Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
----------------------------------------------------
Sharon Catherine Minarchick, 71, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Sunday, April 5th, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Sharon was born in Quakake, PA on July 9, 1948, the daughter of the late Alberta and John Whah. She was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, and worked in sewing factories until she had her family.
Sharon was married to the late Edward Minarchick and had 3 children.
She is survived by John Minarchick and wife Nina. Edward Minarchick and wife Kristine. Crystal Smith and husband Daniel. Sharon has 7 grandchildren who she adored! Victoria, John Michael, Sierra, Petar, Evelyn, Jason and Ayla Lee.
Sharon worked as a waitress at the Cracker Barrel, Frackville. She retired after 20 years of serving, having made many friends along the way. Sharon was a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend. She will be missed dearly.
Sharon is also survived by brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward, brother Andrew Whah, and sister Susie Russo.
Services announced at the convenience of the family.
Sharon was born in Quakake, PA on July 9, 1948, the daughter of the late Alberta and John Whah. She was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, and worked in sewing factories until she had her family.
Sharon was married to the late Edward Minarchick and had 3 children.
She is survived by John Minarchick and wife Nina. Edward Minarchick and wife Kristine. Crystal Smith and husband Daniel. Sharon has 7 grandchildren who she adored! Victoria, John Michael, Sierra, Petar, Evelyn, Jason and Ayla Lee.
Sharon worked as a waitress at the Cracker Barrel, Frackville. She retired after 20 years of serving, having made many friends along the way. Sharon was a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend. She will be missed dearly.
Sharon is also survived by brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward, brother Andrew Whah, and sister Susie Russo.
Services announced at the convenience of the family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------------------
William E. "Bill" Mason, 82 of Pottsville, died Sunday at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
He was born September 9, 1937 in Minersville, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Williams Mason.
He attended South Cass Twp High School.
He was a Navy Veteran, having served during the Vietnam War.
He was employed part-time as a City of Pottsville Police Officer for 9 years where he was shot in the line of duty during the 2nd Street project gun fight in July of 1975 and was Superintendent of the City of Pottsville Street department for 30 1/2 years prior to retiring
Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Pulaski Lodge 216 F&AM, Pottsville, where he was a 32nd degree Mason, VFW, and was a life member of West End Hose Co., Pottsville
He was preceded in death by his wife Louise Tassone Mason, on July 17, 2012; a daughter, Debbie Shoener on November 27, 2019; a grandson, Dale Austerberry, January 8 of this year; 5 brothers, John, David, Bernard Sr., Thomas and Patrick Mason.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Chunkie Betz, Pottsville, Billie Ann Engle and her husband Paul, Hamburg; 6 grandchildren, Brad, Tina, Allen, Danbriella, Samantha, and Paulie; 9 great-grandchildren, Jamie, Evan, AllyAnna, Mikala, Dayla, Kalea, Alaya, Nikoli & Sully; 4 sisters, Bridget Inez Tassone, Pottsville; Elizabeth Mason Colihan, Pottsville; Marie LePine, Reading, Elaine Hossler, Shenandoah; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private from James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Please share your memories and condolences with Bill's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Verna Taris, age 95, of Mahanoy City, passed away Sunday afternoon. Born in Beaver Meadows she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Dudinyak) Tirpak.
He was born September 9, 1937 in Minersville, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Williams Mason.
He attended South Cass Twp High School.
He was a Navy Veteran, having served during the Vietnam War.
He was employed part-time as a City of Pottsville Police Officer for 9 years where he was shot in the line of duty during the 2nd Street project gun fight in July of 1975 and was Superintendent of the City of Pottsville Street department for 30 1/2 years prior to retiring
Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Pulaski Lodge 216 F&AM, Pottsville, where he was a 32nd degree Mason, VFW, and was a life member of West End Hose Co., Pottsville
He was preceded in death by his wife Louise Tassone Mason, on July 17, 2012; a daughter, Debbie Shoener on November 27, 2019; a grandson, Dale Austerberry, January 8 of this year; 5 brothers, John, David, Bernard Sr., Thomas and Patrick Mason.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Chunkie Betz, Pottsville, Billie Ann Engle and her husband Paul, Hamburg; 6 grandchildren, Brad, Tina, Allen, Danbriella, Samantha, and Paulie; 9 great-grandchildren, Jamie, Evan, AllyAnna, Mikala, Dayla, Kalea, Alaya, Nikoli & Sully; 4 sisters, Bridget Inez Tassone, Pottsville; Elizabeth Mason Colihan, Pottsville; Marie LePine, Reading, Elaine Hossler, Shenandoah; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private from James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Rev. Chris Rothharpt officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Please share your memories and condolences with Bill's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
She attended area schools and had been employed with Janowitz Dress Factory formerly of Mahanoy City. She was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City.
