Skook News Obituaries: March 4th, 2021
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Dolores Kupchinsky Leidich, 91, of Las Vegas, formerly of Tremont, passed away from natural causes on February 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Born on May 31, 1929 in Minersville, she was the daughter of Edna Romachesky and Edward Kupchinsky. She was a 1951 graduate of the School of Pharmacy at Temple University.
Dolores married Dr. Ray Leidich, of Tremont, following his graduation from the Temple University School of Dentistry. After a tour of duty in the military, they returned to Tremont and eventually set up a dental practice and the Tremont Pharmacy out of the same location on East Laurel Street. Dolores raised a family, ran the pharmacy, and, at night after dinner, balanced the books and billing for both businesses. She was an uncommonly competent and accomplished woman.
Following Ray’s death in 2018, she moved to Las Vegas to spend her final years living with her daughter, Leanne. They both considered these years one of life’s great blessings.
In 2019, her gift to the School of Pharmacy at Temple University established The Dolores Kupchinsky Leidich ’51 Pharmacy Practice Laboratory. She was also extremely generous to the Schuylkill County Historical Society and many other charitable causes.
She is survived by her daughter, Leanne McLaughlin, wife of Joseph McLaughlin, Nevada; a son, Dr. Raymond Bruce Leidich, Kansas; three granddaughters , Shannon John, Kerry Oatridge and Kimberly McLaughlin; two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Farrah John; and her brother George Kupchinsky of Midland, Michigan.
Tentative plans are for a private service in the Spring.
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Robert M. “Ben” Blue, 77, of Barnesville, PA, died peacefully early Thursday morning, March 4, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his family and God’s angels, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
“Bob” or “Ben” as he was called was born at the Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah, PA on September 6, 1943. He was the beloved son of the late Agnes (Colahan) and Martin Blue of Mahanoy City, the same town where he grew up along with his 2 sisters, Betty and Babs. In the 1950’s, he began his athletic journey in the Mahanoy City Little League, playing for the VFW. In 1961, as a talented center/forward on the Mahanoy Are High School basketball team, he helped lead the Golden Bears to a 22-0 season and was selected as the outstanding ‘TEAM’ player by the Mahanoy City Lions Club. Along with his high school friends, Ben participated in several community sports including: volleyball with the Big Green, flag football in the Shenandoah League, and softball with Brayford’s Angels.
While in high school, Ben took part in several activities including choir, acapella choir, baseball, and theater arts. He graduated in 1961.
Ben entered Bloomsburg State College (BSC) to study business. He became a starter on the BSC Varsity Team in his sophomore season. He and his teammates had a 17-4 senior season, which was the best record for a Bloomsburg team at that time. Again, he was recognized by his peers and coaches for his role as a team player.
Ben graduated from Bloomsburg State College in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and immediately began his career at Tamaqua Area High School teaching typing, accounting, business law, and bookkeeping. He served as Head of the Business Department for many years. He continued his graduate studies earning an M.Ed in Business also from Bloomsburg.
Ben was not only an exceptional athlete but a compassionate and inspirational coach. In 1968, he became head coach of the JV team at Tamaqua Area High School. Eventually, he became assistant varsity coach. He taught his players not only the fundamentals of basketball, but also good sportsmanship, and most importantly, encouraged these young men to excel in academics as well as athletics. He was recognized by the Lions Club in 1969 and the Mahanoy City Business Association in 1997, both for his athletic prowess and inspiration to the youth of his community and those of Tamaqua. He was deeply involved as an educator and a coach. In 2019, Ben was inducted into the Jerry Wolman Northern Anthracite Chapter of Pennsylvania’s Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that he shared with both his daughters, Ally and Leslie, who were inducted in 2007.
Ben taught business education for many years at various levels including Reading Area Community College, Lehigh County Community College, Frackville State Correctional Institute, and community classes at The Senator James A. Rhoades Community Center in Mahanoy City and Rockwood Center in Cressona. In 2001 after spending 36 years in secondary education, he retired from Tamaqua Area High School.
In 1971, Ben married Carol (Koval) the love of his life, in St. Canicus Church, Mahanoy City by Father Michael Connaughton with Rev. Aubry Bucher in attendance. They began their partnership together living in Barnesville, where they raised two children, Allyson and Leslie. Ben enjoyed many hobbies including: gardening, yard work, cutting wood, running, playing basketball and shuffleboard, fishing with his daughters and grandchildren and vacationing with family and friends in Rehoboth Beach. Ben introduced his daughters to sports at a young age, eventually focusing on basketball and developing weight and conditioning drills, going for runs, and rebounding countless shots in the driveway basketball court. Ben, Carol and the girls enjoyed spending time with a close group of friends and their children, many of whom were teachers, and are considered extended family and a great support system, to this day.
Ben was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer and on the endowment fund committee for several years. In 2018, he was honored for 50 years of service in the Pennsylvania Masonic Lodge #357, Mahanoy City. His strong devotion to his faith and his church was evident as he served as lector at Sunday services and annually at Good Friday services where he participated in the reading of the Passion. He also was a member of the church choir.
