Schuylkill County Obituaries for 06/09/18
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Thomas William Ward, 91, of Barnesville, PA, passed away Friday morning, June 8th, at his residence.
Thomas was born in Frackville, PA on September 24, 1926, a son of the late Ethel (Schaeffer) and Thomas A. Ward.
He lived in Boston Run, Mahanoy City, and Barnesville.
He Attended Mahanoy Township Schools and received his honorary diploma from Mahanoy Area High School.
Tom was an Electrical Contractor.
He had been a member of the Zion Baptist Church and served as a Lay Speaker and Deacon.
Tom served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater in Japan during World War II. He was a member of the VFW post 1420 for over 50 years, and member of the American Legion Post 74 Mahanoy City.
He had a lifetime love of basketball and played full court up into his 80’s. He was dedicated to remembering the fallen veterans of WWII and created dozens of binders for the Historical Society and Legion Posts detailing the service of many of our local veterans.
Tom served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater in Japan during World War II. He was a member of the VFW post 1420 for over 50 years, and member of the American Legion Post 74 Mahanoy City.
He had a lifetime love of basketball and played full court up into his 80’s. He was dedicated to remembering the fallen veterans of WWII and created dozens of binders for the Historical Society and Legion Posts detailing the service of many of our local veterans.
Tom was a Lifetime Member Little Schuylkill Conservation Club, Director Emeritus Penna. National Bank, Director and V.P. of Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce, had served on Advisory Board of Schuylkill County Vo-Tech, sponsor and coach of the Little League Team, coach of Biddy Basketball Team, Life Time Member of Citizens Fire Company & Mahanoy City Emergency Medical Services, Mahanoy City Alummi Association, Named “Citizen of the Year” by Elks in 1994, Supporter and fundraiser for the Upper Schuylkill Band, Former Member of Mahanoy City Library Board, Member and past President of Mahanoy Area Historical Society.
He was the husband of Dorothy (Hughes) Ward for 69 years.
Thomas is also survived by three daughters, Peggy, wife of Paul Coombe, of New Boston; Carol, wife of Carmine Colasante, of Pine Grove; Barbara Ward, of East Fallowfield PA; a son,Thomas, husband of Faith Ward, of Bowmans; and by a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Brill, of North Carolina.
He is also survived by Grandson Thomas Ward III and his wife Megan Barnesville, Great Grandchildren Thomas Ward and Jilyan and Jianna Seddon. Nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by a granddaughter Jennifer Ward.
He is also survived by Grandson Thomas Ward III and his wife Megan Barnesville, Great Grandchildren Thomas Ward and Jilyan and Jianna Seddon. Nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by a granddaughter Jennifer Ward.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 12th, with Rev Bob Adams officiating.
Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 9 pm at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City
Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 9 pm at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City
Interment will be private at convenience of the Family in the German Protestant Cemetery Association Mahanoy City, PA.
He had a great love of the Upper Schuylkill Band and of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to these organizations.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Vincent A. Gormas, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 after a lengthy illness at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehab. Center, Shenandoah, PA where he was a long time resident. Born in Girardville, PA on July 6, 1935 to John and Anna Gormas.
Vincent was a 1954 graduate of Girardville High School. He served in the United States Army. He was retired from the state of Pennsylvania where he worked as a maintenance man.
Preceding him in death are his wife, the former: Mary Joan Troutman. Brothers: John, George, and Albert. Sisters: Margaret, Anna, and Frances.
Surviving are his daughter: Mary-Anne Leitzel. Grandson: Christopher. Several nieces and nephews.
Chester E. "Chet" Shanoskie, 60, of Pottsville, formerly of Saint Clair, died Wednesday at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading.
Born in Pottsville, Sept. 11, 1957, he was a son of the late Chester and Dolores Reynolds Shanoskie.
He was a 1975 graduate from Saint Clair High School.
Chet was a heavy equipment operator, retiring from PPL in 2014 and was last working for Miller Bros. Construction, Schuylkill Haven.
