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Thomas Arthur Sage, 76, of Stanford, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019. Cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home.
Born March 12, 1943 in Pottsville, PA to George and Eva (Greenawalt) Sage, Tom was raised in Schuylkill Haven, PA, graduating from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1961. He met Patricia Coller in the hallway of the high school when he was just 15 and knew at once that she was “the one”. They were married in Landingville, PA on July 7, 1962, and were together 56 years, 11 months, and 23 days, until his passing.
Tom and Pat started married life at Headquarters, Marine Corp (HQMC) Arlington, VA from 1961 to 1966. After his honorable discharge they lived in Schuylkill County, PA, settling in Landingville, PA in 1968 where they lived for 21 years, raising two children. In 1990 they moved to Big Sky, MT, living there until 2010, before retiring to Stanford.
A journalist throughout his working career, Tom worked as an outdoor editor for the Pottsville Republican, Shenendoah Herald and Shamokin Citizen Pennsylvania newspapers. While in Big Sky, he was an outdoor writer for the Lone Peak Lookout.
Tom was a Boy Scout leader, NRA lifetime member and a hunter education instructor for 20 years in PA and in Big Sky, MT for 10 years. He was secretary of the Schuylkill County Sportsman Association, a life member (honorary) of Lavelle Rod and Gun Club (PA), and an active member with the American Legion Post 99 at Big Sky.
Tom was a passionate, hard working advocate for conservation and outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing and wildlife habitat preservation. An avid hunter and fisherman, Tom worked tirelessly to educate and pass on to future generations his love and wise stewardship of the natural world.
Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Ann Sage; son, Thomas G. Sage; daughter, Sandra J. McCord; sister, Sally Jean (Tony) Weisacosky, Tamaqua, PA; brother, Robert H. (Bonnie) Sage, Windsor, CO; seven grandchildren: Hayley R. McCord, Houston, TX, P. James McCord (Jillian), Santa Cruz, CA, Thomas G. SageJr(Kate), McKinney, TX, Michael Sage McCord, Spokane, WA, John Mark McCord, Spokane, WA, Hannah Sage, Catawissa, Pa, and Rachel Sage, Nanticoke, PA.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though he die’.”
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
Born March 12, 1943 in Pottsville, PA to George and Eva (Greenawalt) Sage, Tom was raised in Schuylkill Haven, PA, graduating from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1961. He met Patricia Coller in the hallway of the high school when he was just 15 and knew at once that she was “the one”. They were married in Landingville, PA on July 7, 1962, and were together 56 years, 11 months, and 23 days, until his passing.
Tom and Pat started married life at Headquarters, Marine Corp (HQMC) Arlington, VA from 1961 to 1966. After his honorable discharge they lived in Schuylkill County, PA, settling in Landingville, PA in 1968 where they lived for 21 years, raising two children. In 1990 they moved to Big Sky, MT, living there until 2010, before retiring to Stanford.
A journalist throughout his working career, Tom worked as an outdoor editor for the Pottsville Republican, Shenendoah Herald and Shamokin Citizen Pennsylvania newspapers. While in Big Sky, he was an outdoor writer for the Lone Peak Lookout.
Tom was a Boy Scout leader, NRA lifetime member and a hunter education instructor for 20 years in PA and in Big Sky, MT for 10 years. He was secretary of the Schuylkill County Sportsman Association, a life member (honorary) of Lavelle Rod and Gun Club (PA), and an active member with the American Legion Post 99 at Big Sky.
Tom was a passionate, hard working advocate for conservation and outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing and wildlife habitat preservation. An avid hunter and fisherman, Tom worked tirelessly to educate and pass on to future generations his love and wise stewardship of the natural world.
Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia Ann Sage; son, Thomas G. Sage; daughter, Sandra J. McCord; sister, Sally Jean (Tony) Weisacosky, Tamaqua, PA; brother, Robert H. (Bonnie) Sage, Windsor, CO; seven grandchildren: Hayley R. McCord, Houston, TX, P. James McCord (Jillian), Santa Cruz, CA, Thomas G. SageJr(Kate), McKinney, TX, Michael Sage McCord, Spokane, WA, John Mark McCord, Spokane, WA, Hannah Sage, Catawissa, Pa, and Rachel Sage, Nanticoke, PA.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though he die’.”
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com
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James E. Staerk, 61, of Ringtown, passed away on Monday, July 8th at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 6th, 1958 in Abington, Pa in Montgomery County to the late Paul Francis Staerk Sr. and living mother Virginia M. “Britland” Staerk
James worked as a caregiver in the healthcare industry and was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Ringtown and was studying to become a Deacon.
Besides his father, James was preceded by 1 brother, John Joseph Staerk
Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Kathleen “Mays” Staerk, 1 son – Jacob Daniel Staerk of Pottsville, 1 daughter, Jennifer Marie Sieber of Morgantown, WV, 1 brother – Paul Francis Staerk Jr. with his wife Nancy of Zion Grove, 2 sisters, Pati Kennedy with her husband Richard Szente of Harleysville, Pa and Virginia Landis of Ashland, 2 grandchildren, Evie Marie Sieber and Nolan Michael Sieber, also surviving is his best friend, Kevin McCabe and several nieces and nephews.
" Jim's legacy is one of unconditional love and compassion. He was known for his good-humor, infectious laughter and kind spirit. Jim demonstrated pride in working for nearly 30 years as a caregiver, often forming extraordinary bonds with his clients. He was also very proud of his children, his grandchildren, his garden and his home. Jim was a man of great faith. He was devoted to his family and he adored his mother. He was quick to defend the ones he loved with passion and veracity. He knew no stranger. He lifted up the vulnerable and the broken, without hesitation. Jim gave hope and encouragement. He touched so many lives. He will be deeply and sincerely missed. "
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 19th from 3 to 5pm at St. Paul’s U.C.C. Church, 100 E. Main St, Ringtown, Pa. Scripture services will be held at 5pm with Pastor Craig Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. A gathering of loved ones will be held at the church following the memorial service, refreshments will be provided.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 100 East Main St, PO Box 211, Ringtown, Pa 17967
James worked as a caregiver in the healthcare industry and was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Ringtown and was studying to become a Deacon.
Besides his father, James was preceded by 1 brother, John Joseph Staerk
Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Kathleen “Mays” Staerk, 1 son – Jacob Daniel Staerk of Pottsville, 1 daughter, Jennifer Marie Sieber of Morgantown, WV, 1 brother – Paul Francis Staerk Jr. with his wife Nancy of Zion Grove, 2 sisters, Pati Kennedy with her husband Richard Szente of Harleysville, Pa and Virginia Landis of Ashland, 2 grandchildren, Evie Marie Sieber and Nolan Michael Sieber, also surviving is his best friend, Kevin McCabe and several nieces and nephews.
" Jim's legacy is one of unconditional love and compassion. He was known for his good-humor, infectious laughter and kind spirit. Jim demonstrated pride in working for nearly 30 years as a caregiver, often forming extraordinary bonds with his clients. He was also very proud of his children, his grandchildren, his garden and his home. Jim was a man of great faith. He was devoted to his family and he adored his mother. He was quick to defend the ones he loved with passion and veracity. He knew no stranger. He lifted up the vulnerable and the broken, without hesitation. Jim gave hope and encouragement. He touched so many lives. He will be deeply and sincerely missed. "
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 19th from 3 to 5pm at St. Paul’s U.C.C. Church, 100 E. Main St, Ringtown, Pa. Scripture services will be held at 5pm with Pastor Craig Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. A gathering of loved ones will be held at the church following the memorial service, refreshments will be provided.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 100 East Main St, PO Box 211, Ringtown, Pa 17967
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Virginia "Ginny" A. Balsavage, 67, Girardville, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Sunday evening.
Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Olga Chickersky Beneshunas. She was self employed as a beautician in Girardville for many years before working at City Shirt, Frackville until her retirement.
She was a member of the former St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville now worship site of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.
Virginia enjoyed outdoor sporting events including boating and riding motorcycles.
She is survived by her brother Michael Beneshunas, Girardville; her fiancé Wally Hause, Girardville and her loving boxer dog, Dylan; Also several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Olga Chickersky Beneshunas. She was self employed as a beautician in Girardville for many years before working at City Shirt, Frackville until her retirement.
She was a member of the former St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville now worship site of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.
Virginia enjoyed outdoor sporting events including boating and riding motorcycles.
She is survived by her brother Michael Beneshunas, Girardville; her fiancé Wally Hause, Girardville and her loving boxer dog, Dylan; Also several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
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Dennis L. Stanczyk, 65, of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Shenandoah, November 29, 1953, he was a son of the late John and Eleanor (Nedinsky) Stanczyk.
He attended J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.
Dennis was a decorated Air Force veteran having served his country during the Vietnam era.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, formerly St. George’s Parish, and Disabled American Veterans, Shenandoah.
Dennis was a man with an enormous heart, always willing to help others. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister, Theresa Santella.
Surviving are three sisters, Rita Karlavage, of Shenandoah, with whom he resided, Susan Schegan and her husband, David, of Hazleton, and Lisa Breznik and her husband, Frank, of Shenandoah; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; many friends.
Religious services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, from Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Sister Patricia Weidman, CSA, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Shenandoah, November 29, 1953, he was a son of the late John and Eleanor (Nedinsky) Stanczyk.
He attended J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.
Dennis was a decorated Air Force veteran having served his country during the Vietnam era.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, formerly St. George’s Parish, and Disabled American Veterans, Shenandoah.
Dennis was a man with an enormous heart, always willing to help others. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister, Theresa Santella.
Surviving are three sisters, Rita Karlavage, of Shenandoah, with whom he resided, Susan Schegan and her husband, David, of Hazleton, and Lisa Breznik and her husband, Frank, of Shenandoah; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; many friends.
Religious services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, from Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Sister Patricia Weidman, CSA, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Colin R. O'Connor, 47, of Pottsville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon.
Born in Pottsville, on September 16, 1971, he was the son of Robert R. and the late Mary Ann (Kadingo)
O'Connor.
He was a member of the former Mary Queen of Peace RCC.
Colin was a 1988 graduate of Pottsville High School.
He was employed by Hazleton Scrap Co.as a truck driver for 15 years. He was also a member of the
Teamsters Local 429, Reading.
Colin enjoyed working on cars and off-road driving and was an avid dog lover.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert K. O'Connor and step-mother, Mary Jane (Curran) O'Connor.
Colin is survived by his father, Robert R.; brothers: John F. (Jack) O'Connor, husband of Cheryl, of Hometown; and James M. O'Connor, husband of Tammy, of Wilkes Barre; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 15th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, on Monday at 9:00 a.m. until the procession will leave for church.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Colin's memory be sent to the Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.
Born in Pottsville, on September 16, 1971, he was the son of Robert R. and the late Mary Ann (Kadingo)
O'Connor.
He was a member of the former Mary Queen of Peace RCC.
Colin was a 1988 graduate of Pottsville High School.
He was employed by Hazleton Scrap Co.as a truck driver for 15 years. He was also a member of the
Teamsters Local 429, Reading.
Colin enjoyed working on cars and off-road driving and was an avid dog lover.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert K. O'Connor and step-mother, Mary Jane (Curran) O'Connor.
Colin is survived by his father, Robert R.; brothers: John F. (Jack) O'Connor, husband of Cheryl, of Hometown; and James M. O'Connor, husband of Tammy, of Wilkes Barre; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 15th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, on Monday at 9:00 a.m. until the procession will leave for church.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Colin's memory be sent to the Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, 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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