Skook News Obituaries: March 16th, 2021
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Tamaqua, PA on August 30, 1925, Paul was a son of the late Harry E. and Rose (nee Brobst) Lewis. A 1941 graduate of Tamaqua High School, he earned his medical degree from Syracuse University in 1953. Dr. Lewis had been a pathologist and professor at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA and a clinician at Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia. During World War II, he served as a navigator in the Army Air Corp earning the rank of Lieutenant. Paul was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church, Tamaqua and the Tamaqua Masons. Paul enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking, and travelled around the world with his family. Trips included visits to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and North, Central and South America, and numerous islands from Iceland to the Galapagos. He also was interested in science, reading, photography, wood & metal working, and was the author of several medical papers. As a youth, he earned the Eagle Scout rank while a member of Tamaqua Boy Scout Troop 73.
Paul was well loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by son, Robert H. Lewis and his wife Kristin of Wynnewood, PA; twin grandchildren, Kathryn V. Lewis of Santa Cruz, CA and Paul E. Lewis of Pittsburgh, PA; and several nephews and nieces.
In addition to his wife and parents, Paul was predeceased by an infant brother, H. Clare Lewis.
Services will be held later this year. Memorials in Dr. Lewis’s name may be made to the Tamaqua Primitive Methodist Church, 55 Hunter Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 OR Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 (www.brightfocus.org/research/alzheimers-disease-research-program) OR the Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org). Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Gloria A Blantz, 95, of Carbon St., Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the Hershey Medical Center after a short illness.
Born on January 6, 1926 in Suedberg, she was a daughter of the late Edgar and Eva Keesey Felty.
She graduated from Pine Grove High School and then Ford Business School before accepting employment in nearby Lebanon County.
Gloria worked at the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Real Estate and Property for the Federal Government, where her career there spanned decades, through times of war and times of peace. Always generous with her stories, Gloria captivated her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her experiences from that period of her life.
She was also generous with her heart and was a member of the Suedberg Church of God, Pine Grove and a 50 year member of the former Mary E. Moore Chapter No. 372, Order of the Eastern Star. Gloria's love for the Lord was apparent to all of those around her.
Preceding her in death were her husband Charles Blantz; a son Roderick Percival; granddaughter Tiffany Thornton; great grandson Tucker Thornton; three brothers, John P. Felty, Robert Felty and Samuel Felty; two sisters, Arlene Arnold and Delphine Havens.
Surviving are her son, James "Kip" Thornton of Estero, FL; three grandchildren, Todd and wife Shannon Thornton of Colorado Springs, CO, Timothy and wife Lisa Thornton of Harrisburg, N.C, Christina and husband Anthony Cellini of Charlottesville, VA; six great grandchildren, Tanner Johnson, Abigail Thornton, Ava Thornton, Skyler Ford, Summer Ford and Tripp Thornton; one great great grandson Troy Johnson.
Gloria loved her family deeply and the feeling was certainly mutual. Although we are heartbroken, we gain strength in knowing she is with family members who have gone before her. We also take comfort and joy in the many wonderful memories she left behind for us.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Suedberg Church of God, 898 Suedberg Rd., Pine Grove with Pastor Terry Jansma officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Suedberg Church of God, P. O. Box 106 Pine Grove, PA 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
Born in Ashland, she was the daughter of Bernadine Ranieri Chupasko, Girardville and the late Michael Chupasko.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 49 years, William L. O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her two sons: Salvadore O’Donnell, Herndon, VA; Matthew O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her daughter, Joyanne O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her two brothers: Michael Chupasko, Girardville and Joseph Chupasko, Ashland; her sister, Roseanne Chupasko and her companion Walter Fendrick, New Jersey; several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Geraldine S. "Geri" Oslar, age 74, of Mahanoy City, died Tuesday morning at Providence Place in Drums.
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Born on January 6, 1926 in Suedberg, she was a daughter of the late Edgar and Eva Keesey Felty.
