Thursday, May 13, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: May 12th, 2021

                                                                                                                

Skook News Obituaries:  May 12th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Constance “Connie” Blozusky
, 84, Maizeville passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday evening.

Born in Butler Twp., she was the daughter of the late Costy and Mary Yekenchick Ketusky.

Connie graduated from St. Vincent’s School in Girardville and then was a 1957 graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia with a certificate in dental assisting. After school, Connie worked for the state of Pennsylvania in the department of unemployment, at the former Ashland State General Hospital in their personnel department, at Pennsylvania National Bank, Girardville as a bank teller and then finally as a dental assistant for Dr. Robert Forwood before working for her son, Frank, at Broad Mountain Family Dentistry, Frackville until the age of 77 before retiring.

Connie was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville; lifemember of the Polish Women of America; the Frackville American Legion Auxiliary; the Frackville Senior Citizens. She was also an avid hockey fan, who enjoyed watching both the Penguins and the Flyers and enjoyed trips to the casino.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank H. Blozusky in 2014; her two brothers: Joseph and Charles Ketusky; her step-father Edward Bann.

Connie is survived by her son, Dr. Frank and his wife Erin Blozusky, Frackville and her two grandchildren, Katie and Frank Jr.; also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Saturday May 15th from St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Frackville with Rev. Brian Miller, pastor, as the celebrant. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery, Frackville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 7 S. Broad Mountain Avenue, Frackville, PA 17931.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.

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Patricia A. Cameli, age 85, of Hazleton and formerly of Mahanoy City, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon. Born at the former Ashland Hospital, she was the daughter of the late George and Stella (Zemesky) Kurtz. She was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School Class of 1953. She was a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Parish in Hazleton. She spent her life devoted to her family. She loved to travel, was an avid reader and loved to do all crafts. She was a great cook and her family always enjoyed sitting at her table. She volunteered and was a Brownie/Girl Scout leader and was affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. She donated her time to the Catholic Social Agency, Diocese of Allentown in Mahanoy City.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her children Louis R. Cameli Jr and daughter Teresa Hutchinson as well as a brother George Kurtz Jr. and a sister Rose Quinn. Survivors include her high school sweetheart and husband of 64 years Louis R. Cameli Sr., 2 daughters Maria Trojan and her husband Raymond of Sheppton, Lisa Mozloom and her husband Francis of Pottsville , a sister Theresa Bakos of Virginia and a brother Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, KY. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren,3 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by her brother Archbishop Joseph Kurtz on Monday morning at 11 AM from SS Cyril and Methodius Parish in Hazleton. Interment will follow in Assumption BVM Cemetery in Mahanoy Township. Friends may call at the church on Monday beginning at 9 AM. Masks will be required to attend. Contributions in her name to the Salvation Army, 356 W. Broad St., Hazleton, PA 18201 would be appreciated by the family. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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Benjamin Franklin Ehlinger IV
, 51, of Schuylkill Haven, died peacefully at home on Monday, May 10, 2021 with his loving and dedicated wife, Jean Neidlinger Ehlinger and two dogs, Ramsay and Rocky, by his side.

Born in Pottsville on February 17, 1970, he was a son of the late Benjamin Ehlinger, Jr. and the late Dorothy Smith Race.

Ben was an avid golfer, loved shooting pool and darts; and made many lifelong friends that he considered to be brothers.

He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Ben never wanted anhone to ever worry about him; instead, he would always worry for others. In his final days, Ben just wanted everyone to know that he loved them and that he received every message that was passed on to him through his wife. He really appreciated the prayers and well wishes. In fact, these prayers and well wishes helped him survive beyond the time that was given to him.

Ben had an enormous amount of family, in-laws and dear friends that he considered family. In fact, too many people to mention.

Services are private.

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George H. Neumann, II, father, brother, opa, companion, formerly of Lewistown Valley Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, surrounded by his devoted family at home in East Penn Twp., Lehighton, Pennsylvania at 76 years of age.

Born Sunday, March 4, 1945 in Springfield, Ohio the son of the late George H., and Margaret (Fravel) Neumann. George was also predeceased by his beloved wife Sally A. (Rathbun) Neumann on April 23, 2012; sister, Roxanne Ford; brother, Dennis Neumann.

Surviving are son, George H. "Chip" Neumann , III and his wife Gina of Lehighton; daughters, Sally A. "Missi" Kupetz fiancée of Benjamin Baggett of Binghamton, NY, Kimberlee J. Frable wife of Thad R. of Lehighton, Heather L. Mellor fiancée of Steve Kuba of Hazleton; sister, Diane Bereczsky of Springfield , OH; ; grandchildren, Salvatore "Torey" , Antonino "Nico", Brody, Brielle, Stosh, Seth, Shelby, Morgan, Chase; great grandchildren, Gracie, Gretchen, Stosh, Seth, Graelyn, Emma, Aaron, Carter.

