Skook News Obituaries: November 7th, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Oct. 11, 1932, in Landingville, he was a son of the late Irvin and Katie (Cartieri) Kramer.
He was the husband of Geraldine M. (Ressler) Kramer.
Willie graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1952. He was an athlete, participating in both football and baseball for the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes.
Willie served in the Army in the Korean War as a Morse code operator.
He was a member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Cressona, and served in many capacities including past consistory president; elder; and on the worship committee.
Willie worked at Garden State Tanning, Fleetwood, as a cutter for 38 years. He also made home deliveries for Boyer's IGA.
He was a member of Williamson Lodge 307 F&AM, Womelsdorf, and Cressona Lodge 222 F&AM. He also managed Cressona girls' softball for many years, served as past president of Schuylkill Promenades and belonged to several hiking clubs in Berks County.
Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette E. (Hartman) Kramer, and brother, Raymond Kramer.
In addition to his wife, Willie is also survived by two daughters, Beverly E. Kramer, Vineland, N.J., and Jennifer S., wife of Harold Gardner, Pine Grove; stepdaughter, Gail A., wife of Eric Werner, Kenhorst; stepson, Dale L. Harris, Wyomissing; grandchildren, Brian D. Kramer Jr. and Victoria E., wife of Kevin Magayah; step-grandchildren, Kira Harris and Ashley Spangler; great-grandchildren, Madelynn and Benjamin Magayah; and brother, Merlin Kramer, of Adamsdale.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, 30 Pottsville St., Cressona, with the Rev. Kevin Fruchtl officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with a Masonic service beginning at 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Cressona Cemetery, Cressona.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Mark's UCC, 30 Pottsville St., Cressona, PA 17929, or Williamson Lodge 307, 318 Mill Road, Womelsdorf, PA 19567.
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Robert Joseph Melewsky, 78, of West West Terrace, Branch Township, passed away unexpectedly at The Gardens at York Terrace.
Born on March 4, 1945 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Albert J. Melewsky, Sr. and the late Margaret (nee Hnatishion) Melewsky. He attended Minersville schools and was employed by Empire Steel, Inc., retiring after 37 years of service.
He had been a member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Minersville, and an associate member of the Minersville American Legion.
Bob was an avid sports fan. He followed all sports; but his true passion was the Boston Red Sox. Bob also enjoyed spending time with his family playing various card games. He enjoyed playing rummy with his family around the dining room table. Bob also enjoyed playing bingo with Christine for many years; and also called bingo from time to time at the Minersville Legion. He also had a love for fishing and just enjoying the quiet outdoors during his retirement. He looked forward to Sunday breakfast outings with his brother, Skip.
Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Christine Marx; two children, Nicole Redman (spouse, John Redman, Jr) and Adam Melewsky (spouse, Melissa Melewsky), Mechanicsburg; five grandchildren, Mitch Melewsky, Nathan, Anna, Max and Elizabeth Melewsky. He is also survived by three siblings, Albert “Skip” Melewsky, Jr. (spouse, Mildred), Minersville, Mark Melewsky (spouse, Debbie), Fort Myers, FL, and Sharon Schieb (spouse, Frederick), Monroe, VA; a maternal aunt, Dorothy Rodrian, Saint Clair; a maternal uncle, John Hnatishion, Bethlehem; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family with private committal in in St. Stanislaus Kostka #2 Cemetery, Branch Township. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge.
Lee A. Miller, age 89, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 at Providence Place in Pottsville.
Mr. Miller was born in Pottsville, PA, on September 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Irvin and June (Frehafer) Miller.
Lee was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1954. He worked as a truck driver for H.L. Miller and Sons in Port Carbon, was a member of the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven, and he was a First Degree Mason and a member of the Pottsville Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann (Krebs) Miller, two brothers, Carl and Glenn Miller and a sister June Miller.
Lee is survived by his daughter Tammy Seibert and her husband Kevin, Pine Grove and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven at 10:30AM on Tuesday, November 7th, with Pastor Larry Laine officiating.
