Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Beth A. Koropchak, 69, of Frackville passed away peacefully at her residence Sunday evening with her family by her side.
Born in Ashland she was a daughter of the late Earl and Kathryn Heffner Richards.
She was a graduate of North Schuylkill High School, class of 1970
Beth last worked for Empire Beauty School as an executive assistant and previously worked for the Census Bureau.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Carol Corrigan, died June 29, 2021
Beth is survived by her husband of 20 years, Paul Koropchak, Sr.; daughter; Amanda McClure and son; Blake McClure; beloved grandchildren; Hope Gantz and Reed Gantz; three step-sons; Paul, Jr., Brandon and Scott Koropchak; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family as were Beth’s wishes.
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Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Thomas and Eleanor Sharockman Weist. He was a 1978 graduate of Pottsville High School. He worked for the former Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Pottsville until its closure. He was most recently self-employed as a flooring and carpeting subcontractor.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and football.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Melanie Johnson.
Butch is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Maryann Zelanko; two daughters, Shannon Weist (companion, Jeremy Spirko), and Constance Weist (companion, Bobby Koons), all of Minersville; two grandchildren, Alexis and Gavin Spirko; a brother, Thomas Weist, Pottsville.
Butch’s family will celebrate his life privately at a later date.
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Born April 16, 1979 in Pottsville, she grew up in Minersville and was the daughter of Harold Helman Jr. and the late Roseanne Laguna Helman. A graduate of Minersville Area High School, she studied Psychology at Penn State University and graduated with a Master’s degree in Psychology from Phoenix University.
A licensed Behavioral Therapist and a team leader at Laurel Life Counseling Services, Tara was passionate about helping children with behavioral health issues and empowering families to create a better quality of life. A mentor and advocate, her empathy, compassion, and unwavering support was a continuous source of inspiration to many throughout her career. Her enthusiastic demeanor, vibrant smile, and infinite encouragement is what her loved ones will miss most. Her funny, loving, gentle, and giving soul is how she will always be remembered. The kindness and unconditional love that she displayed to family, friends, coworkers, and clients is how her spirit will continue to live on in others.
In addition to her father, she is survived by her son, Aiden Mataka, and her sister, Jodi Helman, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.
A visitation to celebrate Tara’s life will be held on Monday from 8:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. at Holy Family Parish of Minersville, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Interment will follow at Saint Barbara’s Cemetery, Llewellyn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family, who will donate the funds to a nonprofit organization that supports the work to which Tara devoted her life.
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Born Sunday, May 20, 1951 in Bethlehem, the son of the late Russel, and Jeanette (Kocher) Derhhammer.
Surviving are; his beloved wife of 45 years, Susan E. (Clark) Derhammer; sons, Benjamin W. Derhammer of Andreas, with whom he resided, Joel D. Derhammer of Walnutport; daughters, Rebekah J. Derhammer wife of Gary Korty of Walnutport, Rachel S. O'Brien wife of Larry of Walnutport; brother, David Derhammer and his wife Barbara of Danielsville; grandchildren, Hadassah, and Lawrence.
A Bethlehem High School graduate, Daniel worked at Key Pontiac of Bethlehem in the parts Dept. for 28 years, and then in maintenance at the Fred B. Rooney Building in Bethlehem for 10 years. A devout Christian, Daniel earned his Associates Degree in Theology from Apostolic Bible College, and his B.S. from Cypress Bible College. An avid outdoorsman, Daniel enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden. Daniel was an ardent supporter of all Philadelphia sports teams.
Funeral arrangements have been 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 conducted at 11 o'clock A.M. on Wednesday October 20, 2021 from the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of services.
Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in his name to:
Family Promise-Carbon county
167 third Street
Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Born Thursday, August 1, 1940 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late Carl, and Mary (Lucas) Keich. He was also predeceased by; brothers, James, and Daniel Keich; sister Martha Keich.
Surviving are; his wife of 63 years, Carole L. (Schock) Keich; daughters, Debora L. Mundo wife of Tony A. of Tamaqua, Kathy K. Maradeo and her fiancé Darren Brown of Saylorsburg; sons, Paul T. "Tim" Keich, Jr. and his wife Janis of Tunkannock, Ted D. Keich of Kingston, David C. Keich and his wife Wendy of Tamaqua, Jaedon, and Joey Vidzicki; sister, Ruth Willing wife of Gary of Tamaqua; grandchildren, Jarod Bensinger, Andrew Bensinger, Alyssa Bensinger, Sarah Bensinger, Rebecca O' Gurek and her husband Sean, Megan Lee Herko and her husband Lee, Morgan Lee Maradeo, Aaron Keich, Abby Haraschak and her husband Ryan, Teddy Keich and his wife Jessica, Thadd Keich, HM2, Derrik Keich serving honorably in the United States Navy, and his wife Jackie, Nicole King and her husband Gabe; 23 great grandchildren.
