Skook News Obituaries: January 10th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Reading on February 26, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Frances (Hartman) and Daniel Moyer.
Betty was the widow of Calvin T. Smith.
She was a saleswoman at the Goodwill in Robesonia.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Linda Phillips and Frances Lake, and grandchildren Jen Mcgovern, Brian Long, Phillip Long Jr., Angie, Jackie, and Nathan Sites, Jason, Seth, and Logan Basom, and Rachel and Bobby Horst. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her son Dee Basom, daughters, Jodi Mintzer and Ginny Horst, and grandson Austin McGovern.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
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Pauline was born in Pottsville, PA on July 27, 1940, a daughter of the late Mary Trubilla and Vincent Bartashus.
She was the widow of William A. Jones who died May 11, 2022 also preceded in death by a sister Maryann Gray.
She attended with her husband Bill Christ UCC McKeansburg. A graduate of Blue Mountain High School Class of 1958.
Pauline worked as a nurses aide in the workshop at Hamburg State Hospital.
Pauline was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. She was well known for her baking, canning, and candy making. "Grandma's Jelly" was a favorite of the grandchildren. Her greatest joy in life was her family.
Pauline is survived by a daughter, Kathleen, wife of Kevin Murphy, of Rockingham, VA; three sons William A. Jr, husband of Stacey Jones, of Kokomo, IN; Todd V, husband of Christine Jones, of New Tripoli; Jeffrey M Jones, of McKeansburg, also survived by grandchildren; Erica, Billy, Carly, Brendan, Evan, Alyssa, Vince, Sara, and Rachel, great grandchildren; Eli, Ben, Owen, Lily, Mckenzie, Madelyne, Samuel, Logan, Garett, and Elaina, a sister Irene Love of Iowa.
Private graveside services will be held from Christ Church Cemetery, McKeansburg.
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Born in Ashland, he was the owner/operator of Murph’s Auto Body, Ashland and later was a welder for his friend, Bobby Burns Coal Company for over 20 years until his retirement.
He grew up in Connerton and was a graduate of Ashland High School and Williamsport Trade School. He was instrumental in the building of the Hillside SPCA and was a US Army veteran of the Viet Nam war.
Murph was preceded in death by his children; Joseph and Caroline Parnell and his former wife and lifelong best friend Barbara Parnell Umlauf.
Graveside services with military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, will be held on Wednesday, January 18th at 11:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Murph’s name, be made to Hillside SPCA, Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Hilda A. Maracani, 99, formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Sunday while a resident of Southampton Estates Retirement Community.
Born on February 22, 1923 in Hazelton, PA to Mary (Petruce) and Lewis Maracani.
Her siblings labeled her “the mischievous one” at an early age, and this proved an apt description for Hilda into her 100th year. A member of St. Patrick’s parish in Pottsville, PA for over 70 years, she is preceded to heaven by her parents and all of her siblings: Helen Fellin, Frances Ambrose, Catherine Maracani, Lewis Maracani, Martha Ambrose, Marie Opatt, Doris Colussi, John Maracani, and Rita Maracani; her brothers-in-law, ickey and Butch Ambrose, Jim Opatt, and Bruno Colussi; and her nephew, Irvin Ambrose.
Having moved to Pottsville as a young woman, Hilda’s entire career was spent working in Mickey’s
Fountain, owned by her brother-in-law, Michael Ambrose. Her pragmatism, resourcefulness, and
steadfast principles proved her to be an adept manager of the business, where she forged bonds with
customers, young and old. Standing tall at just 5’2”, she never shied away from confronting those who
used unsavory language, started conflict, or tried to escape without paying for their goods; she ran a
tight ship. Zipping from the penny candy case to the soft ice cream dispenser, from the cheese slicer to
the pinball machines, Hilda’s presence defined the convivial yet well-ordered atmosphere in the store.
