----------------------------------------------------
Howard J. Billig, 84 years of age, of West High Street Coaldale, Pennsylvania passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at St. Luke's Bethlehem after a brief illness.
Born Monday, April 29, 1935 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late Howard and Aulene (Miller) Billig. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor P. "Teta" Billig who passed away on Sept. 13, 2018; brothers, William and Richard Billig.
Surviving are brother, Donald L. Billig and his wife Lucille of Treverton, and many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Summit Hill High School, Howard served honorably in the United States Army. Howard retired from Ametek Corp of Nesquehoning.
Howard, was a longtime member of the Hillside Hunters of Weatherly, and was an avid outdoors man. Howard hunted, fished, golfed and liked to bowl. He enjoyed the companionship of his dogs.
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
A Celebration of Howard's life will be held on Tuesday evening February 4, 2020 at 6 o'clock PM from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery later in the Spring.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Born Monday, April 29, 1935 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late Howard and Aulene (Miller) Billig. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor P. "Teta" Billig who passed away on Sept. 13, 2018; brothers, William and Richard Billig.
Surviving are brother, Donald L. Billig and his wife Lucille of Treverton, and many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Summit Hill High School, Howard served honorably in the United States Army. Howard retired from Ametek Corp of Nesquehoning.
Howard, was a longtime member of the Hillside Hunters of Weatherly, and was an avid outdoors man. Howard hunted, fished, golfed and liked to bowl. He enjoyed the companionship of his dogs.
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
A Celebration of Howard's life will be held on Tuesday evening February 4, 2020 at 6 o'clock PM from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery later in the Spring.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
----------------------------------------------------
Patricia I. Drumblusky, 83, of Shenandoah passed away on Wednesday, January 29th at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community. Born in Shenandoah on March 17th, 1936 she was the daughter of the late Leo and Loretta Gervell.
Patricia was a 1954 J.W. Cooper graduate, worked briefly in the local garment industry, but above all was a devoted housewife and mother. She loved to play bingo and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Albert Drumblusky in 2013, and a son-in-law, Joseph Piampi.
Surviving are 1 son, David Drumblusky – Shenandoah Heights, 2 daughters, Roxana Piampi – Ringtown and Virginia Wuttke with Robert – Frackville, 1 brother, Ronald Gervell with Theresa – Mahanoy City, 3 grandchildren, Kayla, Mckenzie, and Zachary, 2 great grandchildren, Greyson and Audriana, and nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:30pm in Divine Mercy Parish – Sacred Worship Site - St. Casimir’s officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 4th from 5 to 8pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah and again on Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow mass in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Patricia was a 1954 J.W. Cooper graduate, worked briefly in the local garment industry, but above all was a devoted housewife and mother. She loved to play bingo and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Albert Drumblusky in 2013, and a son-in-law, Joseph Piampi.
Surviving are 1 son, David Drumblusky – Shenandoah Heights, 2 daughters, Roxana Piampi – Ringtown and Virginia Wuttke with Robert – Frackville, 1 brother, Ronald Gervell with Theresa – Mahanoy City, 3 grandchildren, Kayla, Mckenzie, and Zachary, 2 great grandchildren, Greyson and Audriana, and nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:30pm in Divine Mercy Parish – Sacred Worship Site - St. Casimir’s officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 4th from 5 to 8pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah and again on Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow mass in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
----------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth “Betty” Dower, 89, of Shenandoah passed away on Friday, January 31st at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community. Born in Connerton, Pa on September 3rd, 1930 she was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth Kalman.
She worked in the local garment industry for many years until her retirement. Betty was a member of the ILGWU, Amalgamated Garment Workers, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, and the Columbia Hose Ladies Auxilliary. Betty was an avid casino goer, she loved baking and crocheting, and was always there to attend any of her grandchildren’s functions. Betty was the last member of her immediate family.
Besides her parents, Betty was preceded by her husband Joseph D. Dower in 2014.
