Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Dorothy K. Waitkus, 78, of Tamaqua, PA died on Thursday, February 24, 2022, in Bethlehem, PA.She was the wife of the late Stanley Waitkus to whom she was married 49 years at the time of his death in 2015.
Born in Mahanoy City, PA on April 7, 1943, Dorothy was a daughter of the late Watkin and Elizabeth (nee Coombe) Richards. A 1961 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, she graduated from McCann’s School of Business in Mahanoy City. Dorothy was the bookkeeper for Tamaqua TV and Appliance Store for 30 years. She loved spending time at the Bungalow Pool and for many years was a volunteer there. In her other free time, Dorothy could be found playing computer games. She especially enjoyed the company of her pet cat and parakeet.
Dorothy is survived by daughter, Susan Ibach and her husband John of Royersford, PA, Wendy Roberts and her husband Jeff of California, and grandchildren, Kiersten Ibach, Audrey Ibach, and Ian Ibach.
She was predeceased by her sister, Carol Thoryk and brother, Thomas Richards.
Graveside services for both Dorothy and Stanley will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown, PA. Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be made to Howard D. Buehler Pool, Bungalow Park, c/o Tamaqua Borough, 320 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Barbara Ellen Walker, 84, of Tamaqua, PA died on Monday, February 28, 2022, in Allentown, PA.
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She was the wife of Ronald C. Walker with whom she recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Born in Tamaqua on September 17, 1937, Barbara was a daughter of the late Howard and Mildred Lewis. A lifelong resident of Tamaqua, she graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1955. Barbara was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua where she was both a Sunday School and a Bible School teacher. Later in her adult life, Barbara worked in the dietary department of the Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
In addition to her husband, Ronald, she is survived by son, Jefferey Walker of Tamaqua; daughter, Tracey Walker of New Tripoli, PA; son, Matthew Walker and his wife Brenda of Bethlehem, PA; 3 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Lewis of Hellertown, PA and Sandra Hoppes of Hometown, PA; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Barbara was predeceased by brothers, Howard Lewis and William Lewis.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 4, 2022, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, 503 West Broad Street, Tamaqua will follow services.
Call 10-11 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 (https://www.cancer.org)
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Betty I. Morgans, 95, formerly of Barnesville, PA and Tamaqua, PA died on Monday, February 28, 2022, in Coaldale, PA.
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She was the wife of the late Raymond Joseph Morgans to whom she was married 62 years at the time of his death on July 2, 2010.
Born in Pottsville, PA on January 22, 1927, Betty was a daughter of the late Roy H. and Sarah E. (Lutz) Keilman. A 1945 graduate of Tamaqua High School, she had been employed as a bookkeeper for a number of businesses over the years including Maff Motors, Dr. Frank Ditchey, Scutta Coal and Oil Company, and the Atlas Powder Company – both ARDL and ICI Americas where she was a member of the 25-year club. Betty was active in the Woman’s Club where she served in the office of President and the Sorority-Torchbearer Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi where she served in the office of President and Recording Secretary. She had been on the Tamaqua Planning Commission, on the board of the Tamaqua Visiting Nurse Association, and a Schuylkill County RSVP Volunteer. An active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, Betty served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Fellowship advisor, consistory member, deacon, elder, elder emeritus, financial secretary, treasurer, and treasurer emeritus during her active years.
She is survived by daughter, Susan E. Paul of Minersville, PA; granddaughters, Tracey E. Houser and her husband Edwin of Minersville and Megan S. Paul of Minersville; great grandsons, Mason Houser, Caden Houser, Colby Leshko, and Harmon Leshko; sister, Ruth Keller of Williamsport, PA; sister-in-law, Vanda Nattress of Tamaqua; devoted friend, Chloe Gayda; nephews; and nieces.
Services are private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ Endowment Fund, 22 Lafayette Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Marie Brown, 104, of Lebanon, passed away Saturday, February 26th, at Cedar Haven HealthCare Center, Lebanon.
Born in North Manheim Twp. on December 6, 1917, a daughter of the late Agnes (Yeich) and Mason Wagner.
She was the widow of George W. Strauch and her second husband Lewis F. Brown.
She was a graduate of Cressona High School, Class of 1936. She was the former owner of her own beauty salon.
Marie was a member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ , Cressona where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for 25 years and Youth Fellowship for 10 years.
In addition to her husbands, she is preceded in death by her sister, Claire Rauch ; a grandson Shawn Kokitus; a step grandson Stephen Ryland; and a step granddaughter Sue Ann Cusick.
Marie is survived by her daughter Jean Hatton, widow of David, DeLand, Florida; grandson Andrew Kokitus, DeLand, Florida ; step daughter Marilyn Brown Ryland, Hillsborough, NJ; step granddaughter Melissa Skrabel (Robert), Hillsborough, NJ; step grandson- in - law, Bill Cusick, New York; step great grandchildren William, Robert and Sarah Skrabal, Rebecca Salierno, Elizabeth, William and Rachael Cusick and Katharine Blair; step great great grandchildren Benjamin Skrabal and Francesca Salierno; dear friends Betty Ann Moyer wife of Nibs,
Schuylkill Haven; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 5th at St. Mark's United Church of Christ in Cressona, PA with Reverend Kevin Fruchtl officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 noon until the time of the service at the Church.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Mark's United Church of Christ , 30 Pottsville Street, PO Box 55, Cressona, PA 17929.
