Skook News Obituaries: October 29th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale on September 2, 1961, he was the son of the late Joseph F. Zienkiewicz and his surviving mother, Loretta (Hama) Zienkiewicz.
He was raised in Ringtown prior to enlisting in The United States Navy serving in the submarine service from 1980-1988.
Joe was a 1979 North Schuylkill High School Graduate. After his time in the Navy, he earned his undergrad degree from Kutztown University in 1998, he then graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2002. Joe completed his residency in 2005 from the Warren Hospital in New Jersey. He was currently working as a physician for Geisinger in Frackville. Joe loved practicing medicine, as he took great pride in being able to help others. He was a passionate advocate for his patients. Besides his career, Joe had other interests in life that he enjoyed. In his younger years, he loved hunting and fishing, especially tying his own flies. He was fond of going camping, playing cornhole, and throwing darts. Any one who knew him knew he had a great passion for cooking. He would take any opportunity to be in the kitchen, at the grill or putting brisket in the smoker. No one who would come to his home ever left hungry. But above all else in his life, his true passion was his family. If you wanted to see Joe smile, you only needed to ask him about his family. There was no greater joy and source of pride than spending time with them and participating in activities with his children. When they were younger, he helped with little league and softball teams. As the children went on through school, it was helping build theater sets and volunteer with the marching band. His skills as a physician were always on call as we all know how kids are injury prone. Even into college, Joe would prepare large tailgates for every home game that would include the entire tuba section for Temple University’s marching band.
Besides his mother Loretta, he leaves his devoted wife of 31 years, Suzanne (Benedict) Zienkiewicz; his son – Joseph J. Zienkiewicz Jr. of Pottsville; his daughter – Victoria A. Zienkiewicz with her fiancé Cameron Searfoss o of Allentown Pa; his brother – David Zienkiewicz with his wife Marion of Ringtown; his Mother-in-Law – Lois G. Benedict of Levittown, Pa; his Father-in-Law – Donald E. Benedict Jr.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening, November 2nd from 5 to 8pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah, and again on Friday morning, November 3rd from 9 to 10:30am. Scripture services will be conducted in the funeral home on Friday morning at 10:30am by Fr. Dominic Pham. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Contributions made in Dr. Z’s memory may be made to either: Helping Harvest – (helpingharvest.org), Toys for Tots – (toysfortots.org), or any charity of your choice.
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Anna H. Platko, 93, of Buck Run, Foster Township, passed away on Tuesday night on October 24 in her home.
She was the daughter of the late Mildred and Stanley Drugalis Krasnitsky, wife of the late Stephen Platko and the mother of the late John and Stanley Platko. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Stanley Kross, Vincent Krasnitsky, Joseph Krasnitsky and two sisters, Mildred Darinsig and Patricia “Cookie” Zelanko.
Anna enjoyed polka dancing, reading horror and supernatural fiction and she loved to bake for her family. She was a parishioner of Saints Peter and Paul’s Byzantine Church, Minersville.
She is survived by a sister, Theresa Panasosky, four children: Stephen, Michael, Joseph, and Anna Marie, six grandchildren: Stephen Platko and Stephanie Kunstek, Joseph, and Evelyn Platko, and Stephan and Alexandra Demmers, and five great grandchildren: Kade and Killian Bressler, and Tori, David, and Jayson Kunstek, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a private ceremony for the family at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantin Catholic Cemetery, Branch Township. The family prefers Masses at the church of the giver’s choice in Anna’s name. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge.
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