Skook News Obituaries: October 16th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Sue’s passions in life included reading, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with her family and friends. A requirement in Sue’s day would be a hot cup of coffee, a good book and her always tidy setting.
Much like the depth of love she had for her family, the compassion she showed to “her kids”, friends, coworkers and the community was unimaginable.
In addition to her mother Helene, she is also survived by a daughter Kimberly (Ivy) Lathan, of Jersey Shore; two sons William (Stephanie) Piacenti, of Zion Grove and Eric Piacenti, Companion Coleen, of McAdoo; a sister, Christine (Andy) Hower, of Leola; two brothers, William (Holly) Richmond, of Still Creek and James (Grace) Richmond, of Hillsborough, NC; Grandchildren; Spencer, Ryder, Madison, Olivia, Noah, and Landon. Also, A niece and four nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James T. Richmond, and Aunt, Catherine Smulligan.
To honor Sue’s memory, the family is holding a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 28th, from 9 - 11am at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 300 W Centre St, Mahanoy City, PA. We invite anyone who knew and enjoyed Miss Sue to attend.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate honoring “Miss Sue” in the most suitable way, by donating a book of their choice in memory of her to the Hazleton Area Public Library McAdoo-Kelayres Branch.
Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.
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Quentin, son of John and Bessie Wirth, was born in Glenwood, Iowa , but as a young childmoved to Wiggins, Colorado, where he graduated from Wiggins High School in 1954. He would go on to marry his wife of 64 years, Barbara Dolph, and start a family. With his deep sense of community, he served on the Wiggins Town Council, was a member of the Wiggins Volunteer Fire Department and Morgan County Ambulance Service.
Quentin started his lifelong business, Wirth Auto Parts and Service, in 1970. His work ethic and trustworthiness quickly made him a staple in the Wiggins Business Community.
Whether playing or watching, Quentin was a sports enthusiast. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Fort Morgan Golf Club. He also enjoyed bowling, water skiing, and playing basketball. On Sundays you could find him at Mile High Stadium where he was a Denver Broncos season ticket holder.
Most importantly, he felt a deep sense of joy and satisfaction being a father, and later, a grandfather. After retiring in 2004, Quentin and Barbara followed their family to Pennsylvania where they enjoyed watching their grandchildren in their activities. He loved his family above all things.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two daughters: Constance K. Wirth-Knaub, of Penndel and Cynthia L. Kuczala, wife of Michael S. Kuczala, of Sinking Spring; and two grandchildren: Demi Kuczala and Scott Kuczala.
Per Quentin's wishes, services will be private.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Michelle Marie Rex, beloved mother and caregiver, 48 years of age, and a resident of Lansford, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 12, 2023, in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Born on Sunday December 15, 1974, Michelle was predeceased by beloved family members such as her father, Carl F. Rex, Sr; grandmother Mary (Hankey) Rex; grandfather Charles Rex; and many others whom she loved. She is survived by her spouse David Michael Valentine, Jr; daughters Daisy Mae Valentine, Shelly Marie Valentine, Ashleyrose Michelle Valentine; sons Robert John Rex, David Michael Valentine III, Carl Nicholas Valentine, John WayneHeffelfinger, Dominic Charles Valentine; companion Wayne J. Heffelfinger; mother Judy (Reinert) Barnes; brothers Charles Rex, Carl Rex, Robert A. Rex; nephews Brandon Rex, Adam Rex. Michelle is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and others whom she loved.
Michelle attended Tamaqua Area School District and worked as a full time Home Health Aide for Red Lion. She was a very passionate, caring mother to her 8 children. She dedicated over 20 years of her life as a housewife and stay at home mother. Michelle was a very active, crafty woman who partook in her favorite hobbies including interior designing, cooking and creating delicious home cooked recipes/meals, painting, crafting, DIY projects, spending time with her children and living her life to the absolute fullest. She loved her children more than anything and dedicated her life to each of them. Her greatest asset was being a mother; dedicated to making her children laugh, smile and feel loved. Her shining personality and beautiful smile radiated everywhere she went. Her love towards her children will always be remembered and cherished, and her love will be carried on by all of the people whom she impacted, especially by her children.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Georgine Moyer, 77, of Minersville, passed away Thursday, October 12th, at LVHN Cedar Crest.
