Skook News Obituaries: July 23rd, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Tuscarora on February 27, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Popnik) Elensky. A 1948 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Margaret went to the Ford School of Business, graduating in 1950. Thirty years ago after 42 years of employment with them, she retired from her secretarial position at the former Atlas Powder Company, then ICI, located in Reynolds, PA. Margaret was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Tamaqua, PA.
She is survived by sister, Marie Everline of Downingtown, PA; sister-in-law, Irene Elensky of Reading; eight nieces and nephews; and 12 great nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her brother, Paul and a sister, Anna Velosky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 30 in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua. Mass will be followed by interment in St. Bertha Cemetery, Tuscarora. Call 10-11 AM on Saturday in the church hall.
Memorials in Margaret’s name may be made to St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Leonard “Red” Geary, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, passed away at his home July 22, 2022 at the age of 90.
He was born September 15, 1931 to the late Laura Martz Geary and Edward S. Geary. He was a builder and a fixer of broken things. A child of the depression, he learned the value of hard work and how to make the most out of everything. As a seven year old, Red began learning his craft as a “go-fer” helping to build his father’s Sears and Roebuck home on Columbia Street and later as a “mud-mixer” for his brother Earl Geary as he built his unique house on the west side of the Columbia Street bridge. He had a paper route which he recalled in detail on a recent Sunday ride, naming not only the route, but the residents of each house. Many of his most cherished memories were of time spent with family at the cabin, which he, his Dad and siblings built with whatever scrap wood and materials they could acquire.
Red served in the US Army and was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in Korea. He leveraged his time with Uncle Sam to further develop his craft building Army latrines and barracks. Carpentry and construction became his life’s work. Throughout the area there are countless kitchens, bathrooms, houses, and garages remodeled or brought to life through Red’s hands.
Red married his lifelong love, Jean (Spitler) Geary in April 1953 and celebrated 61 joyful anniversaries before her passing in September 2014. By their words, they were rich beyond measure for raising a strong, loving family.
In addition to his parents and loving wife, Red was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Earl Geary, Betty Strouse, Jean “Tuner” Geary, Nancy Nye, Jeanette “Netter” Schwartz, and Wayne “Nipper” Geary.
He is survived by his children, Keith “Butch” Geary (Pine Grove PA), Karen Yoder (Summit Station PA), Sallie Sandler and husband Steve (Schuylkill Haven PA), and Sandie Geary and wife Lynn Walker (Harrisburg PA); grandchildren Kevin Geary and wife Jess, Cindie Burke and husband Jonathan, Joshua Yoder and Kelly, Lacy Yoder and Chris, and Sam Walker; great grandchildren Ava, Kellie, Mina, Emilie, Elliot, Korvin, Kevin, and Kelvin; sister-in-law Nancy Menaugh, and a wealth of loving nieces, nephews, and their extended families.
In remembrance of Red’s life, charitable donations can be made to “Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (IGNC) Memorial Council”, PO Box 58, Annville PA 17003, to honor our veterans, past and present.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday, August 3 at 11am with Pastor Kevin Fruchtl officiating.
A viewing will be held the evening prior, Tuesday, August 2 from 6-8 pm and the morning of the funeral from 10am until the time of the service, both held at the funeral home.
Interment will be Thursday, August 4 at 11am at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. A procession will leave Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven at 10am. Family and friends may gather between 9:45 and 10 am to process with the family.
Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Frederick P. Ziats, age 91, of Park Place, died Thursday afternoon at Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Florence M. Yanall, RN, 98 of Shenandoah Heights passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East Norwegian Street, Pottsville.
Born in Shenandoah, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret (Yudinsky) Matalavage.
She graduated with highest honors from the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah. Florence also graduated from Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia where she was president of her class and a member of the Alumni Association. She also extended her study for intensive and coronary care at Geisinger Hospital, Danville.
Florence was employed as Registered Nurse (RN) for over thirty years having worked in many specialized areas. She was also a CPR instructor.
She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah. Prior to its closing, Florence was a devout and dedicated member of St. George Church. She was involved in many parish organizations and activities including the St. George Guild, the Lithuanian Women of St. George and the Rosary and Sacred Heart Societies. She was the coordinator of the Living Rosary and was a lector. Florence was a Eucharistic Minister in church and also to the parishioners in local nursing homes and those in their homes who were unable to attend Mass. For many years, she served as an altar server for funerals. She also volunteered for the weekly bingo.
