Skook News Obituaries: October 17th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Walter and Mary Burns Pyle.
Throughout his life, Jim had a love of travel and chose to make this the focus of his career. Prior to his retirement, Jim owned a taxi service in Dayton, Ohio and also drove professionally for Tenneco Chemicals in Hazleton.
Jim was an avid reader and also enjoyed professional football: his favorite teams being the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60-years, Marilyn (Roberts) Pyle in 2016 and by a brother, Paul Pyle.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Marilynn Nowak and her husband Leonard, Ringtown; his son Brian Pyle and his wife Ann, Frackville; and his sister, Doris Frick, Catasauqua; also surviving are his grandchildren: Stacey Orth and husband Matthew; Kristen Savitsky and husband Robert; Casey Nowak and wife Tracey; and two great-grandchildren, Hadley and Maura Orth.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 19th at 11 a.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 Washington St., Frackville with Rev. Larry Lonergan officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday morning at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Frackville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for service information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Richard F. "Dick" Dinger, Sr., 72, of S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, left this world to join his heavenly family on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at home.
Born on January 17, 1951 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Paul and Irene Breidigan Dinger of Molleystown.
Dick loved to hunt and spend time in the calmness of the woods. He belonged to most of the clubs in the Pine Grove Area years ago.
Richard was a threader at Guilford Mills where he proudly retired after 45 years of service.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Paul Sr. and Clifford Dinger and a sister Darlene Zimmerman.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Faye Schnoke Dinger; a daughter, Rebecca McNellis; two sons, Richard Jr. and wife Amanda Dinger, and Roman and wife Katie Dinger, all of Pine Grove; 6 grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joshua, Brandon, Jamie, Braxton and Gracelynn; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Graveside Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
Richard F. "Dick" Dinger, Sr., 72, of S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, left this world to join his heavenly family on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at home.
Born on January 17, 1951 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Paul and Irene Breidigan Dinger of Molleystown.
Dick loved to hunt and spend time in the calmness of the woods. He belonged to most of the clubs in the Pine Grove Area years ago.
Richard was a threader at Guilford Mills where he proudly retired after 45 years of service.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Paul Sr. and Clifford Dinger and a sister Darlene Zimmerman.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Faye Schnoke Dinger; a daughter, Rebecca McNellis; two sons, Richard Jr. and wife Amanda Dinger, and Roman and wife Katie Dinger, all of Pine Grove; 6 grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joshua, Brandon, Jamie, Braxton and Gracelynn; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Graveside Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
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Joan A. (Rickert) Brode, 95, of Coaldale, died on Monday, October 16, 2023, at home with her three daughters at her side. She was the wife of the late Evan W. Brode to whom she was married 61 years at the time of his death in December 2010.
Born in Summit Hill on September 27, 1928, Joan was a daughter of the late Lewis, Sr. and Irene (Sorber) Rickert. A 1946 graduate of the former Summit Hill High School, she enjoyed being at home raising her family that she dearly loved. Joan was a kind, caring, compassionate person with a great sense of humor, who was a great friend. She belonged to the First Congregational Church in Coaldale where she was a dedicated and faithful member.
Joan is survived by daughters, Sharon Benack and her husband The Rev. Dr. Wayne Benack of Jim Thorpe, Gayle Brode of Bethlehem, and Janet Brode of Coaldale; grandchildren, Jeremy Benack, Jesse Benack, Jodi Benack, Jennifer Stanek, Stanley Stanek, and Pamela Stanek; 19 great grandchildren; sisters, Kathryn Chickilly and Florence Kusko of Summit Hill, and Doris Risavy and Ruthann Abbey of Florida; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In addition to her husband, Evan, she was predeceased by brothers, Norman, Eugene, Louis, and Gordon. Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 20, 2023, in the First Congregational Church, 123 East Ruddle Street, Coaldale with The Rev. Dr. Wayne Benack, The Rev. Jeremy Benack, and The Rev. Dr. Jesse Benack officiating.
Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua will follow the services. Call 9-11 AM at the church. Memorial donations may be made to First Congregational Church Memorials, c/o Lois Richards, 218 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Gary R. Schwartz, 60, a resident of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15th, 2023.
Gary was born in Pottsville on February 25, 1963, a son of the late Frank R. and Betty Jean (Miller) Schwartz. He was a graduate of the Pottsville high school. A lifelong worker in the construction industry, Gary began his career working with his father, moving his way up to his last position as a lead man with Ronca Contractors in the Allentown area.
Gary was an avid motorcyclist, and an all around jokester, who in his own mind was a great singer and dancer. He also enjoyed shooting pool.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Schwartz.
Gary is survived by his wife, the former Tracey Brozana.
He is also survived by his three children, Shantel Weikel, Justin Schwartz and Jordan Schwartz, all of Pottsville. His memory will be cherished by his beloved grandon, Deacon.
