Skook News Obituaries: May 19, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born on October 1, 1938, in Bloomsburg, PA, Carol was a daughter of the late Harold E. and Pearl E. (nee Breech) Karnes. A 1956 graduate of the former Catawissa High School, she received her nursing diploma from Thomas Jefferson University in 1959. Carol continued her education, earning both a BS and an MSN from St. Joseph University. She held a number of positions while in the health field - working in neurosurgery in Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia; staff member at Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia; employed as the OR supervisor at the former Coaldale State General Hospital, Coaldale (now Miners); on staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hazleton; providing nursing care at Rest Haven, Schuylkill Haven, and was an LPN instructor at the Carbon County Vocational School, Jim Thorpe. While living in Florida, Carol organized a group of retired nurses at Zellwood Station to extend care to the local residents. In 1982, she became an accountant to assist with her husband Robert’s accounting firm. In Florida, Carol was a member of the Rolling Hills Community Church. Her other memberships included Eastern Star, Signal Lights, the National League of Nursing, a local Sorority, and the Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants of which she was a past president of the Lehigh Valley Chapter. Carol enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, and hosting friends and family in her home.
She is survived by daughter, Christine Lesisko and her husband, Thomas of New Ringgold, PA; granddaughters, Noelle Stidham and her husband Jay of Tamaqua and Sarah Hollenbach and her husband Nicholas of Hometown, PA; great grandchildren, Matthew Hollenbach, Eli Stidham, and very soon a great granddaughter; sister, Joanne Troy and her husband David of Catawissa, PA; and many nephews and nieces including Mary Karen Shoff with whom she shared a special relationship.
In addition to Carol’s husband Robert, she was predeceased by John Weaver with whom she enjoyed companionship after Robert’s death and a sister, Sally Breisch.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jefferson College of Nursing, 125 S. 9th Street – Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Shirley I. McCord, 87, of Schuylkill Haven, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 18th at home surrounded by her family after a bout with cancer.
Born in North Manheim Twp on August 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Ellen (Yohe) and Norman Bensinger.
Shirley was the widow of Robert V. "Skeet" McCord who passed away on August 10, 2013. They were married 59 years.
She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, the South Schuylkill Garden Club, a volunteer at Good Sam Hospital for 25 years, and was also a Girl Scout Troop Leader.
An entrepreneur, Shirley owned several businesses including Piercing Pagoda and Merle Norman Cosmetics. She was also a Real Estate Agent, and owned and managed several apartment buildings in Schuylkill Haven.
Shirley is survived by three daughters, Kay "Pinky", wife of Tom Gilbert, of Tivoli, NY; Debbie, wife of Michael Matelan, of Emmaus; Patricia, wife of Patrick Mehaffie, of Cape Coral, FL; a son, Patrick, husband of Sandra McCord, of Spokane, WA; grandchildren: Stacie Totman, Kimi Gilbert, Brooks, & Kate Matelan, Hayley, James, Michael, & John Mark McCord; great-grandchildren: Lauren, Christian, & Patrick Totman, Lyla, Noah, & Kylee Matelan; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Sophie.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Norman, Bill, and Ronnie Bensinger, Kay Reichert Sidella, and Karen Wink.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 23rd at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:15 until 10:15 AM. Interment will follow at St. Ambrose Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
At Shirley's request, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Jerry Barton Vessotskie, 87, died on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Providence Place, Pottsville, with her daughters by her side.
Born in Primrose, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Marchick Barton. Jerry graduated from Cass Township High School in 1952. She worked at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in the Reserve Component Section. After marrying her husband, Alphonse Vessotskie, in 1959, they operated Vessotskie Shoe Store in Minersville until retirement in 1997. Jerry also worked as a receiving clerk at the Union Savings and Loan Association in Minersville.
She was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville, a former member of St. Francis School Guild and St. Francis Women’s Sodality.
Upon retirement, Jerry and Al enjoyed summers at the Jersey Shore and winters in Hollywood Beach, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Alphonse “Al” Vessotskie, in 2022.