Surviving are 1 son, Michael Dower with Beth – Bloomsburg, 2 daughters, Barbara Wasilewski with Robert – Shenandoah and Carol Kieres with Frank – Barnesville, 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah on Tuesday, February 4th from 10am to 12pm. Betty will be buried beside her husband at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa on Tuesday at 1:30pm.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library or the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens
She worked in the local garment industry for many years until her retirement. Betty was a member of the ILGWU, Amalgamated Garment Workers, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, and the Columbia Hose Ladies Auxilliary. Betty was an avid casino goer, she loved baking and crocheting, and was always there to attend any of her grandchildren’s functions. Betty was the last member of her immediate family.
Besides her parents, Betty was preceded by her husband Joseph D. Dower in 2014.
Surviving are 1 son, Michael Dower with Beth – Bloomsburg, 2 daughters, Barbara Wasilewski with Robert – Shenandoah and Carol Kieres with Frank – Barnesville, 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah on Tuesday, February 4th from 10am to 12pm. Betty will be buried beside her husband at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa on Tuesday at 1:30pm.
Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library or the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens
----------------------------------------------------
Helen T. (Mahulsky) Beddall, 90 of Shenandoah passed away on Thursday afternoon, January 30, 2020 at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Shenandoah on August 6, 1929 she was the daughter of the late John “Jimmy” J. and Helen (Feifer) Mahulsky.
Helen was 1947 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School, Shenandoah Heights.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed in retail having been last employed for Payne’s Flower Shop, Ashland and earlier in their former shop in Shenandoah.
Helen was a member of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Shenandoah and the Ladies Auxiliary of the parish. She was a former board member the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Beddall, Jr. on January 22, 2015.
Surviving are her nephew and caregiver, George H. Taylor and his wife Connie of Shenandoah; her great niece, Amanda Taylor with her son, Helen’s great-great nephew, Chase; her great nephew, Richard Yarnitsky and his wife Heather with their children, Helen’s great-great nephew, Bryden and great-great niece, Kadence; her godchild and cousin Elaine Prybolsky of Mesa, Arizona; additional cousins and friends.
Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:00 am in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 114 South Chestnut Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, Pastor officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Tuesday morning from 8:00 am until 9:45 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, 25 West Washington St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 114 South Chestnut St., Shenandoah, PA 17976.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements
Anna J. (Kramer) Bitel, 92 of Shenandoah passed away on Monday afternoon, January 27, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East, Pottsville.
Born in Shenandoah on April 27, 1927 she was a daughter of the late Joseph (Kramasz) Kramer and Sophie (Witkowski) Kramer.
Anna was a graduate of the former J.W. Copper High School, Shenandoah.
She was a retired garment worker in the local garment industry having been last employed at the former Alma Dress Company, Shenandoah.
Anna was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah formerly St. Stanislaus Church where she was a member of the Rosary and Sacred Heart Societies. She was also a member of the ILGWU. Anna enjoyed her many trips to the casinos. She loved animals especially the basset hounds she had throughout her life and now her pet cat, “Muffin”.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband Edward J. Bitel, Sr. on February 5, 2004; three brothers, Frank, John and Louis Kramer and five sisters, Helen Kramer, Mary Kevel, Harriet Johnson, Frances Straka and Leona Kulikowski.
Surviving are her daughter, Patricia A. Bitel of Shenandoah with whom she resided; her son, Edward J. Bitel, Jr. and his wife Terry of Lancaster; four grandchildren, David Bitel, Brenda Perez, Brad Hilton and Trisha Unrath; ten great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 10:00 am in St. Casmir’s Church, 229 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah, the sacred worship site of Divine Mercy Parish with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 10:00 am in St. Casimir’s Church, Shenandoah.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Shenandoah on August 6, 1929 she was the daughter of the late John “Jimmy” J. and Helen (Feifer) Mahulsky.
Helen was 1947 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School, Shenandoah Heights.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed in retail having been last employed for Payne’s Flower Shop, Ashland and earlier in their former shop in Shenandoah.
Helen was a member of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Shenandoah and the Ladies Auxiliary of the parish. She was a former board member the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Beddall, Jr. on January 22, 2015.
