Friday, February 2, 2018

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 02/01/2018



Schuylkill County Obituaries for 02/01/2018

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Emily E. Miller, of Village Road Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital at the age of 88.

Survived by her devoted husband of sixty-four years, K. Sam Miller; beloved daughter, Megan M. Hufford and her husband Steve of Orwigsburg; grandchildren Evan and Bradley who affectionately called her Mimi, as well as many cousins and friends.

Born April 30, 1929 in Palmerton, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Evan Evans, and Arvilla (Davis) Evans.

A 1946 graduate of Lansford High School, Emily attended The Knox School in Cooperstown, New York before matriculating to Cornell University, graduating in 1951 with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Emily retired from the Schuylkill County Court House as Deputy Director of Domestic Relations in 1998.

Civically conscious, Emily was Executive Director of the Drug & Alcohol Agency in Schuylkill County for over 30 years, an advisory member of the Schuylkill County Mental Health Board from 1975-2006, and Past President of the Schuylkill County Welsh Society. Emily was a Charter Member of the Dual Valley Recreation Association, serving as board member and secretary for many years. She directed the Pottsville Kilts Bagpipe Band during her daughter Megan's tenure. Emily was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Pottsville and served on the Session Board.

Her heartfelt advice was sought by many friends and family members. She was always faithful, kind, and caring. Her grandsons were the pride and joy of Emily’s life. Spending time with her family at Greenwood Lake, playing tennis, fishing, and bird-watching were some of her favorite pastimes.

The longtime matriarch of the Evans family, Emily had a passion for keeping her Welsh heritage alive. She provided many stories and a detailed ancestry for her family members.

Private 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.

An intimate family service will be held at the Griffiths Funeral Home with interment at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

United Presbyterian Church of Pottsville
214 Mahantongo Street
Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901

or

Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library
214 East Independence Street
Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania 17961

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Lewis W. Fidler, 94, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, January 31st, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg, where he had been a resident.

Born in Auburn, PA on January 15, 1924, he was a son of the late Jeremiah & Ellen (Werner) Fidler.

He was the widower of Phyllis L. (Aulenbach) Fidler.

In addition to his wife, he is also preceded in death by son, James Fidler, brothers; Henry & Rudy, and sisters; Vera, Eva, Fay, Grace, and Mabel.

Lewis served in the U.S. Army in WW II as a member of the 66th Panther Division. He was a POW, having been captured in France.

He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. He also belonged to the Schuylkill Lodge No. 138 F & AM of Orwigsburg.

Lewis was formerly employed by Alcoa in the extrusion and maintenance departments.

He is survived by a daughter, Sally Magalengo & husband, Jan, of Orwigsburg; grandchildren; Jarrad Bernitsky & wife, Cindy, Schuylkill Haven, Kelly Jo Stidham, Orwigsburg, James Fidler, Minersville, Jody Fidler, Auburn, and Chloe Fidler, Orwigsburg, five great-grandchildren, and a sister, Betty Correll, Port Clinton.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6th, with Rev. David Rowe officiating.

A viewing will be held Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Interment will follow the service at Summer Hill Cemetery, Auburn.

Family request donations in Lewis' memory to Jerusalem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 252 Dock Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 or Schuylkill Lodge No. 138 F & AM, P. O. Box 322, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.


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Charles F. Stancavage, 86, of Tuscarora, PA died peacefully at Lehigh Valley Hospital Network, Cedar Crest on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. 

Born in Tuscarora, he was the son of the late Charles and Anna (nee Markovich) Stancavage. Charles was a 1949 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School. He played in the Minor Leagues as a starting pitcher for the Berwick Team, which disbanded due to the Korean War. Charles joined the US Army and served as Sergeant for Communications Installations in Paris. He was recognized and excelled in the service as a Sharpshooter, which served him well in his lifelong love of hunting, which he continued up to the month prior to his passing. Charles obtained his Associate Degree in Electronics, and worked as a Design Engineer at ICI where he retired in 1992. Early in his life, he also worked several years in the coal mines. C

harles was known as a “Jack of All Trades…Master at Most” and shared his knowledge as a mentor and teacher to many. He was affectionately known by friends as “Yun”, “Junie”, “Junior”, “JR”, and “Stan”. 

The one Charles most affectionately adored and was adored by is his wife of 58 years, Claire Fagan Stancavage of Tuscarora. He is also survived by son Mark Stancavage (Sue DeCindio) of Tuscarora and three daughters, Ann Dougherty of Evergreen Colorado, Clare Stancavage of Easton PA, and Rita Deimler and husband Steve of Hurdle Mills NC. Also surviving is his sister Anna Mae Shukausky and husband Lenny of Allentown, PA and nephew Tony Shukausky of Allentown. 