His fulfillment in life was undoubtedly his family. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren whom he adored. They enjoyed trips to Locust Lake, fishing, miniature golfing, hiking, and vacations at the beach. He was known affectionately as PaPa. Ben was a kind, gentle man with a keen sense of humor. His actions spoke louder than words. He was a unique and special person with values and ethics which guided him throughout his life. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Carol, to whom he was married for 49 years; his two children, daughter Allyson Schaller (Marc) of Maple Glen, PA; daughter Leslie Shultz (Matthew) of Marlton, NJ; five grandchildren, Ben, Kyle, and Chase Schaller; Sarah and Matthew Shultz; a sister-in-law, Patricia Lausterer; nieces, nephews. great- nieces and great-nephews.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands, Elizabeth Kehler (John) and Barbara Tuggle (Thomas); a nephew, Jack Kehler and cousins.
The family would like to thank Lenny Zakrewsky for his loyalty and untiring dedication to Ben during his illness, his caregivers: (CNA’s) Alice Michaels and Jodie Crowley and the Staff of Advantage Home Health and Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. They truly found a way to brighten Ben’s days. A special thanks to our family, neighbors, and friends for their unending support along this journey.
Friends and family may call from 5 to 8 pm on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 300 West Center St., Mahanoy City, PA. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, March 8 at Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, PA, with Pastor Fred Crawford officiating.
Interment will be private at Sky-view Memorial Park in Mahanoy City, PA.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Main St., Mahanoy City, PA and Mahanoy City Public Library.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www. truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, send sympathy cards, or view Video Tribute.
Born in Buck Run, she was a daughter of the late Stiney and Tekla Pudach Kruel. She attended Cass Township schools; and was employed in the local garment industry until retiring.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John Kruel; three sisters, Julia Kruel, Anna Malusky and Mary Schimkaitis; a niece, Sharon Melefsky and a nephew, Gregory Kruel.
Helen is survived by five sisters, Theresa Oakill, Forestville, Sophia Doyle, Minersville, Nancy Melefsky, Frackville, Irene Davidovich, Rhode Island, and Kathryn Kolody, Texas; a brother, Stiney Kruel (spouse, Rita), Pottsville; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private in St. Nicholas Church, Minersville. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Branch Township.
Gladys N. Weaver, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, 83 years of age, of 222. East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, upon arrival Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp..
Born Sunday, December 12, 1937 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late George, and Bertha (Edmonds) Yemm. Gladys was also predeceased by; sister Charlotte Breiner; brother, John Yemm; grandson, Albert Q. Weaver.
Surviving are son, Albert Weaver and his wife, Barbara of Andreas; daughter, Gladys B. Neff of Tamaqua; brothers, Edmond Yemm of Coaldale, George Yemm of Tamaqua, David Yemm and his wife, Patricia of Allentown,; grandchildren, Melissa Spencer and her companion Elden Neifert, Jason Weaver, Megan Witkus, Justin, and Keith Neff; great grandchildren, Makayla, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Devlin.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Gladys retired from Arrow International Disposable Medical Supplies in 2000. Previously Gladys worked in the Textile Industry. Gladys enjoyed day trips to the Casino's, and time spent with her family.
Private Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Memorials in her name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
“Bob” or “Ben” as he was called was born at the Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah, PA on September 6, 1943. He was the beloved son of the late Agnes (Colahan) and Martin Blue of Mahanoy City, the same town where he grew up along with his 2 sisters, Betty and Babs. In the 1950’s, he began his athletic journey in the Mahanoy City Little League, playing for the VFW. In 1961, as a talented center/forward on the Mahanoy Are High School basketball team, he helped lead the Golden Bears to a 22-0 season and was selected as the outstanding ‘TEAM’ player by the Mahanoy City Lions Club. Along with his high school friends, Ben participated in several community sports including: volleyball with the Big Green, flag football in the Shenandoah League, and softball with Brayford’s Angels.
While in high school, Ben took part in several activities including choir, acapella choir, baseball, and theater arts. He graduated in 1961.
Ben entered Bloomsburg State College (BSC) to study business. He became a starter on the BSC Varsity Team in his sophomore season. He and his teammates had a 17-4 senior season, which was the best record for a Bloomsburg team at that time. Again, he was recognized by his peers and coaches for his role as a team player.
Ben graduated from Bloomsburg State College in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and immediately began his career at Tamaqua Area High School teaching typing, accounting, business law, and bookkeeping. He served as Head of the Business Department for many years. He continued his graduate studies earning an M.Ed in Business also from Bloomsburg.