Francis "Fritz" Gavaletz, 83, Pottsville entered into eternal rest Sunday, February 27 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Born August 19, 1938 in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Verbosh) Gavaletz.
Fritz was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a life member and past Commander of AMVETS Post 180, Life Member of the West End Hose Co., and member of the Cressona Legion Post 286.
He was retired from Reading Anthracite, Wadesville where he worked as a truck driver.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister in law Donna Gavaletz.
Fritz is survived by the love of his life, Joyce A. (Snyder) Gavaletz to who he would have been married to for 62 years this coming July 16. He is also survived by children Francis “Butch” husband of Dale, Auburn; Mikaela, Pottsville; and Joseph E. husband of Monica, Pottsville. He is also survived by grandchildren Adam, CA, Aaron, WA and Katriona, England; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Joseph Gavaletz, Pottsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Thursday March 3 from 9:30AM until 12:30PM at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville PA 17901. Interment with military honors will be held at 2PM on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In accordance with Fritz’ wishes, in lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the Hillside SPCA.
Joseph Grabuskie Jr., 84, Pocono Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 28th.
Born in Frackville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Edith Smith Grabuskie. Joe worked as the Corporate Director of Industrial Relations for Capitol Records, Los Angeles CA until his retirement in 2011. He was a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators.
Joe served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years before graduating from Georgia Tech.
Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart, Carol (Shuey) Grabuskie of Pocono Lake, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage. They had four children, Joseph Grabuskie and his wife Jeanna, North Carolina; George Grabuskie, Pocono Lake; Karin Grabuskie, North Carolina and Shane Campbell of Pottsville. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Georden, Mikayla, Kristine, Joseph, Elizabeth, Holden and John.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5th at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (Annunciation BVM Church), 33 S. Broad Mountain Ave. Frackville with Pastor Carl Shankweiler. Friends are invited to his visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony J. Zahora, Sr., aka. "Tiki Tony" 96 years of age of Walker Twp., South Tamaqua, Pennsylvania who traveled into Heaven on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Born Thursday, August 13, 1925 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late Joseph, and Julia (Hudec) Zahora. Tony was also predeceased by his; beloved wife, Marie (Kupetz) Zahora; children, Michele D. Knepper, Anthony M. "Tony" Zahora, Jr.; sisters, Julia Zahora, Mary Davison; brothers, Charles "Cutter", Joseph, John, and William Zahora.; grandson, Kyle Knepper.
Surviving are son, Charles Zahora and his wife Marilyn of Marysville; daughters, Maria A. Naab wife of Ed of Lebanon, Margo Russoli wife of Tom of Schnecksville; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren whom he adore; companion, RuthAnn Feane; many nieces, and nephews..
A Coaldale High School graduate, Anthony fought valiantly in the United States Army during WWII. Returning home Anthony worked in the mines for many years, and then worked as a machinist for Bonney Forge in Allentown. Catholic by faith, Anthony enjoyed clamming at the Delaware beaches, long walks, time spent with his family, and trips to Las Vegas, taking in the buffets .
Tony, leaves a legacy of love, and humility behind. "Pop" as he was called by his grandchildren, was funny with an uncanny sense of humor. He looked forward to Christmas sending cards with "Believe" written in the heading. His ability to persevere through the many trials of life will live on in stories for many generations, He was always in ones corner, and your biggest fan. No matter the tribulation he faced, his faith in God never wavered.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 5, 2022 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of services.
Interment with Military Honors to be bestowed will be in St. Bertha's Cemetery R.C.C. Cemetery, Walker Twp., Pennsylvania.
In memory of Anthony please donate to a local charity which helps those less fortunate.
Morfydd "Gidget" Knorr, 71 years of age, formerly of Lansford, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022, as a guest of Gracedale Nursing Home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Born Friday, June 2, 1950 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Richard, and Marian (Thompson) Urban.
Surviving are daughters, Jessica B. Knorr of Nesquehoning, Amanda E. Knorr of Whitehall.
A Lansford High School graduate, Gidget earned her nursing certification from Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia. Gidget worked for the Lehigh Valley Health System for many years, last working at Muhlenburg Medical Center in Bethlehem. When she was younger Gidget was an equestrian, enjoyed reading, gardening, and was an animal lover.
Pending arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Jeanne V. Heffner, 95 of Pottsville, died peacefully Tuesday at home.
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Marie Brown, 104, of Lebanon, passed away Saturday, February 26th, at Cedar Haven HealthCare Center, Lebanon.
Born in North Manheim Twp. on December 6, 1917, a daughter of the late Agnes (Yeich) and Mason Wagner.
She was the widow of George W. Strauch and her second husband Lewis F. Brown.
