Skook News Obituaries: December 23rd, 2022
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale, PA on April 9, 1941, he was a son of the late John and Pauline (nee Bachorik) Tihansky. A 1959 graduate of the former Blythe Township High School, New Philadelphia, PA, John worked at Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a crane operator for 32 years and then for Bieber Tourways as a bus driver for 11 years. He was an incredibly hard-working individual whose focus was always to be a great provider for his family. Upon his retirement, John moved to be near his son David and his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending their school and church events, and taking them fishing and hunting.
John is survived by sons, Scott Tihansky and his wife Lori Limpar and David Tihansky and his wife Holly Tihansky; grandchildren, Alexis Tihansky, Zech Tihansky, and Olivia Tihansky; and brother, William Tihansky and his wife, Nancy Tihansky.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with Hospice Chaplain Eugene Kim officiating. Interment in St. John Slovak Lutheran Cemetery, Summit Hill, PA will follow the services. Call 10-11 AM Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to Family Pillars Hospice, 3910 Adler Place - Suite 130, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Marguerite (Marge) Yourshaw (nee Knorr) of Pottsville died December 20, 2022 at Geisinger/St. Lukes’s Hospital in Orwigsburg, PA. She was 93 years old.
Preceding her in death were her parents George and Margaret (nee Sidler) Knorr; her husband of 62 years, Joseph Yourshaw; her daughter, Virginia Miller; her sister, Betty Davis; and her son-in-law Howard Blackwell.
She was a long-time resident of Pottsville and a graduate of Pottsville High School.After graduation, she was employed as a secretary at Pottsville Economy Supply, where she met her future husband.Following the birth of their first child, she worked as secretary, bookkeeper, and assistant at her husband’s business.A life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Pottsville, she later worked for many years as the church secretary.
After retirement, she and her husband often traveled to their second home in Dade City, FL.
Marge was an active member of her Methodist Church, where she volunteered at the annual Christmas fair, rummage sales and church suppers.
She volunteered at the Schuylkill County Rape Crisis Center and regularly donated blood for the American Red Cross. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing daily word puzzles. She participated in many social activities at Providence Place where she had many friends and resided for the past 8 years.
She is survived by her son James (Toni) Yourshaw of Deer Lake, Barbara (Joseph) Mancini of Philadelphia, and Linda Blackwell of Macungie; grandchildren Leslie (Michael) Herring, Justin (Dana) Miller, Sara (Doug)Dinger, Gabriela and Maria Mancini; great-grandchildren Emmett Kraft, Wyatt Herring, Parker and Hannah Miller.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pottsville, the Pottsville Free Public Library, and Hillside SPCA.
Martina M. Roth, 77, of Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 in the Hershey Medical Center.
Born on February 17, 1945 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Charles Schaeffer and Mary Casey Dinko.
She was a 1963 graduate of Pottsville High School and received an Associates Degree from Reading Area Community College.
Martina was a salesperson at Sears.
She was a member of the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church and also the Christian Women's Club.
Preceding her in death were her husband Ralph E. Roth and a son Kevin Seigfried.
Surviving are two sons, Keith and wife Jodi Seigfried of Pine Grove, Kenneth and wife Melissa Seigfried of Schuylkill Haven; five grandchildren, James, Levi, Isaac, Brady and Sophia Seigfried; a brother Richard Schaeffer.
Services will be held at a later date at the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church, 74 Bethel Rd., Pine Grove. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at the convenience of the family.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church Music Department, 74 Bethel Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
Carol A. Grabuskie, 83, Pocono Lake, passed away on Wednesday evening, December 21st at PAM Specialty Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Frackville, she was a daughter of the late George and Zelma Brosius Shuey. She worked for Acme of Pennsylvania as a meat wrapper and later for Alpha Beta as a meat cutter until her retirement.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Frackville and also the Red Hat Society.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Grabuskie Jr., and two sisters: Doris Kostishak and Jean Sleva.
