Skook News Obituaries: September 17th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
------------------------------------------------------
Anna Docherty, 91, of Orwigsburg, passed away peacefully Friday, September 16th, at Geisinger St. Lukes Hospital Orwigsburg with her family by her side.
Anna was born in Forestville, PA on January 22, 1931, a daughter of the late Anna (Waniejczyk) Celep and Andrew Celep.
She was of the Roman Catholic faith.
She was a CNA at the former Pottsville Hospital.
She was a Philadelphia Phillies fan and enjoyed at living at Independence Square Orwigsburg and Polka Bands.
Anna is survived by three daughters, Denise, wife of James Wagner, of Schuylkill Haven; Donna Docherty, of NY; Cheryl, wife of Vince Frantz, of Gilberton.
two sons Francis, husband of Barbara Docherty, of St. Clair; Richard, husband of Irene Docherty, of Schuylkill Haven;
She is also survived by Anna is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Anna is preceded in death by her sisters, Mary, Kate, Sophie, Martha and Nellie and brothers John and Max.
A celebration of life Funeral Service will be held Tuesday September 20, at 10:30 am with a viewing from 9:30 till time of services from Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home 26 Chestnut Street Cressona.
Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park Schuylkill Haven, PA.
--------------------------------------------------
Jean D’Attilio (nee Bannan) did it right. She was a fierce force of nature that passed into the ether the way she did everything else, bravely and on her own terms. Simply put, Jean was a BOSS at everything she did. With her tenacity, resilience, and tremendous strength of character, she made meaningful and lasting impacts on individuals and the community around her. When she and her husband Frank, owned and operated a small business, she led the charge in creating a collective comprised of local businesses in the automotive sector allowing the members to be eligible and take advantage of group rates for health insurance. Before the Affordable Care Act was even a glimmer in the minds of politicians and society as a whole, she was an innovator that initiated and created a mechanism to provide affordable access to healthcare. Jean wore numerous hats and pursued many career-paths with the mission to do meaningful and impactful work. She made a difference in everything she did.
As a den mother for the Boy Scouts, she provided invaluable guidance and mentorship to inspire young boys to grow into well-rounded, respectful men. She led by example, in deeds and action and stewarded a whole generation of young men in the Minersville area. There are more than a few good men that have been shaped by her influence.
To say that Jean was an animal-lover is like saying that the Taj Mahal is a shanty little shack. There have not been words invented yet that fully articulate and express how much she adored her beloved Pomeranian companions. In the last few years (since the passing of her dear husband, Frank), her precious Poms have been her most cherished friends. We think that on most days, our mom may have liked her dogs more than she like us, and come on, we were the best sons ever (wink-wink), so that is saying something!
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50+ years, Frank, generous and loving parents Joseph & Minerva (nee Hoppes) Bannan She is survived by incredible and courageous sons, Joseph (wife Arlene) and Nicholas, awesome grandchildren, Justin, and Angelina, and her dearly loved furry companions, Bandit and Kipper (She may be in a different realm, but she would rain down thunder and lightning on us if her besties weren’t acknowledged for the unconditional love and comfort they provided her). Jean will be missed by many.
The highest tribute to those that have gone before us is gratitude, not grief. We are so blessed and incredibly thankful that Jean shared her grit, growl, light, and love with us. Jean did what she wanted to do, she left a mark– in a way that was important and lasting – she had a life well-livedThe family will accept visitors on Wednesday from 7:00 P.M. at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Mostly Muttz Rescue, P. O. Box 406, Gilbertsville, PA 19525,
--------------------------------------------------
Patricia was born on Wednesday, February 16, 1949 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Paul J. Yurick, Sr., and Frances (Solarczyk) Yurick. Patricia was also predeceased by; her son, Brian Firkal in 2003; and brother, Paul J. Yurick, Jr.
Surviving are; her husband of 51 years, James J. Firkal, Jr.; daughters, Pamela Searfoss wife of Walter of Lehighton; Kimberly A. Firkal of Hometown, grandchildren Luke Searfoss and Sofia Firkal as well as sisters, Sharon Porambo wife of Joseph, Cynthia Kashlak wife of John, and sister-in-law Theresa Yurick all of Summit Hill. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Jane and many nieces and nephews.