He was a lay Eucharistic minister at Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church, Saint Clair, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 743.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Sohosky; and his first wife, Dale Barthel Shanoskie.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Jones Shanoskie; two sons, Ross Shanoskie, Gordon, and Jeremy Johnson and his wife, Amy, South Carolina; four daughters, Lauren Shanoskie, Minersville, Marina Shanoskie, Pittsburgh, Kelsey Shanoskie, Deerfield Beach, Fla., and Shelby Jones, New York; a brother, David Shanoskie and his partner, Kirk Gonzales, Miami Beach, Fla.; four sisters, Cynthia Melnic and her husband, Michael, Allentown, Christine Mansell, Schuylkill Haven, Judy Sweat and her husband, John, Pottsville, and Mimi Shanoskie, New Philadelphia; two grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday from Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church, Nichols and Hancock streets, Saint Clair. The Rev. James C. Smith will be officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. Second St., Saint Clair. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue, 60 Molleystown Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963, or Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Lincoln Patrick Finneran, infant son of Brian and Krystal (Bernardyn) Finneran, Barnesville, became and angel with God early Friday morning. Lincoln's mother and father were blessed to spend time with him and although time was a thief, he had loving arms that once held him.
Vincent A. Gormas, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 after a lengthy illness at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehab. Center, Shenandoah, PA where he was a long time resident. Born in Girardville, PA on July 6, 1935 to John and Anna Gormas.
Vincent was a 1954 graduate of Girardville High School. He served in the United States Army. He was retired from the state of Pennsylvania where he worked as a maintenance man.
Preceding him in death are his wife, the former: Mary Joan Troutman. Brothers: John, George, and Albert. Sisters: Margaret, Anna, and Frances.
Surviving are his daughter: Mary-Anne Leitzel. Grandson: Christopher. Several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM from St. Charles Borromeo Church, Girardville, PA with Rev. Paul Rothermel officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery, Frackville, PA. Viewing Monday, 10:00-11:00 AM in the church.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
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Chester E. "Chet" Shanoskie, 60, of Pottsville, formerly of Saint Clair, died Wednesday at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading.
Born in Pottsville, Sept. 11, 1957, he was a son of the late Chester and Dolores Reynolds Shanoskie.
He was a 1975 graduate from Saint Clair High School.
Chet was a heavy equipment operator, retiring from PPL in 2014 and was last working for Miller Bros. Construction, Schuylkill Haven.
He was a lay Eucharistic minister at Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church, Saint Clair, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 743.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Sohosky; and his first wife, Dale Barthel Shanoskie.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Jones Shanoskie; two sons, Ross Shanoskie, Gordon, and Jeremy Johnson and his wife, Amy, South Carolina; four daughters, Lauren Shanoskie, Minersville, Marina Shanoskie, Pittsburgh, Kelsey Shanoskie, Deerfield Beach, Fla., and Shelby Jones, New York; a brother, David Shanoskie and his partner, Kirk Gonzales, Miami Beach, Fla.; four sisters, Cynthia Melnic and her husband, Michael, Allentown, Christine Mansell, Schuylkill Haven, Judy Sweat and her husband, John, Pottsville, and Mimi Shanoskie, New Philadelphia; two grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday from Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church, Nichols and Hancock streets, Saint Clair. The Rev. James C. Smith will be officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. Second St., Saint Clair. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue, 60 Molleystown Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963, or Holy Apostle's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
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Lincoln Patrick Finneran, infant son of Brian and Krystal (Bernardyn) Finneran, Barnesville, became and angel with God early Friday morning. Lincoln's mother and father were blessed to spend time with him and although time was a thief, he had loving arms that once held him.
Survivors include a brother, Daxton John at home who now has the most special angel watching over him, maternal grandmother Karen Bernardyn of Frackville and paternal grandparents John A. and Suzanne Finneran of Mechanicsville and Donna and John Guers of St. Clair.
He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles and cousins. He was loved beyond measure.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the maternity staff that were involved in the care of Lincoln at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton.
Services will be privately held.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.
Barry Drumheller, 60, of Ringtown, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at his residence.
Barry was born in Shenandoah on June 13, 1957, a son of the late Elva (Kline) Drumheller and Albert Drumhller.
