Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/05/2018
John Mataka, 93, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.
John was born in Duncott, July 4, 1924, a son of the late Bertha and Stephen Mateyka.
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by a brother, George Mataka.
He was the husband of Elaine A. Reedy Mitaka. The couple was married 70 years.
John was a graduate of Pottsville High School. He was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, and served in the Army in World War II.
He was formerly employed as a dye repairman at Alcoa and was a TV repairman, with co-owner Harvey Reedy.
He played in the Hillside Ranch Boys band.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Earl Reber, husband of Peggy, and John "Rusty" Mataka and significant other, Colleen Ryan, all of Pottsville; grandchildren, Michael Reber and Amy Brobst, both of Pottsville; great-grandchildren, Kyla and Jaidin Brobst; sister, Marge Siciensky.
Services are private at the convenience of family. The family requests donations to a charity of the donor's choice .
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Michael C. Smyk, Sr., 68, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Wednesday afternoon at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Pottsville, September 25, 1949, son of the late Michael and Helen Reightler Smyk.
Mike was a 1967 graduate of Williams Valley High School and Williamson Trade School.
Mike was a retired Production Engineer from the former Berg Electronics. Following retirement he worked for Dairy Farmers of America.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers; working on cars, doing jig saw puzzles and watching sports.
Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Elizabeth Barket Smyk; a son, Michael C. Smyk, Jr. and a daughter, Crystal A. Smyk both of Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Kay Reiner (Sam), Muir; and Tina Watkins, Florida; three brothers, Frank Smyk (Lori), Tower City; Tony Smyk (Lorna), Hegins; Nicholas Smyk (Martha), Florida. Nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 9th at 10 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc. Tower City with Pastor Monica Romberger. Burial will be in Greenland Cemetery, R.D. Tower City; Viewing will be from 9-10 at the chapel. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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Born in Gratz, August 5, 1929, a son of the late Charles and Lillian Shade Keefer.
Blair was a graduate of the former Porter Twp. High School. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War where he served as a medic.
He was retired from RCA, Lancaster.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Chyke Keefer.
Surviving are his sister, Alice Carney, Maryland; three nieces.
Services will be private. Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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