Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
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Richard W. Kemmery, age 73, died April 17, 2020 at home in Frackville surrounded by his immediate family. Richard died peacefully in his sleep after a hard fought battle with mounting health issues.
Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Kathy, their four children Brian Kemmery, Megan Kemmery Reister, Mark Kemmery, and Patrick Kemmery, two daughters-in-law, Alisha and Liz, one son-in law, Adam, and eight adoring grandchildren Mason Noelle, Clark, Braden, Nicholas; Charlotte Ann; Thomas, Benjamin, and Daniel.
Richard is an Air Force veteran having completed 20 years of service to his beloved branch, retiring as Master Sergeant. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, during which he served as a special operator combat controller. For his heroic service, he earned multiple medals and continued his Air Force career as an air traffic controller at Dover Air Force Base, during which time he met a special education teacher from Pittsburgh and asked her to dance - the first step which led to the dedicated family who supported him at his bedside until his final breath.
He grew up in Port Carbon, the son of his parents Robert "Pop" and Alice Appleby Kemmery. He was preceded in death by both parents and his brother Robert and sisters Ollie and Ruth.
He dedicated his life to serving his country, family, and community. After his retirement from the Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, he continued his service to his former brothers and sisters in arms and current veterans by working as an accountant for the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Prior to working for the VA, he was employed as a purchasing agent at H.L. Miller’s in Schuylkill Haven. He coached his sons' Little League baseball teams, acted as Cub Scout den leader, served on the Advisory Committee of Holy Family School, and spent countless hours supporting every endeavor his four children pursued. He, himself, pursued and enjoyed several hobbies: motorcycle riding, flying airplanes through his private pilot’s license, playing golf, watching baseball, gathering with fellow Pottsville High School Class of ’65 alum (during which he loved to reminisce about his days of playing the drums in PAHS' band) at their monthly breakfasts, and taking road trips with Kathy.
In keeping with the theme of service to the community, Richard worked at Schuylkill County Housing Authority, was a volunteer paramedic, and Frackville Little League treasurer. After his next retirement, with Kathy by his side, their volunteer work continued as they visited local nursing homes with their loyal collie dog, they delivered Meals on Wheels, and joined the prison ministry team allowing him to share his Catholic faith after having converted 45 years ago. Even in his last years, whether traveling to be with his children and grandchildren or serving those closer to home, he always focused on those most in need. His work life and volunteer efforts mirror the values he exhibited daily as a husband, father, and grandfather. The needs of others remained his top priority throughout his entire life.
A family service will be held at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA and he will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name can be made to the American Heart Association at PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 would be very much appreciated.
Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Kathy, their four children Brian Kemmery, Megan Kemmery Reister, Mark Kemmery, and Patrick Kemmery, two daughters-in-law, Alisha and Liz, one son-in law, Adam, and eight adoring grandchildren Mason Noelle, Clark, Braden, Nicholas; Charlotte Ann; Thomas, Benjamin, and Daniel.
Richard is an Air Force veteran having completed 20 years of service to his beloved branch, retiring as Master Sergeant. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, during which he served as a special operator combat controller. For his heroic service, he earned multiple medals and continued his Air Force career as an air traffic controller at Dover Air Force Base, during which time he met a special education teacher from Pittsburgh and asked her to dance - the first step which led to the dedicated family who supported him at his bedside until his final breath.
He grew up in Port Carbon, the son of his parents Robert "Pop" and Alice Appleby Kemmery. He was preceded in death by both parents and his brother Robert and sisters Ollie and Ruth.
He dedicated his life to serving his country, family, and community. After his retirement from the Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, he continued his service to his former brothers and sisters in arms and current veterans by working as an accountant for the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Prior to working for the VA, he was employed as a purchasing agent at H.L. Miller’s in Schuylkill Haven. He coached his sons' Little League baseball teams, acted as Cub Scout den leader, served on the Advisory Committee of Holy Family School, and spent countless hours supporting every endeavor his four children pursued. He, himself, pursued and enjoyed several hobbies: motorcycle riding, flying airplanes through his private pilot’s license, playing golf, watching baseball, gathering with fellow Pottsville High School Class of ’65 alum (during which he loved to reminisce about his days of playing the drums in PAHS' band) at their monthly breakfasts, and taking road trips with Kathy.
In keeping with the theme of service to the community, Richard worked at Schuylkill County Housing Authority, was a volunteer paramedic, and Frackville Little League treasurer. After his next retirement, with Kathy by his side, their volunteer work continued as they visited local nursing homes with their loyal collie dog, they delivered Meals on Wheels, and joined the prison ministry team allowing him to share his Catholic faith after having converted 45 years ago. Even in his last years, whether traveling to be with his children and grandchildren or serving those closer to home, he always focused on those most in need. His work life and volunteer efforts mirror the values he exhibited daily as a husband, father, and grandfather. The needs of others remained his top priority throughout his entire life.
