Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born June 13, 1932, in Schuylkill Haven, he was a son of the late William and Mary (Gehrig) Edling.
He was the widower of Caroline J. (Gerhard) Edling, who passed away April 30, 1990.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ed was preceded in death by all 10 of his siblings, as well as his son-in-law, Ronald Loose.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Ed proudly served in the Army as a corporal during the Korean War.
He retired in 1992 after working many years as a foreman for Cresswell Brothers.
Ed was an F&AM with Schuylkill Lodge 138, Orwigsburg. He was a past president of the Rainbow Hose Company No. 1, Schuylkill Haven, and a 50 year member of the Antler Gun Club. An avid hunter and fisherman, Ed belonged to several local fish and game clubs.
He is survived by two daughters, Sally, wife of Michael Traczuk, of Reading, and Jean Loose, fiancée of Robert Mawson, at home. Ed is also survived by four generations of numerous nieces and nephews, and his companion, Marian Reager, of Schuylkill Haven.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment with military honors will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family will host a Celebration of Life picnic on Saturday, June 4. Memorial donations in Ed's memory may be sent to Rainbow Hose Company No. 1, 417 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Born Sept. 8, 1946, in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Matthew and Marie (Felix) Forte.
Ronald was the husband of Diane F. "Bobbi" (Diamantopoulos) Forte.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Jimmy Diamantopoulos.
Ronald was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He was the former owner/operator of Balino's Sub Shop in Saint Clair and New Philadelphia. Ronald also worked as a cook for Hess Catering, Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of the North Ward Social Club and the East Ward Social Club, both in Schuylkill Haven, and Buck Fever, Pottsville.
In addition to his wife, Ronald is survived by a sister, Elena, wife of Thomas Seigel, of Bath; a brother, Matthew Forte, of Llewellyn; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services and interment will be held privately.
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Born December 11, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Anna and Edward Fessler.
Mrs. Kopina attended Pottsville Schools and was employed in various fields including the garment industry.
In 1995/1996 she attended Reading Area Community College and graduated from the Pilot Program. Mrs. Kopina relocated to Wyomissing and was employed by The Hylands of Wyomissing, Manor Care of Sinking Spring and Berks Heim of Leesport.
In 2001, Mrs. Kopina returned to the Pottsville area.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward C. and Fred F. Fessler; and a daughter Deborah Repp.
She is survived by a son David Fessler, Pottsville; daughter Jane L. (known as Lynn) Chaplick wife of Robert Chaplick, Pottsville; grandchildren David Fessler, Lori Nettles, Timothy Chaplick and Amanda Fessler.
Respecting Mrs. Kopina’s wishes there will be no viewing or services. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove. Schlitzer Allen Pugh 515 West Market St. Pottsville has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to leave a condolence for Mrs. Kopina’s family.
In lieu of flowers Mrs. Kopina requested any donations be sent to Hillside SPCA Hillside Road Pottsville PA 17901.
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Thomas J. Cooper Jr., 76, of Dieners Hill, died Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at his home.
Born April 20, 1946, in East Norwegian Twp., he was a son of the late Thomas Sr. and Lucille (Haughney) Cooper.
He worked as an auto body technician at Marty’s Auto Body in Landingville and was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Saint Clair.
Surviving are a son, James Cooper and his wife, Jeanette, of Saint Clair; son, John Cooper and his wife, Amy, of Palo Alto; son, Thomas Cooper III, of Dieners Hill; daughter, Patricia Mertz and her husband, Richard, of Friedensburg; son, Brian Cooper and his wife, BobbyJo, of Port Carbon; daughter, Shannon Witman and her husband, James, of Port Carbon; brother, Terry Cooper and his wife, Belinda, of Dieners Hill; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 N. Second St., Saint Clair, PA 17970, with the Rev. Monsignor William F. Glosser officiating. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 18105. Burial will be in Queen of the Universe Cemetery, Pottsville.
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Born in Wadesville, September 12, 1932, She was a daughter of the late William and Miriam (Runkle) Harrison.
She was a Graduate of Pottsville Area High School
Annetta worked as a Presser at several area garment factories and was a member of ILGWU and First Primitive Methodist Church of St. Clair.
She was preceded in death by 2 brothers Norman and Joseph Harrison. A Son-in law Robert Sweigert.