In retirement, Hilda discovered that she enjoyed travel, venturing far and wide to see more of the world
on cruises and bus tours with family members, especially her sister Martha. In her later years, as a
resident of Southampton Estates Retirement Community, Hilda explored her athletic side through water
aerobics and competitive shuffleboard while doting on her pet birds. Most recently she could be found
taking walks around her community with her caregiver and close friend, Coacoa, both singing at the tops of their lungs and keeping each other laughing. Both her adventurous pursuits and more simple
pleasures featured prominently in Hilda’s vividly told stories, each delivered with distinctive comic
timing.
Hilda’s boundless energy – seemingly fueled by just toast and coffee – was exceeded only by her
generosity of spirit. Her plainspoken truths and easy humor put others at ease, and she possessed the
rare gift of really being able to “see” people by focusing on the best in everyone. Even when she worked long hours, she was never too tired to show up whenever anyone needed a hand. She’d arrive armed with whatever the situation warranted, whether that was no-nonsense advice, hasty action, her famous apple pie, or just a listening ear. True to her motto, “a busy person is a happy person,” Hilda found joy in every day and shared that joy with those around her; she knew what she liked, and she liked what she knew.
Her nieces and nephews cherish the active and central role Hilda played in their lives; all of us are better people for having known her. Those who will dearly miss her include Natalie (Ambrose) O’Reilly, Michael Ambrose, David Ambrose, Cheryl (Colussi) Bunner, Barry Colussi, Valerie Becker, Beth (Becker) Delano, John Becker, Michael Ambrose III, Stuart Ambrose, Chris Hutt, Veronika (Hutt) Bajwa, Jenny (Ambrose) Blanchard, Amy (Ambrose) Donato, David Ambrose Jr., and Tracey Ambrose, and all of their families.
A Memorial service will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville on Saturday at 10:30 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 until the start of services. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven is entrusted with services.
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Tara A. Smithmyer, age 49, of Mar Lin, PA, passed away on Thursday, January 5th, 2023, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville
Born in Pottsville, PA on April 9, 1973, she was the daughter of the late Carol Sadusky and William Securda, who survives her in Minersville.
Tara is survived by her son Andrew A. Lengle; sisters: Holly and Marissa Frompovich; and longtime companion Keith Wirt.
Services will be held private.
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Janet L. Dean, 77, Frackville passed away on January 9, 2023, in her home with family by her side.
Born November 27, 1945, Janet was the daughter of the late George and Zelma Brosius Shuey. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul A Dean, and three sisters Doris Kostishak, Jean Sleva and Carol Grabuskie.
Janet is survived by her three sons, Paul Dean and his wife Beth, Gordon; Dwayne Dean and his wife Carol, Frackville; Kris Dean and his wife Jessica, Lake Wynonah; grandchildren Ashley Miller and her husband Troy, Douglas Dean and his wife Katie (Fickenger), Tyler, Tanner, Paul, Kasey, Jason and Jack Dean; great-grandchildren Maxwell and Barron Miller, Parker and Makenna Dean, nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Frackville, and member of the Zion Lutheran church, Janet graduated from Frackville High School in 1963. A hard worker, Janet was a beautician by trade and had a shop in her home on Nice Street. She was also employed at the K-Mart store from the opening of the Schuylkill Mall until 1992. She worked at BR Grumpy/CR Friendly’s Market in Frackville and Kay Jewelers until her retirement in 2010. While she participated in many organizations and held many jobs, often several at the same time, her favorite job was babysitting her grandchildren.
Janet was an avid sports fan and could always be found in the bleachers at her children and grandchildren’s games. She enjoyed the fact that her family was spread apart in years so that she continually had games to attend. No matter how far she had to travel or how bad the weather conditions were, she never missed an event.
In addition to her family, she will be missed by friends who were lovingly called “the ladies”. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed a favor or a ride somewhere. From card games to Frackville seniors, dinner dates and the infamous breakfast club, Janet had a wonderful network of friends. She also enjoyed spending her time on bus trips to Atlantic City and frequenting the Hollywood Casino.