After graduating high school. Barry served in the US Army. He last worked in the New Jersey area on the railroad. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and he was an avid NASCAR fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Malinowski and three brothers, Robert, Albert and Paul Drumheller.
He is survived by his daughter Maryanne Morrisey, along with Adam Slavinsky of Shenandoah. 8 sisters, Linda Shoup and Esther Drumheller, both of Turkey Run, Fran, wife of Ted Lyon, Elysburg; Carrie Valouskey, of Indiana; Trudi, wife of Gary Kreisl of Hazleton; Nancy, wife of Dave Keissling of Florida; Connie, wife of Dan Gallagher of Sheppton; Kim Letcavage of Delano; and two brothers, Daniel Drumheller, and Brian Drumheller and his wife Lisa, both of Shenandoah.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Barry's family from 6-8PM on Monday, June 11th , 2018 at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
Charles R. "Bobby" Zerby, Jr., 54, of Muir, passed away Friday night at his home with his wife by his side after a two year courageous fight against cancer.
Born in Harrisburg, March 27,1964, a son of Nicola "Nicky" Phillips Zerby, Williamstown and the late Charles R. Zerby, Sr.
Bobby was a 1982 graduate of Williams Valley High School. He was employed at TE Connectivity as a Journeyman Mold Maker for the last 24 years.
He was of the Catholic Faith. He was the former president and coach of the Tower City Softball Association; a member of the Williamstown American Legion; Beaver Camp of Lykens since the age of 18 and life member of the 381st Airborne.
Bobby's greatest joy in life was his family; he enjoyed following his daughter's softball career with the Williams Valley Lady Vikes; the Alley Cats and Hood College Blazers and enjoyed watching women's softball. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, bicycling or being on his motorcycle.
Surviving in addition to his mother, are his wife Patti A. Moore to whom he would be married 32 years, June 14th; his daughter, Krista M. Zerby and her fiance Cameron Campbell, Baltimore MD; a brother, James Zerby, Williamstown; 2 nieces and a nephew, Kara, Emily & James Zerby. Mother-in-law, Alice Moore, Mahanoy City; Brother-in-law, Tim Moore and his wife Tina, Brockton and a sister-in-law, Judy Munoz, Guam. Many dear friends.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday June 13th at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc. Tower CIty with Pastor Annette Shutt. Visitation will be from 10-11 am. Memorial donations in in Bobby's name should be made to Astrazeneca Hope Lodge, 110 W. Laurel Ave., Chaltenham, PA 19012 or EveryMind, Inc., 1000 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20851; www. Every-mind.org. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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Regina Frances Jeffers, of Orwigsburg, PA, died on June 4, 2018 at Pinebrook Personal Care Center. Jean was the last remaining child of William and Catherine Berkley and sister of Catherine, William"Bub," Marian, Lawrence and Joseph. She was the wife of the late Michael Francis Jeffers and beloved stepmother to two sons and one daughter, treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews, a wonderful cousin and true friend to countless people everywhere she went to school, lived, traveled and worshiped. She is survived by many of these people for whom she was a source of joy, compassion and wisdom.
Jean was born in Philadelphia, PA, was a devout Catholic and offered herself to God as a Sister of the Good Shepherd during the early part of her life. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned two Masters degrees in Theology from St. Mary’s College of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. She worked afterward as a human resource manager at Holy Redeemer Hospital. Jean believed in helping the poor and oppressed, in simplicity and in the mercy of God. She delighted in being in woods, birds, dogs, cats, flowers and trees. Jean was an avid reader, writer, thinker and artist. She enjoyed music, stimulating conversation and, more than anything, laughing with those who made her world.
Jean wrote, "The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours when we really live, so that the longer we can stay among these, so much the more is snatched from inevitable time."
Relatives and friends are invited to St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven, PA for a viewing on June 19th, 2018 from 9:30 am followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 Am. Burial services will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 20th.
In lieu of flowers, Jean asked that donations be made to the Divine Word Missionaries, PO Box 6099, Techny, IL 60082.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg, is honored to be serving the family.
