Skook News Obituaries: October 5th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Thomas P. Dabravalski, 68, of Allentown, PA and formerly of Tamaqua, PA, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in Allentown.
Born in Coaldale, Pa on November 16, 1953, he was the son of the late Walter and Kathryn (Pritko) Dabravalski. A 1971 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Thomas had worked for the former J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills in Hometown, PA. More recently he had been employed by both the Atlantic Book Company and the Mascaro Sanitation Company of Allentown, PA and retired from Cotter True Value.
Thomas is survived by a brother, Ronald Dabravalskie; a sister, Aldona Becker and her husband Robert; nephews, Ronald Dabravalskie, Jr. and his wife Cyndi and Robert Becker, Jr. and his wife Kathy; niece, Doni Kay Becker; and great nieces, Madison Dabravalskie, Jennifer Becker, and Brittni Brown.
He was predeceased by a brother, Larry in 2010.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
John E. Donati, 75, of Mifflin St., Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at home.
Born on December 23, 1946 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Paul and Gertrude Zettlemoyer Donati.
He was a 1965 graduate of Nativity High School, Pottsville.
One of John's first jobs was being a caddy at the Schuylkill Country Club. He then worked for the former Alcoa in Cressona and General Battery in Reading before retiring from Reading Truck Body. After retirement, he delivered flowers for his wife's flower shop, Carol's Flowers in Pine Grove.
John was a member of First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of Roedersville Game and Fish, NRA, Swatara Archers and long time member of Stag Archery. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and his passion was archery. He enjoyed clay shooting, often competing competitively, and loved hunting. He played softball and was a die hard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.
Preceding him in death were his son, Joseph M. Donati; and two grandsons, Jacob Michael Donati, and Zachary Donati.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Carol Ney Donati; a son, Michael and wife Bobbie Jo Donati of Schuylkill Haven; two daughters, Angela and husband Larry Bendetti of Pine Grove, Anna and husband Brent Haller of Reading; daughter-in-law Tina Donati of Palo Alto; 14 grandchildren, Erin Bendetti-Mitchell, Kelly and Julia Bendetti, Adrienne Donati, Kiefer Cole, Christian, Brandon, and Kyle Donati, Jason Hickey, Amanda Frye, Collin and Jack Fultz, Henry and Trevon Haller; 14 great grandchildren; three brothers, William and Paul Donati, both of Schuylkill Haven and Richard Donati of Orwigsburg; nieces and nephews; and his best hunting companions, Molly, Belle and Ruby.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Shawn Van Dyke officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the Funeral Home.
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John E. Donati, 75, of Mifflin St., Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at home.
Born on December 23, 1946 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Paul and Gertrude Zettlemoyer Donati.
He was a 1965 graduate of Nativity High School, Pottsville.
One of John's first jobs was being a caddy at the Schuylkill Country Club. He then worked for the former Alcoa in Cressona and General Battery in Reading before retiring from Reading Truck Body. After retirement, he delivered flowers for his wife's flower shop, Carol's Flowers in Pine Grove.
John was a member of First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of Roedersville Game and Fish, NRA, Swatara Archers and long time member of Stag Archery. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and his passion was archery. He enjoyed clay shooting, often competing competitively, and loved hunting. He played softball and was a die hard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.
Preceding him in death were his son, Joseph M. Donati; and two grandsons, Jacob Michael Donati, and Zachary Donati.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Carol Ney Donati; a son, Michael and wife Bobbie Jo Donati of Schuylkill Haven; two daughters, Angela and husband Larry Bendetti of Pine Grove, Anna and husband Brent Haller of Reading; daughter-in-law Tina Donati of Palo Alto; 14 grandchildren, Erin Bendetti-Mitchell, Kelly and Julia Bendetti, Adrienne Donati, Kiefer Cole, Christian, Brandon, and Kyle Donati, Jason Hickey, Amanda Frye, Collin and Jack Fultz, Henry and Trevon Haller; 14 great grandchildren; three brothers, William and Paul Donati, both of Schuylkill Haven and Richard Donati of Orwigsburg; nieces and nephews; and his best hunting companions, Molly, Belle and Ruby.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Shawn Van Dyke officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the Funeral Home.
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She was born on Friday, June 23, 1950, in Lykens Twp, a daughter of Robert A Wolfe of Gratz and the late Betty J (Ebert) Wolfe.
She was a 1968 graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School.
She was a claims adjuster for DST, Harrisburg.
She was a member of Pine Creek United Methodist Church, Spring Glen.
June loved to travel, enjoyed walking, and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her mother; a daughter, Jennifer L Miller, a brother, Larry E Wolfe, and a sister, Sandra L Wolfe.
She is survived by her husband Fred W Willard, to whom she was married for 52 years.