She graduated from Pine Grove High School and then Ford Business School before accepting employment in nearby Lebanon County.
Gloria worked at the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Real Estate and Property for the Federal Government, where her career there spanned decades, through times of war and times of peace. Always generous with her stories, Gloria captivated her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her experiences from that period of her life.
She was also generous with her heart and was a member of the Suedberg Church of God, Pine Grove and a 50 year member of the former Mary E. Moore Chapter No. 372, Order of the Eastern Star. Gloria's love for the Lord was apparent to all of those around her.
Preceding her in death were her husband Charles Blantz; a son Roderick Percival; granddaughter Tiffany Thornton; great grandson Tucker Thornton; three brothers, John P. Felty, Robert Felty and Samuel Felty; two sisters, Arlene Arnold and Delphine Havens.
Surviving are her son, James "Kip" Thornton of Estero, FL; three grandchildren, Todd and wife Shannon Thornton of Colorado Springs, CO, Timothy and wife Lisa Thornton of Harrisburg, N.C, Christina and husband Anthony Cellini of Charlottesville, VA; six great grandchildren, Tanner Johnson, Abigail Thornton, Ava Thornton, Skyler Ford, Summer Ford and Tripp Thornton; one great great grandson Troy Johnson.
Gloria loved her family deeply and the feeling was certainly mutual. Although we are heartbroken, we gain strength in knowing she is with family members who have gone before her. We also take comfort and joy in the many wonderful memories she left behind for us.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Suedberg Church of God, 898 Suedberg Rd., Pine Grove with Pastor Terry Jansma officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Suedberg Church of God, P. O. Box 106 Pine Grove, PA 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Margaret L. O’Donnell, 68, Emmitsburg, MD passed away Sunday March 14th at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown, Md.Born in Ashland, she was the daughter of Bernadine Ranieri Chupasko, Girardville and the late Michael Chupasko.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 49 years, William L. O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her two sons: Salvadore O’Donnell, Herndon, VA; Matthew O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her daughter, Joyanne O’Donnell, Emmitsburg; her two brothers: Michael Chupasko, Girardville and Joseph Chupasko, Ashland; her sister, Roseanne Chupasko and her companion Walter Fendrick, New Jersey; several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital she was the daughter of the late Julius and Frances (Sherkness) Deriscavage. She was a 1964 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and also Empire Beauty school. She had been employed by Girard Trust in Philadelphia, worked at Sears at the former Schuylkill Mall for 30 years and last worked and retired as a secretary for St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. She was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her son James F. "Jimmer" Oslar Jr., a sister MaryAnn Kalinock and a brother Julius "JuJu" Deriscavage.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years James. F. Oslar Sr., a daughter Michelle Davis and her husband Timothy of Kalamazoo MI, a son Christopher and his wife Tani of Ringtown, grandchildren Zierra Treshock, CJ Oslar and Timmy Davis and a great granddaughter Mia Lyash as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher on Friday morning at 11 AM from St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Mahanoy Township.
Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday morning beginning at 9 AM. Mask's will be required to attend and COVID 19 practices in place.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.
Born in Minersville, she was the daughter of the late George and Marie (Delaney) Laudeman. She was a 1972 graduate of Minersville High School. She was a long-time employee at Providence Place Senior Living in Pottsville.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed reading on the front porch in the sunshine. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and was happiest when everyone was together.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Patrick Muldowney, her sister-in-law, Sharon Laudeman, her nephew Brian Laudeman, and her niece Christa Graeff.
Kim is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Leonard Valukevich; her sons, Scott Valukevich, and Jeremy Valukevich (spouse, Katherine); her daughters, Amanda Michels (spouse, Christopher), and Lindsay Valukevich (spouse, Michael); her grandchildren Madison, Austin, and Kateria Valukevich, Drizzt and Zak Testerman, and Cora and Ella Michels; great-grandson Ashton Testerman; her brother, George Laudeman; her sister, Jane (Laudeman) Shellhamer (spouse, Mark); her sister-in-law, Patricia (Valukevich) Muldowney; nieces and nephews.