A 1965 graduate of Panther Valley High School, Patricia had worked as a secretary for many local offices; however, her fondest job was her days working at the former Ridge Center of Lansford. A devoted member of St. Richards. R.C.C. of Barnesville, Patricia reveled in the role of wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren who affectionately called her Grammy. She had a strong faith in the Lord and continued praying the rosary to her final days. Patricia enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren , traveling with her family, and the companionship of her dogs. Patricia was a former volunteer with the Brownies, and Girl Scout troops as well as the Panther Valley Band Boosters.
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 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. Richard's R.C.C. located at 709 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville, Pennsylvania 18214. Friends may be received in church from 9:00 A.M. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to:
Carbon County Animal Shelter
63 Broad Street
Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania 18240
or
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
4900 Tuttle Crossing Blvd.
Dublin, Ohio 43016
--------------------------------------------------
Born in Lykens, August 3, 1949, a son of the late Leroy and Betty Evans Yerger. He was a 1967 graduate of WiIliams Valley High School.
Den proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Tower City, Orwin Gun Club, Orwin Fire Company and a 52 year member of the Tower City American Legion.
Denny was an avid outdoorsman, and was fondly known as "CockBird". He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping along the Juniata River, making wine, attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events. But above all his family was his world. He will be remembered for his love for his wife and children.
Surviving are his wife and soulmate of 49 years, Darlene M. Schell Yerger; three children, Danielle Williard (Gary) Tower City, Dennis Yerger (Kelli), Lykens and Denean Hileman (Ted), Dauphin; his grandchildren, Logan and Faith Williard, Autumn and Aubrey Yerger, Bryce and Cora Brunmeier and Austin Hileman; a sister, Sherry Mahoney (Mike), Williamstown; a brother, Gary Yerger, Tower City; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home Inc. Burial with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10-11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., has been honored to serve the Yerger family.
--------------------------------------------------
Kay was born, at home, in Donaldson, PA, March 4, 1942, a daughter of the late George E and Ersal L (Neal) Hoverocker. She was a graduate of Tremont High School, Tremont, PA in 1960.
She attended Zion EV Lutheran Church of Donaldson growing up.
Kay worked various jobs along with raising her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her world. She loved cooking and baking, not only for her grandchildren, but also for her neighbors and friends. She also enjoyed doing many types of crafts throughout her life. She was very involved with the Tremont Community Organization (TC0).
Kay enjoyed giving back to her community. She liked to encourage others to join their local community organizations to make their areas better.
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Edward V. Muldowney, 1995.
Surviving are her three children, Lisa Soliday and her husband Jeff, Tower City; David Muldowney and his wife Jody, Pine Grove, and Trisha Palmer and her husband Alan, Indian Trail, NC; eight grandchildren: Shalee Forsythe and her husband John, Tower City; Shaun Soliday and his wife Krissy, Philadelphia; Joshua and Josiah Soliday, Tower City; Davis Muldowney and his significant other Stephanie Killian, Enola, Pa; and Caitlin Muldowney-Tessitore and her husband Robert, Mont Alto, PA; Tyler Palmer and Makaylah Palmer, Indian Trail, NC; great-grandchildren, Avonlea, Rosalie and Jolee Forsythe, Tower City; Samuel Soliday, Philadelphia and twin Soliday girls expected January 3, 2023; her brother, George E Hoverocker, Tremont, PA; and many, many dear friends, neighbors, and cousins.
Following Kay's wishes there will be no formal services.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., is honored to serve the Muldowney family.
--------------------------------------------------
A graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Class of 1947, Bob (as he was known to all) played football, basketball and baseball, landing himself an athletic scholarship to Duke University. He was graduated from Duke in 1953 with degrees in education and business.