Florence was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. She held every office in the Catholic Nurses Guild of Our Lady of the Rosary, North Schuylkill Chapter. She was a 4th degree member in the Knights of Lithuania, Anthracite Chapter Council 144. She coordinated offertory processions for the annual Lithuania Independence Day Mass that were celebrated in St. George Church. She also organized and coordinated the Lithuanian contingent for the annual Heritage Day Parade of Nations in Shenandoah from 2001 until 2016. She was a promoter of the Miraculous Medal Association in Philadelphia. Florence was also a member of the Retired State Police Auxiliary of Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) Schuylkill and Carbon Chapter, AARP, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, BPOE 695 Elks Auxiliary Mahanoy City and the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society. For many years, she volunteered with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her loving husband of fifty-two years, Joseph A. Yanall; her brother, Anthony Matalavage and his wife Helen; her sister, Beatrice Shomoskie and her husband Edward; one niece, Eleanore McGeary and her husband John; three nephews, Anthony Matalavage, Joseph Shomoskie and Edward Shomoskie.
Surviving are three daughters, Andrea C. Bidwell and her husband Paul of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Corinne D. Crea and her husband Joseph of Shenandoah and Nadine Y. Rieser and her husband Richard of Centerville, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Joseph A. Crea of Virginia, Jessica A. Wolak and her husband David of North Carolina, Nathan and Adam Bidwell both of South Carolina, and Michael, Timothy and Christopher Rieser all of Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Jacob D. Wolak, Elizabeth M. Crea and Bella Bidwell; one nephew and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 10:00 am in Divine Mercy Church, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Divine Mercy Church. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) or the church/charity of one’s choice.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
Sandra L. Merwine, 81, former resident of Barry Township, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Ridgeview Nursing Center, Shenandoah Heights. Born in Norwalk Ohio, July 19, 1941, she was the daughter of Lee and Cora Munger Speer. She was a graduate of Berlin Heights High School in Ohio. Sandra was a housewife, as well as working on the family farm. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union, Barry Township. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lewis F. Merwine, passing October 5, 2016, a son, Craig Merwine, a daughter Daune Renee Daniel, Twin brothers, Lee Jr. and Leo Allen Speer, Brother Terrance Speer, Bother Jeffrey Lee Speer, and a Grandson, Shawn Speer.
Survivors
Daughter: Gail Neumeister, Barry Township
Sister: Carol Floyd, Picayune, Mississippi
Six Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Sandra will be placed with her husband in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later time. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
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He was born September 15, 1931 to the late Laura Martz Geary and Edward S. Geary. He was a builder and a fixer of broken things. A child of the depression, he learned the value of hard work and how to make the most out of everything. As a seven year old, Red began learning his craft as a “go-fer” helping to build his father’s Sears and Roebuck home on Columbia Street and later as a “mud-mixer” for his brother Earl Geary as he built his unique house on the west side of the Columbia Street bridge. He had a paper route which he recalled in detail on a recent Sunday ride, naming not only the route, but the residents of each house. Many of his most cherished memories were of time spent with family at the cabin, which he, his Dad and siblings built with whatever scrap wood and materials they could acquire.
Red served in the US Army and was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in Korea. He leveraged his time with Uncle Sam to further develop his craft building Army latrines and barracks. Carpentry and construction became his life’s work. Throughout the area there are countless kitchens, bathrooms, houses, and garages remodeled or brought to life through Red’s hands.
Red married his lifelong love, Jean (Spitler) Geary in April 1953 and celebrated 61 joyful anniversaries before her passing in September 2014. By their words, they were rich beyond measure for raising a strong, loving family.
In addition to his parents and loving wife, Red was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Earl Geary, Betty Strouse, Jean “Tuner” Geary, Nancy Nye, Jeanette “Netter” Schwartz, and Wayne “Nipper” Geary.
He is survived by his children, Keith “Butch” Geary (Pine Grove PA), Karen Yoder (Summit Station PA), Sallie Sandler and husband Steve (Schuylkill Haven PA), and Sandie Geary and wife Lynn Walker (Harrisburg PA); grandchildren Kevin Geary and wife Jess, Cindie Burke and husband Jonathan, Joshua Yoder and Kelly, Lacy Yoder and Chris, and Sam Walker; great grandchildren Ava, Kellie, Mina, Emilie, Elliot, Korvin, Kevin, and Kelvin; sister-in-law Nancy Menaugh, and a wealth of loving nieces, nephews, and their extended families.
In remembrance of Red’s life, charitable donations can be made to “Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (IGNC) Memorial Council”, PO Box 58, Annville PA 17003, to honor our veterans, past and present.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven on Wednesday, August 3 at 11am with Pastor Kevin Fruchtl officiating.