Surviving are a son Mark Manhart and his wife Denise of Wadesville; a daughter Susan Sweigert of Schuylkill Haven; 1 brother Wayne Harrison of St. Clair; 4 grandchildren Melissa Manhart; Justin Manhart; Erin Sweigert and Kristien Heller; 5 Great grandchildren Logan Stevenson, Keleb Heffner, Crysta Heffner, Xavier Heller and Emma Heller; Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA 17970 with The Rev Jack Culbert officiating. Friends may call from 9:00-10:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Primitive Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 115 N. Mill St., St. Clair, PA 17970. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Newark, NJ October 29, 1954, He was a son of the late George and Dorothy (McNeely) Bradley.
Gary retired as a Union Construction worker for LIUNA Local 1174 Allentown. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
He was preceded in death by a brother Brian Bradley.
Surviving are his wife Sharon (Ehlinger) Bradley of Mill Creek Manor, daughter Shannon Wallace , grandson Liam Wallace both of Swarthmore, PA, step children Philip and Dawn, Michael and Cidinha, Kristina Porcari, step grandchildren Danielle, Megan and Philip Porcari, Emily and Nicole Hidalgo.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 28 2022 at 12:00 Noon from the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street, St. Clair. The Rev. Kevin Bobbin will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 AM – 12:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gift of Life Family House, 401 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a true friend to many and Comedian to all.
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Ms. Chuplis worked as a press operator for RCA Records during the production of vinyl records. She was also a dedicated member of the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Parish during her years living in Alabama, and she thoroughly enjoyed volunteering her time for worthy causes during her younger years. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family more than anything else in this world. She will be sorely missed by all the loved ones she has left behind.
Ms. Chuplis was preceded in death by her son, Joseph A. Chuplis; son-in-law, Jimmy C. Gibson; parents, Charles & Margaret Norris; and siblings, Vincent Norris, Dorothy Marquardt, and Charles Norris. She is survived by her children, JoAnn Gibson, Charles (Valerie) Chuplis, and Patricia (Robert) Baker; grandchildren, Kelly Ann Scallin, Joseph Chuplis, Charles J. Chuplis, Justin Chuplis, Danielle DeBiasse, Anthony Chuplis, Ashley Baker, and Robert Baker; and great-grandchildren, Allen, Mathew, & Anthony Baker, Mia & Alyvia Scallin, Kayla Chuplis, Nolan & Scarlett Chuplis, Samuel Charles Chuplis, Gabrielle Joseph Chuplis, James Joseph Chuplis, Matthew Thomas Chuplis, Adriana Baker, Justin Young, and Sienna Baker.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday April 30th from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Miller, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Vincent's Catholic Cemetery, Frackville.
Robert T. Finlan, 83, Girardville, passed away on Wednesday morning at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville with his family by his side.
Born in Girardville, he was a son of the late Thomas and Cecelia Joyce Finlan. Bob worked as a Bottle Cap Inspector for Zapata Industries and later in the security department for Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville until his retirement.
Bob was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville. He served in the United States Army Reserves and was an avid Notre Dame and Boston Red Sox fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Finlan and his beloved dog, Peppy.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marie (Pesavage) Finlan, Girardville; his two sons: Rev. Robert Finlan, Barnesville; Martin Finlan and his wife Valerie of Jonestown; his daughter, Margaretann Hoagland, Girardville; his two brothers: Thomas and his wife Dolores Finlan, New Jersey; Leo and his wife Rose Finlan, Marion Heights; his sister Mary Harlor, Barnesville; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 2nd from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Girardville with his son, Rev. Robert Finlan as the main celebrant. Concelebrating the mass will include Msgr. William Glosser and Rev. Brian Miller.
Friends are invited to his viewing at the church on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Private interment will be held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Fountain Springs.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville and Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Trevor was born in Pottsville, on June 9, 1977, a son of Barbara Ann (Deibert) Sterner, of Orwigsburg, and the late Robert (Moe) L. Sterner.
Trevor was a Blue Mountain High School Graduate, Class of 1995. He earned his bachelor’s Degree from Penn State and went on to Albright College to finish his Business Degree in 2022.