Preceding her in death were her husband Joseph, a son Wayne and a granddaughter Melissa, brothers Michael "Pat", John, Nicholas and Joseph Tirpak, sisters Mary Anthony, Anna Panko and Helen Milkowich.
Survivors include one son Joseph and his wife Rosalie of Mahanoy City, a daughter Elaine Deneault of Hazleton, a sister Margie Ribnicki of Elizabeth NJ, grandchildren Larry Deneault, Tanya Weber, Nicole Gregg and Jason Taris and great grandchildren, Michael Weber, Izzy and Jack Cavenas, Indy Deneault and Jake and Kaia Taris as well as nieces and nephews.
Service will be private with interment in St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery.
Contributions in Verna's name to Advantage Home Health Services, 1502 Route 61 Highway South, Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 621 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, PA 17948 would be appreciated by the family. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
Please sign our guest book at www.jarrettfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph M. Wollyung, Jr., 82, of Pottsville, passed away on Saturday evening in his residence with his loving and caring family by his side.
Born in Pottsville, on October 12, 1937, he was a son of the late Joseph M. and Mary F. (Rosenberger) Wollyung, Sr.
He was a 1955 graduate of Pottsville High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist R.C.C., Pottsville, where he served on the building committee.
He was the owner and operator of Rosenberger Plumbing & Heating, Pottsville from 1978-2003, until he turned over the business to his sons. He remained involved for many years after his retirement.
Joe was extremely active and a dedicated life member of the Yorkville Hose Co., where he previously served as Foreman, Chief Engineer, Captain, and was currently a Trustee. He also belonged to the Six County Firemen’s Association, the Schuylkill County Firemen’s Association, and the Pottsville Firemen’s Relief Association.
He most enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jim; and best friends John "Babe" and JoAnn Heller.
Joe is survived by his wife, Barbara A. (Fielding), to whom he was married 58 years; three sons: Joseph M., husband of Suzanne, of Pottsville; John D., husband of Marianne, of Pottsville; Michael J., companion of Amy Brahler-Miller, of Minersville; grandchildren: Andrew, Amanda (Cook), Christopher, Michael, Stephen, and Emma Wollyung, and Edward Karlonis; 6 great grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Huber, of Sterling, VA; Cathy Wollyung, of Suffern, NY; Ann Steffanic, wife of Paul, of Pottsville; three brothers, Robert Wollyung, husband of Kay, of Pottsville; Edward Wollyung, husband of Jeanne, of Clifton Park, NY; William Wollyung, husband of Marilyn, of Lake Katrine, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated and announced at a later date at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville as well as interment in St. John #2 Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Joe's memory be sent to: Yorkville Hose Co., PO Box 1222, Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. John the Baptist Memorial Fund, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PA
---------------------------------------------------------------
Illomay Nelson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, 87 years of age a longtime Tamaqua resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at the home of her daughter Robin in Coaldale.
Born Saturday, March 4, 1933 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late John, and Miriam (Roberts) McLaughlin. She was also predeceased by her husband, Russell C. Nelson; daughter, Marilyn Nelson; grandchildren, Jeffrey Nelson, Patrick and Scott Ferryman; sister, Janice Snyder; brother, Donald "Donny" McLaughlin.
Surviving are; daughters, Renae Zeigler and her companion Ernie Hill of Tamaqua, Rochelle "Shelly" Lazarchick wife of Sam of Tamaqua, Rosalind "Pixy" Hosler of Mary-D, Karen Lazarchick wife of Bill of Tamaqua, Robin Krapf wife of Bob of Coaldale; son, Russell "Rusty" Nelson and his wife Doris of Tamaqua; sister, Miriam Fegley wife of Donald of New Ringgold; (13) grandchildren; (21) great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and many step grand children as well as nieces and nephews survive Illomay.
A graduate of Tamaqua High School, Illomay enjoyed doing crafts and crocheting.
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
In accordance with the CDC precautions for the public concerning the covid-19 pandemic the family will hold Grave Side services at Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, on October 12, 1937, he was a son of the late Joseph M. and Mary F. (Rosenberger) Wollyung, Sr.
He was a 1955 graduate of Pottsville High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist R.C.C., Pottsville, where he served on the building committee.
He was the owner and operator of Rosenberger Plumbing & Heating, Pottsville from 1978-2003, until he turned over the business to his sons. He remained involved for many years after his retirement.
Joe was extremely active and a dedicated life member of the Yorkville Hose Co., where he previously served as Foreman, Chief Engineer, Captain, and was currently a Trustee. He also belonged to the Six County Firemen’s Association, the Schuylkill County Firemen’s Association, and the Pottsville Firemen’s Relief Association.
