Skook News Obituaries: September 5th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late John and Elizabeth DiCandia Puddu. He was of the catholic faith.
Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served as a weapons man in the Heavy Mortar Company of the 1st Infantry Division’s 18th Regiment. During his time in the service, he qualified for the 1956 Olympic Diving Team in Melbourne before getting injured during a platform dive. He won several championship titles during his diving tenure.
After the service, Joe owned and operated two separate hotel and golf resorts in California before traveling back to Pennsylvania after a devastating fire. After returning back to Pottsville, Joe operated Sharp Mountain Ski Area and helped open and start up the Lodge at Sharp Mountain. Joe also started Black Horse Stables where he bought, sold, trained and showed horses. After many years of running the business, he then opened up Black Horse Furniture Stripping and Repair followed by Puddu Wood Working on the Pottsville/Minersville highway for many years before becoming ill.
Joe was an entrepreneur who had a great passion for woodworking, hospitality, horses, diving and was an avid golfer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Joseph G. Puddu; a brother, John Puddu; a sister, Rita Giordano.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Tara Puddu Zendrosky, Ashland; his three sons: Rick Puddu and his wife Jody, Wisconsin; Frank Puddu and his wife Beth, Canada; David Puddu amd his wife Debra, Belen, New Mexico; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Pottsville.
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Rosa A. (Alfonsi) Lilley, 82, formerly of St. Clair, of Seltzer, passed away peacefully on September 4, at her residence.
Born in Pottsville, on November 25, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Maria (DiFelice) Alfonsi
Rosa worked for Kmart of Chambersburg, for many years before retiring.
She was a member of St. Clair of Assisi in St. Clair, and was a lifetime member of Saint Joseph’s Church, Pottsville, where she enjoyed volunteering for many groups and activities.
Rosa was the best babysitter for her grandchildren, granddogs, and grandchickens.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by; her husband, Harry B. Lilley; a son, Shawn R. Lilley; two brothers, Alessandro Alfonsi and Mario Alfonsi; and two sisters, Elvira Hess and Santana Gorman.
She is survived by her four children, Robert Lilley and wife, Diane; Sharon Korman and husband, Jay; Helenann Gipe and husband, Jarrod; and Harry M. Lilley and wife, Courtney; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews. She has a brother, Joseph Alfonsi and his wife, Alice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 8th, at 11:00 AM in St. Clare of Assisi Church, 250 E. Hancock Street, Saint Clair, with Rev. Msgr. William F. Glosser officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hillside, Pottsville.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM till the time of the Mass in the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Clare of Assisi Church, 250 E. Hancock Street, Saint Clair, PA. 17970.
Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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