She is also survived by a son, Daniel R Willard and his wife Terri of Pine Grove; granddaughter, Page E Miller of Halifax; son in law, Kenneth L Miller, Jr of Halifax; two brothers, Bruce A Wolfe of Gratz and Robert A Wolfe of Sayre; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Benjamin Scholl officiating.
A viewing will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Fearnot.
Memorial contributions can be made to Pine Creek United Methodist Church, c/o Norman Lettich, 428 Fearnot Road, Sacramento, PA 17968.
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Graveside service will be held at 11am Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at St. Matthew’s Cemetery with Rev. Michael Frost officiating. Contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 222 Church St., Lehighton, PA 18235.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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Mike was born and raised with his older brother, Joseph (Smokey) in Mahanoy City where he attended St. Joseph’s Elementary and Mahanoy City High School Class of 1958. Mike attended Bloomsburg State Teacher’s College receiving his BS and subsequently teaching History in Maryland and Pennsylvania Schools. Offered a new opportunity, Mike changed careers taking a sales position with Yellow Freight Systems. He spent over 25 years with Yellow where he was eventually promoted to terminal manager, with locations in Bloomsburg and Hometown.
Mike married Peggy Guinan in 1970 after falling in love enjoying guitar jam sessions and appreciating their love of music and each other’s life values.. Mike’s tenor voice thrilled Peggy throughout their 52 years together. His beautiful voice and love of family were continually demonstrated at annual family gatherings and Christmas Sing-a-Longs
Mike married Peggy Guinan in 1970 after falling in love enjoying guitar jam sessions and appreciating their love of music and each other’s life values.. Mike’s tenor voice thrilled Peggy throughout their 52 years together. His beautiful voice and love of family were continually demonstrated at annual family gatherings and Christmas Sing-a-Longs
Mike and Peg were blessed with two children, Meg Frizzola and Michael Grigalonis and four grandchildren Matthew, Margaret (Maggie) , Ryan and Madelyne (Maddie).
At age 18, Mike began his lifelong passion of the daily jog. Each day, Mike could be seen in Lakewood Park, the streets of Park Crest or occasionally the railroad tracks running ten miles. Wintertime meant jogging the same three plowed blocks in Park Crest. Every vacation the family took included a run or hike: up a volcano in Hawaii, along the rivers of the US and Europe, even getting lost in Vancouver and taking a taxi back to the hotel.
Along with exercise, Mike loved golf and belonged to the Mahanoy City Golf League playing weekends and Sunday tournaments. He truly cherished his group of friends, their golf trips, winter getaways and “doggie frizzles” The Grigalonis annual 4th of July party was the event of the year. For years, Mike spent Saturdays going to or watching the Penn State University Football Team. Along with these activities with friends there was always time to read an historical novel, a great detective story, finish a crossword puzzle or work a word jumble in the daily paper.
After Mike retired, he began his favorite job, babysitting. If it took a 4-hour daily drive, carrying a baby for a stroller ride in Valley Forge or crashing a golf cart, Mike did it.
Mike proudly served daily mass at St. Joseph’s Church as a young man and after marriage was a member of St. Richard’s Church. Barnesville. He faithfully visited the sick and brought Meals on Wheels to the Mahanoy City Community.
Mike was truly a one-of-a-kind husband and father.
Mike is survived by wife, Margaret “Peg” Guinan Grigalonis, daughter Meg Frizzola and husband Steve, Glenn Mills, son Michael Grigalonis and wife, Jennifer Bair Grigalonis, Downingtown: Grandchildren Matthew and Margaret “Maggie” Frizzola and Ryan and Madelyne “Maddie” Grigalonis, and his brother Joseph and wife Gloria Rubel Grigalonis, Mechanicsburg.
Friends and family may call Friday October 7th from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richards Church, Barnesville, at 9 AM on Saturday, October 8th, with Rev. Robert Finlan officiating.
Interment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.
Donations may be made to the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, Mahanoy City Public Library or the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view Tribute Video and send sympathy cards.
At age 18, Mike began his lifelong passion of the daily jog. Each day, Mike could be seen in Lakewood Park, the streets of Park Crest or occasionally the railroad tracks running ten miles. Wintertime meant jogging the same three plowed blocks in Park Crest. Every vacation the family took included a run or hike: up a volcano in Hawaii, along the rivers of the US and Europe, even getting lost in Vancouver and taking a taxi back to the hotel.
Along with exercise, Mike loved golf and belonged to the Mahanoy City Golf League playing weekends and Sunday tournaments. He truly cherished his group of friends, their golf trips, winter getaways and “doggie frizzles” The Grigalonis annual 4th of July party was the event of the year. For years, Mike spent Saturdays going to or watching the Penn State University Football Team. Along with these activities with friends there was always time to read an historical novel, a great detective story, finish a crossword puzzle or work a word jumble in the daily paper.
