Skook News Obituaries: January 5th, 2021
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Edward Joseph Galavage, age 91, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 at Fellowship Community in Whitehall.Born in Heckscherville, PA on December 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Michael and Sophie (Psylasko) Gurlavage.
Ed worked as an Auto Body repairman at Jack Yaisley Auto Body in Pottsville. He first worked as a miner and also owned G & W Autobody Shop in Pottsville.
He was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saint Clair.
He was the last member of his immediate family, being preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years Martha D. (Lipshaw) Galavage on June 6, 2006, a son Michael Galavage, and his siblings.
Ed is survived by his daughter Mary Ann Yackabonis, Slatington, PA; grandsons: Michael Galavage, Edward Galavage, William Yackabonis, John Yackabonis, and Ryan Galavage; a granddaughter Lindsay Galavage; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon at 11AM on Thursday, January 7th, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday morning from 10-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in St. Clair.
Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com
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Julie Cooper, age 76, of Pottsville, PA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on December 11, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John and Vera (Monti) Matz.
Julie was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, Class of 1962. She enjoyed going to the casino and camping.
Julie is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard C. Cooper; three children: Richard and David Cooper and Lori Wojciechowsky; four grandchildren: Clinton, Joel, Joshua, and Brett; brothers: Steve and Tony Matz and John Miller; sisters: Barb Zemantauski and Mary Ann Renninger; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held private.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com
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Born on October 27, 1946 in Palmerton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Marvin and Minnie (nee Greene) Wolford. A graduate of Palmerton High School, Phyllis majored as a Legal Secretary and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant College in Rhode Island in 1969. Pastor Wolford earned her Master of Divinity degree in 1995 from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Prior to entering LTSP in 1991, Phyllis worked for the Palmerton Area School District from 1969-1972 and as an administrative assistant for the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit from 1972-1991. Following her ordination in 1996 by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Pastor Wolford was called to serve Zion Lutheran Church, Minersville and from 2001 until 2007, she served St. Matthew Lutheran Church, North Weissport. She began serving St. John Lutheran Church, Tamaqua on January 1, 2008 and continued to serve as the congregation’s pastor until present. Pastor Wolford was elected to the school board of the Palmerton Area School District in 1989, served as a member of the Carbon County Literacy Board; and currently was a member of the Tamaqua Ministerium. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, reading, following sports, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Pastor Wolford especially was a fan of the Star Wars movies.
Arrangements will be announced when finalized.
Heaven became a little nicer on January 4, 2021 when Gladys Mazar was called home to the Lord. She died at Schuylkill Center Nursing Home, Pottsville. She had been a resident of Providence Place since 2019. She and her husband John lived in Middleport until the state took their home to rebuild Route 209. It was then that they built a house in Barnesville.
Gladys was born in Middleport, PA on July 2, 1918, the daughter of Harry J. and Caroline (Kohlmeir) John. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters Mary John Hendricks, Ruth John Basler and infant Priscilla John. She was the last member of her immediate family.
She was the widow of John A. Mazar who died December 7, 1983. He and Gladys were married in 1944 when John had a three day leave from the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Gladys graduated from Blythe Township HS and earned a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kutztown State Teachers College.
Her first job was part of President F.D Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration (WPA). Teachers were hired to go into the homes of immigrants to teach the history of America so they could become citizens.
When WWII broke out, this gave women a chance to get a teaching job even if married. Male teachers enlisted in the Armed Forces or left teaching to work in weapons, munitions or other war plants where the pay was better. One of Gladys’ first teaching positions was in a one-room school house in the country.
Gladys started teaching in the Middleport Public School in 1939 and taught there until its closure. She then taught in the St. Clair Elementary School until her retirement in 1972.
Gladys was an example of what a great teacher should be. She was intelligent, compassionate and caring. She brought out the best in her students. She was deeply loved by them and many kept in touch with cards and letters over the years.
Gladys enjoyed working with children and at one time was a Girl Scout leader with an Intermediate Group and a Brownie Group in Middleport.
Gladys had many hobbies. Among them were reading, gardening, bird watching and shopping. She enjoyed reading mostly historical fiction. She had a vegetable garden of tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill and a beautiful flower garden. She continued gardening until her late 90’s. She loved watching the birds that came to her garden and to the birdfeeders in her yard. While shopping, she always found something new to add to her extensive wardrobe.
Gladys always enjoyed being with family and friends and eating out at restaurants in the area. One of her favorite places was the Top of the 80’s in Hazelton.
Gladys was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church until it closed and now is a member of Holy Cross in New Philadelphia.