Jerry is survived by two daughters, Maryann Vessotskie (spouse, Peter Horch), of Washington Township, New Jersey, and Janet Vessotskie, Ph.D., of Rockville, Maryland; two grandsons, Joseph Alphonse “A.J.” Horch and Robert Horch.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville on Wednesday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 10:00 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. in St. Matthew the Evangelist Church, 135 Spruce Street, Minersville. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
James H. Wolfgang, 92 formerly of Frackville passed away on Wednesday morning, May 17, 2023 at the Orwigsburg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Frackville on March 7, 1931, he was a son of the late Lorren and Mabel (Ketter) Wolfgang.
James a graduate of the former Frackville High School.
Mr. Wolfgang served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the Army as a Corporal. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a machinist at the former Dana Corp., Reading.
James was of the Methodist faith. He was a former member of the American Legion Post #398, Frackville.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were two brothers, Larry and Henny Wolfgang.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, the former Marguerite J. Burda of Orwigsburg; two sons, James A. Wolfgang and his wife Susan of Blandford, MA and Alan S. Wolfgang of Harrisburg; one daughter, Debrah Eisele and her husband William of Lavelle; four grandchildren, Alex & Elizabeth Eisele and Dylan and Nicolas Wolfgang; and nieces and nephews.
Religious and scripture services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11:00 am in the First United Methodist Church, 25 South Balliet Street, Frackville with Rev. Julian Milewski officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Butler Township, Frackville. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
Florence E. Daniels, 89, formerly of Williamstown and Perry County, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Greenwood Township, Perry County, August 31, 1933, a daughter of the late Mark and Esther Hulick Bitting.
Florence worked as a Dental Lab Technician in her early years and as an aide in nursing homes.
She attended Twin Valley Alliance Church faithfully where she helped at the Gate (a children's ministry). She loved the children dearly and helped by contributing to St. Jude's Children's Hospital before going to a personal care home.
She touched many lives throughout her lifetime. Florence made friends wherever she went. She especially enjoyed going out to eat after her doctor appointments.
While a resident at Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Florence enjoyed listening to Christian music, doing word search books, helping plant flowers, assisting residents in wheelchairs and visiting the residents' rooms.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Daniels, 2012 a son Fred Jr. and a daughter Esther Small Morehead.
Surviving are her two children, Howard (Cristina), Las Vegas NV and Laura Daniels, Pittsburgh. Grandchildren, Mark, Allen, Greg, John, Howard, Esther May, Deborah, Dillon and Andrew. Numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Florence is also survived by close friends Maureen Grimm and Faye Rabuck.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Florence's life on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from the Twin Valley Alliance Church, Williamstown with Pastor Joel McGarvey officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 am at the church. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow in the church social hall.
Memorial donations in Florence's name may be made to Twin Valley Alliance Church, 9781 State Route 209, Williamstown, PA 17098.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Daniels family.
Anita K. Kromer, 67, of Tremont, passed away peacefully Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Lebanon, February 6, 1956, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Rader Kromer.
Anita was a United States Air Force Veteran.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 37 years.
She will be deeply missed by those that her life has touched, including her friends, residents and staff she made while living at the nursing home.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bruce and David Kromer.
She is survived by her brother Lynn Kromer, Texas, nephew Cody Kromer and niece Maranda Peters.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of Anita, please consider the Tremont Health and Rehab Center, c/o Activity Fund, 44 Donaldson Road, Tremont PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., is honored to serve Anita's family.
Andrew Timothy Slovick, 34, of Minersville, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, at home as a result of his on-going battle with epilepsy.
Born October 4, 1988, he was the son of Joseph and Colleen (MacCready) Slovick of Minersville.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Sam and Kathleen MacCready, and Tony and Florence Slovick.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother Joseph Slovick, husband of Brenda, Minersville; a sister Amy Slovick and her significant other, John Lucas, Orwigsburg; and nephew Aidan Slovick, Minersville. Also surviving are aunts and uncles including his godfather Richard Reynolds and Debbie Reynolds, his godmother Nancy Reppy and William Reppy, Sharon Kraus, Richard MacCready & Jean, Glenn and Maria Williams. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, godson Grant, both new and lifelong friends, and his kittens Lucy and Lola.