All services shall be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Born in Saint Clair, PA on October 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Elmer J. and Roseann (Devine) Shollenberger.
Mary worked as a nurse’s aide at the Pottsville Hospital. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair and was a former member of the Phoenix Hose Company No. 4 Ladies Auxiliary in Saint Clair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Shollenberger and a sister Barbara Meyer.
Mary is survived by three sisters: Elizabeth Petravich and her husband Joseph, Pine Grove, Diane Pekarik and her husband Paul, Pottsville, and Judith Peletsky and her husband John, East Mines; a brother Elmer J. Shollenberger Jr, Port Carbon; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Services for Sight 4 Brookhill Road Sugarloaf, PA 18249.
Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com
Maureen Ginda, 63 years of age a resident of the Roxborough neighborhood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021, at Penn Medicine Hospice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after a long valiant fight against cancer.
Born Saturday, April 13, 1957 in Coaldale the daughter of the late Michael, and Irma (Camerini) Ginda.
A 1975 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Maureen earned her B.S. from Northeastern University in Pittsburgh, and her Master from the Medical College of Georgia. Maureen was a valued member of the Respiratory Care community in Philadelphia. Working at both St. Christopher’s Hospital and Children Hospital of Philadelphia, she was always a patient advocate. Maureen was a treasured team instructor sharing her years of knowledge easily and helping her co-workers to choose treatment practices with confidence to make a difference in the care plan.
Maureen loved her Disney cruises, she was a Harry Potter enthusiast, her home was a welcome center for rescue cats and she always wanted to put her feet in the ocean.
Maureen may have built walls around her, but once she let you in she is the most loyal friend anyone could have. She loved life and was a fierce friend.
Maureen’s favorite flower said everything about her; the sunflower who looked at the bright side, makes others happy and has a charming, quirky smile.
Maureen enjoyed listening to music, going to concerts, "The Boss", and the Rolling Stones were her go to shows.
Maureen is survived by her aunts, Mary, and Joan Camerini of Tamaqua, numerous cousins, and close friends who assisted in her care.
Private Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in St. Jerome's R.C. C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in her name to:
Francisvale Home For Smaller Animals
328 Upper Gulph road
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Born in Shenandoah on December 3rd, 1927, he was the son of the late Richard and Wilhelmina “Mentzer” Lewis.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Mrs. T’s Pierogies in the maintenance department for many years until his retirement. Besides his work and military careers, he was a member of the A.P. Damato American Legion Post 792 in Shenandoah, the Mahanoy City Elks, a member of Divine Mercy Parish – the former St. Casimir’s where he sang on their choir.
Besides his parents, preceding him was his wife, Arlene “Misiewicz” Lewis in 2016, 1 daughter, Barbara Sayetta in 2011, 3 brothers, John, Richard, and William Lewis, and 3 sisters, Anna Lewis, Mary Whalen, and Catherine Bendinsky.
Surviving is 1 son, Robert Lewis – Utah, several nieces and nephews, and his 2 caregivers, Sharon Wright and Susan Swearhart.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 19th from 8 to 10:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah with Msgr. Ronald Bocian officiating. Burial will follow in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Due to Covid-19, all mask and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
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Kim Valukevich, 66, of Minersville, passed away unexpectedly on March 9th.Born in Minersville, she was the daughter of the late George and Marie (Delaney) Laudeman. She was a 1972 graduate of Minersville High School. She was a long-time employee at Providence Place Senior Living in Pottsville.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed reading on the front porch in the sunshine. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and was happiest when everyone was together.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Patrick Muldowney, her sister-in-law, Sharon Laudeman, her nephew Brian Laudeman, and her niece Christa Graeff.
