Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
---------------------------------------------------
Jean A. Bacha, 88, originally of Mahanoy City, passed away Thursday, May 14th after a short courageous battle with Covid-19.
Born August 30, 1931, in Mahanoy City, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Bacha. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings: brothers Andrew and Michael, sisters Ann Rod, Margaret Kanapinsky and Helen Narbutitis.
Jean was the youngest sibling of her family and grew up during the Great Depression. She often told stories of the difficult times and encouraged her family to save items for multiple uses.
Jean graduated from Mahanoy City High School and worked for Callan’s Laundry, Newberry’s and Grants. When business in Mahanoy City declined she moved to Harrisburg, PA to use her skills for the Department of Agriculture where she received many service awards for her budget management expertise. Five years from retirement, she decided to transfer to Hawaii to complete her career because as she said it “she would be only 5 years older if she didn’t”. She moved back to PA upon retirement to be closer to her family. She became a resident of Green Valley Skilled Nursing in Pitman, PA when she became ill.
Jean loved travel and animals, but especially the love of reading. Walking into her home was like walking into a library. She loved to tell stories and was the family historian. She was small in stature, but her intelligence, wisdom and wit made her larger than life. No one could beat her at trivia and she always kept you laughing with her jokes.
Jean lived her life through her friends and family never forgetting a birthday or that special occasion. She corresponded through letters and cards with the multitude of friends she gathered through her life and her door was always covered with the latest letters and pictures from them.
Jean is survived by several nieces and nephews out of state. Locally her nieces and nephews are, Theresa (Bacha) and Ray Seiger of Pottsville, Michael and Margaret Bacha of Frackville, Steven Bacha and companion Eileen Cress of Ashland, Christina Godshall of Hometown, Denise (Narbutitis) and Tony Miller of Barnesville and many great nieces and nephews too numerous to name.
Due to the current pandemic, services and interment will be private. The family requests memorial donations be made to Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
-------------------------------------------------------
William E (Bill) Fanelli, of Washington DC (formerly of Ashland), passed away May 10, 2020 in his home.
He was born June 29, 1932 in Kulpmont, PA. Bill was the son of the late John T. Fanelli and Josephine (Spadle) Fanelli.
Bill graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951, and Mt. St. Mary’s College in 1955. After College,
Bill enlisted in the US Army in 1955. Bill served 2 years on active duty, and 3 years in the Army
Reserves, and was Honorably Discharged on September 9, 1957 with the rank of Private First Class.
Bill worked for the US Veterans Administration for 6 years, then began his tenure as a Civilian with the Department of the Army in 1965. During his time with the Department of the Army he was stationed in London, England in the Office of Personnel to the Superintendent of American Schools. Upon his return to the US, Bill worked in Personnel at the Pentagon until his retirement in January 1996. Bill was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ashland.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother John and Sister-In-Law Lucy.
Bill is survived by his niece, Anita of Treasure Island Florida, his dear friend Robert Channon of London England, and personal assistant, Chris Raglin of Washington DC.
Additionally, Bill is remembered fondly by his large circle of friends in DC, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, and across the country.
Bill will be cremated and a Mass of Christian Burial and Services will be held in Ashland, PA at a later date due to the current health restrictions associated with COVID-19.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements.
-------------------------------------------------------
James J Haney, 53, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2020 at his home in St. Clair.
Born in Pottsville, February 11, 1967, He was a son of the late George Haney and Sandra (Culver) Peiffer.
James was a Foreman at Poly Plastic Products in Delano, PA.
Surviving are his wife Susan (Zelinsky) Haney of St. Clair, 1 son James Haney Jr. and his wife Lakeisha of St. Clair,1 daughter Alyssa Haney of St. Clair, 3 brothers George Haney of Missouri, Robert Haney of Pottsville, Kyle Essler of Marlin, 1 sister Angelique O’Boyle of Heckscherville, 1 Grandson Conner, Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ruth Steinert SPCA, PO Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Lucille M. Katilas , 83, of Frackville, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Schuylkill – East, Pottsville.
Born in Tower City, August 8, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Hilda (Houtz) Phillips.
Lucille was a member of First United Methodist Church, Frackville and the Frackville Senior Citizens.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Katilas; 2 brothers Edward and Delmar Phillips.