A viewing will be held the evening prior, Tuesday, August 2 from 6-8 pm and the morning of the funeral from 10am until the time of the service, both held at the funeral home.
Interment will be Thursday, August 4 at 11am at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. A procession will leave Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven at 10am. Family and friends may gather between 9:45 and 10 am to process with the family.
Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Park Place he was the son of the late Michael & Anna (Romanick) Ziats. He was a graduate of Mahanoy Township High School and served with the United States Air Force. He had been employed by Sargent Art Inc. in Hazleton. He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City and was a former member of American Legion Post 74 also in Mahanoy City.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years the former Elizabeth Sisock, four daughters Cheryl Ziats of Ashland, Nancy Mroczka and her husband Jerry of Shoemakers, Ann Rolko of Tamaqua and Michele Ziats of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one on the way, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. James Carroll on Thursday morning at 11 AM from St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will be held at 2:30 PM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.
Friends may call at the church on Thursday morning beginning at 10 AM
Contributions in his name to the church would be appreciated by the family and will be accepted at the visitation.
Contributions in his name to the church would be appreciated by the family and will be accepted at the visitation.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Shenandoah, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret (Yudinsky) Matalavage.
She graduated with highest honors from the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah. Florence also graduated from Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia where she was president of her class and a member of the Alumni Association. She also extended her study for intensive and coronary care at Geisinger Hospital, Danville.
Florence was employed as Registered Nurse (RN) for over thirty years having worked in many specialized areas. She was also a CPR instructor.
She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah. Prior to its closing, Florence was a devout and dedicated member of St. George Church. She was involved in many parish organizations and activities including the St. George Guild, the Lithuanian Women of St. George and the Rosary and Sacred Heart Societies. She was the coordinator of the Living Rosary and was a lector. Florence was a Eucharistic Minister in church and also to the parishioners in local nursing homes and those in their homes who were unable to attend Mass. For many years, she served as an altar server for funerals. She also volunteered for the weekly bingo.
Florence was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. She held every office in the Catholic Nurses Guild of Our Lady of the Rosary, North Schuylkill Chapter. She was a 4th degree member in the Knights of Lithuania, Anthracite Chapter Council 144. She coordinated offertory processions for the annual Lithuania Independence Day Mass that were celebrated in St. George Church. She also organized and coordinated the Lithuanian contingent for the annual Heritage Day Parade of Nations in Shenandoah from 2001 until 2016. She was a promoter of the Miraculous Medal Association in Philadelphia. Florence was also a member of the Retired State Police Auxiliary of Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) Schuylkill and Carbon Chapter, AARP, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, BPOE 695 Elks Auxiliary Mahanoy City and the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society. For many years, she volunteered with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her loving husband of fifty-two years, Joseph A. Yanall; her brother, Anthony Matalavage and his wife Helen; her sister, Beatrice Shomoskie and her husband Edward; one niece, Eleanore McGeary and her husband John; three nephews, Anthony Matalavage, Joseph Shomoskie and Edward Shomoskie.
Surviving are three daughters, Andrea C. Bidwell and her husband Paul of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Corinne D. Crea and her husband Joseph of Shenandoah and Nadine Y. Rieser and her husband Richard of Centerville, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Joseph A. Crea of Virginia, Jessica A. Wolak and her husband David of North Carolina, Nathan and Adam Bidwell both of South Carolina, and Michael, Timothy and Christopher Rieser all of Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Jacob D. Wolak, Elizabeth M. Crea and Bella Bidwell; one nephew and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 10:00 am in Divine Mercy Church, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Divine Mercy Church. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) or the church/charity of one’s choice.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
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Sandra L. Merwine, 81, former resident of Barry Township, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Ridgeview Nursing Center, Shenandoah Heights. Born in Norwalk Ohio, July 19, 1941, she was the daughter of Lee and Cora Munger Speer. She was a graduate of Berlin Heights High School in Ohio. Sandra was a housewife, as well as working on the family farm. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union, Barry Township. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lewis F. Merwine, passing October 5, 2016, a son, Craig Merwine, a daughter Daune Renee Daniel, Twin brothers, Lee Jr. and Leo Allen Speer, Brother Terrance Speer, Bother Jeffrey Lee Speer, and a Grandson, Shawn Speer.
Survivors
Daughter: Gail Neumeister, Barry Township
Sister: Carol Floyd, Picayune, Mississippi
Six Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Sandra will be placed with her husband in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later time. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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