He was employed as an Administrator for Amerihealth Caritas
In addition to Barbara, his mother Trevor is also survived by his brothers Robert Sterner, husband of Nancy; Richard Sterner, widower of Patricia; Kevin Sterner, husband of Nancy, and Keith Sterner, husband of Lou Ann. He is also survived by his faithful companion Jackson. He spent over 10 years with his dog.
A Religious Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday Evening, May 2nd at Hamilton- Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, with Rev. Michael Petresky officiating. Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM.
Interment at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Inc. Schuylkill Haven will be held Wednesday, May 4th at 2 PM. Guests are asked to meet on the cemetery.
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Born Friday, April 5, 1929 in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Coville) Ficarino.
A graduate of Nesquehoning High School after which he enlisted in the US Army. Stationed in Sasabo, Japan with the occupational troops of the 24th Infantry Division for 17 months Tony received an honorable discharge.
Tony retired from the Coca Cola Bottling Company plant in Hamburg. Previously he worked for Trojan Powder, Allentown for 20 years. He was a member of East End Fire Company, and former member of the Tamaqua Italian Club. Tony is a member of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church and was an active member of the former St. Jerome's Catholic Church. Tony enjoyed playing Black Jack at the casinos and enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas. He loved his Marian High School sports, the Philadelphia Phillies and Notre Dame football. Tony enjoyed reminiscing about his early years in New Columbus.
In addition to his wife Joan is survived by his daughter, Joanne, wife of Atty. William McDonald of Ambler, and their children, granddaughter Atty. Alyson Fritzges and her husband Michael of Maple Glen, Ashley McDonald of Portland, OR; great grandchildren Cameron and and And1 Frtizges; stepson, Donald Barron and his wife Michele, their children Kaleigh Long and her husband Harrison, Connor Barron of Douglasville, stepson, Landis Barron and his wife Deborah of Santa Maria, CA and their children Nicholas Barron and his wife Corrina their children Kianna and Penelope. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Anthony was predeceased by his first wife Gloria (DiGirolomo) Ficarino who died in 1983 ; two sisters Josephine Sauka and her husband John, Elizabeth Stefonik and her husband John; brother Dominick Ficarino; a half sister Pauline Serado and a half brother Paul Collura.
Anthony will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. 570-668-2550
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday May 3, 2022 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. Friends may call from 9:30-10:45 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to St. Jerome's Regional School or the St Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. John XXIII R.C.C. 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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It was then - after 90 bountiful years - that Donald Ray Morgan, of Carlisle, PA passed away. One moment his tired body and mind were on earth - and the next he was being welcomed into heaven by his beloved son, Blake, who he lost tragically in 1989. We imagine it was the beautiful reunion Donald had eagerly dreamt of for 33 years.
Donald was born the son of Ario and Anna (Huratiak) Morgan on July 23, 1931. He was a 1949 graduate of Hegins Township High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1953. He then donned those crisp whites and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country for four years as a gunnery officer on the USS Bache, a Fletcher class destroyer, while rising to the rank of full Lieutenant.
While in the Navy, he married a Klingerstown girl, Ruby J. Long to whom he remained faithfully married for just short of 67 years.
Donald was never one for complacency. In 1961, he used his GI bill and earned his Master of Divinity from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Following his call to ministry, he moved his family back to Pennsylvania and for the 12 years that followed he served as Pastor of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Sunbury, PA, where he lovingly served God. This life choice firmly established his roots and love for the City of Sunbury.
Friendship came easy for Donald. After introductory conversations with complete strangers, he was known to turn to his embarrassed grandchildren and say, “see? I just made a friend for life.” Those skills made it natural for him to transition into politics. In 1969, Donald was elected Mayor of Sunbury, a position he held for over a decade. Revitalizing the downtown and attracting new business was a priority during his tenure. He was also instrumental in the preservation of the Arch Street Train Station.
In 1974, contributing to that downtown revitalization, he and his wife Ruby purchased the Hotel Edison, a historic landmark in downtown Sunbury. They preserved its beauty and had a successful family owned and operated business that served as a backdrop to countless Morgan family memories.