Surviving are 2 daughters Jean Franklin and her companion David Longenberger of Mahanoy City; Debra Weikel, of Shenandoah; one son Joseph Katilas and his companion Nancy Frantz of Frackville; 6 grandchildren, Denna, Kimberly, Renee, Tanya, Jarrett, Kayla, Selena; 17 Great Grandchildren; 3 sisters Delphine Burda of Frackville; Janice Overman of Woodridge, VA; and Beverly Thomas. Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Service will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 23 South Balliet Street, Frackville, PA 17931. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
-------------------------------------------------------
James P. Bickleman, Jr., age 82, of Minersville, PA, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. Born in Pottsville, Pa on December 31, 1937, he was the son of the late James and Anna Marie (Capelli) Bickleman.
Coming from humble beginnings, he managed to work hard and prosper for the sake of his family. Family had always been the heart of who he was. He spent much of his life on the road as a long haul truck driver, traveling across the Continental United States. He was employed by Fanelli Trucking before starting Low Road Auto Sales. He was a member of UNICO National, an Italian-American Service Organization. He loved to travel and spent time in many places around the world. His favorite was New Orleans, where he would walk to the Green Market every day for Beignets. A craps player, he loved to visit casinos with his friends. He was a classic car lover and could tell any make, model and year at a glance. Whether you knew him as Jim, Junior or Pap, you knew he loved to cook and bake and share his treats with his friends. His boilo and pot pie were legendary, and his best times were spent with family and friends, talking about the old days.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Charles K. Bickleman, a brother Francis J. Cappelli, sisters Mary Elizabeth Morgan, and Ann Orr.
James is survived by a daughter, Cecelia Flint and her husband Boone, Perkiomenville, PA; 6 grandchildren Kaleigh Prokop and her husband Mick Prokop, Logan Flint, Skylar Flint, Riley Flint, Carson Flint and Cheyenne Gerber; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and Friends are invited to join a funeral procession Monday May 18 at the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. Second St. Saint Clair, PA 17970 from 10:15 – 10:45 AM. Departure will then be made for Graveside services to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hillside according to CDC guidelines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avenues Foundation, 2 Park Street Pottsville, PA 17901. A memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Russell J. Brown, 53, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning in his residence.
Born in Allentown, on September 27, 1966, he was a son of the late William L. and Cecelia (Beidler) Brown, Sr.
He was a Christian and of the Buddhist faith.
Russ was self employed as a carpet installer and also attained his CDL and drove truck for several companies.
In his spare time he enjoyed painting pictures and spending time doing outdoor activities, especially fishing with son, Patrick. He spoiled his dogs, Savannah, Tucker, and Cheyanne. But, most of all he enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren.
Russell is survived by his wife, Penny M. (King) Brown, to whom he was married 6 years;
five sons Matthew C. Thornton, of NJ; Clayton J. Brown, of Easton; John J. Kelly V, of Reading; Cameron J. and Patrick E. Kelly, both of Schuylkill Haven; two sisters, Kelly, wife of Ronald Jones, of FL; Cecelia, wife of Brian Reis, of FL; brother, William Brown Jr., of Allentown; grandchildren: Fallon Marie Passaro, Emma Lynn Thornton, and Kali Rose Kelly; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.lordbixler.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Mae Marie Smith, beloved, wife, mother, nana, 85 of Evergreen DriveTamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 15, 2020 at home with her loving husband, Robert, by her side.
Born Friday, February 15, 1935 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Alex Hunsicker and the late Jennie (Dragoni) Hunsicker.
Surviving are sons, John H. Hollenbach of Tamaqua, James W. Hollenbach and his wife, Karen of Orwigsburg, William H. Hollenbach and his wife, Larisa of Reading, Gregory C. Smith and his wife, Lena of Tamaqua; daughters, Sandy Hauck and her husband, Donald of Tamaqua, Linda Dunlap of Mt. Penn, Cheryl R. Wamser and her husband, Garry of Bloomsburg, Cindy L. Carey of Woodbridge, VA; 14 grand children; 21 great grand children; daughter- in-law Joanne (Lawrence) Smith.
She was predeceased by son, Robert C. Smith, Jr. and by first husband, John I. Hollenbach who passed in 1986.
Mae was formerly employed as a baker at Leiby's Ice Cream House and Boyer's Market. She also worked in the textile industry at Tami Sportswear in Tamaqua. Mae was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed baking, sewing and crocheting. Her homemade sticky buns and bagels were absolutely delicious.