As Bob told it, it was a last minute scramble to get him to Duke. A scout lucked into seeing him pitch late in the summer. Wowed by his arm, the scout told him to pack his bags and get on a train to North Carolina that weekend—he's pitching for Duke. Bob delivered for the Blue Devils, leading the team to the 1951, 1952 and 1953 Southern Conference championships and to the 1952 and 1953 College World Series. Bob's record was 25-5 and he was named MVP of the Southern Conference in 1951. His team was featured in a 1952 Life magazine article. Bob was elected into the Duke Hall of Fame. He loved his alma mater so much his grandchildren called him "Pop Pop Duke."
After college, Bob played professional baseball for the storied Durham Bulls, pitching in the minor league teams for the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers until an injury took him in a different direction. It was around this time Bob met his wife, Velma, in the Pottsville Hospital—Bob, a patient, and Velma, a phlebotomist. They married in 1956 and had three children.
Early in their marriage, the couple lived in New Jersey, where Bob worked at Clayton High School as a teacher, vice principal, and head coach of the basketball and baseball teams. While teaching, Bob continued his studies at Temple University, earning a master’s degree in education administration and completed 36 hrs towards his doctorate. He briefly switched careers to work in sales for IBM, but his love of sports and for his hometown prompted him to return to Schuylkill County, where he joined forces with his brother, Donald, to open Davis Sporting Goods. Bob would become sole owner and operator of the store until 1985, moving it from Market Street to the Fairlane Village Mall in later years. He provided to the community a personal service—fitting youngsters for their first baseball glove, for example—that would become his hallmark. Bob worked with high school teams across the county, supplying them with uniforms, team jackets and equipment, and even outfitted Muhammad Ali's training camp in Deer Lake.
Bob was a man of the community, always striving for the betterment of Schuylkill County. He served as the first executive director of Pottsville Area School District/City Recreation and was instrumental in creating a new community swimming pool (JFK Memorial) and refurbrishing area playgrounds. He developed swim programs and summer playground programs, winter events such as ice skating, as well as other activities. Bob brainstormed and helped create the beloved Pottsville Winter Carnival, acting as its executive director in 1967. Pottsvillians will remember Bob as "MC" of the carnival pageant and ball, cheerfully bearing the brunt of the mascot Vulcan’s shenanigans. Bob also got heavily involved in youth coaching and American Legion Baseball. He even helped bring lights to the 16th Street baseball field. Bob was everywhere.
In addition to these major accomplishments, Bob found time to volunteer for a wide range of community organizations. He was a lifelong member and president of the Pottsville Lions Club; president of the Pottsville Downtown Business Association; president of the Fairlane Village Mall Merchants' Association; head coach and co-coach (1965-1987) of the Pottsville Lions American Legion baseball team; and vice president (1965-1985) and president (1985-2010) of Schuylkill County American Legion Baseball League. He started the Schuylkill-Berks American Legion Baseball League and was founder and president of the Pottsville Girls Slo-Pitch Softball League. Bob served on the boards of the Pottsville HARB and the Area Agency on Aging.
Bob was inducted into the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 for his dedication, time and talent working with youth athletic programs in Pennsylvania. The Robert P Davis Award was created in his honor recently for the Schuylkill-Berks American Legion Summer Tournament.
In later years, Bob was president and owner of the Davis Travel Center, and as manager of the Yuengling Brewery Museum and Gift Shop. In retirement, he reembraced his love of education as a substitute teacher, known affectionally as "Mr. Bob." He never gave up his love of coaching and sports, always rooting for his Blue Devils.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Sabol Davis, his son, Robert (Bobby) Glenn Davis, his brother, Donald E. Davis, and his sister, Betty Jean Davis Lessard. Surviving him are his daughter Dr. Janine Davis Watkins and husband Atty. Kent Watkins; daughter Atty. Liane Davis Anderson and husband John Anderson; four grandchildren: Rhys Watkins (CFO Flow, Cincinnati), Celeste Watkins (MBA student at Yale), Danny Anderson (Ph.D. candidate at Brown) and Josie Anderson (Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York City); and many loved nieces and nephews.
Throughout his adult life, Robert was a member of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Robert will rest in the Calvary Cemetery of the parish. Funeral arrangements are under the care James E. Humphrey Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, with interment at the Calvary Cemetery to follow.
--------------------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
t