Skook News Obituaries: February 22nd, 2021
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale on November 8, 1968, Edward was the son of Norma Ann (nee Delp) Smith of Walker Township and the late Edward H. Smith who died in 2017. A 1988 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Edward received an associate degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College. He worked for Henkel in Hazleton for the last two years after being employed by Nestle Water for 18 years. Edward was a member of the Italian Club of Summit Hill; the West Penn Rod and Gun Club; the Coaldale Fire Company; the East End Fire Company, Tamaqua; the Tamaqua Elks; and a social member of American Hose Company # 1, Tamaqua. He filled his free time hunting, camping, deep sea fishing, riding his Harley, and going on cruises. Edward loved life; enjoyed having fun and teasing his family and friends; and loved his cats, dogs, and chickens.
In addition to his wife Tammy and his mother Norma, he is survived by daughters, Krystal Bradford and her fiancé Justin Frable of Coaldale and Lindsey Bradford of Tamaqua; son, James Bradford, III and his fiancée Mariah Lombardo of Lewistown Valley, PA; 6 grandchildren; sister, Stacia A. Smith and her spouse Tammy Falisi Smith of Tamaqua; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the family c/o the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Beverly L. Richards, 87, formerly of Tamaqua, died on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in Weatherly, PA. For the past two years, she was a resident of Heritage Hill Senior Community. Beverly was the wife of the late Robert L. “Dobbs” Richards with whom she celebrated 53 years of marriage until his death in 2006.
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Born in Tamaqua on August 29, 1933, Beverly was the daughter of the late Amandus and Emma (nee Keich) Lutz. A 1951 graduate of Tamaqua High School, she attended Reading Hospital School of Nursing. In later years of her working life, Beverly was employed by Rest Haven, Schuylkill Haven, PA where she worked in various departments and retired from the dietary department. Prior to Rest Haven, Beverly was the bookkeeper for her husband’s plumbing business. A member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, she was active in various church activities. She loved music, big band dancing, cooking and was an excellent baker. An animal lover, Beverly was very fond of dogs. Her grandchildren were especially loved by their grandmother.
Beverly is survived by daughter, Sandra L. Bonner and her husband Joseph of Tamaqua; son, Brian L. Richards and his wife Ludmilla of Columbia, MD; grandchildren, Aaron Bonner, Drew Bonner, Carly Jordan, Kevin Richards, and Greg Richards; great grandchildren, Erin Richards, Ellie Richards, Avery Richards, and Carter Jordan.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by son, Robert L. Richards, Jr in 2017.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Tamaqua Area Adult Day Care, 801 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA, 18252. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Clair L. Schleicher, 90 of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021, in Zionsville, while in the care of his children.
Born Sunday, October 26, 1930 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Edwin A., and Arlene C. (Smith) Schleicher. Clair was also predeceased by his wife Alice A. (Hettinger) Schleicher on April 4, 2019; brother, Clarence W. Schleicher.
Surviving are; daughter, Lore A. Ross; son, Ralph E. Schleicher; 4 grandchildren.
Clair served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, and retired from Lehigh Valley Dairy after 36 years in 1994.
Clair was a kind, patient, honest man. He was always ready to help those in need. He will be missed.
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 with Military Honors will be held in the Spring at Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Lydia L. Rebuck, 99, of Orwin, entered into her heavenly home, Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the Hershey Medical Center.
Born in Pitman, April 29, 1921, a daughter of the late Harry and Frona Long Gahres.
Lydia was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Orwin, where she was a member of ladies aide and served on the consistory for over 27 years. She was also a member of the Orwin Fire Company Auxiliary.
Lydia loved and adored her family, she will be remembered for the love she shown to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful "Nan" to everyone. She enjoyed playing a good game of Parcheesi with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John F. Rebuck, 1993; three brothers, Irvin, John and Charles Gahres; four sisters, Florence Specht, Pearl Rhoades, Noreen Carpenter and Helen Anthony.