Born on Sunday December 15, 1974, Michelle was predeceased by beloved family members such as her father, Carl F. Rex, Sr; grandmother Mary (Hankey) Rex; grandfather Charles Rex; and many others whom she loved. She is survived by her spouse David Michael Valentine, Jr; daughters Daisy Mae Valentine, Shelly Marie Valentine, Ashleyrose Michelle Valentine; sons Robert John Rex, David Michael Valentine III, Carl Nicholas Valentine, John WayneHeffelfinger, Dominic Charles Valentine; companion Wayne J. Heffelfinger; mother Judy (Reinert) Barnes; brothers Charles Rex, Carl Rex, Robert A. Rex; nephews Brandon Rex, Adam Rex. Michelle is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and others whom she loved.
Michelle attended Tamaqua Area School District and worked as a full time Home Health Aide for Red Lion. She was a very passionate, caring mother to her 8 children. She dedicated over 20 years of her life as a housewife and stay at home mother. Michelle was a very active, crafty woman who partook in her favorite hobbies including interior designing, cooking and creating delicious home cooked recipes/meals, painting, crafting, DIY projects, spending time with her children and living her life to the absolute fullest. She loved her children more than anything and dedicated her life to each of them. Her greatest asset was being a mother; dedicated to making her children laugh, smile and feel loved. Her shining personality and beautiful smile radiated everywhere she went. Her love towards her children will always be remembered and cherished, and her love will be carried on by all of the people whom she impacted, especially by her children.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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Georgine Moyer, 77, of Minersville, passed away Thursday, October 12th, at LVHN Cedar Crest.
Georgine was born in Pottsville, Pa. on February 23, 1946, a daughter of the late Celeste Ann (Calderone) and Richard D. Adams. She was the wife of Robert W. Moyer. She served in the U.S. Air Force. Georgine had previously been employed as a Manager in local retail stores.
In addition to her husband, Robert, Georgine is survived by a daughter, Barbara Beecroft.
Georgine is also survived by a sister, Celeste Ann Bowman, a niece, Tina Murphy, and nephews, Pat Murphy and David Plappert.
Service arrangements shall be announced at a future date.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, entrusted with the arrangements.
John J. O’Connor, 93 of Frackville, passed away Sunday October 15, 2023 at Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Pottsville, John was the son for the late John F. and Helen(Dalton) O’Connor.
John attended Pottsville Catholic High School graduating in 1949. While in high school, he played both football and basketball. In football, he was a two-year starter at end. In basketball, in his senior year, he was a starting forward and was the team’s leading scorer. During the summer months, he played semi-pro baseball for the Pottsville Merchants and the Mt. Laffee team as a catcher.
After high school, John joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After being discharged, he started a career at Alcoa Aluminum in Cressona, a career that would last 40 years at the Cressona and Lebanon, PA plants. He was affiliated with the Aluminum Workers International Union which later became the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers Union.
John was a past president of the Allen-Rogowicz Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted as a hall of fame member in 2009. John also held the position of president of the Saint Clair Old Timers and was a member of both the Knights of Columbus, Frackville and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife the former Cecelia T. Olszewski, son Joseph S. O’Connor, and sister Rosemarie Schuettler.
Surviving are two sons, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor and his wife Patricia, Frackville, and John F. O’Connor, Frackville; two daughters, Carolyn and Marianne, both of Bryn Mawr; grandchildren, Mary Kathleen, James M. and John Patrick O’Connor; and two sisters, Helen Paulosky, Lansdale, and Peggy Conroy, Pottsville.
John was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles and Villanova basketball.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph the Worker RC Church 49 North Line Street Frackville, PA 17931. Msg. Rev. William Glosser and Rev. Giuseppe Espisito will be co- celebrants. Calling hours will be Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund, 7 South Broad Mountain Ave, Frackville, PA 17931 or www.stjoesfrackville.com. Burial will be in St. Casimir Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
Frederick J. Pomian, 83, of Heckscherville, Cass Township, passed away shortly after arriving on Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill.