She was a graduate of Cressona High School, Class of 1936. She was the former owner of her own beauty salon.
Marie was a member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ , Cressona where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for 25 years and Youth Fellowship for 10 years.
In addition to her husbands, she is preceded in death by her sister, Claire Rauch ; a grandson Shawn Kokitus; a step grandson Stephen Ryland; and a step granddaughter Sue Ann Cusick.
Marie is survived by her daughter Jean Hatton, widow of David, DeLand, Florida; grandson Andrew Kokitus, DeLand, Florida ; step daughter Marilyn Brown Ryland, Hillsborough, NJ; step granddaughter Melissa Skrabel (Robert), Hillsborough, NJ; step grandson- in - law, Bill Cusick, New York; step great grandchildren William, Robert and Sarah Skrabal, Rebecca Salierno, Elizabeth, William and Rachael Cusick and Katharine Blair; step great great grandchildren Benjamin Skrabal and Francesca Salierno; dear friends Betty Ann Moyer wife of Nibs,
Schuylkill Haven; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 5th at St. Mark's United Church of Christ in Cressona, PA with Reverend Kevin Fruchtl officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 noon until the time of the service at the Church.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Mark's United Church of Christ , 30 Pottsville Street, PO Box 55, Cressona, PA 17929.
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Born August 19, 1938 in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Verbosh) Gavaletz.
Fritz was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a life member and past Commander of AMVETS Post 180, Life Member of the West End Hose Co., and member of the Cressona Legion Post 286.
He was retired from Reading Anthracite, Wadesville where he worked as a truck driver.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister in law Donna Gavaletz.
Fritz is survived by the love of his life, Joyce A. (Snyder) Gavaletz to who he would have been married to for 62 years this coming July 16. He is also survived by children Francis “Butch” husband of Dale, Auburn; Mikaela, Pottsville; and Joseph E. husband of Monica, Pottsville. He is also survived by grandchildren Adam, CA, Aaron, WA and Katriona, England; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Joseph Gavaletz, Pottsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Thursday March 3 from 9:30AM until 12:30PM at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville PA 17901. Interment with military honors will be held at 2PM on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In accordance with Fritz’ wishes, in lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the Hillside SPCA.
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Born in Frackville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Edith Smith Grabuskie. Joe worked as the Corporate Director of Industrial Relations for Capitol Records, Los Angeles CA until his retirement in 2011. He was a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators.
Joe served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years before graduating from Georgia Tech.
Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart, Carol (Shuey) Grabuskie of Pocono Lake, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage. They had four children, Joseph Grabuskie and his wife Jeanna, North Carolina; George Grabuskie, Pocono Lake; Karin Grabuskie, North Carolina and Shane Campbell of Pottsville. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Georden, Mikayla, Kristine, Joseph, Elizabeth, Holden and John.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5th at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (Annunciation BVM Church), 33 S. Broad Mountain Ave. Frackville with Pastor Carl Shankweiler. Friends are invited to his visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born Thursday, August 13, 1925 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late Joseph, and Julia (Hudec) Zahora. Tony was also predeceased by his; beloved wife, Marie (Kupetz) Zahora; children, Michele D. Knepper, Anthony M. "Tony" Zahora, Jr.; sisters, Julia Zahora, Mary Davison; brothers, Charles "Cutter", Joseph, John, and William Zahora.; grandson, Kyle Knepper.
Surviving are son, Charles Zahora and his wife Marilyn of Marysville; daughters, Maria A. Naab wife of Ed of Lebanon, Margo Russoli wife of Tom of Schnecksville; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren whom he adore; companion, RuthAnn Feane; many nieces, and nephews..
A Coaldale High School graduate, Anthony fought valiantly in the United States Army during WWII. Returning home Anthony worked in the mines for many years, and then worked as a machinist for Bonney Forge in Allentown. Catholic by faith, Anthony enjoyed clamming at the Delaware beaches, long walks, time spent with his family, and trips to Las Vegas, taking in the buffets .
Tony, leaves a legacy of love, and humility behind. "Pop" as he was called by his grandchildren, was funny with an uncanny sense of humor. He looked forward to Christmas sending cards with "Believe" written in the heading. His ability to persevere through the many trials of life will live on in stories for many generations, He was always in ones corner, and your biggest fan. No matter the tribulation he faced, his faith in God never wavered.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 5, 2022 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of services.
Interment with Military Honors to be bestowed will be in St. Bertha's Cemetery R.C.C. Cemetery, Walker Twp., Pennsylvania.
In memory of Anthony please donate to a local charity which helps those less fortunate.
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Born Friday, June 2, 1950 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Richard, and Marian (Thompson) Urban.
Surviving are daughters, Jessica B. Knorr of Nesquehoning, Amanda E. Knorr of Whitehall.
A Lansford High School graduate, Gidget earned her nursing certification from Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia. Gidget worked for the Lehigh Valley Health System for many years, last working at Muhlenburg Medical Center in Bethlehem. When she was younger Gidget was an equestrian, enjoyed reading, gardening, and was an animal lover.
Pending arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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