Skook News Obituaries: June 13, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
----------------------------------------------------
Judy L. Bergan, 77, of Gordon, passed away Monday evening June 12th at Broad Mountain Health & Rehab Center-Frackville.
Born in Ashland on October 5, 1945 she was the daughter of the late H. Grace (Troxell) and Robert A. Rice.
She attended school in Gordon and then later graduated from Ashland High School in 1963.
Judy was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church in Gordon.
She was the wife of the late Edward G. Bergan Sr. who passed away in 2012.
Judy worked for Child Development, Ashland State Hospital-Housekeeping Department and Pioneer Tunnel throughout the years. She was also a bartender for Citizen’s Fire Co. #1 in Gordon for many years. She sang in the church choir and was a member of Ladies Auxiliary Citizen’s Fire Co. #1-Gordon.
She was an avid gardener.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by her brother Phillip Rice.
She is survived by; son Edward G. Bergan Jr., Gordon; son Robert J. Bergan (Angela), Gordon; several nieces and nephews.
Services and interment will be private at the family’s request.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc / Shawn E. Clark FD, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with arrangements.
Born in Ashland on October 5, 1945 she was the daughter of the late H. Grace (Troxell) and Robert A. Rice.
She attended school in Gordon and then later graduated from Ashland High School in 1963.
Judy was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church in Gordon.
She was the wife of the late Edward G. Bergan Sr. who passed away in 2012.
Judy worked for Child Development, Ashland State Hospital-Housekeeping Department and Pioneer Tunnel throughout the years. She was also a bartender for Citizen’s Fire Co. #1 in Gordon for many years. She sang in the church choir and was a member of Ladies Auxiliary Citizen’s Fire Co. #1-Gordon.
She was an avid gardener.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by her brother Phillip Rice.
She is survived by; son Edward G. Bergan Jr., Gordon; son Robert J. Bergan (Angela), Gordon; several nieces and nephews.
Services and interment will be private at the family’s request.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc / Shawn E. Clark FD, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with arrangements.
-----------------------------------------------
David M. Dower, 37, of Mahanoy City, passed away on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at his home.
Born in Pottsville, Pa on March 30th, 1986, he was the son of the late Richard Dower and Loretta Swetavage.
He was preceded by 1 step daughter – Emily Cooney and 1 step son – Andrew Kufrovich.
Surviving family include his wife, Susan C. Dower, his sister- Carla Harper with her husband Dave, his brother- Anthony Swetavage, niece- Kacey, nephew- Harrison, and 3 step-daughters- Althea Melson, Amanda Kufrovich, and Abagail Cooney.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
David M. Dower, 37, of Mahanoy City, passed away on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at his home.
Born in Pottsville, Pa on March 30th, 1986, he was the son of the late Richard Dower and Loretta Swetavage.
He was preceded by 1 step daughter – Emily Cooney and 1 step son – Andrew Kufrovich.
Surviving family include his wife, Susan C. Dower, his sister- Carla Harper with her husband Dave, his brother- Anthony Swetavage, niece- Kacey, nephew- Harrison, and 3 step-daughters- Althea Melson, Amanda Kufrovich, and Abagail Cooney.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
-----------------------------------------------
His untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born on June 25,1987, a son of the late Kenneth Jocken and Molly (Hossler) Jocken.
In addition to his wife, Amanda and daughter Kayla, he is survived by his mother, Molly Jocken, a sister, Amy, wife of Bruce Androshick, a brother Kyle Jocken. Nieces; Ava & Ella Androshick, Nephew; Evan Jocken. Mother-in-law Corinne Fedornak, Brother-in-law; J.J. Litwak and his partner, Allan Green.
Tommy lived a life full of passion, joy, and adventure. His love for hunting and fishing was unmatched, as he found solace and excitement in the great outdoors. These pursuits allowed him to connect with nature and create cherished memories that will be treasured by his loved ones forever.
Tommy's heart was filled with deep love for his wife and high school sweetheart, Amanda. Their enduring bond was a testament to the power of true love and unwavering commitment. Their journey together was one filled with laughter, support, and a shared vision of a beautiful life; so much so, that over a year ago, Tommy, Amanda and their beautiful daughter Kayla moved to Mechanicsville, Virginia to begin in new Chapter in their lives.
As a devoted father, Tommy adored his daughter, Kayla, with every fiber of his being. He nurtured her growth, celebrated her accomplishments, and inspired her with his wisdom and strength. His love for Kayla was unconditional, and he cherished their precious moments together. Beyond his passions and relationships, Tommy will be remembered for his kind spirit, infectious smile, and unwavering loyalty and witty sense of rumor. He had a knack for brightening the room with his presence and bringing joy to those around him.
Tommy's generosity knew no bounds, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Although Tommy's departure has left a void in our lives, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation, 9:00 to 11:00 am Friday June 16, at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc, Minersville. Interment Mount Peace Cemetery May Tommy's soul find eternal peace, and may his memory serve as a guiding light for all who were touched by his remarkable presence. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
George Waidell, 74, of Red Hill, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11th, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Sandra (Gill) Waidell. Born in Coaldale, PA, he was the son of the late George and Mary (Valentine) Waidell.
After earning a bachelor’s degree and later a M. Ed. at Penn State, George taught History and Social Studies at the Tamaqua Area Junior High School. He was coach of the junior high basketball for many years. And also coached a couple years of high school varsity.
George was a life member of South Ward Fire Company in Tamaqua where he served as President and Secretary of the Board of Directors, and he was the chairman of Easter Egg Hunt for over 40 years. He was a past member of the board of directors of the Tamaqua YMCA and volunteered with the Carbon County American Cancer Society Telethon. In his spare time, George enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and taking walks. After moving to Red Hill, he and his wife were members of Palm Schwenkfelder Church. He also became a social member of the Red Hill Fire Company.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons, George and his wife Jennifer of Bechtelsville, and Douglas and his wife Alison of Gilbertsville; his grandchildren, Elliot and Jonathan; his siblings, Edna and her husband Robert Cravitz of Selinsgrove, Michael and his wife Marjory of Depew, NY, and Mark and his wife Elizabeth "Betty Ann" of Tamaqua; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At George’s request, there will be no services. However, to honor his memory, contributions are suggested to South Ward Fire Company #1, 325 Van Gelder St., Tamaqua, PA, 18252.
Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements
-----------------------------------------------
After earning a bachelor’s degree and later a M. Ed. at Penn State, George taught History and Social Studies at the Tamaqua Area Junior High School. He was coach of the junior high basketball for many years. And also coached a couple years of high school varsity.
George was a life member of South Ward Fire Company in Tamaqua where he served as President and Secretary of the Board of Directors, and he was the chairman of Easter Egg Hunt for over 40 years. He was a past member of the board of directors of the Tamaqua YMCA and volunteered with the Carbon County American Cancer Society Telethon. In his spare time, George enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and taking walks. After moving to Red Hill, he and his wife were members of Palm Schwenkfelder Church. He also became a social member of the Red Hill Fire Company.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons, George and his wife Jennifer of Bechtelsville, and Douglas and his wife Alison of Gilbertsville; his grandchildren, Elliot and Jonathan; his siblings, Edna and her husband Robert Cravitz of Selinsgrove, Michael and his wife Marjory of Depew, NY, and Mark and his wife Elizabeth "Betty Ann" of Tamaqua; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At George’s request, there will be no services. However, to honor his memory, contributions are suggested to South Ward Fire Company #1, 325 Van Gelder St., Tamaqua, PA, 18252.
Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements
-----------------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