Born on January 19, 1940, in Pottsville, he was the son of the late John and Mary (nee Siemanis) Pomian. He was a 1957 graduate of Saint Clair High School. After graduation, he was a Cold War veteran of the Army, having served with the 18th Infantry Regiment in Germany. Upon discharge, he was employed by various local companies, including Mirawal, Quaker Maid and Bartush Signs.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.
Fred was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and St. Lois Cardinals. Fred was a well known pitcher for Saint Clair in his high school days. He continued to play baseball in the Army, and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1961, playing in their minor league system.He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, the former Lucille A. Campion, in 2009. They lost a son, David, at birth in 1970. Also preceding was a niece, Kelly Jo Messina, in 2022.
Fred is survived by his three remaining children, Brian F. Pomian (spouse, Ramona), Carlisle, Bridget Pomian, Heckscherville, and Shannon Milbrandt (spouse, Jeremy), Minersville; four grandchildren, Matthew Pomian, Gehrig Milbrandt, Alex Milbrandt and Thurman Milbrandt. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Rose, Palmyra; nieces and nephews.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Committal and military honors will follow at St. Kieran #2 Cemetery, Branch Township.
Barbara Klinger, 56, of Main Street, Locustdale, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at her residence.
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Paul A. Donati, 72, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, October 15th, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Born in Schuylkill Haven on November 26, 1950, he was a son of the late Paul W. & Gertrude (Zettlemoyer) Donati.
He was the husband of Joann M. (Kalyan) Donati, to whom he was married 52 years.
Paul was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Paul was an avid hunter and enjoyed classic cars.
He was previously employed by the former Cressona Aluminum/SAPA, Penn Steel, & Reading Truck Body.
In addition to his wife, Paul is also survived by two sons: Paul A. Donati, Jr., husband of Valerie, of Schuylkill Haven; & David J. Donati, of Auburn; and a daughter, Tina M. Guldin, wife of Corey, of Pottsville; five grandchildren: Anthony, Amanda, Sarah, Bailey, & Alexis, and two brothers: William Donati, husband of Patricia, of Schuylkill Haven; & Richard Donati, husband of Cindy, of Orwigsburg.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother, John Donati.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, October 19th at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Born in Schuylkill Haven on November 26, 1950, he was a son of the late Paul W. & Gertrude (Zettlemoyer) Donati.
He was the husband of Joann M. (Kalyan) Donati, to whom he was married 52 years.
Paul was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Paul was an avid hunter and enjoyed classic cars.
He was previously employed by the former Cressona Aluminum/SAPA, Penn Steel, & Reading Truck Body.
In addition to his wife, Paul is also survived by two sons: Paul A. Donati, Jr., husband of Valerie, of Schuylkill Haven; & David J. Donati, of Auburn; and a daughter, Tina M. Guldin, wife of Corey, of Pottsville; five grandchildren: Anthony, Amanda, Sarah, Bailey, & Alexis, and two brothers: William Donati, husband of Patricia, of Schuylkill Haven; & Richard Donati, husband of Cindy, of Orwigsburg.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother, John Donati.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, October 19th at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
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Eric A. Brand, 75, of Long Stretch Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, in Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital.
Born on November 25, 1947 in Orange, N.J., he was a son of the late Warren and Martha Boe Brand.
Eric was a graduate of Wissahickon High School in Philadelphia. He received his BS in Education and Chemistry from Lock Haven University and his Masters Degree in Library Education from Kutztown University.
He taught chemistry at Pine Grove Area High School, was a chemist at Crompton Knowles in Reading, and lastly was a Librarian at the North Schuylkill School District until he retired.
Eric was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. He was an avid reader and loved his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 46 years, Patricia Mahaney Brand in 2018.
