Skook News Obituaries: August 27th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in 1939, he was the son of an Italian immigrant miner, Virgil, and a Lithuanian mother and excellent cook, Rose. Growing up in the western Pennsylvania coal town of Spangler, he enjoyed a simple life that revolved around hunting, fishing, sports (especially baseball), music, church, family and community. Bob graduated from Northern Cambria High School in 1956. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania receiving his B.A. in Music Education, followed later by a M.A. in Music Education from Penn State. A natural born trumpet player, he was already playing at an advanced level at community and church events in middle school. It was while playing in his friend’s band at the Portage High School prom of his future wife, Mary Kyle Leap, that she laid eyes on him, and there she decided he was the one. Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1961 and spent the next few years traveling with the US Army Band. Though he was well schooled in music, he always said his real music education took place in the US Army Band where he played with some of the best musicians in the country. They performed for thousands during his service, including with the popular Second US Army Showmobile tour. He was also an avid boxer in the Army. During this time, he married Mary Kyle, who was then attending University of Pittsburgh Nursing School. Many happy times were spent around Ft. Meade, MD, where their first child, Gregory, was born. Daughter Juliann’s birth followed not long after, and they found a home in Elysburg, which was the epitome of small town Americana in the 60’s and 70’s. Discharged from the Army in 1967, Bob spent a year teaching at Mt. Carmel Area School District, before taking a job teaching instrumental music at the Shamokin Area School District Middle School where he remained until his retirement in 1997. Missing the students, Bob went back to teaching music at local Catholic schools for another 4 years. His time at the schools with his students and fellow faculty members was what gave him joy. He was always especially proud of the Shamokin Area High School Jazz Band, which he formed in 1968. Bob loved to roast fellow faculty members with the unexpected, having a quiet yet killer wit. At home, things were always buzzing, whether it was Maynard Ferguson coming to dinner, Father Slough popping in to watch football, or friends of the kids-there was a welcoming and revolving door. Always active, Bob enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, camping with the Elysburg crew, snowmobiling, following high school sports, attending Pirates games with Mary Kyle, and watching the Steelers. He was a cantor at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, a member of the Jaycees and Knights of Columbus, a little league coach, marching band music arranger, and was instrumental in programming the popular Community Christmas Concert in Elysburg. He was a busy Pap Pap who loved nothing more than family reunions, holidays, sporting events, concerts, and Knoebel’s with the grandkids. Bob went to live at The Birches at Shenandoah Manor in 2019, where they cared for him like family. A huge debt of thanks is owed to the staff there and also to his sister-in-law, Lauren Leap, and Joseph Noraka, for their care and companionship.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Mary Kyle, his parents, and his brother Virgil.
He is survived by his children Gregory Franceschini and wife Joyce, Juliann Tino and husband James, and grandchildren Kyle, Eugene, Scott and Paul Franceschini and Caroline, Grace and Ava Tino. Also brother-in-law Brian Leap and wife Jane, and nieces and nephews Jeffrey, Craig, and Krista Leap and Erica Kline Beerbower, and extended family. In lieu of flowers, please enjoy your favorite outdoor activity, have a family get-together, play your favorite music, pick up your old instrument, and enjoy life in honor of Bob-as he did.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 1st from 11:00AM-12:00PM in the Queen of Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W Center St, Elysburg PA 17824. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 noon in the church. Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery-Elysburg.
For more information or to extend online condolences visit www.kullfuneral.com. Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral & Cremation Services Inc, Elysburg PA has been entrusted with arrangements.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 1st from 11:00AM-12:00PM in the Queen of Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W Center St, Elysburg PA 17824. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 noon in the church. Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery-Elysburg.
For more information or to extend online condolences visit www.kullfuneral.com. Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral & Cremation Services Inc, Elysburg PA has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Kenneth H. Kline, 91, of Pottsville, died Saturday at Green Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pottsville.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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