Charles leaves behind many other friends he has known and mentored through his involvement in the Tuscarora Sportsmans Club, Tuscarora Fire Company, Tuscarora Baseball Team, Schuylkill County Zoning Board, Dart Team, and his many friends he shared time with hunting and fishing. Though we will miss Dad, all will rest easy knowing Heaven’s lawn will be kept trim until we walk alongside him again in that greener grass. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 3 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. The service will be followed by interment in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown at 11 AM. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.


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Jule B. Dougherty, 86, of Mahanoy Plane, died Monday at Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Shenandoah .

Born in Mahanoy Plane, August 7, 1931, She was a daughter of the late William Kabulis and Marion Wonn Kabulis.

She was a graduate of Gilberton High School.

Jule was of the Catholic Faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Dougherty in 1996. Brothers Clement and William Kabulis; Sisters Frances Seymour and Rose Davis.

Surviving are son Eugene Dougherty of Mahanoy Plane; Sister Mary Coleman; Brother Joseph Kabulis.

Funeral Service will be Private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.

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Verna (Majeskie) Sauers, 84, of Pottsville died peacefully Tuesday at her residence at Providence Place in Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville on November 5, 1933, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary (Guidas) Majeskie.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville.

Verna was a 1951 graduate of Pottsville High School. She married Francis Sauers and together they operated Sauers Hardware & Toy Store on West Market St., Pottsville until they retired.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Sauers; brothers: George, Andrew, and Joseph Majeskie; sisters: Ann Ruczko, Mary Narwich, and Betty Wood.

Verna is survived by her sisters: Suzanne Wartella, of Pottsville; Rose Campbell, of Rockville, MD; and Peggy Briggman, of Philadelphia; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA, with Rev. David J. Loeper officiating. A viewing will be held in the church at 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Interment will follow in St. John #2 Cemetery, Pottsville.

The family request contributions in Verna's memory be sent to: St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com

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Emil Gonzales, age 91, of Bethlehem and formerly of Mahanoy City, died Tuesday at his home. 

Born in Mahanoy City he was the son of the late Manuel and Raphaela (Fernandez) Gonzales Sr. He was a graduate of Mahanoy City and was a United States Army veteran. He was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. He worked for and retired from Bethlehem Steel. 

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were 2 brothers Joseph killed in action in World War II and Manuel Gonzales Jr. and a sister Katherine Fernandez. 

Survivors include 3 brothers Theodore of Mahanoy City, and Albert and Ralph both of Virginia, one sister Lena Gomez of Montgomeryville PA, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. 

Services will be private. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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Joan E. Starkey, age 75, of Maple Hill, died Thursday morning at York Terrace in Pottsville. 

Born in Luton Bedsford England she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Gladys Jane "Midge" (Hammond) Rampley. She graduated high school in England coming to the United States in 1966 and worked as a homemaker. She was of the Protestant faith. She enjoyed picnics with her family at the local state parks. Having a sweet nature and kind of heart she was loved by all who met her. 

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband John in 2004 and a brother Jimmy Rampley. 

Survivors include three daughters Donna Starkey of Maple Hill, Susan Lowes and her husband Albert of Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, Debra Branson of Pottsville, 2 sons John Starkey Jr. of Maple Hill and Paul Rampley of England, 3 grandchildren Lauren and Shane Starkey and Ashley Whiting. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. 

Private services will be held from David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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Eileen M. Wessner, 74, of Tower City, passed away peacefully Wednesday at her home after a 15 year courageous fight against cancer.

Born in Pottsville, October 16, 1943 a daughter of the late George and Ethel Thomas Reiner.

Eileen was a 1961 graduate of Porter Tower High School; She retired as an administrative assistant from TYCO, Lickdale.

She was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Muir where she served as the church treasurer and a member of the Helping Hands. She was a member of the former Swatara Eastern Star.

Eileen was a volunteer with Diakon Social Ministries for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother George "Tom" Reiner.

Surviving are her husband, John Wessner, to whom they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on February 9th; her three children, Jonna Hoke (Dave), Orwin; Julie Ullman, Maryland and Dennis Wessner (Cindy), Orwin; one brother, Ken Reiner (Pat), Camp Hill; five grandchildren she adored and was very proud of, Ryan, Lauren and Cory Ullman; Emily and Erica Wessner. Two step granddaughters, Kylie Baker (Adam) and Kortlynd Hoke; two step-great grandsons, Maxon and Kalder Baker

A Celebration of Eileen's Life will be held Monday, February, 5th at 11:00 am from the Grace United Methodist Church, Muir with Pastor Monica Romberger. Memorial donations in her name should be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, Helping Hands Fund, Wiconisco Street, Muir PA 17957. Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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