Carol is survived by her two sons: Joseph and his wife Jeanna Grabuskie, North Carolina; George Grabuskie, Pocono Lake; her two daughters: Karin Grabuskie, Pocono Lake and Shane Campbell, Pottsville; her sister Janet Dean, Frackville; her grandchildren: Georden, Mikayla, Kristine, Joseph, Elizabeth, Holden and John; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 31st at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (Annunciation BVM Church), 33 S. Broad Mountain Ave. Frackville with Pastor Carl Shankweiler. Friends are invited to her visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
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Marguerite (Marge) Yourshaw (nee Knorr) of Pottsville died December 20, 2022 at Geisinger/St. Lukes’s Hospital in Orwigsburg, PA. She was 93 years old.
Preceding her in death were her parents George and Margaret (nee Sidler) Knorr; her husband of 62 years, Joseph Yourshaw; her daughter, Virginia Miller; her sister, Betty Davis; and her son-in-law Howard Blackwell.
She was a long-time resident of Pottsville and a graduate of Pottsville High School.After graduation, she was employed as a secretary at Pottsville Economy Supply, where she met her future husband.Following the birth of their first child, she worked as secretary, bookkeeper, and assistant at her husband’s business.A life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Pottsville, she later worked for many years as the church secretary.
After retirement, she and her husband often traveled to their second home in Dade City, FL.
Marge was an active member of her Methodist Church, where she volunteered at the annual Christmas fair, rummage sales and church suppers.
She volunteered at the Schuylkill County Rape Crisis Center and regularly donated blood for the American Red Cross. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing daily word puzzles. She participated in many social activities at Providence Place where she had many friends and resided for the past 8 years.
She is survived by her son James (Toni) Yourshaw of Deer Lake, Barbara (Joseph) Mancini of Philadelphia, and Linda Blackwell of Macungie; grandchildren Leslie (Michael) Herring, Justin (Dana) Miller, Sara (Doug)Dinger, Gabriela and Maria Mancini; great-grandchildren Emmett Kraft, Wyatt Herring, Parker and Hannah Miller.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pottsville, the Pottsville Free Public Library, and Hillside SPCA.
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Born on February 17, 1945 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Charles Schaeffer and Mary Casey Dinko.
She was a 1963 graduate of Pottsville High School and received an Associates Degree from Reading Area Community College.
Martina was a salesperson at Sears.
She was a member of the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church and also the Christian Women's Club.
Preceding her in death were her husband Ralph E. Roth and a son Kevin Seigfried.
Surviving are two sons, Keith and wife Jodi Seigfried of Pine Grove, Kenneth and wife Melissa Seigfried of Schuylkill Haven; five grandchildren, James, Levi, Isaac, Brady and Sophia Seigfried; a brother Richard Schaeffer.
Services will be held at a later date at the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church, 74 Bethel Rd., Pine Grove. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at the convenience of the family.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church Music Department, 74 Bethel Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Frackville, she was a daughter of the late George and Zelma Brosius Shuey. She worked for Acme of Pennsylvania as a meat wrapper and later for Alpha Beta as a meat cutter until her retirement.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Frackville and also the Red Hat Society.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Grabuskie Jr., and two sisters: Doris Kostishak and Jean Sleva.
Carol is survived by her two sons: Joseph and his wife Jeanna Grabuskie, North Carolina; George Grabuskie, Pocono Lake; her two daughters: Karin Grabuskie, Pocono Lake and Shane Campbell, Pottsville; her sister Janet Dean, Frackville; her grandchildren: Georden, Mikayla, Kristine, Joseph, Elizabeth, Holden and John; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 31st at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (Annunciation BVM Church), 33 S. Broad Mountain Ave. Frackville with Pastor Carl Shankweiler. Friends are invited to her visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
Percy D Carl, age 75, of Hegins, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, at his residence.
He was born on Monday, February 17, 1947, in Hegins, a son of the late Percy I Carl and the late Leoma (Deeter) Carl.
He was a 1965 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
Percy served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
He attended Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample.
Percy enjoyed classic car restoration, and hunting. One of his greatest joys was woodworking and gifting his creations to family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Roger Carl.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Carl and Christopher Carl; a daughter, Katie Scandariato; four grandchildren, Olivia, Joshua, and Logan Carl, and Maxwell Scandariato; a sister, Janet Harner; a brother, Robert Carl; and several nieces and nephews.