She is survived by her niece Joan Hendricks DeStefano, Barnegat, NJ; grandniece Maribeth Mullen, New Hope, PA and grandnephew John DeStefano, Montville, NJ.
Her husband’s nieces and nephews are Lynn Wunz, Lewisburg PA; Thomas Trotman, Chester Springs, PA; Violet Ciekawy, Media, PA and Theresa Aronson, Media PA.
Gladys was truly a gem and was granted a long life to spread her “light” – (That rare quality to be able to make situations and people’s lives brighter and happier across the decades).
Funeral Service will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church Memorial Fund, 99 Valley Street, New Philadelphia 17959. Interment will be in St. Bartholomew Cemetery, Brockton PA.
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.
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Heaven became a little nicer on January 4, 2021 when Gladys Mazar was called home to the Lord. She died at Schuylkill Center Nursing Home, Pottsville. She had been a resident of Providence Place since 2019. She and her husband John lived in Middleport until the state took their home to rebuild Route 209. It was then that they built a house in Barnesville.
Gladys was born in Middleport, PA on July 2, 1918, the daughter of Harry J. and Caroline (Kohlmeir) John. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters Mary John Hendricks, Ruth John Basler and infant Priscilla John. She was the last member of her immediate family.
She was the widow of John A. Mazar who died December 7, 1983. He and Gladys were married in 1944 when John had a three day leave from the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Gladys graduated from Blythe Township HS and earned a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kutztown State Teachers College.
Her first job was part of President F.D Roosevelt’s Work Progress Administration (WPA). Teachers were hired to go into the homes of immigrants to teach the history of America so they could become citizens.
When WWII broke out, this gave women a chance to get a teaching job even if married. Male teachers enlisted in the Armed Forces or left teaching to work in weapons, munitions or other war plants where the pay was better. One of Gladys’ first teaching positions was in a one-room school house in the country.
Gladys started teaching in the Middleport Public School in 1939 and taught there until its closure. She then taught in the St. Clair Elementary School until her retirement in 1972.
Gladys was an example of what a great teacher should be. She was intelligent, compassionate and caring. She brought out the best in her students. She was deeply loved by them and many kept in touch with cards and letters over the years.
Gladys enjoyed working with children and at one time was a Girl Scout leader with an Intermediate Group and a Brownie Group in Middleport.
Gladys had many hobbies. Among them were reading, gardening, bird watching and shopping. She enjoyed reading mostly historical fiction. She had a vegetable garden of tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill and a beautiful flower garden. She continued gardening until her late 90’s. She loved watching the birds that came to her garden and to the birdfeeders in her yard. While shopping, she always found something new to add to her extensive wardrobe.
Gladys always enjoyed being with family and friends and eating out at restaurants in the area. One of her favorite places was the Top of the 80’s in Hazelton.
Gladys was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church until it closed and now is a member of Holy Cross in New Philadelphia.
She is survived by her niece Joan Hendricks DeStefano, Barnegat, NJ; grandniece Maribeth Mullen, New Hope, PA and grandnephew John DeStefano, Montville, NJ.
Her husband’s nieces and nephews are Lynn Wunz, Lewisburg PA; Thomas Trotman, Chester Springs, PA; Violet Ciekawy, Media, PA and Theresa Aronson, Media PA.
Gladys was truly a gem and was granted a long life to spread her “light” – (That rare quality to be able to make situations and people’s lives brighter and happier across the decades).
Funeral Service will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church Memorial Fund, 99 Valley Street, New Philadelphia 17959. Interment will be in St. Bartholomew Cemetery, Brockton PA.
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.
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Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late William and Catherine Murray Barlow.
William was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 309, Girardville, the Saint Clair Fish and Game Club along with numerous fire companies. William was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dolores “Dodie” Barlow; a daughter, Deborah Miller and his sister Mary Ellen Barlow.
William is survived by his daughter Cathy Barlow and her significant other, Edward Burns, Girardville; his two sons: William and Robert Barlow, Girardville; his eight grandchildren: Gretchen, Jennifer, Jamie Lynn, Robert, Danny, Leah, Jimmy and Avahay; he is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren.
Private funeral services will be held for the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born Saturday,February 14, 1948 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. the son of the late Robert F.Stegmeier, Sr., and Ruth (Hochstatter) Stegmeier.
Bob is also survived by; sister, Sandra S. Barnes of York, PA.; many nieces and nephews;cousin, William Varano and his wife Grace.