Private services have been entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. 570-668-2550.
Interment will be at Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, PA.
To share a fond memory of Mae or offer condolences to the family, please visit www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
-------------------------------------------------------
James E. Pfeiffer, 58, of Valley View, passed away Friday, May 15th at his home.
James Edward Pfeiffer was born on November 2, 1961 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the third child of the late John T. Pfeiffer, III, Esq. and Bertha Trautman Pfeiffer. Jimmy, as he was called, was born with developmental disabilities and was welcomed into the family with great love and immeasurable support.
Growing up Jimmy enjoyed a life filled with his friends and family and participated fully in all activities, vacations, outings, life celebrations and events. Jimmy loved traveling with his family especially to Disney World, the Jersey shore and Philadelphia and New York where he enjoyed Broadway musicals and concerts. A deeply spiritual individual, Jimmy enjoyed attending services at Trinity United Church of Christ whenever possible.
His early schooling was in Pottsville and he graduated from Schuylkill Intermediate Unit in the early eighties with much family fanfare. After graduation Jimmy went to work at UCPA in the Habilitation Workshop. After several years, he transferred to "Lessie's Greenhouse" where he worked until his retirement after which he attended the Adult Training Facility (ATF) administered by Avenues (formerly UCPA). During the years he spent in these programs he made many friends and took great joy in singing in the choir, particularly relishing the opportunities to sing at his signature solo "Yankee Doodle Dandy" at public events.
Jimmy's life of love influenced his brother and niece to pursue their professional careers in the field of Special Education. His always optimistic and loving nature served to teach us patience, a deeper understanding of the human condition and a respect for differences. His grace and his care and kindness towards others could serve as a template for all in today's chaotic environment.
Jimmy bore his physical and developmental challenges bravely and with more grace than most people could. He worked hard to find his place in the world and while his life journey was not an easy one it was one that was filled with love.
Jimmy is survived by his brother Dr. John D. Pfeiffer IV (Andre) of Philadelphia, his sister Emma Pfeiffer Inelli (Andrew) of Cedar Knolls and Long Branch, New Jersey, his nephew Andrew Inelli (Lindsay) and grand niece Madison Pearl, of Springfield, New Jersey, and his niece Katie Inelli Daquisto (Paul) and grand-nephews Paul, Luke, Nicholas and Christian of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.
He is also survived by both maternal and paternal cousins who live throughout the United States.
The family wants to acknowledge the marvelous care that Jimmy received through the years from Mrs. Mal Weaver Bartram, Mrs. Sally Morgan, and Mrs. Pat Guers and the entire staff at UCPA/Avenues and his wonderful RedCo Group Home Staff. His life was enhanced by the support, love and care given to him.
Lastly, the family would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Charlene Morgan, Mrs. Cathy Bretz and Mrs. Pat Huntzinger who supported Jimmy AND our family for many years both before and after Jimmy's group home placement. They are truly exceptional people who have given so much of their time and energy to lighten our load.
The best tribute that can be given to Jimmy's memory is to acknowledge ALL people with disabilities with a friendly smile and a word of encouragement or a handshake. Take a moment to understand the challenges that so many people face and react with kindness and respect. Condemn discrimination and mockery and recognize the humanity in all people. This was what Jimmy did!
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is handling the private services for the Pfeiffer family. To send condolences to the family please visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
-------------------------------------------------------
Born in Shenandoah on October 8, 1938 he was the son of the late Vincent and Helen (Paulaconis) Mackalonis.
He was a 1956 graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School, Shenandoah Heights.
John was a US veteran having served his country in the Navy; he was honorably discharged on September 4, 1959.
Earlier in life, John worked for Capital Records and American Can Corp. in New Jersey. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for fifteen years at the former St. Jude Polymer Corp., Frackville.
John was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and Penn State Football.
Surviving are his sister, Justine Dillard of Hernando, Florida; three nieces, Barbara Louk of Florida, Beverly Dillard of Florida and Brenda McCullough of Virginia; and caregiver and friend, Steve Babinchak of New Boston.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Divine Mercy Church with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant and interment in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights will be private at the convenience of the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements. To leave a condolence for John’s family, please visit www.woffuneralhome.com.
-------------------------------------------------------
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.
