Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
----------------------------------------------------
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 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,was a member of the Frackville Knights of Columbus Council 2580 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 private family service will be held at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA and he will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Live streaming services will be available at 10:30 a.m. Thursday April 23rd via a link that can be found on www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
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.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth (Friedman) Freedman, 95, of Dover, DE, and formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Friday in her residence with her family by her side.
Born in Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Hannah (Leff) Friedman.
She was a homemaker in addition to assisting her husband in his business, Paul Freedman Jewelry, on Centre Street, Pottsville, and retired in 1987 after 30 years in the family business.
Ruth was a member of Oheb Zedeck Synagogue, Pottsville.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Freedman, in 1990, and to whom she was married 38 years; and a brother, Milton Friedman.
Ruth is survived by daughters: Judy Kling and Francine Carb; grandchildren: Lindsey, Nathan, and Kodiak; great granddaughter, Penny; niece, Deborah (Friedman) Blanck; and nephew, Frank Friedman.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Interment will be in Oheb Zedeck Cemetery, Pottsville.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PA
Born in Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Hannah (Leff) Friedman.
She was a homemaker in addition to assisting her husband in his business, Paul Freedman Jewelry, on Centre Street, Pottsville, and retired in 1987 after 30 years in the family business.
Ruth was a member of Oheb Zedeck Synagogue, Pottsville.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Freedman, in 1990, and to whom she was married 38 years; and a brother, Milton Friedman.
Ruth is survived by daughters: Judy Kling and Francine Carb; grandchildren: Lindsey, Nathan, and Kodiak; great granddaughter, Penny; niece, Deborah (Friedman) Blanck; and nephew, Frank Friedman.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Interment will be in Oheb Zedeck Cemetery, Pottsville.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PA
---------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. Wixted, 90, of Williamstown, passed away Sunday, April 19th at the Tremont Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Palo Alto, May 4, 1929, a son of the late Timothy and Ruth Jacoby Wixted.
Tim was a 1947 graduate of St. Stephen's Catholic High School, Port Carbon.
Tim proudly served his country with the Navy during the Korean War, he retired as a records management officer at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
He was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown and the Williamstown American Legion. Tim was a former coach of little league baseball for over 20 years with the Williamstown Youth Athletic Association. He was an avid baseball fan.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Mary Hollis Wixted; his two children, Lisa McLaughlin, Exton and Timothy Wixted and his wife Laura, Williamstown; a granddaughter, Samantha Schifano and her husband Salvator, New York; a great granddaughter, Sophia. Nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Williamstown. A Mass will be said for Tim at Sacred Heart Church when the current health restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Sacred Heart Church, c/o Parish Office, 732 E. Main St., Lykens, PA 17048. The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Wixted family. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
Born in Palo Alto, May 4, 1929, a son of the late Timothy and Ruth Jacoby Wixted.
Tim was a 1947 graduate of St. Stephen's Catholic High School, Port Carbon.
Tim proudly served his country with the Navy during the Korean War, he retired as a records management officer at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
He was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown and the Williamstown American Legion. Tim was a former coach of little league baseball for over 20 years with the Williamstown Youth Athletic Association. He was an avid baseball fan.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Mary Hollis Wixted; his two children, Lisa McLaughlin, Exton and Timothy Wixted and his wife Laura, Williamstown; a granddaughter, Samantha Schifano and her husband Salvator, New York; a great granddaughter, Sophia. Nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Williamstown. A Mass will be said for Tim at Sacred Heart Church when the current health restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Sacred Heart Church, c/o Parish Office, 732 E. Main St., Lykens, PA 17048. The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Wixted family. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Todd M. Schaeffer, 52, of Schneck Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East.
Todd M. Schaeffer, 52, of Schneck Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East.
Born on March 30, 1968 in Pottsville, he was the son of Julie Anspach Zimmerman and David Schaeffer, both of Pine Grove.
He was a 1988 graduate of Pine Grove High School and a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
Todd worked for Penn Dye in Pine Grove.
He was a member of the Pine Grove Fish & Game, Pine Grove American Legion, Ten Pin, and Bethel Fire Co.
Preceding him in death was his step father, Marlyn "Pete" Zimmerman.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his aunt and Mom #2, Tina Hippert of Pine Grove, companion Sandy Tobin of Friedensburg, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins.
Graveside Services and interment at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Avenue Taylor, PA 18157.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.
