Skook News Obituaries: September 25th, 2020
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Born in Hazleton, PA on March 12, 1931, Bob was a son of the late Emidio and Anna (nee Fucci) Zaraca. A 1948 graduate of Tamaqua High School, he served in the Army. Growing up Bob worked for the original Tamaqua Italian bakery now known as Padoras. He was well known by many as “Bobby the Baker”. As an adult Bob was employed in the local stripping mines and later worked for Prudential from where he retired in 1993. A member of the former St. Jerome Catholic Church, Bob currently belongs to The Parish of St. John XXIII and is a member of the Tamaqua American Legion, C. H. Berry Post #173. A gardener and cook, he also liked antique cars. Bob enjoyed family time and every year he took his family to the beach over the summer.
In addition to his wife Salvatrice, Bob is survived by daughters, Beatrice Oertner and her companion Mark Felsoci of Breinigsville, PA, Mary Kemmerer and her husband Bruce of New Tripoli, PA, and Roberta Petry and her husband William of Stevens, PA; grandchildren, Lauren McEwen, Aimee Boylan, Andrew Oertner, Emma Noll, Abby Kemmerer, Reuben Kemmerer, Victoria Petry, Anna Petry, and Will Petry; their first great granddaughter, Bexley; and several nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by an infant brother, Alfred.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 30 in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua. Call 9-10:30 AM on Wednesday at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua.
Memorials in his name may be made to The Parish of St. John XXIII, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. Attendees are reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and are kindly asked to wear a mask and observe physical distancing.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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William M. Bretzius, Jr., 89, of Fox Rd. Schuylkill Haven, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020 in the Tremont Health & Rehab Center.
Born on April 29, 1931 in Pine Grove Twp., he was a son of the late William M., Sr. and Bertha Wolfe Bretzius.
He worked in the maintenance department and retired from Argo.
William was a member of Hetzel's UCC, Pine Grove.
Preceding him in death was a brother, Carl Bretzius.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Joyce E. Onisick – LPN (nee Krishisky), 76, of Shenandoah, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community after fighting bravely against Alzheimer’s Disease for many years.
Born in Shenandoah on September 2nd, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Sarah (Katulis) Krishisky.
Joyce was a graduate of the former Shenandoah Catholic High School, then she went on to the Marlin School of Nursing where she became an LPN. She worked as an LPN for the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, Pa for many years until her retirement. Joyce was an avid Penn State and Philadelphia Eagles fan. She loved all animals, especially her dogs, and enjoyed to sing and dance at the Moose and Eagles Clubs.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by 1 brother, Joseph Krishisky, 1 daughter, Jody (nee Onisick) Paulukonis, and 1 granddaugter, Krystal Lombardo.
She leaves behind 2 sons, John “Jake” Onisick and wife Michelle – Shenandoah, and James Onisick – Frackville. 1 daughter, Joyce Stanton – Frackville. 1 brother, Theodore Krishisky and wife Wanda – Washington State. 8 grandchildren, Desiree Dunleavy and husband William, Jessica Navitsky and husband Jeffery, Sarah Frey and husband Anthony, Amanda Onisick and Joseph Baco, John Onisick and wife Jillian, Jennifer Onisick and Stephen Quinn, James Onisick, and Thomas Stanton. 8 great-grandchildren, Cody Wagner, Aaron Paulukonis, Albrie Frey, Nicholas Navitsky, Abigail Quinn, Alex Frey, Kaden Quinn, and John Theo Onisick.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday morning, September 30th from 8 to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Scripture services will be held at 10:30am and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to the: Alzheimer’s Association of Schuylkill County or the Activity Fund for the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Due to COVID-19, all recommended social distancing, mask requirements, and public safety guidelines will be followed.
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