Skook News Obituaries: September 11, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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A small service will be held in the morning at Butler Funeral Home in Minersville, Pa. prior to departure for burial at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on 18 September 2023 at 11:00 AM
Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband Michael L. Malatesta, and her long time partner Paul J. Greis Sr. Lorraine did not have any children of her own, but inherited her partner Paul’s four boys Paul Jr. (wife is also the Jacquie), Greg (wife Angelika), Gary (partner Cathy), and Scott. Along with those boys come all the associated grand children and great grand children.
Surviving Lorraine leaves behind a step sister, and cousins.
Lorraine was a proud graduate of Minersville HS and member of St. Stanislaus church and school. She worked many years and retired from Air Products in Allentown.
Lorraine was know for her quick wit and impeccable house and wardrobe. She enjoyed the benefits offered by Air Products and was an avid aerobics participant, and a regular power walks with Partner Paul Sr.
She would often say she had no regrets, lived a good life, and was lucky to have had two good men in her life.
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Bonnie L. Pryce, 64, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Cedar Crest Hospital, Allentown. Born at the former Ashland State Hospital at Fountain Springs, June 1, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Shirley Weikel Barnes. She attended North Schuylkill High School, and was employed as a sewing machine operator for the Ashland Shirt Factory until her retirement.
Survivors
Daughter: Heather Pryce and companion Michael, Ashland
Son: Jason Pryce, Pottsville
Son: John “Jack” Pryce Jr., Shamokin
Sister: Anna Marie wife of Jose Luis Lopez, Tamaqua
Sister: Alberta Matejick, Shenandoah
Brother: William Barnes, Shamokin
Brother: James Barnes and his wife Mary, Weishample
Brother: Richard Barnes, Elizabethtown
Brother: Michael Barnes, Gordon
Brother: John Barnes: Virginia
Brother: Roy Barnes, and companion Melissa Ford, Port Carbon
Eight Grandchildren, Three Great Grandchildren
Many nieces and nephews
A funeral service will be announced at a later date.
On September 9th Jesus our Lord and Savior visited our mother, Mary Kohan of Mahanoy City, took her by the hand, and then walked together back to Heaven. Mary was born and spent her childhood years in Colorada. which was a small town outside of Girardville, Pa. At an early age she moved to Mahanoy City where she met Michael “Mickey” Kohan, her husband of 63 years. Mary and Michael deeply loved one another from the day they met and continues that love in heaven.
Mary leaves behind her sister Helena Holloway (Port Charlotte, Fl) and her three sons Mickey and wife Debi (Shenandoah, Pa), Marlon and wife Patti (Palmerton, Pa) and Mark and wife Pam (Chesapeake, Va). As part of her ongoing legacy, she also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. Mary was a member of St Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church of Mahanoy City and has been living in Chesapeake Virginia for the last 6 years.
Mary’s Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at St Mary’s Byzantine church in Mahanoy City at 11:00 on Friday, September 15th followed by her internment alongside her husband Michael, sister Violet, and parents Joseph and Mary Petrousky at the Mahanoy City St Casimir Cemetery.
Friend and family may call from 10 AM at the church.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
James B. Dix, 89, of Harrisburg, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, died peacefully on September 9, 2023, of natural causes. Born on October 28, 1933 in Alcoa, Tennessee, he was the son of the late John Raymond Dix & Adeline Patti Barth Dix.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Hilary Hayes, and her son, Nathan, both of Harrisburg, and by his daughter, Adrienne Shreiner, and her husband, James, of Landisville, and their son, Robert, of Philadelphia.
Jim was a long-standing member of St. James's Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven, and served on its vestry. He was a member of the board of the Marion C. Price Trust Fund, which exists to support the lives of elderly members of the Episcopal faith living in Schuylkill County, and he was a member of the local Rotary Club.
Jim was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1951, and the Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1955, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. Following graduation, he entered the military as a Specialist 2nd Class with the 25th Infantry Division, 8th Artillery, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where he served until 1958.
Jim began his professional career with ALCOA in Cressona, Pennsylvania. He was transferred to Whittier, California in 1961, then later to Geelong, Australia and Vancouver, Washington. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1973 when he joined Allis-Chalmers. He finished his career with Dorr-Oliver.
Jim was a devoted husband to his wife, Joan, who he missed desperately after her passing. He was especially proud of his grandsons and enjoyed seeing them grow into fine young men. He loved Penn State football, Yankees baseball, and long Sunday afternoon drives.
Donations can be made in his honor to Marion C. Price Trust Fund, C/O Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St., Pottsville PA 17901 or Hospice of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive Lancaster, PA 17601.
Private entombment will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, at the family's convenience.