Regina Frances Jeffers, of Orwigsburg, PA, died on June 4, 2018 at Pinebrook Personal Care Center. Jean was the last remaining child of William and Catherine Berkley and sister of Catherine, William"Bub," Marian, Lawrence and Joseph. She was the wife of the late Michael Francis Jeffers and beloved stepmother to two sons and one daughter, treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews, a wonderful cousin and true friend to countless people everywhere she went to school, lived, traveled and worshiped. She is survived by many of these people for whom she was a source of joy, compassion and wisdom.
Jean was born in Philadelphia, PA, was a devout Catholic and offered herself to God as a Sister of the Good Shepherd during the early part of her life. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned two Masters degrees in Theology from St. Mary’s College of the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. She worked afterward as a human resource manager at Holy Redeemer Hospital. Jean believed in helping the poor and oppressed, in simplicity and in the mercy of God. She delighted in being in woods, birds, dogs, cats, flowers and trees. Jean was an avid reader, writer, thinker and artist. She enjoyed music, stimulating conversation and, more than anything, laughing with those who made her world.
Jean wrote, "The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours when we really live, so that the longer we can stay among these, so much the more is snatched from inevitable time."
Relatives and friends are invited to St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven, PA for a viewing on June 19th, 2018 from 9:30 am followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 Am. Burial services will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 20th.
In lieu of flowers, Jean asked that donations be made to the Divine Word Missionaries, PO Box 6099, Techny, IL 60082.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg, is honored to be serving the family.
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Barry Drumheller, 60, of Ringtown, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at his residence.
Barry was born in Shenandoah on June 13, 1957, a son of the late Elva (Kline) Drumheller and Albert Drumhller.
After graduating high school. Barry served in the US Army. He last worked in the New Jersey area on the railroad. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and he was an avid NASCAR fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Malinowski and three brothers, Robert, Albert and Paul Drumheller.
He is survived by his daughter Maryanne Morrisey, along with Adam Slavinsky of Shenandoah. 8 sisters, Linda Shoup and Esther Drumheller, both of Turkey Run, Fran, wife of Ted Lyon, Elysburg; Carrie Valouskey, of Indiana; Trudi, wife of Gary Kreisl of Hazleton; Nancy, wife of Dave Keissling of Florida; Connie, wife of Dan Gallagher of Sheppton; Kim Letcavage of Delano; and two brothers, Daniel Drumheller, and Brian Drumheller and his wife Lisa, both of Shenandoah.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Barry's family from 6-8PM on Monday, June 11th , 2018 at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
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Charles R. "Bobby" Zerby, Jr., 54, of Muir, passed away Friday night at his home with his wife by his side after a two year courageous fight against cancer.
Born in Harrisburg, March 27,1964, a son of Nicola "Nicky" Phillips Zerby, Williamstown and the late Charles R. Zerby, Sr.
Bobby was a 1982 graduate of Williams Valley High School. He was employed at TE Connectivity as a Journeyman Mold Maker for the last 24 years.
He was of the Catholic Faith. He was the former president and coach of the Tower City Softball Association; a member of the Williamstown American Legion; Beaver Camp of Lykens since the age of 18 and life member of the 381st Airborne.
Bobby's greatest joy in life was his family; he enjoyed following his daughter's softball career with the Williams Valley Lady Vikes; the Alley Cats and Hood College Blazers and enjoyed watching women's softball. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, bicycling or being on his motorcycle.
Surviving in addition to his mother, are his wife Patti A. Moore to whom he would be married 32 years, June 14th; his daughter, Krista M. Zerby and her fiance Cameron Campbell, Baltimore MD; a brother, James Zerby, Williamstown; 2 nieces and a nephew, Kara, Emily & James Zerby. Mother-in-law, Alice Moore, Mahanoy City; Brother-in-law, Tim Moore and his wife Tina, Brockton and a sister-in-law, Judy Munoz, Guam. Many dear friends.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday June 13th at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc. Tower CIty with Pastor Annette Shutt. Visitation will be from 10-11 am. Memorial donations in in Bobby's name should be made to Astrazeneca Hope Lodge, 110 W. Laurel Ave., Chaltenham, PA 19012 or EveryMind, Inc., 1000 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20851; www. Every-mind.org. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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