Funeral services will be held on Friday January 13, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church (Annunciation BVM Church), 33 S Broad Mountain, Ave, Frackville, PA 17931 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Carl Shankweiler officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 AM until time of service. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
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Joan was born February 10, 1944 and grew up in Port Carbon, Pennsylvania. As a woman of faith, she was a member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church followed by St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Joan is survived by her husband of 58 years George A. Rennick, daughter Deborah Rennick Nebistinsky, husband Fred, son George V. Rennick, granddaughter Paige Marie Updegrove, husband David, and three brothers, Michael Toth, wife Louise, David Toth, and Thomas Toth, wife Melanie.
Joan wore many work hats over her lifetime starting out as a “candy striper” for the Good Sam Hospital. She finished at Boscovs Department Store from 1974 to 2009 as the manger of records and books. She delighted in spending time with her family and her friends. Joan also had a passion for music, sports, and her precious cats. You could always find her watching her favorite teams the Yankees and the Rangers. Over the years she traveled near and far to hear her favorite musicians, including her hero, David Bowie.
Joan had an amazing, kind, generous heart who always made others feel loved and taken care of. She always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday evening from 6-8PM at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
Devine Liturgy will be held privately for Joan's family at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, with Msgr. Myron Grabowski officiating.
Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery in St. Clair.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.
Joan wore many work hats over her lifetime starting out as a “candy striper” for the Good Sam Hospital. She finished at Boscovs Department Store from 1974 to 2009 as the manger of records and books. She delighted in spending time with her family and her friends. Joan also had a passion for music, sports, and her precious cats. You could always find her watching her favorite teams the Yankees and the Rangers. Over the years she traveled near and far to hear her favorite musicians, including her hero, David Bowie.
Joan had an amazing, kind, generous heart who always made others feel loved and taken care of. She always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday evening from 6-8PM at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
Devine Liturgy will be held privately for Joan's family at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, with Msgr. Myron Grabowski officiating.
Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery in St. Clair.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital, Shenandoah, on September 14, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Esther (Peters) Barnosky.
Carol was a kind and generous woman, always willing to help anyone in need.
She worked over 30 years as a cook at the former Snyders Ice Cream & Restaurant, Ashland. She had a passion for cooking & baking. She will forever be remembered for her famous chicken and halupki’s. No-one ever left her home hungry.
Carol was a life member of the William Penn Fire Company and the former William Penn Methodist Church, where she was active in fundraising for both. Whether it was frying bleenies or making hoagies you could always count on her to help. She was also an active member and longtime treasurer of the former Lost Creek Ambulance.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard “Bert” Carduff in 2003. She is now reunified with her true love. She was also preceded by daughter-in-law, Shannon Carduff in 2017.
Surviving are her three children, daughter, Lisa Stevens with husband Richard; sons, Joel Carduff and Shawn Carduff with Kristy; her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Ali Stevens, Kira Stevens, Kaitlyn Carduff, Austin Carduff, and Savannah Carduff; her sister, Barbara Dudick; niece Shannon Drasher with husband Eric and great-niece, Isabella.
Religious services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah with Rev. Rose Marquardt officiating. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 8:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
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Catherine “Kitty” Silvestri, 95, of Ashland, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Luther Ridge, Seiders Hill, Pottsville.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Born in Columbus, Ohio, he is the son of Krystine Batcho, of Syracuse, NY and Ronald Yaworsky, of Ohio.
Dr. Batcho began his college career earning a B.S. at Colgate University and then earning his Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, NY. His career began as an Emergency Medical Physician at Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY.
Since 2010, Dr. Batcho has been an Emergency Medicine Physician at the VA San Diego Medical Center, where he was a member of the clinical faculty supervising interns and residents from UCSD School of Medicine.
Over the years, Dr. Batcho has volunteered his medical services in Honduras and Columbia. His intention to volunteer in Ukraine was prevented by serious illness.
In his free time, he loved to listen to music, play bass guitar, and also enjoyed sports and his loyal Samoyed, Snowbear.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his sister Becky; and uncles Rev. Michael Batcho and Rev. Robert Batcho, of McAdoo.
His funeral will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Roman Oliinyk at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, McAdoo.
Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to humanitarian aid to Ukraine, such as, www.razomforukraine.org.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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