Kay L. Keefer, 71, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Friday, Sept. 8, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Born in Pottsville, on April 3, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Frances (Tobias) and Clark Keefer.
Kay was the widow of Raymond "Butch" Thompson.
After graduation from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1970, Kay attended Penn State Schuylkill Campus. In 1991, she graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor's degree in special and elementary education.
Kay was employed at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. For the last 18 years of her career, she taught at Shenandoah Valley Elementary School.
She attended Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene.
Kay is survived by three daughters, Leah, wife of Troy Adams, of Schuylkill Haven, Rebekah, wife of Jonathan Tolar, of Lake Wynonah, and Lauren Beecroft, of Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren, Madalynne, wife of Nick Behm, TJ Adams, Ethan Tolar, Katelynne Tolar, Avrie Brode and Brady Beecroft. She is also survived by two sisters, Eloise, wife of Stanley Wood, of Ohio, and Christine, wife of John Morrison, of Schuylkill Haven; a brother, Tommy Keefer, of Schuylkill Haven; numerous nieces and nephews; and a loving dog, Chloe.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Joan M. Wargo, 88, of Tamaqua passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Greenwood Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Born August 6, 1935 she was the daughter of the late Adam and (Aberchinsky) Yelito.
A graduate of Coaldale High School, Joan retired as book keeper working in the textile industry. She was a member of St. John XXIII Church in Tamaqua.
In addition to her parents she was preceded by her husband George Wargo Jr.
Surviving are her son Bruce Surotchak, Tamaqua, Daughter In Law Anna Mae Surotchak, grandson Stephen Surotchak and his fiancé Brittany Updike, grand daughter Stacie Bennett and her companion Patrick, 3 great grandchildren Theodore Bruce, Nora and Nicholas Surotchak.
Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
Funeral Services will be private at the confidence of the family.
Interment will be at Sky View Memorial Park in Tamaqua, Pa.
Joan Marie Wall, 72, of Tamaqua passed away Sunday September 10, 2023, at LVHN -Schuylkill.
Born in Coaldale July 17, 1951 she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Dvorshock) Lopata.
Originally from Lansford, she attended Panther Valley High School. Joan was a Seamstress at many local garment factories including Aquila fashions and Girard Mills. She was a member of the Tamaqua Senior Citzens. She loved sewing and crafting, was an avid bingo and poker player and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Wall, granddaughter McKayla Wall and three brothers Robert, Michael, and Nicholas Lopata.
Surviving are 2 sons Jesse Wall and his wife Lauren of Tamaqua, Joel Wall and his wife Tammy of Summit Hill, brother John Lopata of Nesquehoning, 2 sister in laws Grace Lopata, and Mary Coniglio ,3 grandchildren Nicholas, Kallia and Chessa and many Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday September 16, 2023 from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania with Rev. Cindy White will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00AM -11:00AM. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the McKayla M. Wall Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fritz Financial, 38 Medical Crossing Road, Tamaqua PA 18252 or The Lehigh Valley Amputee Support Group, at LVHN Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 1883, Allentown PA 18105. Checks can be made payable to “LVHN” with Joan Wall in the memo.
David R. Faenza, 63, of New Ringgold passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 as results of injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident.
Born February 28, 1960 in Palmerton, PA he was a son of the late Ralph and Bernadine (Oboril) Faenza.
Dave worked as a Security Guard for Signal Security, Pottsville. He enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle.
Surviving is his wife Mary (Milbut) Faenza, sister Debbie Faenza and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
Service details will be announced at a later date.
Daughter: Heather Pryce and companion Michael, Ashland
Son: Jason Pryce, Pottsville
Son: John “Jack” Pryce Jr., Shamokin
Sister: Anna Marie wife of Jose Luis Lopez, Tamaqua
Sister: Alberta Matejick, Shenandoah
Brother: William Barnes, Shamokin
Brother: James Barnes and his wife Mary, Weishample
Brother: Richard Barnes, Elizabethtown
Brother: Michael Barnes, Gordon
Brother: John Barnes: Virginia
Brother: Roy Barnes, and companion Melissa Ford, Port Carbon
Eight Grandchildren, Three Great Grandchildren
Many nieces and nephews
A funeral service will be announced at a later date.
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Mary leaves behind her sister Helena Holloway (Port Charlotte, Fl) and her three sons Mickey and wife Debi (Shenandoah, Pa), Marlon and wife Patti (Palmerton, Pa) and Mark and wife Pam (Chesapeake, Va). As part of her ongoing legacy, she also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. Mary was a member of St Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church of Mahanoy City and has been living in Chesapeake Virginia for the last 6 years.
Mary’s Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at St Mary’s Byzantine church in Mahanoy City at 11:00 on Friday, September 15th followed by her internment alongside her husband Michael, sister Violet, and parents Joseph and Mary Petrousky at the Mahanoy City St Casimir Cemetery.
