Skook News Obituaries: December 13th, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
-----------------------------------------------------
Thomas L. Wallauer, 75, of Ashland, passed away Monday afternoon at Geisinger-Danville.
For more information or to extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------------
Born in Coaldale, PA on September 15, 1954, David was a son of the late David C., Sr. and Margaret A. (Leibensperger) Burrell. A 1972 graduate of Tamaqua High School, he attended and graduated from Ryder Tech in Allentown, PA. He retired from Air Products in Hometown, PA where he was employed as an electrician. David was a member of the Lansford Park Commission and St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tamaqua where he was currently serving on Council and previously served on the Property Committee. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them in all their activities.
In addition to his wife, Mary, David is survived by son, David C. Burrell, III and his wife Jennifer of Danielsville, PA; daughter, Rachel Barron of Easton, PA; grandchildren, Charles Burrell, William Burrell, Chase Barron, and Tyler Barron; sisters, Deborah Martin of Hellertown, PA and Patricia Ann Ruth and her husband James of Schnecksville, PA; sister-in-law, Marie Burrell, and several nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas F. Burrell in 2018. Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with Vicar Dillon Epler officiating. Interment in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Willing Street, Tamaqua will follow the services. Call 9-11 AM on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials in David’s name may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 Mauch Chunk Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
-----------------------------------------------------
Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital he was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. He had been employed by General Cigar, Atlas Powder Company and last for St. Jude's Polymer in Frackville. He was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City and a former member of the Quakake Fire Company.
He was preceded in death by his mother Connie and an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife of 53 years the former Juanita Mace, nephews and niece Thomas, Eric, David and Karen as well as cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM from St. Teresa of Calcutta Church. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery Mahanoy Township. Friends may call at the church on Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM. Contributions in his name to St. Teresa of Calcutta Church Memo: Tower Fund of St. Teresa of Calcutta 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.
Robert 'Beege' Aponick, 82, passed away peacefully late Saturday night, December 10th, 2022, at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Bob was born in Lower Shaft, on November 13, 1940, a son of the late Anna Witcoski and Wasil Aponick.
After graduating from the West Mahanoy Township High School, he went on to serve his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. While a Marine, Bob was stationed overseas in Japan, and was a Golden Glove Boxer and an MP.
He played semi-pro football for the Coal Crackers and was a youth advocate for many young men starting in their football careers.
Beege was retired, having last been employed by the Jack Rich Corporation as a trucking dispatcher. He had a lifelong career in the trucking industry, beginning with Yankee Plastics then later A&E Hanger in Ringtown, working for, and operating the Food Train Trucking Division of the company.
Beege was also a lifetime member of the Shenandoah Heights Fire Company. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping, and above all he loved spending time at his paradise, "The Land".
The last member of his immediate family, he was preceded in death by brothers Wasil and Joseph Aponick, and by a sister, Dolores Tomcavage. He was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Aponick II, and by a granddaughter, Dianna Aponick.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie (Brennan) Aponick and their children - Jodi, wife of Mike Berry of Catawissa and Angie, wife of Bob Barr of Orwigsburg.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Angie Houser and her fiancée, Grant; Dale Houser Jr. and his wife Chelsea; and Senior Airman Robert Barr Jr. Three great grandchildren, Kylee, Layla, and Matthew, also survive, as do nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 5-7 PM on Sunday evening, December 18th, at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. Family and friends may visit Bob starting at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 19th, at the funeral home followed by a 12:30 service. Immediately following the service, Bob will be laid to rest at Fort Indiantown Gap with full military honors at 2:00 pm. All family and friends are welcome to attend the funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s Memory are asked to be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital.
James O. Weyand, 75, of Pottsville, passed away on Monday, December 12th, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Diane Tarantelli, L.P.N., 70, former Mowry and Ashland resident, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022, with family by her side, at the Reading Hospital.
-----------------------------------------------------
Bob was born in Lower Shaft, on November 13, 1940, a son of the late Anna Witcoski and Wasil Aponick.
After graduating from the West Mahanoy Township High School, he went on to serve his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. While a Marine, Bob was stationed overseas in Japan, and was a Golden Glove Boxer and an MP.
He played semi-pro football for the Coal Crackers and was a youth advocate for many young men starting in their football careers.
Beege was retired, having last been employed by the Jack Rich Corporation as a trucking dispatcher. He had a lifelong career in the trucking industry, beginning with Yankee Plastics then later A&E Hanger in Ringtown, working for, and operating the Food Train Trucking Division of the company.
Beege was also a lifetime member of the Shenandoah Heights Fire Company. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping, and above all he loved spending time at his paradise, "The Land".
The last member of his immediate family, he was preceded in death by brothers Wasil and Joseph Aponick, and by a sister, Dolores Tomcavage. He was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Aponick II, and by a granddaughter, Dianna Aponick.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie (Brennan) Aponick and their children - Jodi, wife of Mike Berry of Catawissa and Angie, wife of Bob Barr of Orwigsburg.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Angie Houser and her fiancée, Grant; Dale Houser Jr. and his wife Chelsea; and Senior Airman Robert Barr Jr. Three great grandchildren, Kylee, Layla, and Matthew, also survive, as do nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 5-7 PM on Sunday evening, December 18th, at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. Family and friends may visit Bob starting at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 19th, at the funeral home followed by a 12:30 service. Immediately following the service, Bob will be laid to rest at Fort Indiantown Gap with full military honors at 2:00 pm. All family and friends are welcome to attend the funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s Memory are asked to be made to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital.