He most enjoyed spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jim; and best friends John "Babe" and JoAnn Heller.
Joe is survived by his wife, Barbara A. (Fielding), to whom he was married 58 years; three sons: Joseph M., husband of Suzanne, of Pottsville; John D., husband of Marianne, of Pottsville; Michael J., companion of Amy Brahler-Miller, of Minersville; grandchildren: Andrew, Amanda (Cook), Christopher, Michael, Stephen, and Emma Wollyung, and Edward Karlonis; 6 great grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Huber, of Sterling, VA; Cathy Wollyung, of Suffern, NY; Ann Steffanic, wife of Paul, of Pottsville; three brothers, Robert Wollyung, husband of Kay, of Pottsville; Edward Wollyung, husband of Jeanne, of Clifton Park, NY; William Wollyung, husband of Marilyn, of Lake Katrine, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated and announced at a later date at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville as well as interment in St. John #2 Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Joe's memory be sent to: Yorkville Hose Co., PO Box 1222, Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. John the Baptist Memorial Fund, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PA
---------------------------------------------------------------
Born Saturday, March 4, 1933 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late John, and Miriam (Roberts) McLaughlin. She was also predeceased by her husband, Russell C. Nelson; daughter, Marilyn Nelson; grandchildren, Jeffrey Nelson, Patrick and Scott Ferryman; sister, Janice Snyder; brother, Donald "Donny" McLaughlin.
Surviving are; daughters, Renae Zeigler and her companion Ernie Hill of Tamaqua, Rochelle "Shelly" Lazarchick wife of Sam of Tamaqua, Rosalind "Pixy" Hosler of Mary-D, Karen Lazarchick wife of Bill of Tamaqua, Robin Krapf wife of Bob of Coaldale; son, Russell "Rusty" Nelson and his wife Doris of Tamaqua; sister, Miriam Fegley wife of Donald of New Ringgold; (13) grandchildren; (21) great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and many step grand children as well as nieces and nephews survive Illomay.
A graduate of Tamaqua High School, Illomay enjoyed doing crafts and crocheting.
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
In accordance with the CDC precautions for the public concerning the covid-19 pandemic the family will hold Grave Side services at Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Gloria F Kovack, 81, of Elizabethville, passed away Saturday, April 4th, at home surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren.
Gloria was born in Pottsville, on March 21, 1939, a daughter of the late Irma (Stein) and William Lengle. She was the widow of Michael R. Kovack Jr. She was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church Minersville. Gloria was a graduate of Tremont High School. She was formerly employed as a Teachers Aide at Capital Intermediate Unit.
In addition to her parents and her husband Michael, she was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Freeman, a brother William Lengle. Gloria is survived by two sons Michael R.III, husband of Leah Kovack and Wayne A Kovack, a brother, Robert Lengle.
She is also survived by Grandchildren; Michael R Kovack IV, Amber L Kovack, Morgan P Kovack, Connor T Kovack and Caleb L Kovack , Great Grandchildren;| Alexis Witmer, Jordyn Miller and Michael R Kovack V, and her sister-in-law Marie Wanchick.
All services are private.
A Memorial Mass shall be scheduled at a later date. Interment at Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic. In lieu of flowers the prefers donations made to Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 107 S. 4th St. Minersville, Pa. 17954 Mahal-Ritzel Funeral HomeInc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Richard 'Rick' Kruchinsky, 73, of Ringtown, passed away Wednesday, April 1st, 2020.
Rick was born on September 9, 1946, a son of the late Catherine (Laudeman) and Pete Kruchinsky. After high school, he served in the US Army.
He worked in the automotive industry throughout his lifetime, as a truck driver, mechanic and freelancing his talents wherever needed.
Rick was preceded in death by a son, Richard, Jr.
He is survived by a son, Ryan Kruchinsky of West Hazleton, and by his siblings, a brother, Randy and sisters, Carl, Bonnie and Pam.
Rick will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemtery during private services.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the funeral home to help defray the cost of services.
---------------------------------------------------------------
These Obituaries are brought to you by---------------------------------------------------------------
Richard 'Rick' Kruchinsky, 73, of Ringtown, passed away Wednesday, April 1st, 2020.
Rick was born on September 9, 1946, a son of the late Catherine (Laudeman) and Pete Kruchinsky. After high school, he served in the US Army.
He worked in the automotive industry throughout his lifetime, as a truck driver, mechanic and freelancing his talents wherever needed.
Rick was preceded in death by a son, Richard, Jr.
He is survived by a son, Ryan Kruchinsky of West Hazleton, and by his siblings, a brother, Randy and sisters, Carl, Bonnie and Pam.
Rick will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemtery during private services.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the funeral home to help defray the cost of services.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.
0