Ben was not only an exceptional athlete but a compassionate and inspirational coach. In 1968, he became head coach of the JV team at Tamaqua Area High School. Eventually, he became assistant varsity coach. He taught his players not only the fundamentals of basketball, but also good sportsmanship, and most importantly, encouraged these young men to excel in academics as well as athletics. He was recognized by the Lions Club in 1969 and the Mahanoy City Business Association in 1997, both for his athletic prowess and inspiration to the youth of his community and those of Tamaqua. He was deeply involved as an educator and a coach. In 2019, Ben was inducted into the Jerry Wolman Northern Anthracite Chapter of Pennsylvania’s Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that he shared with both his daughters, Ally and Leslie, who were inducted in 2007.
Ben taught business education for many years at various levels including Reading Area Community College, Lehigh County Community College, Frackville State Correctional Institute, and community classes at The Senator James A. Rhoades Community Center in Mahanoy City and Rockwood Center in Cressona. In 2001 after spending 36 years in secondary education, he retired from Tamaqua Area High School.
In 1971, Ben married Carol (Koval) the love of his life, in St. Canicus Church, Mahanoy City by Father Michael Connaughton with Rev. Aubry Bucher in attendance. They began their partnership together living in Barnesville, where they raised two children, Allyson and Leslie. Ben enjoyed many hobbies including: gardening, yard work, cutting wood, running, playing basketball and shuffleboard, fishing with his daughters and grandchildren and vacationing with family and friends in Rehoboth Beach. Ben introduced his daughters to sports at a young age, eventually focusing on basketball and developing weight and conditioning drills, going for runs, and rebounding countless shots in the driveway basketball court. Ben, Carol and the girls enjoyed spending time with a close group of friends and their children, many of whom were teachers, and are considered extended family and a great support system, to this day.
Ben was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer and on the endowment fund committee for several years. In 2018, he was honored for 50 years of service in the Pennsylvania Masonic Lodge #357, Mahanoy City. His strong devotion to his faith and his church was evident as he served as lector at Sunday services and annually at Good Friday services where he participated in the reading of the Passion. He also was a member of the church choir.
His fulfillment in life was undoubtedly his family. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren whom he adored. They enjoyed trips to Locust Lake, fishing, miniature golfing, hiking, and vacations at the beach. He was known affectionately as PaPa. Ben was a kind, gentle man with a keen sense of humor. His actions spoke louder than words. He was a unique and special person with values and ethics which guided him throughout his life. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Carol, to whom he was married for 49 years; his two children, daughter Allyson Schaller (Marc) of Maple Glen, PA; daughter Leslie Shultz (Matthew) of Marlton, NJ; five grandchildren, Ben, Kyle, and Chase Schaller; Sarah and Matthew Shultz; a sister-in-law, Patricia Lausterer; nieces, nephews. great- nieces and great-nephews.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands, Elizabeth Kehler (John) and Barbara Tuggle (Thomas); a nephew, Jack Kehler and cousins.
The family would like to thank Lenny Zakrewsky for his loyalty and untiring dedication to Ben during his illness, his caregivers: (CNA’s) Alice Michaels and Jodie Crowley and the Staff of Advantage Home Health and Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. They truly found a way to brighten Ben’s days. A special thanks to our family, neighbors, and friends for their unending support along this journey.
Friends and family may call from 5 to 8 pm on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 300 West Center St., Mahanoy City, PA. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, March 8 at Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, PA, with Pastor Fred Crawford officiating.
Interment will be private at Sky-view Memorial Park in Mahanoy City, PA.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Main St., Mahanoy City, PA and Mahanoy City Public Library.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www. truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, send sympathy cards, or view Video Tribute.
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Helen Kruel, of Buck Run, Foster Township, died Thursday at Manor Care.Born in Buck Run, she was a daughter of the late Stiney and Tekla Pudach Kruel. She attended Cass Township schools; and was employed in the local garment industry until retiring.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville.
She was preceded in death by a brother, John Kruel; three sisters, Julia Kruel, Anna Malusky and Mary Schimkaitis; a niece, Sharon Melefsky and a nephew, Gregory Kruel.
Helen is survived by five sisters, Theresa Oakill, Forestville, Sophia Doyle, Minersville, Nancy Melefsky, Frackville, Irene Davidovich, Rhode Island, and Kathryn Kolody, Texas; a brother, Stiney Kruel (spouse, Rita), Pottsville; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private in St. Nicholas Church, Minersville. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Branch Township.
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Born Sunday, December 12, 1937 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late George, and Bertha (Edmonds) Yemm. Gladys was also predeceased by; sister Charlotte Breiner; brother, John Yemm; grandson, Albert Q. Weaver.
Surviving are son, Albert Weaver and his wife, Barbara of Andreas; daughter, Gladys B. Neff of Tamaqua; brothers, Edmond Yemm of Coaldale, George Yemm of Tamaqua, David Yemm and his wife, Patricia of Allentown,; grandchildren, Melissa Spencer and her companion Elden Neifert, Jason Weaver, Megan Witkus, Justin, and Keith Neff; great grandchildren, Makayla, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Devlin.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Gladys retired from Arrow International Disposable Medical Supplies in 2000. Previously Gladys worked in the Textile Industry. Gladys enjoyed day trips to the Casino's, and time spent with her family.
Private Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Memorials in her name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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