Friend and family may call from 10 AM at the church.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Jim is survived by his daughter, Hilary Hayes, and her son, Nathan, both of Harrisburg, and by his daughter, Adrienne Shreiner, and her husband, James, of Landisville, and their son, Robert, of Philadelphia.
Jim was a long-standing member of St. James's Episcopal Church, Schuylkill Haven, and served on its vestry. He was a member of the board of the Marion C. Price Trust Fund, which exists to support the lives of elderly members of the Episcopal faith living in Schuylkill County, and he was a member of the local Rotary Club.
Jim was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1951, and the Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1955, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. Following graduation, he entered the military as a Specialist 2nd Class with the 25th Infantry Division, 8th Artillery, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, where he served until 1958.
Jim began his professional career with ALCOA in Cressona, Pennsylvania. He was transferred to Whittier, California in 1961, then later to Geelong, Australia and Vancouver, Washington. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1973 when he joined Allis-Chalmers. He finished his career with Dorr-Oliver.
Jim was a devoted husband to his wife, Joan, who he missed desperately after her passing. He was especially proud of his grandsons and enjoyed seeing them grow into fine young men. He loved Penn State football, Yankees baseball, and long Sunday afternoon drives.
Donations can be made in his honor to Marion C. Price Trust Fund, C/O Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St., Pottsville PA 17901 or Hospice of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive Lancaster, PA 17601.
Private entombment will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, at the family's convenience.
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Born in Pottsville, on April 3, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Frances (Tobias) and Clark Keefer.
Kay was the widow of Raymond "Butch" Thompson.
After graduation from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1970, Kay attended Penn State Schuylkill Campus. In 1991, she graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor's degree in special and elementary education.
Kay was employed at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. For the last 18 years of her career, she taught at Shenandoah Valley Elementary School.
She attended Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene.
Kay is survived by three daughters, Leah, wife of Troy Adams, of Schuylkill Haven, Rebekah, wife of Jonathan Tolar, of Lake Wynonah, and Lauren Beecroft, of Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren, Madalynne, wife of Nick Behm, TJ Adams, Ethan Tolar, Katelynne Tolar, Avrie Brode and Brady Beecroft. She is also survived by two sisters, Eloise, wife of Stanley Wood, of Ohio, and Christine, wife of John Morrison, of Schuylkill Haven; a brother, Tommy Keefer, of Schuylkill Haven; numerous nieces and nephews; and a loving dog, Chloe.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
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Born August 6, 1935 she was the daughter of the late Adam and (Aberchinsky) Yelito.
A graduate of Coaldale High School, Joan retired as book keeper working in the textile industry. She was a member of St. John XXIII Church in Tamaqua.
In addition to her parents she was preceded by her husband George Wargo Jr.
Surviving are her son Bruce Surotchak, Tamaqua, Daughter In Law Anna Mae Surotchak, grandson Stephen Surotchak and his fiancé Brittany Updike, grand daughter Stacie Bennett and her companion Patrick, 3 great grandchildren Theodore Bruce, Nora and Nicholas Surotchak.
Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
Funeral Services will be private at the confidence of the family.
Interment will be at Sky View Memorial Park in Tamaqua, Pa.
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Born in Coaldale July 17, 1951 she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Dvorshock) Lopata.
Originally from Lansford, she attended Panther Valley High School. Joan was a Seamstress at many local garment factories including Aquila fashions and Girard Mills. She was a member of the Tamaqua Senior Citzens. She loved sewing and crafting, was an avid bingo and poker player and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Wall, granddaughter McKayla Wall and three brothers Robert, Michael, and Nicholas Lopata.
Surviving are 2 sons Jesse Wall and his wife Lauren of Tamaqua, Joel Wall and his wife Tammy of Summit Hill, brother John Lopata of Nesquehoning, 2 sister in laws Grace Lopata, and Mary Coniglio ,3 grandchildren Nicholas, Kallia and Chessa and many Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday September 16, 2023 from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania with Rev. Cindy White will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00AM -11:00AM. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the McKayla M. Wall Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Fritz Financial, 38 Medical Crossing Road, Tamaqua PA 18252 or The Lehigh Valley Amputee Support Group, at LVHN Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 1883, Allentown PA 18105. Checks can be made payable to “LVHN” with Joan Wall in the memo.
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Born February 28, 1960 in Palmerton, PA he was a son of the late Ralph and Bernadine (Oboril) Faenza.
Dave worked as a Security Guard for Signal Security, Pottsville. He enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle.
Surviving is his wife Mary (Milbut) Faenza, sister Debbie Faenza and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
Service details will be announced at a later date.
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