Interment will be held in the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-10:30AM at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jerusalem Lutheran Church 255 Dock Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
Ricky R. Burns, Jr., 30 years of age, of Coaldale, Pennsylvania died unexpectedly upon arrival on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.
Born Wednesday, November 25, 1992 in Lehighton, he was the son of Ricky and Suzanne (Simonson) Burns of Coaldale. In addition to his parents, Ricky is survived by; wife, Heather (Geiger) Burns; sons, Zaiven, Jacobb, Brayden Burns, and Ryder Mathurin; daughters, Adalynn, Peyton, Kytalianna Burns, and Aubreigh Kopp; sister, Tiffany Gommer wife of Jessie; girlfriend, Jenny Kopp; maternal grandmother, Elaine Simonson; paternal grandparents, Dorothy, and Richard Scheffler. Aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive Ricky.
Ricky was predeceased by; paternal grandfather, Wilson Burns, Sr..
Ricky attended Panther Valley School and drove truck for Tri-Valley Water Hauling.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Michael “Larry” Beneshunas, 72, Girardville passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening at his residence.
Funeral services with military honors will be announced upon completion.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Born on March 4, 1945 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Albert J. Melewsky, Sr. and the late Margaret (nee Hnatishion) Melewsky. He attended Minersville schools and was employed by Empire Steel, Inc., retiring after 37 years of service.
He had been a member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Minersville, and an associate member of the Minersville American Legion.
Bob was an avid sports fan. He followed all sports; but his true passion was the Boston Red Sox. Bob also enjoyed spending time with his family playing various card games. He enjoyed playing rummy with his family around the dining room table. Bob also enjoyed playing bingo with Christine for many years; and also called bingo from time to time at the Minersville Legion. He also had a love for fishing and just enjoying the quiet outdoors during his retirement. He looked forward to Sunday breakfast outings with his brother, Skip.
Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Christine Marx; two children, Nicole Redman (spouse, John Redman, Jr) and Adam Melewsky (spouse, Melissa Melewsky), Mechanicsburg; five grandchildren, Mitch Melewsky, Nathan, Anna, Max and Elizabeth Melewsky. He is also survived by three siblings, Albert “Skip” Melewsky, Jr. (spouse, Mildred), Minersville, Mark Melewsky (spouse, Debbie), Fort Myers, FL, and Sharon Schieb (spouse, Frederick), Monroe, VA; a maternal aunt, Dorothy Rodrian, Saint Clair; a maternal uncle, John Hnatishion, Bethlehem; nieces and nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family with private committal in in St. Stanislaus Kostka #2 Cemetery, Branch Township. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge.
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Mr. Miller was born in Pottsville, PA, on September 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Irvin and June (Frehafer) Miller.
Lee was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1954. He worked as a truck driver for H.L. Miller and Sons in Port Carbon, was a member of the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven, and he was a First Degree Mason and a member of the Pottsville Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann (Krebs) Miller, two brothers, Carl and Glenn Miller and a sister June Miller.
Lee is survived by his daughter Tammy Seibert and her husband Kevin, Pine Grove and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven at 10:30AM on Tuesday, November 7th, with Pastor Larry Laine officiating.
Interment will be held in the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-10:30AM at the Jerusalem Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jerusalem Lutheran Church 255 Dock Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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Born Wednesday, November 25, 1992 in Lehighton, he was the son of Ricky and Suzanne (Simonson) Burns of Coaldale. In addition to his parents, Ricky is survived by; wife, Heather (Geiger) Burns; sons, Zaiven, Jacobb, Brayden Burns, and Ryder Mathurin; daughters, Adalynn, Peyton, Kytalianna Burns, and Aubreigh Kopp; sister, Tiffany Gommer wife of Jessie; girlfriend, Jenny Kopp; maternal grandmother, Elaine Simonson; paternal grandparents, Dorothy, and Richard Scheffler. Aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive Ricky.
Ricky was predeceased by; paternal grandfather, Wilson Burns, Sr..