A 1959 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Paul was a standout athlete. He was a member of the 1959 men's basketball team which lost in the State Finals in the days of no divisions. His team was enshrined in the Tamaqua High School Sports Hall of Fame. Paul remained an ardent Tamaqua Raider fan following all his children, and grandchildren's accomplishments.
A member of The Primitive United Methodist Church of Tamaqua, Paul retired from the former Atlas Powder Co, / IC.I. after many years of service. Previously Paul had worked at the former Sheids Department Store, and Morgan Knitting Mills both of Tamaqua. Paul was a member of the American Hose Fire Co.
Paul was a frequent patron of the former Chili Dog, spent time at the McDonalds tackling all the world's problems, was an avid fan of Penn State football, and the Boston Red Sox's. Mr. fix-it, Paul liked to tinker in his woodshop, and looked forward to summers at their cottage in South Seaville, NJ.
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 at 12 o'clock noon on Monday October 18, 2021 from the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Rev. Richard T. Clemson to officiate.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Tamaqua Little League
986 Catawissa Road
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Tamaqua youth Soccer Assoc.attn: Matt Sitlinger530 Arlington Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences or a fond memory of Paul can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Susan Fey, 71, of Fey Lane, Hegins, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
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Marvin (Lou) Knorr, 88 of Main Street, Lavelle, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021, at the Shamokin Geisinger Community Hospital, Shamokin. Born in Pitman, September 2, 1933, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Olive Herring Knorr. He worked as a farm worker, coal miner, truck driver and lastly for Butler Township as a member of the road crew until his retirement. Lou was a life member of the Lavelle Fire Company, Lavelle, and the Good Fellowship Club, Ashland. Preceding him in death was his wife Darlene Knorr, passing in January 17, 2015.
Survivors
Son: Rick Knorr and his wife Brenda, Lavelle
Grandchildren: Richard Knorr, Zephyer Hills, Florida
Michelle Knorr, Mowry
Alisa Knorr, Brandonville
Great Grandchildren: Blake, Ava, and Easton
A graveside funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorials may be made to the Lavelle Fire Company, P.O. Box 414 Lavelle, PA., 17943. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
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Mary Jane Leshko, 69, of Hazle Twp., passed away Thursday evening at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Jennie (Manna) Havrilla.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton.
Mary Jane was a graduate of Wilkes University with a B.S in Business and was employed in the manufacturing industry in Human Resources and Accounting. She was also the parish secretary at St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo.
Mary Jane enjoyed traveling and cooking for her family. She had a passion for animals and was an advocate for pet adoption.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and sister, and will be sadly missed by all.
Surviving, are her husband of 38 years, Thomas Leshko, of Hazle Twp.; son Thomas M. Leshko, of Nevada; brother Michael Havrilla and wife Debbie, of Kline Twp.; and several nieces and nephews also survive
Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo. The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo. Rev. Gregory Hosler will be the celebrant.
Interment will follow in Ss. Peter and Paul B.C. Cemetery, Beaver Meadows.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the funeral home. A parastas service will be held at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Michael’s B.C. Church, 17 E. Blaine St., McAdoo, PA 18237 or to the Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.
Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Jennie (Manna) Havrilla.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton.
Mary Jane was a graduate of Wilkes University with a B.S in Business and was employed in the manufacturing industry in Human Resources and Accounting. She was also the parish secretary at St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo.
Mary Jane enjoyed traveling and cooking for her family. She had a passion for animals and was an advocate for pet adoption.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and sister, and will be sadly missed by all.
Surviving, are her husband of 38 years, Thomas Leshko, of Hazle Twp.; son Thomas M. Leshko, of Nevada; brother Michael Havrilla and wife Debbie, of Kline Twp.; and several nieces and nephews also survive
Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo. The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo. Rev. Gregory Hosler will be the celebrant.
Interment will follow in Ss. Peter and Paul B.C. Cemetery, Beaver Meadows.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the funeral home. A parastas service will be held at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Michael’s B.C. Church, 17 E. Blaine St., McAdoo, PA 18237 or to the Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.
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