A family service will be held at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA and he will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name can be made to the American Heart Association at PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 would be very much appreciated.
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Gary Lee Bair, Sr., 76, of Port Carbon, formally of Landingville, passed away Friday, April 17th, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Gary was born in Landingville, on March 5, 1944, a son of the late Mildred H. (Hoffman) and George E. Bair
He was the husband of Lois Louise (Swingle) Bair. They married November of 1998.
Gary had a strong Faith and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pottsville. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Uvald, stationed in Puerto Rico.
He worked as a Fabricator and Machinist. Gary was a life member of Goodwill Fire Company, Port Carbon. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid Hunter & Fisherman & enjoyed building Bluebird Boxes. He was a past Scoutmaster for Troop #604 Port Carbon, for over 20 years and helped many Scouts, including his son Gary II, get their Eagle Scout Rank. He was in Order of the Arrow and received Wood Badge & Silver Beaver Honors. He Took charge and organizing of the volunteer construction of the Scout lodge in Port Carbon, which still stands today... Gary traveled the world in multiple Countries & States on Mission Trips with UMVIM, Romans 12 & Team Orwigsburg.
In addition to his wife, Lois, Gary is survived by his son, Gary Bair II, husband of Amy Strouse; Daughter Melissa Ebling, Fiancé of Leroy Guildin , Step daughters Wendy Flail, wife of Shawn and Tammy Herb, Fiancé of Kevin Krist; sister, Janet, wife of Thomas Dayson and sister in Law Leslie Bair. His grandchildren are Matheson Bair; Josh, Ally & Andrew Ebling; Haley Ragazinsky; Brandon Flail & Emily Herb. Gary is also survived by Nieces & Nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother Robert Bair.
Services are entrusted to the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc., Orwigsburg. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will take place on Monday, April 20th at Park Hill Cemetery with Rev John Wallace officiating. Those wishing to attend must respect social distancing. Mourners are welcome to come to the Landingville Fire Company by 11:30. Cars will proceed past Gary’s resting place after the committal service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church Gary first attended, Welcome United Methodist Church 107 Main Street Landingville, PA 17972.
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Gary was born in Landingville, on March 5, 1944, a son of the late Mildred H. (Hoffman) and George E. Bair
He was the husband of Lois Louise (Swingle) Bair. They married November of 1998.
Gary had a strong Faith and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pottsville. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Uvald, stationed in Puerto Rico.
He worked as a Fabricator and Machinist. Gary was a life member of Goodwill Fire Company, Port Carbon. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid Hunter & Fisherman & enjoyed building Bluebird Boxes. He was a past Scoutmaster for Troop #604 Port Carbon, for over 20 years and helped many Scouts, including his son Gary II, get their Eagle Scout Rank. He was in Order of the Arrow and received Wood Badge & Silver Beaver Honors. He Took charge and organizing of the volunteer construction of the Scout lodge in Port Carbon, which still stands today... Gary traveled the world in multiple Countries & States on Mission Trips with UMVIM, Romans 12 & Team Orwigsburg.
In addition to his wife, Lois, Gary is survived by his son, Gary Bair II, husband of Amy Strouse; Daughter Melissa Ebling, Fiancé of Leroy Guildin , Step daughters Wendy Flail, wife of Shawn and Tammy Herb, Fiancé of Kevin Krist; sister, Janet, wife of Thomas Dayson and sister in Law Leslie Bair. His grandchildren are Matheson Bair; Josh, Ally & Andrew Ebling; Haley Ragazinsky; Brandon Flail & Emily Herb. Gary is also survived by Nieces & Nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother Robert Bair.
Services are entrusted to the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc., Orwigsburg. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will take place on Monday, April 20th at Park Hill Cemetery with Rev John Wallace officiating. Those wishing to attend must respect social distancing. Mourners are welcome to come to the Landingville Fire Company by 11:30. Cars will proceed past Gary’s resting place after the committal service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church Gary first attended, Welcome United Methodist Church 107 Main Street Landingville, PA 17972.
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Stella V. Valanty, 86, passed away on April 15, 2020 at the Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community.
Born in Shenandoah, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Orlowski, and loving mother of the late Trish Valiante. Surviving are two children, Neil and Mary Ellen, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Thomas Orlowski. The love and memory of her will never pass away.
Graveside Services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 21st at 10am in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian.
Stella V. Valanty, 86, passed away on April 15, 2020 at the Mount Hope Nazarene Retirement Community.
Born in Shenandoah, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Orlowski, and loving mother of the late Trish Valiante. Surviving are two children, Neil and Mary Ellen, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Thomas Orlowski. The love and memory of her will never pass away.
Graveside Services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 21st at 10am in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian.
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