Surviving are two daughters, Michelle Brand and Angela Brand, both of Pine Grove; a son, Gregory and wife Heather Brand of Auburn; two grandchildren, Brody and Aubree Brand; and a sister Barbara Collins of Blue Bell, PA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Msgr. Edward Zemanik officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:15 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York, NY 10018 or www.parkinson.org in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
Born on November 25, 1947 in Orange, N.J., he was a son of the late Warren and Martha Boe Brand.
Eric was a graduate of Wissahickon High School in Philadelphia. He received his BS in Education and Chemistry from Lock Haven University and his Masters Degree in Library Education from Kutztown University.
He taught chemistry at Pine Grove Area High School, was a chemist at Crompton Knowles in Reading, and lastly was a Librarian at the North Schuylkill School District until he retired.
Eric was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. He was an avid reader and loved his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 46 years, Patricia Mahaney Brand in 2018.
Surviving are two daughters, Michelle Brand and Angela Brand, both of Pine Grove; a son, Gregory and wife Heather Brand of Auburn; two grandchildren, Brody and Aubree Brand; and a sister Barbara Collins of Blue Bell, PA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Msgr. Edward Zemanik officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:15 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York, NY 10018 or www.parkinson.org in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
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Born in Pottsville, John was the son for the late John F. and Helen(Dalton) O’Connor.
John attended Pottsville Catholic High School graduating in 1949. While in high school, he played both football and basketball. In football, he was a two-year starter at end. In basketball, in his senior year, he was a starting forward and was the team’s leading scorer. During the summer months, he played semi-pro baseball for the Pottsville Merchants and the Mt. Laffee team as a catcher.
After high school, John joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After being discharged, he started a career at Alcoa Aluminum in Cressona, a career that would last 40 years at the Cressona and Lebanon, PA plants. He was affiliated with the Aluminum Workers International Union which later became the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers Union.
John was a past president of the Allen-Rogowicz Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted as a hall of fame member in 2009. John also held the position of president of the Saint Clair Old Timers and was a member of both the Knights of Columbus, Frackville and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife the former Cecelia T. Olszewski, son Joseph S. O’Connor, and sister Rosemarie Schuettler.
Surviving are two sons, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor and his wife Patricia, Frackville, and John F. O’Connor, Frackville; two daughters, Carolyn and Marianne, both of Bryn Mawr; grandchildren, Mary Kathleen, James M. and John Patrick O’Connor; and two sisters, Helen Paulosky, Lansdale, and Peggy Conroy, Pottsville.
John was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles and Villanova basketball.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph the Worker RC Church 49 North Line Street Frackville, PA 17931. Msg. Rev. William Glosser and Rev. Giuseppe Espisito will be co- celebrants. Calling hours will be Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund, 7 South Broad Mountain Ave, Frackville, PA 17931 or www.stjoesfrackville.com. Burial will be in St. Casimir Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on January 19, 1940, in Pottsville, he was the son of the late John and Mary (nee Siemanis) Pomian. He was a 1957 graduate of Saint Clair High School. After graduation, he was a Cold War veteran of the Army, having served with the 18th Infantry Regiment in Germany. Upon discharge, he was employed by various local companies, including Mirawal, Quaker Maid and Bartush Signs.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.
Fred was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and St. Lois Cardinals. Fred was a well known pitcher for Saint Clair in his high school days. He continued to play baseball in the Army, and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1961, playing in their minor league system.He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, the former Lucille A. Campion, in 2009. They lost a son, David, at birth in 1970. Also preceding was a niece, Kelly Jo Messina, in 2022.
Fred is survived by his three remaining children, Brian F. Pomian (spouse, Ramona), Carlisle, Bridget Pomian, Heckscherville, and Shannon Milbrandt (spouse, Jeremy), Minersville; four grandchildren, Matthew Pomian, Gehrig Milbrandt, Alex Milbrandt and Thurman Milbrandt. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Rose, Palmyra; nieces and nephews.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Committal and military honors will follow at St. Kieran #2 Cemetery, Branch Township.
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Barbara Klinger, 56, of Main Street, Locustdale, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at her residence.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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