As per Percy's request there will be no services.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Ronald Gontarchick, 75 of Pottsville passed away unexpectedly on Thursday at his home.
Born in Pottsville, November 23, 1947, he was the son of Bernard and Sophie Gontarchick.
He was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School class of 1965 and attended Penn State University.
Ron was a member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville. He was a long-time police officer for Pottsville before retiring from the department. Ron loved baseball and enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies and collecting cards.
Ron enjoyed his family more than anything. He loved getting his family together and hosting people at his welcoming home.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Susan who passed away in 2021 along with their daughter Amber who passed away in 1970.
Ron is survived by his daughters: Robin Schweikert, wife of Jim, of Pottsville, Judy Yoast, wife of Jack, of Ambler, Wendy Gontarchick and Paul Kalinock, of Minersville; son, Ronald Gontarchick, husband of Michelle, of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jared, husband of Samantha, Ryan, Kelly, Caitlyn, Shannon, Jackie and Paulie; his great-granddaughter, Luna; and brother Bernard “Butch” Gontarchick; nieces and nephew.
A memorial service will be held on January 7th at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services. Ron and his wife will be interred at the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven following the services at the family’s convenience.
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He was born on Monday, February 17, 1947, in Hegins, a son of the late Percy I Carl and the late Leoma (Deeter) Carl.
He was a 1965 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
Percy served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.
He attended Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample.
Percy enjoyed classic car restoration, and hunting. One of his greatest joys was woodworking and gifting his creations to family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Roger Carl.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Carl and Christopher Carl; a daughter, Katie Scandariato; four grandchildren, Olivia, Joshua, and Logan Carl, and Maxwell Scandariato; a sister, Janet Harner; a brother, Robert Carl; and several nieces and nephews.
As per Percy's request there will be no services.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, November 23, 1947, he was the son of Bernard and Sophie Gontarchick.
He was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School class of 1965 and attended Penn State University.
Ron was a member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville. He was a long-time police officer for Pottsville before retiring from the department. Ron loved baseball and enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies and collecting cards.
Ron enjoyed his family more than anything. He loved getting his family together and hosting people at his welcoming home.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Susan who passed away in 2021 along with their daughter Amber who passed away in 1970.
Ron is survived by his daughters: Robin Schweikert, wife of Jim, of Pottsville, Judy Yoast, wife of Jack, of Ambler, Wendy Gontarchick and Paul Kalinock, of Minersville; son, Ronald Gontarchick, husband of Michelle, of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jared, husband of Samantha, Ryan, Kelly, Caitlyn, Shannon, Jackie and Paulie; his great-granddaughter, Luna; and brother Bernard “Butch” Gontarchick; nieces and nephew.
A memorial service will be held on January 7th at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services. Ron and his wife will be interred at the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven following the services at the family’s convenience.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Kitchen, 504 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901
Andrea R. Gayeski, 78, of Minersville, passed away Tuesday, December 20th, at Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.
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Andrea was born in Manhattan, New York on February 2, 1944, a daughter of the late Jean (Palmer) and Andrew Micklo. She was the wife of Joseph R. Gayeski. Andrea was a graduate of Pottsville High School Class of 1961. She was a member of Saint Matthew the Evangelist Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville and of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. She was once employed at various local clothing factories. Along with her husband Joe, Andrea was a former softball coach of the New Minersville Hose Co. team of the Minersville Softball Little League program. As well as a C.Y.O. coach of both basketball and volleyball. Andrea had been a past Vice-President of the West Schuylkill C.Y.O. She had also been a former Cub Scout Den Mother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Larry, Greg, and Barry Micklo as well as a brother-in-law, Mike Mazzuca.
Andrea is survived by her husband, Joseph. She is also survived by a sister, Georgia Mazzuca and a brother, Douglas Micklo, nieces and nephews.
All services shall be announced at a later date. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
Amanda Lynn Cogorno, 32, of Limerick, PA, formerly of Duncott, passed away Tuesday, December 13th, at her home.
Amanda was born in Pottsville, Pa. on May 5, 1990, a daughter of the late Sharon (Zimmerman) and Gary Walters.