Surviving are her nephew and caregiver, George H. Taylor and his wife Connie of Shenandoah; her great niece, Amanda Taylor with her son, Helen’s great-great nephew, Chase; her great nephew, Richard Yarnitsky and his wife Heather with their children, Helen’s great-great nephew, Bryden and great-great niece, Kadence; her godchild and cousin Elaine Prybolsky of Mesa, Arizona; additional cousins and friends.
Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:00 am in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 114 South Chestnut Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, Pastor officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Tuesday morning from 8:00 am until 9:45 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, 25 West Washington St., Shenandoah, PA 17976 of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 114 South Chestnut St., Shenandoah, PA 17976.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements
----------------------------------------------------
Anna J. (Kramer) Bitel, 92 of Shenandoah passed away on Monday afternoon, January 27, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East, Pottsville.
Born in Shenandoah on April 27, 1927 she was a daughter of the late Joseph (Kramasz) Kramer and Sophie (Witkowski) Kramer.
Anna was a graduate of the former J.W. Copper High School, Shenandoah.
She was a retired garment worker in the local garment industry having been last employed at the former Alma Dress Company, Shenandoah.
Anna was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah formerly St. Stanislaus Church where she was a member of the Rosary and Sacred Heart Societies. She was also a member of the ILGWU. Anna enjoyed her many trips to the casinos. She loved animals especially the basset hounds she had throughout her life and now her pet cat, “Muffin”.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband Edward J. Bitel, Sr. on February 5, 2004; three brothers, Frank, John and Louis Kramer and five sisters, Helen Kramer, Mary Kevel, Harriet Johnson, Frances Straka and Leona Kulikowski.
Surviving are her daughter, Patricia A. Bitel of Shenandoah with whom she resided; her son, Edward J. Bitel, Jr. and his wife Terry of Lancaster; four grandchildren, David Bitel, Brenda Perez, Brad Hilton and Trisha Unrath; ten great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 10:00 am in St. Casmir’s Church, 229 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah, the sacred worship site of Divine Mercy Parish with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 10:00 am in St. Casimir’s Church, Shenandoah.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.
----------------------------------------------------
Jeremy Keith Sommers, 43, of Summit Hill, passed away January 27, 2020 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. Born in Coaldale on June 13, 1976, he was the son of the late Alexander W. and Elizabeth (Matta) Sommers. Jeremy was a 1994 graduate of Marian Catholic High School.He worked in the past as a police officer for the Boroughs of Summit Hill, Lansford and Coaldale. He had a special love for animals and worked for the canine unit. He most recently worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the maintenance department. Jeremy loved to sing Elvis songs and was an avid Notre Dame and Steelers football Fan.
Surviving are his sister: Patricia "Patsy" Sommers and her wife Joann Groark of Skippack Township; Brother, Alexander William Sommers, Jr, of Summit Hill and Jeremy’s companion, Michelle Bartek of Lansford.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Nicholas A. Allesch who passed away May 2, 2011 and grandparents: Pasquale Samuele and Catherine "Katie" (Kane) Sommers and Joseph and Jean Matta.
He was also preceded by his beloved furry friends Ajax and Meatball.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 1st from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 West Fell St, Summit Hill, PA, 18250. A Prayer Service will be held at 1pm with the Rev. Allen J. Hoffa to officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the parish cemetery.
Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.
Surviving are his sister: Patricia "Patsy" Sommers and her wife Joann Groark of Skippack Township; Brother, Alexander William Sommers, Jr, of Summit Hill and Jeremy’s companion, Michelle Bartek of Lansford.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Nicholas A. Allesch who passed away May 2, 2011 and grandparents: Pasquale Samuele and Catherine "Katie" (Kane) Sommers and Joseph and Jean Matta.
He was also preceded by his beloved furry friends Ajax and Meatball.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 1st from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 West Fell St, Summit Hill, PA, 18250. A Prayer Service will be held at 1pm with the Rev. Allen J. Hoffa to officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the parish cemetery.
Stitzel Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.
----------------------------------------------------
These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.
