Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Wednesday, April 20, 1927 in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Koch) Sterzen. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Esther P. (Wescott) Sterzen on Nov. 24, 2013; sisters, Mary Terry, Margaret Grover, Anna Hydock; brothers, Joseph, John, and George Sterzen.
A graduate of the former Nesquehoning High School, Stephen served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII. Stephen worked for the former Bundy Tubing of Tamaqua, Consolidated Cigar of McAdoo, and for #11 Colliery of Coaldale.
An accomplished athlete Stephen played semi-pro football for the Nesquehoning Hurricanes, playing Tight End, and Defensive End; semi pro baseball. Stephen was a District 11 Football referee for many years. An ardent outdoorsman, Stephen hunted, fished, and spent many days walking in the woods mushroom and huckleberry picking. He was a member of the Coaldale American Legion, and St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua.
Surviving are son, Richard S. Sterzen and his wife Janet of Martinez, GA,; daughter, Linda Scotti and her husband Donald of Essex Junction, VT,; sister, Frances DiGiacomo of Emmaus; grandchildren, Sarah and her husband Aaron, Julia, Dan and his wife Rafaella; great grandchildren, Atticus, Ruby. Many nieces and nephews also survive Stephen.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Graveside Funeral Services will be at 10 o'clock AM on Wednesday March 31, 2021 at Sky View Memorial Park located at 108 Lafayette Ave. Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Military Honors to be bestowed.
Memorials in his name to:
St Luke's Hospice
2455 Black River Road
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
--------------------------------------------Clair Vernon Koons, 85, of Hegins, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Rosewood Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven.
He was born on June 16, 1935, in the Mahontongo valley, a son of the late Alice Eby and Synary Koons.
Clair attended the former Hubley Township Schools.
He was employed by Starr Poultry, then retired after 20 years as a custodian for the Tri Valley High School.
Clair enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite E Koons in 2008. Clair was the last surviving member of his family, being the youngest of 9.
He is survived by a son, Irvin S. and wife Mary Koons of Hegins; granddaughter, Mary Koons; two grandsons, Jacob and Zane Koons; great grandson, Synary Grose;
Burial will be made with his wife in Fountain Community Cemetery.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
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