Andrew was a 2007 graduate of Minersville Area High School and attended Penn State University.
An avid runner, Andrew accomplished many feats in his short life, including 2 marathon runs, a few half marathons and countless 5ks in addition to brain surgery as an attempt to cure his epilepsy. He wished for others to understand more about epilepsy, a complex neurological disease.
He was a member of the Schuylkill County Community Chorus and was set to act in the upcoming Majestic Theatre production of Chicago, in June.
He was a fun uncle who enjoyed picking up Aidan from school, playing in the yard for hours and allowing Aidan to lead their walks throughout town. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed all things Hersheypark, Harry Potter, astrology, Broadway musicals and catching re-runs of Friends. His family will miss his quick wit, love of Nutcrackers, desire to learn new musical instruments, and devotion to spending time with his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would accept donations to the Andrew Slovick Memorial Award to provide future scholarships to youth in the community.
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Born in North Manheim Twp on August 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Ellen (Yohe) and Norman Bensinger.
Shirley was the widow of Robert V. "Skeet" McCord who passed away on August 10, 2013. They were married 59 years.
She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, the South Schuylkill Garden Club, a volunteer at Good Sam Hospital for 25 years, and was also a Girl Scout Troop Leader.
An entrepreneur, Shirley owned several businesses including Piercing Pagoda and Merle Norman Cosmetics. She was also a Real Estate Agent, and owned and managed several apartment buildings in Schuylkill Haven.
Shirley is survived by three daughters, Kay "Pinky", wife of Tom Gilbert, of Tivoli, NY; Debbie, wife of Michael Matelan, of Emmaus; Patricia, wife of Patrick Mehaffie, of Cape Coral, FL; a son, Patrick, husband of Sandra McCord, of Spokane, WA; grandchildren: Stacie Totman, Kimi Gilbert, Brooks, & Kate Matelan, Hayley, James, Michael, & John Mark McCord; great-grandchildren: Lauren, Christian, & Patrick Totman, Lyla, Noah, & Kylee Matelan; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Sophie.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Norman, Bill, and Ronnie Bensinger, Kay Reichert Sidella, and Karen Wink.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 23rd at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:15 until 10:15 AM. Interment will follow at St. Ambrose Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
At Shirley's request, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
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Born in Primrose, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Marchick Barton. Jerry graduated from Cass Township High School in 1952. She worked at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in the Reserve Component Section. After marrying her husband, Alphonse Vessotskie, in 1959, they operated Vessotskie Shoe Store in Minersville until retirement in 1997. Jerry also worked as a receiving clerk at the Union Savings and Loan Association in Minersville.
She was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville, a former member of St. Francis School Guild and St. Francis Women’s Sodality.
Upon retirement, Jerry and Al enjoyed summers at the Jersey Shore and winters in Hollywood Beach, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Alphonse “Al” Vessotskie, in 2022.
Jerry is survived by two daughters, Maryann Vessotskie (spouse, Peter Horch), of Washington Township, New Jersey, and Janet Vessotskie, Ph.D., of Rockville, Maryland; two grandsons, Joseph Alphonse “A.J.” Horch and Robert Horch.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville on Wednesday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 10:00 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. in St. Matthew the Evangelist Church, 135 Spruce Street, Minersville. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
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Born in Frackville on March 7, 1931, he was a son of the late Lorren and Mabel (Ketter) Wolfgang.
James a graduate of the former Frackville High School.
Mr. Wolfgang served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged from the Army as a Corporal. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a machinist at the former Dana Corp., Reading.