-----------------------------------------------------
Jim was born in Quincy, Illinois on October 31, 1947, a son of the late Marie (Culp) Weyand and Gale Weyand. He was the husband of Esther M. (Nicastro) Weyand with whom he would have celebrated 40 years of marriage on July 2nd, 2023. Jim was of the Catholic faith and had worked construction, last having worked for Lok-Weld. Throughout his lifetime Jim was an avid fisherman, meticulous wood worker, loved riding his Harley Davidson and enjoyed anything geography and history related. A well-traveled man, Jim had been to all of the continental United States and loved to reminisce about his fond memories of his travels.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael, and a sister Victoria "Vicky" Armstrong. Jim is survived by his wife, Esther, two daughters, Cecilia Weyand, of Pottsville and Rebecca Weyand of Minersville and a son, James of Missouri. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren Sadie, Collin and Joaquin, a sister, Rebecca Bath, of Colorado as well as many nieces and nephews.
All services shall be private. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------------
Born in the former Ashland State General Hospital, Fountain Springs, July 31, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ruth Harter Smith. Diane was a graduate of the North Schuylkill High School, class of 1970, and the Ashland State General Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1972, attaining her degree as a License Practical Nurse. She worked as an L.P.N. for over 40 years, working at the Ashland State General Hospital, Rest Haven Nursing Home, Broad Mountain Manor Nursing Center, and lastly retiring from the Ashland Regional Medical Center in Fountain Springs. Diane was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish, Ashland. She loved spending time with her family, taking special pride being with her grandchildren. Her hobbies included sewing and multiple craft projects.
Survivors
Husband: Edward Tarantelli Sr., married 50 years
Daughter: Theresa wife of Thomas R. Moses Jr., Reading
Son: Edward Tarantelli Jr., and his wife Anne, Ashland
Grandchildren: Dane Tarantelli and his Fiancé Madeline Reed, Michael Pogirski and his wife Evette, Maura Pogirski, T.J. Moses and his wife Ashlee, Leah Moses, Chad Moses
Great Grandchildren: Aria and Waylon Pogirski
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11 AM, in Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 11th and Walnut St., Ashland. Concelebrants will be Rev. Giuseppe C. Esposito and Rev. Brian M. Miller. Interment will follow in Citizen’s Cemetery, Lavelle. A Viewing will be held in the church beginning at 10 AM. The family requests memorials be made to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 115 Walnut Street, Ashland, PA 17921. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
John Michael Smyrl, “Tank”, 59, of Audenried, passed away suddenly Monday morning at his home.
Born in Charlotte, N.C., he is the son of Barbara (McLaughlin) Smyrl, of McAdoo and the late Samuel Smyrl, IV.
Mike was employed for Cicioni Radiator of Hazleton for over 30 years.
Mike was of the Lutheran faith. He loved playing golf and spending time with his family and friends. He was also a trustee of the Hazleton Heights Gun Club.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 16 years, Krista (Zwalkuski) Smyrl; daughter Crystal Smyrl of Swoyersville; and aunts, uncles and cousins survive.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joan A. Bucknovic, 86, of McAdoo, passed away suddenly Sunday at her home.
Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Teglash) Bucknovic, Jr.
Joan was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo, and was last employed by All Saints Parish.
Joan enjoyed volunteering her time decorating for the holidays at church. She also loved to teach arts and crafts at McAdoo Catholic Elem. School.
Surviving are her cousins, David, Joseph and Michael Prekopa, and Frances Walukiewicz; and her beloved dog ‘Sugar’.
Her funeral will be held Monday at Church of All Saints, McAdoo. The Rev. Msgr. William Baker will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery, McAdoo.
A calling hour will be held Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Church of All Saints, 35 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo, PA 18237 or Hillside S.P.C.A. at www.hillsidespca.com.
The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo is assisting the family.
Survivors
Husband: Edward Tarantelli Sr., married 50 years
Daughter: Theresa wife of Thomas R. Moses Jr., Reading
Son: Edward Tarantelli Jr., and his wife Anne, Ashland
Grandchildren: Dane Tarantelli and his Fiancé Madeline Reed, Michael Pogirski and his wife Evette, Maura Pogirski, T.J. Moses and his wife Ashlee, Leah Moses, Chad Moses
Great Grandchildren: Aria and Waylon Pogirski
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11 AM, in Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 11th and Walnut St., Ashland. Concelebrants will be Rev. Giuseppe C. Esposito and Rev. Brian M. Miller. Interment will follow in Citizen’s Cemetery, Lavelle. A Viewing will be held in the church beginning at 10 AM. The family requests memorials be made to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 115 Walnut Street, Ashland, PA 17921. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------------
Born in Charlotte, N.C., he is the son of Barbara (McLaughlin) Smyrl, of McAdoo and the late Samuel Smyrl, IV.
Mike was employed for Cicioni Radiator of Hazleton for over 30 years.
Mike was of the Lutheran faith. He loved playing golf and spending time with his family and friends. He was also a trustee of the Hazleton Heights Gun Club.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 16 years, Krista (Zwalkuski) Smyrl; daughter Crystal Smyrl of Swoyersville; and aunts, uncles and cousins survive.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------------
Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Teglash) Bucknovic, Jr.
Joan was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo, and was last employed by All Saints Parish.
Joan enjoyed volunteering her time decorating for the holidays at church. She also loved to teach arts and crafts at McAdoo Catholic Elem. School.
Surviving are her cousins, David, Joseph and Michael Prekopa, and Frances Walukiewicz; and her beloved dog ‘Sugar’.
Her funeral will be held Monday at Church of All Saints, McAdoo. The Rev. Msgr. William Baker will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery, McAdoo.
A calling hour will be held Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Church of All Saints, 35 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo, PA 18237 or Hillside S.P.C.A. at www.hillsidespca.com.
The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo is assisting the family.
-----------------------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
t