Surviving are her five children, Paul L. Rebuck and his wife Dolly, Orwin; John L. Rebuck and his wife Carol, Tower City; Virginia F. Schoffstall and her husband Bill, Orwin; Sheila R. Donata, Harrisburg and Tina M. Schaeffer and her husband Lee, Williamstown; a brother, Frank Gahres, Aston; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters. Nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 from the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Orwin with Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be from 10-11 am at the church. All CDC guidelines will be followed and masks are required. In lieu of flowers donations in Lydia's memory can be made to St. Peter's UCC, 427 Dietrich Avenue, Orwin, PA 17980 or the Orwin Park Association, 309 Dietrich Avenue, Orwin PA 17980.
The family wishes to thank Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Tower City for the excellent care Lydia was given these past several years.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
Lawrence V. Madden, 94, lifelong resident of Ashland, died Sunday February 21st at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, surrounded by his loving family.
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Born Sunday, October 26, 1930 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Edwin A., and Arlene C. (Smith) Schleicher. Clair was also predeceased by his wife Alice A. (Hettinger) Schleicher on April 4, 2019; brother, Clarence W. Schleicher.
Surviving are; daughter, Lore A. Ross; son, Ralph E. Schleicher; 4 grandchildren.
Clair served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, and retired from Lehigh Valley Dairy after 36 years in 1994.
Clair was a kind, patient, honest man. He was always ready to help those in need. He will be missed.
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 with Military Honors will be held in the Spring at Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Born in Pitman, April 29, 1921, a daughter of the late Harry and Frona Long Gahres.
Lydia was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Orwin, where she was a member of ladies aide and served on the consistory for over 27 years. She was also a member of the Orwin Fire Company Auxiliary.
Lydia loved and adored her family, she will be remembered for the love she shown to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful "Nan" to everyone. She enjoyed playing a good game of Parcheesi with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John F. Rebuck, 1993; three brothers, Irvin, John and Charles Gahres; four sisters, Florence Specht, Pearl Rhoades, Noreen Carpenter and Helen Anthony.
Surviving are her five children, Paul L. Rebuck and his wife Dolly, Orwin; John L. Rebuck and his wife Carol, Tower City; Virginia F. Schoffstall and her husband Bill, Orwin; Sheila R. Donata, Harrisburg and Tina M. Schaeffer and her husband Lee, Williamstown; a brother, Frank Gahres, Aston; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters. Nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 from the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Orwin with Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be from 10-11 am at the church. All CDC guidelines will be followed and masks are required. In lieu of flowers donations in Lydia's memory can be made to St. Peter's UCC, 427 Dietrich Avenue, Orwin, PA 17980 or the Orwin Park Association, 309 Dietrich Avenue, Orwin PA 17980.
The family wishes to thank Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Tower City for the excellent care Lydia was given these past several years.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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Born February 4, 1927, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Anna (Klassen) Madden.
He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo parish and was a devout member of the former St. Mauritius Church where he served as an Usher, Extraordinary Minister, Block Party Chairman, Summer Basketball League Coordinator, and Scout Leader.
Surviving are his wife, the former Janet Wewer, with whom he would have celebrated 70 years of marriage in June; two sons, Larry (Susan) of Wooster, OH, Thad (Shannon) of Coatesville, PA; one daughter, Amy Fanelli of Fountain Springs; seven grandchildren, Colin Fanelli (Jessica) of Frackville, Anthony Fanelli (Colleen) of Ashland, Natalie Fanelli of Brooklyn, NY, Zoe Madden of Wooster, OH, Gavin, Maggie, and Brooks Madden of Coatesville, PA; three great grandsons, Christian Fanelli of Frackville, Geno and Nico Fanelli of Ashland. A brother, Frank Madden of Towanda, PA and an aunt Marie Gough of Mount Carmel; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother William Madden, sister Catherine Dando, and son-in-law Mark Fanelli.