A brother, Joseph Schwartz and two sisters, Colleen Adams and Jean Ann Schwartz also survive, along with seven nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Jack Murray will conduct a funeral service at 12 Noon on Friday, October 20th, at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 West Market Street, Pottsville. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing which will be held from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be held at a later date.
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Gary was born in Pottsville on February 25, 1963, a son of the late Frank R. and Betty Jean (Miller) Schwartz. He was a graduate of the Pottsville high school. A lifelong worker in the construction industry, Gary began his career working with his father, moving his way up to his last position as a lead man with Ronca Contractors in the Allentown area.
Gary was an avid motorcyclist, and an all around jokester, who in his own mind was a great singer and dancer. He also enjoyed shooting pool.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Schwartz.
Gary is survived by his wife, the former Tracey Brozana.
He is also survived by his three children, Shantel Weikel, Justin Schwartz and Jordan Schwartz, all of Pottsville. His memory will be cherished by his beloved grandon, Deacon.
A brother, Joseph Schwartz and two sisters, Colleen Adams and Jean Ann Schwartz also survive, along with seven nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Jack Murray will conduct a funeral service at 12 Noon on Friday, October 20th, at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 West Market Street, Pottsville. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing which will be held from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be held at a later date.
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Born in Pottsville, she is the daughter of Heather Tempest Deitzel and her husband Wayne, and Bruce Pascavage all of Barnesville. She was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School as well as Delaware Valley College and had been employed by the Greenville Zoo, SC. Her lifetime passion was caring for and rescuing animals. She was preceded in death by a brother Brandon Deitzel and grandfather Daniel Pascavage.
In addition to her parents she is survived by a step brother Dimitri Pascavage, grandparents Thomas and Elizabeth Tempest, step grandmothers Ann Pascavage and Margaret Deitzel and her Uncle Tony Gromalski and Aunt Tanya Ambrose, nieces and nephew.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
Ret. Chief Warrant Officer Richard S. "Ski" Kanaski, father, brother, pa, "American Patriot" 93 years of age of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania.
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Born Monday, March 3, 1930 in Krinestone, Michigan. The son of the late Felix, and Gladys (Murawski) Kanaski. Ski was also predeceased by his wife Sarah E. (Batty) Kanaski on July 14, 2007; son, Mark E. Kanaski on June 24, 2022. Ski was one of five siblings.
Surviving are; sons, Richard S. Kanaski Jr. and his wife Meg Mack, Robert J. Kanaski and his wife Marjorie, Michael K. Kanaski, Tim W. Kanaski and his wife Denise, Ronald Hollander and his wife Charlotte, grandchildren, Christopher Kanaski, Megan Kanaski, Katherine Kanaski, Jennifer Kanaski, Stephanie Kanaski, Robert S. Kanaski, Ashley Sinclair, Andrew Kanaski, Grayson Shivell, Olivia Shivell; great grandchildren, Dutch, and James VanSloten; Kenzie Sinclair, Adalynn and Brady Hollander. Also his cousin and dearest friend Melvin Gentner.
A 1948 graduate of Mayerville High School, MI., Ski served honorably in the United States Navy for 33 years in many roles, retiring from the Pentagon as Chief Warrant Officer in charge of detail assignments throughout the world. At NAS Memphis Ski oversaw the Navy Aviation Technical Training Center, he was the lowest ranking officer to hold this position. Ski commanded the Aviation Maintenance personnel of the helicopter squadron HS-6 responsible for the recovery of the Apollo capsule involved in the 1975 Joint American-Russian Apollo-Soyuz mission off the coast of Hawaii. Multiple tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and in the Middle East, Ski served on the USS Ticonderoga, USS Midway, USS Enterprise, USS Constellation and the USS Ranger. During his tenure in the Navy he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star, Navy “E” Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star, Vietnam Service medal with 7 stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Ski was a devoted member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, attending daily mass, and was active in the Holy Name Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday October 23, 2023 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Friends may call at the funeral home on the morning of services from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.
Interment with Military honors bestowed will be held at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning October 24, 2023 at 9 o'clock A.M.
Memorials in Ski's name to:
Disabled American Veteran
1123 East End Blvd.
Wilkes - Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
Donald W. "Donny" Adams, Jr., 66, of Orwin, went into eternity, early Tuesday morning, October 17, 2023, at his home.
Born in Lykens, October 15, 1957, a son of Donna Hunter Adams, Orwin, and the late Donald "Wink" Adams, Sr.
Donny was a devout Catholic and served in many different roles in several parishes. He was a current member of Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont.
Donny was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He never missed a single game on television and even made it to several games in person.
He was preceded in death by his father in 2013.
