grandchildren; 4 Great Grandchildren; Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at Private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville .
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
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John J. “Jack” Landers, 71, of Minersville, passed away on Sunday at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Leroy and Marie Durkin Landers. He attended Minersville schools. He was employed as a salesman for Air Brake and Power Equipment Company, Pottsville. He later worked in the security department of the Fairlane Village Mall.
He was an Army veteran. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville.
He was an ardent fan of Notre Dame Football. Jack was a loving husband and caretaker to his wife, a devoted father and Grandpop who loved his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Leroy Landers, Thomas Landers, William Landers and Anna Landers.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Elaine Hamilton; six children, Pamela Cavanaugh (spouse, Michael), Philadelphia, Sherry Davis (spouse, Terry), Philadelphia, Greg Hamilton (spouse, Chris), Pottsville, Mark Hamilton, Buck Run, Chuckie Hamilton (spouse, Chris), and Bridget Stine (spouse, Scott), Branchdale; 15 grandchildren; 6 greeat grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Landers, Lakeland, Florida, and Patsy Landers, Tuscon, Arizona; nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville on Friday from 6:00 P.M. until the time of service at 7:30 P.M. Interment with military honors will be at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township.
John J. “Jack” Landers, 71, of Minersville, passed away on Sunday at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Leroy and Marie Durkin Landers. He attended Minersville schools. He was employed as a salesman for Air Brake and Power Equipment Company, Pottsville. He later worked in the security department of the Fairlane Village Mall.
He was an Army veteran. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville.
He was an ardent fan of Notre Dame Football. Jack was a loving husband and caretaker to his wife, a devoted father and Grandpop who loved his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Leroy Landers, Thomas Landers, William Landers and Anna Landers.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Elaine Hamilton; six children, Pamela Cavanaugh (spouse, Michael), Philadelphia, Sherry Davis (spouse, Terry), Philadelphia, Greg Hamilton (spouse, Chris), Pottsville, Mark Hamilton, Buck Run, Chuckie Hamilton (spouse, Chris), and Bridget Stine (spouse, Scott), Branchdale; 15 grandchildren; 6 greeat grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Landers, Lakeland, Florida, and Patsy Landers, Tuscon, Arizona; nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville on Friday from 6:00 P.M. until the time of service at 7:30 P.M. Interment with military honors will be at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township.
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Dorothy A. Parker, 88, formerly of Muir, passed away Sunday morning at Heritage Mill Personal Care Home, Tower City.
Born in Muir, June 16, 1929, a daughter of the late John and Myrle Peiffer Troutman.
Dorothy was a 1947 graduate of the former Porter Township High School. Dorothy was a life member of the former Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Muir, where she was a Sunday School teacher since 1952 and a Steward of the church.
She was Minority Inspector for the Election Board in Muir, was a Girl Scout leader and camp counselor for over 35 years and a former member of the Porter Tower Flower Club.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, William Parker, 2001; sisters, Catherine Snyder and Florence Miller; brother John Troutman, Jr. and a great granddaughter Katlyn Gallup.
Surviving are her four children, Darlene Jones, GreenLane; Jane Petrilla, Schuylkill Haven, Pryce Parker, Tremont and John Parker, Muir. Eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 13th at 11:00 am from the chapel of Dimon Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor John Phillippi. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Muir. Viewing will be from 10-11 am at the chapel. To sign the guestbook visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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