In addition George is survived by; companion of 8 years, Aleta K. Paul with whom he resided, her children, Kristen Hope wife John Witcofsky, Karen (Hope) Kistler and her husband Jeffrey, Jason Hope and his wife Sarah; Aleta's grandchildren, Liv Anna, Theo Ephraim, Macey, Paige, and Addison.

A graduate of Shawnee High School in Ohio, George was farm manager for Koch's Turkey Farms of the Lewistown Valley from 1982 through 2018. He was a poultry specialist. A member of Trinity U.C.C. of Tamaqua, Tamaqua F&AM Lodge #238, social member of the Lehighton Legion.

George's priorities were work and family. He was a devoted husband, companion, and father; however, he reveled in the role of grandfather, affectionately called "Opa". True to his Ohio roots, George was an ardent Ohio State Buckeye fan. George also enjoyed boating with his family.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call on the morning of from 9:30 A.M. until time of services. Rev. Darryl Kensinger to officiate.

Interment will occur at a later time in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Memorials in George's name to:
Tamaqua / Carbon American Cancer Society
33 West Ridge Street
Lansford, Pennsylvania 18232

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Steven L. Welker
, 63, of Tower City, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021 at the Hershey Medical Center.

Born in Harrisburg, April 4, 1958, a son of the late Joseph and Donna Cook Welker. Steve was a 1976 graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School and a 1978 graduate of Williamsport Area Community College.

He was employed as a Production Supervisor for the past 37 years at TE Connectivity, Lickdale.

Steve was a member of the National Hot Rod Association. He was a car enthusiast who enjoyed drag racing and working on cars.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Debra L. Hawk Welker; one son, Matthew T. Welker and his wife Stacey, Clear Spring, Maryland; three grandchildren, Ethan, Harper and Elaina Welker; three sisters, Terri Welker, Tower City, Penny Stine and her husband Tom, Wiconisco and Kathy Smeal and her husband Bob, Lykens.

Following Steve's wishes there will be no public services. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please make it to the Tower City Fire Company, P.O. Box 22, Tower City, PA 17980.

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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After a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, Patricia Ann Cretarole Deibler, 77, of Tower City, has gone home to be with Our Heavenly Father surrounded by family on Monday, May 10, 2021.

Patricia will always be remembered for her compassionate and giving heart. She always had concern for anyone in need. She loved animals and enjoyed gardening, painting, flipping houses, and shopping at Good Will.

In addition to her parents, John L. and Mary Ellen Shomper Cretarole, she was preceded in death by a sister, Kay L. Enders and a son-in-law Michael R. McAloose.

She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Donald D. Deibler; three daughters, Jody E. McAloose (David Grbich), Tammy A. Long (Michael Long), Tracy I. Brennan (Matthew Brennan); a son, Danny R. Deibler (Stephanie Medellin); a granddaughter she adored, Alexis L. Deibler; two sisters, Mary Ann Koppenhaver and Chrystal J. Shomper; two nephews Rodney Koppenhaver and Heath Deitrich.

Her love and affection will be missed by her grand-dogs - Ottis, Pearl, Coal, Raven, Rocky, Timber, and Birdie and grand-kitty Bobbie.

No matter what you see
Believe in Me.
I won't let you down
So take off that frown.
My love for you is so strong
And to Me, my child, you belong.
Come to Me and rest
And see how much you're blest.
Dry your eyes and don't you fear
Just call on Me, for I am near.
Cast on Me all your care;
Just lay them at my feet
and keep them there,
And the peace that I will grant to you will be as refreshing as the morning dew.

Following Patricia's wishes, there will be no services.

In Memory of her, please show an act of kindness in her honor as she was always giving to others from her heart.

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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Lawrence F. “Burgie” Burgess, 74, of West West Terrace, Branch Twp., passed away Saturday, May 8th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. 

He was born in Pottsville, on July 15, 1946, a son of the late Virginia (Pauly) and Robert Burgess. He was the husband of Gail Marie (Percala) Burgess. He was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church Minersville. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired Railroad Dispatcher. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a Brother, Robert Burgess and a sister Marsha Breckenridge. 

Larry is survived by his wife Gail, two sons Jason, husband of Jennifer Burgess and Joshua Burgess. Grandchildren Jacob, Julia, & John Burgess. He is also survived by two sisters, Rose, wife of Michael Auer, and Kristine, wife of Eric Pothering, two brothers, Dennis Burgess and Francis Burgess. Nieces and nephews. 

A Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am, Saturday at Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church with Very Reverend Gregory J. Noga celebrant. 

All visitation shall be Saturday morning with calling hours from 8:00 am until the time of service. In accordance with COVID-19 Guidelines, all recommended social distancing, mask requirements, and public safety guidelines will be followed. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Larry Burgess Memorial Fund 1800 W Market Street Pottsville, PA 17901 or Venmo @larryburgessmemorialfund. 100% of the memorial fund money will go towards a Cross Country award given out to a Minersville High School senior beginning in 2022. Interment with military honors Monday 10:30 am. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.


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