After Mike retired, he began his favorite job, babysitting. If it took a 4-hour daily drive, carrying a baby for a stroller ride in Valley Forge or crashing a golf cart, Mike did it.
Mike proudly served daily mass at St. Joseph’s Church as a young man and after marriage was a member of St. Richard’s Church. Barnesville. He faithfully visited the sick and brought Meals on Wheels to the Mahanoy City Community.
Mike was truly a one-of-a-kind husband and father.
Mike is survived by wife, Margaret “Peg” Guinan Grigalonis, daughter Meg Frizzola and husband Steve, Glenn Mills, son Michael Grigalonis and wife, Jennifer Bair Grigalonis, Downingtown: Grandchildren Matthew and Margaret “Maggie” Frizzola and Ryan and Madelyne “Maddie” Grigalonis, and his brother Joseph and wife Gloria Rubel Grigalonis, Mechanicsburg.
Friends and family may call Friday October 7th from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richards Church, Barnesville, at 9 AM on Saturday, October 8th, with Rev. Robert Finlan officiating.
Interment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.
Donations may be made to the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, Mahanoy City Public Library or the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view Tribute Video and send sympathy cards.
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Born in Dillsburg on August 6, 1941, a daughter of the late Gerney J. and Helen Shank Hess.
Betty was a graduate of Northern High School.
She was retired from the Book of the Month Club, Mechanicsburg.
Betty enjoyed doing puzzles and crossword puzzles. She could often be found in her yard, working in her flower garden, and feeding the birds. She was a collector of teddy bears.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her longtime companion, James Riegel Sr., 2018; a step daughter, Dana Noblit, 2018; a brother, Lee Hess; two sisters, Joyce Jardine and Kay Hess.
Surviving are her stepson James Riegel Jr., his wife Debra, and their children Morgan, Ben, and Lydia Riegel, all of Tower City; Dana's son, David Noblit, Elysburg; a brother, Gerney I. Hess, Duncannon; two sisters, Donna Hoopengardner, Dover and Darene Pifer, Carlisle; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM from the Faith Evangelical Congregational Church, Wiconisco, with Pastor Bob Stoner officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview Memorial Gardens, Halifax. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 at the church.
Memorial donations in Betty's memory can be made to Faith EC Church, 543 Center Street, PO Box 475, Wiconisco PA, 17097.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., is honored to serve Betty's family.
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Ann F. Snyder, 84, of Gordon formerly Ashland passed away Wednesday morning at Providence Place - Pottsville.
Born on March 10, 1938 in Ashland she was the daughter of the late Anne (McBrearty) and John Hogan.
She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Ashland.
Ann was of the Lutheran faith.
She was the wife of the late John L. Snyder who passed in 2003.
Ann was well known by many in the area. She was past president of Ashland Little League-Ladies Axillary, board member of Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, and also helped with local Boy & Girl Scout troops in the Ashland area when her children were growing up.
She especially enjoyed spending time camping and fishing on Penn’s Creek at Poe Paddy State Park. Ann was well known by many in Gordon for her homemade applesauce.
In addition to her spouse, she was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Hogan.
Born on March 10, 1938 in Ashland she was the daughter of the late Anne (McBrearty) and John Hogan.
She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Ashland.
Ann was of the Lutheran faith.
She was the wife of the late John L. Snyder who passed in 2003.
Ann was well known by many in the area. She was past president of Ashland Little League-Ladies Axillary, board member of Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, and also helped with local Boy & Girl Scout troops in the Ashland area when her children were growing up.
She especially enjoyed spending time camping and fishing on Penn’s Creek at Poe Paddy State Park. Ann was well known by many in Gordon for her homemade applesauce.
In addition to her spouse, she was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Hogan.
Ann is survived by; brother John Hogan (Florence), Gilbertsville; daughter Ann Martha Lebengood (Peter), Milford DE; daughter Susanne Schlegel (Dean), West Lawn; son John J. Snyder (Lisa), Gordon; son Mark Snyder (Sharon), Johns Island SC; sister-in-law Sarah Urban, Bethlehem; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 12th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. A service will take place at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Ann’s memory to Schuylkill Area Community Foundation-The John & Ann Snyder Outdoor Fund, 216 S. Centre St, Pottsville PA 17901 or Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921.
For more information or to extend online condolences visit www.kullfuneral.com. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with arrangements.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 12th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. A service will take place at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Ann’s memory to Schuylkill Area Community Foundation-The John & Ann Snyder Outdoor Fund, 216 S. Centre St, Pottsville PA 17901 or Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921.
For more information or to extend online condolences visit www.kullfuneral.com. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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