She was the wife of Chad D. Cogorno. She was a Clerk at Turkey Hill
She loved camping, going to the beach, and road trips. She most enjoyed, being outdoors, doings crafts and just sharing time in general with her children. She loved being with her friends and family. Always had a smile on her face no matter the situation. Amanda enjoyed going to new places that she had never been before. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved taking photo’s with her children and friends. She had enjoyed hiking and biking with her husband, Chad. Her favorite colors were blue and teal. Her dislikes were doing laundry and turkey. Amanda’s favorite singer was Kane Brown and enjoyed older movies and comedies. She loved being a mother to her children. She always had a heart of gold and endless love to give. Amanda is survived by her husband, Chad, daughters, Anna Mae Zimmerman, Bailey Zimmerman, Kiara Cogorno, sons Jayden Walters, Jasper Cogorno. Amanda is also survived by two brothers, Gary Walters and Josh Zimmerman. In addition Amanda is survived by her Companion Noah Reinhard. AVisitation will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, PA. Interment private at convenience of the Family. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
Shawn A. Spotts, 29, of Mount Carmel passed away Tuesday morning at home.
Born in Bloomsburg on June 25, 1993 he was the son of Carol A. Berrientos and the late Charles Strausser.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Shawn graduated from Mount Carmel High School with the class of 2011.
He last worked for Jeld-Wen in Highridge.
Shawn enjoyed motorcycles, girls, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by; father Charles “Chucky” Strausser; grandmother Alice Andruscavage; grandfather Ron Shopinski.
Shawn is survived by; mother Carol Barrientos (Juan), Mt Carmel; sister Natasha Spotts (Aaron Zigarski), Atlas; sister Lorena Barrientos (Rico Gonzalez), Ashland; brother Derek Kranzel, Aristes; stepbrother Juan Dockey, Sunbury; stepbrother Antonio Dockey, Paxinos; grandmother Virginia Shopinski, Mt Carmel; 3 nephews Richard, Tyler & Xavior; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family friends.
Services and interment will be private.
Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. 120 S. Market St. Mount Carmel, PA 17851 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Amanda was born in Pottsville, Pa. on May 5, 1990, a daughter of the late Sharon (Zimmerman) and Gary Walters.
She was the wife of Chad D. Cogorno. She was a Clerk at Turkey Hill
She loved camping, going to the beach, and road trips. She most enjoyed, being outdoors, doings crafts and just sharing time in general with her children. She loved being with her friends and family. Always had a smile on her face no matter the situation. Amanda enjoyed going to new places that she had never been before. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved taking photo’s with her children and friends. She had enjoyed hiking and biking with her husband, Chad. Her favorite colors were blue and teal. Her dislikes were doing laundry and turkey. Amanda’s favorite singer was Kane Brown and enjoyed older movies and comedies. She loved being a mother to her children. She always had a heart of gold and endless love to give. Amanda is survived by her husband, Chad, daughters, Anna Mae Zimmerman, Bailey Zimmerman, Kiara Cogorno, sons Jayden Walters, Jasper Cogorno. Amanda is also survived by two brothers, Gary Walters and Josh Zimmerman. In addition Amanda is survived by her Companion Noah Reinhard. AVisitation will be held 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, PA. Interment private at convenience of the Family. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Bloomsburg on June 25, 1993 he was the son of Carol A. Berrientos and the late Charles Strausser.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Shawn graduated from Mount Carmel High School with the class of 2011.
He last worked for Jeld-Wen in Highridge.
Shawn enjoyed motorcycles, girls, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by; father Charles “Chucky” Strausser; grandmother Alice Andruscavage; grandfather Ron Shopinski.
Shawn is survived by; mother Carol Barrientos (Juan), Mt Carmel; sister Natasha Spotts (Aaron Zigarski), Atlas; sister Lorena Barrientos (Rico Gonzalez), Ashland; brother Derek Kranzel, Aristes; stepbrother Juan Dockey, Sunbury; stepbrother Antonio Dockey, Paxinos; grandmother Virginia Shopinski, Mt Carmel; 3 nephews Richard, Tyler & Xavior; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family friends.
Services and interment will be private.
Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral & Cremation Services Inc. 120 S. Market St. Mount Carmel, PA 17851 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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