Larry worked for 47 years at the former Ashland Shirt and Pajama Factory as the foreman of the cutting department and was also proud to have helped make Gitman Bros. shirts for John Wayne and to work side-by-side with Ralph Lauren.
Larry was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and earned his Fourth Degree in 2009. He also attended retreats at St. Joseph in the Hills in Malvern for 30 consecutive years, and served as president of the Schuylkill Deanery of the Holy Name Society.
A veteran of World War II, Larry was an active member of the American Legion Post 434 in Ashland. He also was active in the community as a life member of the Washington Fire Company and served 19 years as the Chairman of Ashland Area Municipal Authority.
Larry was an avid tennis player and enjoyed taking care of St. Mauritius tennis court. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his tomatoes. Larry was a life-long, die-hard fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He enjoyed attending games culminating with a trip to South Bend in 2000. Poppop coached his grandsons on the Ashland Little League Pirates team in the 1990s.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Feb.27,2021 at 11:00 AM in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland, PA. Rev. Brian Miller officiating. Interment at the convenience of the family in St. Mauritius Cemetery, Ashland,PA. Viewing Saturday 9:30-11:00 AM in St. Charles Borromeo Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 1117 Walnut St.,Ashland, PA or American Legion Post 434,505 Center St., Ashland,PA 17921.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor is in charge.
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Born in Pottsville, April 6, 1964 she was the daughter of the late Carl and Bernice Neildinger.
Denise was a graduate of Williams Valley High School and then went on to receive a certificate in Medical Transcription. She worked in Medical Transcription for most of her life and later worked as an assistant secretary in a chiropractic office.
She was a member of Tremont Brethren in Christ Church.
Denise loved the outdoors whether camping or fishing or gardening. She loved to be outside and one with nature. But she especially enjoyed spending time with her eight grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Muriel “Sissy” Martin.
She is survived by her husband John and their three children: John Koperna Jr. husband to Amanda of Pottsville, Kodi Koperna husband to Samantha of Herdon and Shannon Madison wife of Scott Jr. of Herndon. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren; Wyatt, Emma, Cora, Adeline, Haley, Sophie, Luke, and Theodore along with her sibling Edmund Neildinger, Carl Neidlinger, and Katherine Wenrich and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven at 1:00 P.M. A viewing will be held from Noon until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park. Grabowski Funeral Home is entrusted with the services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com
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Born in Pottsville June 18, 1946 she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Walters and Wanda Burch.
She attended Pottsville Area Schools and was a member of the PAHS Kilts, playing the bagpipes. She worked at several businesses in the area throughout her life including HL Miller, Weis Markets, and Value City.
Sandy enjoyed to fish and spend time with her beloved cat Felix, but her life was her 3 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their sporting events and spending time with them.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Clyde who passed away in 2011.
Sandy is survived by her children, Roy Adams husband to Scott Strauss of Oakland Park, FL, Laura Adams wife of Steve Bumbera of Sugar Loaf, and Douglas Adams and his lifelong companion Shelly Boyd of Gordon. She is survived by grandchildren, Samantha Chicchetti wife of Tommy, Jessica Crawford, and Andrea Firestone wife of Timothy Jr., and great grandchildren, Camilla, Olivia, Jaxen, Jonah, Kira, Brody, and Cooper. She is also survived by her siblings Larry Cain husband to Fred Cain Fort Myers, FL, and Kathy Lafferty and her lifelong companion Paul Auman of Auburn, along with half-siblings Sue Walters Rodriguez and David Walters, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service for immediate family members will be held on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park. Per Sandy’s wishes, a bagpipe player will be in attendance as she is laid to rest. Grabowski Funeral Home is entrusted with the services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com. You can also make a donation in Sandy’s memory to St. Luke’s Hospice. Their website is www.slhn.org/development/ways-to-give/make-a-gift , and select Hospice in the Designation section. Cindy and Tammy from St. Luke’s were extremely helpful and kind while helping to care for our mom and nanny.
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