Ricky attended Panther Valley School and drove truck for Tri-Valley Water Hauling.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
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Michael “Larry” Beneshunas, 72, Girardville passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening at his residence.
Funeral services with military honors will be announced upon completion.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born on July 6, 1929, she was the sixth of eight children born to the late Raymond and Lillian (Walker) Evans. She attended Minersville High School where her love of music drew her to the choral programs. She loved to sing and was part of many district and regional choral performances. After high school, she worked in the local garment industry for decades; but the music didn’t go away, as she performed in stage shows and several TV ads promoting the “Union Label” for the ILGWU.
After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, Joe Dailey.
She was an active member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and served several terms as its president. She also devoted time to helping at a local food pantry.
She spent her final years at the Schuylkill Center, to whose staff her family will always be grateful.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Davis, her second husband, Joe Dailey, and six of her siblings and their spouses; Isabella Kilraine (Joe), Sam Evans, Ray Evans (Ruth), Nelson Evans (Deloris), Albert Evans (Louisa) and Verna Bosack (Mike).
Lillian is survived by her brother, George Evans (Peg); a son, Mike Evans (Jane); a daughter, Marian Woodcock; grandson, Rob Woodcock; granddaughter, Heather Napoli (Seth); great grandson, Trevor Napoli; great granddaughter, Jane Napoli; three stepchildren, Thomas Dailey, JoAnn Turner and Mary Thomas. She is also survived by two generations of nieces and nephews.
The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Saturday, November 11, from 8:00 A.M. until services at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be private at a later date to be coordinated with officials at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Minersville Food Bank is suggested. Donations can be made c/of Ed Butler, 529 Lytle Street, Minersville, PA 17954.
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David Hess passed peacefully in the company of his family on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer.
David was met at the gates of heaven by his Mother Virginia, Father Gerald, brothers James and Raymond, along with other friends and family.
Survived by his wife of 36 years, Diana "Muldowney" Hess; a son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kaycee, and grandson Miles, all of Pottsville; sister Deborah Wood and her husband Ron, Michigan; brother Charles Hess and his wife Gretchen, Berwick; brothers-in-law Christopher Muldowney and his wife Tracey, Florida and Eric Muldowney and his wife Jennifer, Pottsville; sister-in-law Chandra Muldowney and her husband William Rogers, Llewellyn; and nieces and nephews.
David was a graduate of Saint Clair High School, Class of 1980 and he was a Mason and a member of the Pottsville Masonic Lodge. David had a great love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, woodworking, and going for back road rides throughout his lifetime. His most rewarding career was his love of working with the Life Skill students at PAHS. He will be remembered through the lives he touched and his heart of gold. His love and presence will always be felt among his friends and family and the many lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Freedom in Christ Church, First Avenue, Pottsville at 2PM on Friday, November 10th.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday afternoon from 1--2PM at Freedom in Christ Church.
Interment will be held private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
David was met at the gates of heaven by his Mother Virginia, Father Gerald, brothers James and Raymond, along with other friends and family.
Survived by his wife of 36 years, Diana "Muldowney" Hess; a son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kaycee, and grandson Miles, all of Pottsville; sister Deborah Wood and her husband Ron, Michigan; brother Charles Hess and his wife Gretchen, Berwick; brothers-in-law Christopher Muldowney and his wife Tracey, Florida and Eric Muldowney and his wife Jennifer, Pottsville; sister-in-law Chandra Muldowney and her husband William Rogers, Llewellyn; and nieces and nephews.
David was a graduate of Saint Clair High School, Class of 1980 and he was a Mason and a member of the Pottsville Masonic Lodge. David had a great love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, woodworking, and going for back road rides throughout his lifetime. His most rewarding career was his love of working with the Life Skill students at PAHS. He will be remembered through the lives he touched and his heart of gold. His love and presence will always be felt among his friends and family and the many lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Freedom in Christ Church, First Avenue, Pottsville at 2PM on Friday, November 10th.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday afternoon from 1--2PM at Freedom in Christ Church.
Interment will be held private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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