Kim is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Leonard Valukevich; her sons, Scott Valukevich, and Jeremy Valukevich (spouse, Katherine); her daughters, Amanda Michels (spouse, Christopher), and Lindsay Valukevich (spouse, Michael); her grandchildren Madison, Austin, and Kateria Valukevich, Drizzt and Zak Testerman, and Cora and Ella Michels; great-grandson Ashton Testerman; her brother, George Laudeman; her sister, Jane (Laudeman) Shellhamer (spouse, Mark); her sister-in-law, Patricia (Valukevich) Muldowney; nieces and nephews.
All services shall be private and held at the convenience of the family.
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Mary Ellen Shollenberger, age 80, of Pottsville, PA passed away Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, East in Pottsville.Born in Saint Clair, PA on October 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Elmer J. and Roseann (Devine) Shollenberger.
Mary worked as a nurse’s aide at the Pottsville Hospital. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair and was a former member of the Phoenix Hose Company No. 4 Ladies Auxiliary in Saint Clair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Shollenberger and a sister Barbara Meyer.
Mary is survived by three sisters: Elizabeth Petravich and her husband Joseph, Pine Grove, Diane Pekarik and her husband Paul, Pottsville, and Judith Peletsky and her husband John, East Mines; a brother Elmer J. Shollenberger Jr, Port Carbon; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Services for Sight 4 Brookhill Road Sugarloaf, PA 18249.
Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com
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Born Saturday, April 13, 1957 in Coaldale the daughter of the late Michael, and Irma (Camerini) Ginda.
A 1975 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Maureen earned her B.S. from Northeastern University in Pittsburgh, and her Master from the Medical College of Georgia. Maureen was a valued member of the Respiratory Care community in Philadelphia. Working at both St. Christopher’s Hospital and Children Hospital of Philadelphia, she was always a patient advocate. Maureen was a treasured team instructor sharing her years of knowledge easily and helping her co-workers to choose treatment practices with confidence to make a difference in the care plan.
Maureen loved her Disney cruises, she was a Harry Potter enthusiast, her home was a welcome center for rescue cats and she always wanted to put her feet in the ocean.
Maureen may have built walls around her, but once she let you in she is the most loyal friend anyone could have. She loved life and was a fierce friend.
Maureen’s favorite flower said everything about her; the sunflower who looked at the bright side, makes others happy and has a charming, quirky smile.
Maureen enjoyed listening to music, going to concerts, "The Boss", and the Rolling Stones were her go to shows.
Maureen is survived by her aunts, Mary, and Joan Camerini of Tamaqua, numerous cousins, and close friends who assisted in her care.
Private Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in St. Jerome's R.C. C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in her name to:
Francisvale Home For Smaller Animals
328 Upper Gulph road
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Francis Lewis “Mahat”, 93, of Shenandoah, passed away on Monday, March 15th at the Ridgeview Health & Rehabilitation Center, Shenandoah Heights.Born in Shenandoah on December 3rd, 1927, he was the son of the late Richard and Wilhelmina “Mentzer” Lewis.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Mrs. T’s Pierogies in the maintenance department for many years until his retirement. Besides his work and military careers, he was a member of the A.P. Damato American Legion Post 792 in Shenandoah, the Mahanoy City Elks, a member of Divine Mercy Parish – the former St. Casimir’s where he sang on their choir.
Besides his parents, preceding him was his wife, Arlene “Misiewicz” Lewis in 2016, 1 daughter, Barbara Sayetta in 2011, 3 brothers, John, Richard, and William Lewis, and 3 sisters, Anna Lewis, Mary Whalen, and Catherine Bendinsky.
Surviving is 1 son, Robert Lewis – Utah, several nieces and nephews, and his 2 caregivers, Sharon Wright and Susan Swearhart.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 19th from 8 to 10:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah with Msgr. Ronald Bocian officiating. Burial will follow in St. Casimir’s Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Due to Covid-19, all mask and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
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