Surviving are his mother, Donna Hunter Adams, with whom he resided with and helped care for; one sister, Gina Dauberman (Jackie), Spring Glen; three nieces who were also his goddaughters, Carissa Witmer (Brad), Ziongrove, Alana Dauberman, Muir, and Celina Dauberman (Dave), Minersville; great nephews, Aaron and Isayah; great nieces, Jaylan and Emma; Donny is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City. Burial will follow in the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry Street, Tremont, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Donny's family.
Betty L. Stauffer, 88, of Tower City, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023 at Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Tower City.
Born in Tower City, February 3, 1935, a daughter of the late George and Gladys Shomper Stauffer.
Betty was a graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
She retired as a clerk after 35 years of service with the Pennsylvania National Guard at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
Betty was an active member of the Williamstown United Methodist Church, where she formerly served on numerous committees and volunteered wherever needed. She was also a social member of the Williamstown American Legion.
Betty enjoyed traveling - especially going on bus trips and cruises. She was also an avid Penn State and Nascar fan.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Alvin Morgan.
She is survived by her brother, George Stauffer and his wife Tessa, Williamstown; her two sisters, Judy Yanoscak and her husband John, Williamstown, and Jean Wolff and her husband Donald of Orwin; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City, with Pastor Amanda Bressler officiating. Viewing will be held from 10-11 at the chapel. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Betty's name can be made to the Williamstown United Methodist Church, 203 N East Street, Williamstown PA 17098.
Surviving are; sons, Richard S. Kanaski Jr. and his wife Meg Mack, Robert J. Kanaski and his wife Marjorie, Michael K. Kanaski, Tim W. Kanaski and his wife Denise, Ronald Hollander and his wife Charlotte, grandchildren, Christopher Kanaski, Megan Kanaski, Katherine Kanaski, Jennifer Kanaski, Stephanie Kanaski, Robert S. Kanaski, Ashley Sinclair, Andrew Kanaski, Grayson Shivell, Olivia Shivell; great grandchildren, Dutch, and James VanSloten; Kenzie Sinclair, Adalynn and Brady Hollander. Also his cousin and dearest friend Melvin Gentner.
A 1948 graduate of Mayerville High School, MI., Ski served honorably in the United States Navy for 33 years in many roles, retiring from the Pentagon as Chief Warrant Officer in charge of detail assignments throughout the world. At NAS Memphis Ski oversaw the Navy Aviation Technical Training Center, he was the lowest ranking officer to hold this position. Ski commanded the Aviation Maintenance personnel of the helicopter squadron HS-6 responsible for the recovery of the Apollo capsule involved in the 1975 Joint American-Russian Apollo-Soyuz mission off the coast of Hawaii. Multiple tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and in the Middle East, Ski served on the USS Ticonderoga, USS Midway, USS Enterprise, USS Constellation and the USS Ranger. During his tenure in the Navy he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star, Navy “E” Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star, Vietnam Service medal with 7 stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Ski was a devoted member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, attending daily mass, and was active in the Holy Name Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday October 23, 2023 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Friends may call at the funeral home on the morning of services from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M.
Interment with Military honors bestowed will be held at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning October 24, 2023 at 9 o'clock A.M.
Memorials in Ski's name to:
Disabled American Veteran
1123 East End Blvd.
Wilkes - Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
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Born in Lykens, October 15, 1957, a son of Donna Hunter Adams, Orwin, and the late Donald "Wink" Adams, Sr.
Donny was a devout Catholic and served in many different roles in several parishes. He was a current member of Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont.
Donny was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He never missed a single game on television and even made it to several games in person.
He was preceded in death by his father in 2013.
Surviving are his mother, Donna Hunter Adams, with whom he resided with and helped care for; one sister, Gina Dauberman (Jackie), Spring Glen; three nieces who were also his goddaughters, Carissa Witmer (Brad), Ziongrove, Alana Dauberman, Muir, and Celina Dauberman (Dave), Minersville; great nephews, Aaron and Isayah; great nieces, Jaylan and Emma; Donny is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Chapel, Tower City. Burial will follow in the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry Street, Tremont, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Donny's family.
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Born in Tower City, February 3, 1935, a daughter of the late George and Gladys Shomper Stauffer.
Betty was a graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
She retired as a clerk after 35 years of service with the Pennsylvania National Guard at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
Betty was an active member of the Williamstown United Methodist Church, where she formerly served on numerous committees and volunteered wherever needed. She was also a social member of the Williamstown American Legion.
Betty enjoyed traveling - especially going on bus trips and cruises. She was also an avid Penn State and Nascar fan.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Alvin Morgan.
She is survived by her brother, George Stauffer and his wife Tessa, Williamstown; her two sisters, Judy Yanoscak and her husband John, Williamstown, and Jean Wolff and her husband Donald of Orwin; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City, with Pastor Amanda Bressler officiating. Viewing will be held from 10-11 at the chapel. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Betty's name can be made to the Williamstown United Methodist Church, 203 N East Street, Williamstown PA 17098.
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