A 1966 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Bob earned an Associate's Degree at Penn State Berks Campus.In his youth Bob helped his father on their family farm; however, after the passing of his father, Bob and Barbara took the reins of their families Trucking Business, Panther Valley Carriers which they currently own and operate in conjunction with P.V.C. Sales & Service for over 40 years. At its height they were the premiere shipping provider for Strohs and Yuengling Breweries.
Bob was affiliated Evangelical Free Church of Lehighton. A former West Penn Twp.Supervisor, Bob enjoyed camping, and snowmobiling. Bob was a true gentleman who will be missed by many.
Pending arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Memorials in his honor to:Christ Evangelical Free Church 2420 Blakeslee Blvd.Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235
Online condolences or a fond memory of Bob may made by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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As a very young man, he learned to work hard and take on whatever job was available to support his family. A self-taught master carpenter, he did home projects for hundreds of families throughout the Williams Valley community. For the past eighteen years, he was employed as a carpenter at Ft. Indiantown Gap, where he made many friends; touched even more lives, and will be deeply missed.
In addition to speaking PA Dutch, he had a life-long love affair with scrapple, sausage, bacon, and all of the other simple pleasures of life that came from local butchers in and around the Klingerstown area. These past few years Marlin enjoyed polka and square dancing, and belonged to the Square Dancing Association; his love for gospel music led him all over the area to hear local musicians.
He came to know and love Jesus over the past 20 years. That love grew daily and he served as a reminder for all of us to forgive each other, spend time with God and look forward to Heaven.
We are all blessed to have learned many valuable lessons from him. Most importantly, the simplicity of living a life with those you love and doing what you love.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Mildred "Doll" Kennedy, 2011. Following Doll's death from ALS, Marlin became active with the Annual Schuylkill County ALS Fundraiser, a chapter that his daughter formed in Doll's memory. He was also preceded in death by a sister Linda Weigley.
He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children, Marlin J. Klinger and his wife Teresa, Dan J. Klinger and his wife Susan, Brenda R. Koch and her husband Doug; his five grandchildren, Kaitlin, Joe, Ben, Christian, and Cody Klinger; two great granddaughters, Audra and Evie Kuntz; his loving companion for the past seven years, Leslie Herb; his siblings, Shirley Murray, Robert Klinger, Lois Dunkle, and Ray Klinger, whom was blessed to live with Marlin and his family, as well as his nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Due to the current pandemic, funeral services for Marlin will be private from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home in Tower City with Pastor Jim Lewis of the Immanuel United Methodist Church, Loyalton, where Marlin attended with Leslie, was a member and served on the board. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Williamstown. There will be a celebration of Marlin's life announced when the current health restrictions are lifted, and it is safe for everyone to gather.
Everyone who remembers Marlin is asked to celebrate his life in their own way. Be it listening to country or Gospel music, doing your best at a home project, or spending time praying; honor his yesterdays with your tomorrows. His legacy lives in all of us when we live as he taught us to, loving God and being honest, humble, and kind.
This gentle, caring, and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be missed by everyone that he greeted with his smile.
Instead of flowers, in his memory and for the glory of our Farther in Heaven, Marlin would hope for you to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need.
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Born in Sunbury, PA, November 16, 1939, the daughter of the late Michael T. And Emma E. (Hunter) Wida. She went to Sunbury schools and worked as a machine operator at Tri-State Envelope. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland. She was a member of the St Ann Guild, and was a Life Member of the VFW. She loved to crochet, read and bake.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Conroy and her daughter Emma Fishburn. Also preceding her in death were two brothers: Michael and Irvin, and a sister, Ida Rupp.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Harry Fishburn, Sr, Mt. Carmel; a grandson: Harry Fishburn, Jr., Mt. Carmel; and a granddaughter: Mary Milosh, Ringtown. 3 brothers: William Hunter, Sr., Dornsife; Hiram Wida, Indiana; David Wida, Mt Carmel. And her niece and caregiver Ann Dorman, Sunbury. Relatives surviging: Maureen & Mike Tasker, Kathy Rexrode, Peggy Vechter, Margaret Conroy, Melba Martin and Paul Rupp. 9 great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland with Rev. Brian Miller officiating. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs. Visitation will be from9:45 -11:00 AM in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland,PA.
Memorial contributions in memory of
Mary can be made to:
Shriners Hospitals for Children, wwwdonate.lovetotherescue.org. or
St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton,PA 18509.
Shriners Hospitals for Children, wwwdonate.lovetotherescue.org. or
St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton,PA 18509.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland,PA has charge of arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
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Wayne ‘Jake’ Troy of Zion Grove, passed away Monday, January 4th 2021.
Services will be announced upon completion.
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