Upon retiring in 1994, Donald and Ruby found their dream home in Perry County. It was there, in the historic stone house and sprawling acreage, that Donald seemed most at peace. He’d wake up long before the sun to climb a ladder and meticulously tend to his flower boxes. He’d walk down the road to feed the hungry pond fish anxiously awaiting his arrival, followed only by his beloved cat, Georgie, who he affectionately named after the 43rd President. That beautiful house on Soule Road was home until the couple recently transitioned to a retirement community in Carlisle.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers Richard, Thomas and David, his sister, Wilma and his son Blake, who died while working as a Bush Pilot in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Donald is survived by his wife Ruby, three children and nine grandchildren. Daughter Donna Rae of Helsingborg, Sweden and her son David and his partner Ingela, and son Adam. Son David Ario of Fisher’s Ferry, PA. and his wife Mary and their children Maggie, Jessie, Abbie and Henry. Daughter-In-Law Brigid, a U.S. State Department Diplomat serving at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia and her daughter Sarah Blake and her husband Nicholas. And daughter Heidi Johanna of Jupiter, Florida and her daughter Chloe and her husband Chance, and son Blake.
Those are the people who will miss their husband, father and grandfather most. They will miss his love for Jesus and making his bright flowers grow. They will miss the brilliant mind for politics and knowledge of current events. They will miss afternoons interrupted by beautiful music filtering in from the living room after he’d sit down at the same piano he played as a boy. His family will miss the man who had an unmatched sense of humor and was always up for a practical joke or a rowdy game of UNO. He always made them wary when April 1st rolled around.
But maybe, more than anything, they will miss the man who cared deeply for his family - the ones who shared his name. He loved and was loved back tenfold.
A memorial service will be held on June 4th - Ruby and Donald’s 67th wedding anniversary - at Otterbein United Methodist in Sunbury at 1:00 p.m.
The Morgan family would like to thank friends and family for their constant stream of phone calls, cards and kind words of condolence. We are forever grateful to caregiver, Cindy Snyder, who helped tend to Donald over the past year and provided compassionate support for his family. In his final days, Homeland at Home Hospice staff members Trisha, Miriam and Lindsay made sure Donald was cared for and comfortable. And in his final hours, Dr. David Albright, a lifelong family friend, guided us through the most difficult part of Donald’s journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald’s memory to Otterbein United Methodist Church. Or to support the work Samaritan’s Purse is doing to assist the Ukrainian people with multiple emergency field hospitals across the war-torn country: https://sampur.se/3Lj2moZ
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, October 23, 1933, he was the son of the late George and Edna Brosius Seitzinger.
Roy was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville. He was also a member of Pulaski Masonic Lodge #216 and Orwigsburg #424 OES. Roy was a member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon and Schuylkill Forest #50 along with Lancaster Court #70 Order of the Amaranth.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother William Seitzinger.
Roy is survived by nieces and nephews; Beverly Seitzinger of Sanford NC, Denise Berger of Sanford, NC, Gail Fisher of Abington, PA, and William Seitzinger of Boise, ID.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 6 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. 2nd Street, Pottsville PA at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow at Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville. Grabowski Funeral Home is entrusted with the services.
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Albert was born on March 22, 1948, to the late Lester A. Miller and Marie E. (Leininger) Miller in Coaldale, PA. He was the husband of Charlene M. (Rex) Miller. Albert and Charlene were married for over 51-years and had two children, a son Allen R. Miller and his significant other Sharon Main of Andreas, and a daughter Jennifer A. (Miller) Miller and her husband Kent of Tamaqua.
Albert adored his four grandchildren: Travis Miller and his wife Taylor (Gerber) and Mitchell Miller of Tamaqua, and Allison and Marissa Miller of Andreas. Albert was blessed to spend time with his great- grandson, Tripp Miller of Tamaqua.
Albert is survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Paulette (Hoppes) Rex of Andreas with whom he and his wife owned and operated Miller & Rex Dairy Farm. He is survived by nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
Albert was a faithful member of St. Peters Church West Penn. He served on the Building Committee and most recently the Church Board. Albert is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served honorably in the US Army. Albert was a carpenter and skilled craftsman. He took great pride in his farm, planting the crop rows so perfectly and maintaining all the equipment. He enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting with family and friends.
Albert was predeceased by two infant brothers, Leonard and Donald Miller.
Services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, April 30, at St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, 184 St. Peter’s Rd., Tamaqua, PA 18252, with Rev. Virginia M. Heimer officiating. Call from 8:30 to 10:30am. Interment will be in the church cemetery with military honors administered by the Lehighton UVO. Contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