James was of the Methodist faith. He was a former member of the American Legion Post #398, Frackville.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were two brothers, Larry and Henny Wolfgang.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, the former Marguerite J. Burda of Orwigsburg; two sons, James A. Wolfgang and his wife Susan of Blandford, MA and Alan S. Wolfgang of Harrisburg; one daughter, Debrah Eisele and her husband William of Lavelle; four grandchildren, Alex & Elizabeth Eisele and Dylan and Nicolas Wolfgang; and nieces and nephews.
Religious and scripture services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11:00 am in the First United Methodist Church, 25 South Balliet Street, Frackville with Rev. Julian Milewski officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Butler Township, Frackville. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
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Born in Greenwood Township, Perry County, August 31, 1933, a daughter of the late Mark and Esther Hulick Bitting.
Florence worked as a Dental Lab Technician in her early years and as an aide in nursing homes.
She attended Twin Valley Alliance Church faithfully where she helped at the Gate (a children's ministry). She loved the children dearly and helped by contributing to St. Jude's Children's Hospital before going to a personal care home.
She touched many lives throughout her lifetime. Florence made friends wherever she went. She especially enjoyed going out to eat after her doctor appointments.
While a resident at Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Florence enjoyed listening to Christian music, doing word search books, helping plant flowers, assisting residents in wheelchairs and visiting the residents' rooms.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Daniels, 2012 a son Fred Jr. and a daughter Esther Small Morehead.
Surviving are her two children, Howard (Cristina), Las Vegas NV and Laura Daniels, Pittsburgh. Grandchildren, Mark, Allen, Greg, John, Howard, Esther May, Deborah, Dillon and Andrew. Numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Florence is also survived by close friends Maureen Grimm and Faye Rabuck.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Florence's life on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from the Twin Valley Alliance Church, Williamstown with Pastor Joel McGarvey officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 am at the church. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow in the church social hall.
Memorial donations in Florence's name may be made to Twin Valley Alliance Church, 9781 State Route 209, Williamstown, PA 17098.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Daniels family.
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Anita K. Kromer, 67, of Tremont, passed away peacefully Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Lebanon, February 6, 1956, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Rader Kromer.
Anita was a United States Air Force Veteran.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 37 years.
She will be deeply missed by those that her life has touched, including her friends, residents and staff she made while living at the nursing home.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bruce and David Kromer.
She is survived by her brother Lynn Kromer, Texas, nephew Cody Kromer and niece Maranda Peters.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of Anita, please consider the Tremont Health and Rehab Center, c/o Activity Fund, 44 Donaldson Road, Tremont PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., is honored to serve Anita's family.
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Born October 4, 1988, he was the son of Joseph and Colleen (MacCready) Slovick of Minersville.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Sam and Kathleen MacCready, and Tony and Florence Slovick.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother Joseph Slovick, husband of Brenda, Minersville; a sister Amy Slovick and her significant other, John Lucas, Orwigsburg; and nephew Aidan Slovick, Minersville. Also surviving are aunts and uncles including his godfather Richard Reynolds and Debbie Reynolds, his godmother Nancy Reppy and William Reppy, Sharon Kraus, Richard MacCready & Jean, Glenn and Maria Williams. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, godson Grant, both new and lifelong friends, and his kittens Lucy and Lola.
Andrew was a 2007 graduate of Minersville Area High School and attended Penn State University.
An avid runner, Andrew accomplished many feats in his short life, including 2 marathon runs, a few half marathons and countless 5ks in addition to brain surgery as an attempt to cure his epilepsy. He wished for others to understand more about epilepsy, a complex neurological disease.
He was a member of the Schuylkill County Community Chorus and was set to act in the upcoming Majestic Theatre production of Chicago, in June.
He was a fun uncle who enjoyed picking up Aidan from school, playing in the yard for hours and allowing Aidan to lead their walks throughout town. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed all things Hersheypark, Harry Potter, astrology, Broadway musicals and catching re-runs of Friends. His family will miss his quick wit, love of Nutcrackers, desire to learn new musical instruments, and devotion to spending time with his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would accept donations to the Andrew Slovick Memorial Award to provide future scholarships to youth in the community.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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