Skook News Obituaries: December 20, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
---------------------------------------------------
Brian is survived by his wife, Sarah (Dalley) Rooney, Shenandoah Heights; parents, Brian and Kathleen (Kelly) Rooney, Shenandoah; brother, Stephen Chatcavage and wife Janelle (Yanushefsky) Chatcavage, Eagle Rock; brother, Christopher Rooney, Shenandoah; nephews and niece, Lucas and Jameson Chatcavage, Brayden and Brody Ladick, and Kashton and Delaney Woznisky.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, John Rooney and Marguerite (Wood) Rooney; grandparents, James Kelly and Lillian (Mowery) Kelly; uncle, James “Jimmy” Kelly; and his best friend, Michael Reese.
Brian, the middle son of three boys, was born on June 15, 1989 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Shenandoah Valley High School Class of 2007. During his youth he was a great athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. Brian in 2020 was inducted into the Shenandoah Valley Athletic Hall of Fame.
Upon graduation, Brian proudly decided to join the United States Army. He served in the military from 2007 to 2010. He deployed to Mosul, Iraq with the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade from June 13, 2008, through August 25, 2009. Specialist Rooney served his country proudly and shall forever hold a highly esteemed place in American history. Brian was a decorated soldier, who received many medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge.
It just so happens that Brian’s favorite number was 9 and on September 9th 2023, Brian and Sarah were able to officially become one at a beautiful wedding ceremony held at their house in Shenandoah Heights. The love they shared was unconditional and truly timeless.
Brian was a selfless husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was always thinking about others and valued every relationship. One of his enjoyments was to watch people open the gifts that he found for them because he put so much thought into it, he was undoubtedly the best gift giver. It should come as no surprise that Christmas was his favorite holiday. His summers were enjoyed with Sarah and family at their camper, building fires, taking golf cart rides, playing washers, but most importantly just spending time together. Brian cherished spending time with Delilah, his family dog and Stilwell whom he raised with Sarah. Brian had an immense love for sports. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his favorite teams: the Phillies, Dolphins, Sixers, Duke or Florida State.
He was very loved and will be missed by many.
Forever Bri Rooney #9.
Religious services will be held on Saturday morning, December 23, 2023 at 10:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah with Rev. Giuseppe C. Esposito officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. Viewings will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Saturday from 8:00 am until 10:00 am.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
--------------------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville on July 31, 1938, he was the son of the late Jesse T. & Florence (Saltzer) Shay.
Vincent was the husband of Faye A. (Krammes) Shay, to whom he was married 46 years.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville and attended Faith Assembly of God, Cressona.
Vincent proudly served in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne Division-Screaming Eagles, as a paratrooper.
He was a Pottsville Area High School graduate, and was later employed as a furnace operator at Alcoa, Cressona for 35 years. Vincent enjoyed reading books and going to Ocean City, MD with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Brenda Krasinsky, life partner of John McNulty, Sr., of Pottsville; Renee, wife of Brandon Shade, of Orwigsburg; and a son, Vincent Shay, Jr., fiancé of Karissa, of Schuylkill Haven. He is also survived by grandchildren, Joseph Krasinsky, Jr., Michael Krasinsky, Dane Krasinsky, Madisyn Shade, and Vincent Shay III; great grandson, Justin Krasinsky; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The last surviving member of his immediate family, he is preceded in death by several siblings.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 21st at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona with Rev. David Ramsay officiating. A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
--------------------------------------------------------
Born on January 4, 1939 in Rush Twp., Schuylkill Co., she was a daughter of the late Russell and Agnes McGrath Huegel.
She lived in Sellersville, Pa for 37 years and for the last 18 years, she resided in Swatara Village in Pine Grove.
Kathy enjoyed being a homemaker for many years while the children were young and then enjoyed driving school bus for 21 years for Pennridge School District. She was a caregiver for seven foster children and many fresh air children. She retired in 2000 to do voluntary service in Jamaica, Kentucky, Florida and Texas for 5 years.
She was a lifelong Mennonite and was very active in many church ministries. After moving to Pine Grove she joined the Roedersville Mennonite Church where she continued her service in church ministries.
Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Earl Moyer; four daughters, Debra and husband John Lapinski of Denver, Pa., Marlene and husband Michael Trevison of Hampstead, N.C., Wendy and husband Earl Geissinger of Lavaca, AR and Melissa Abels of Pylesville, MD. She was blessed with 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 10:45 A.M. at the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, 347 Sweet Arrow Lake Rd., Pine Grove with Pastor Daryl Martin officiating and will be live streamed on our facebook page, H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. There will be a visitation on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 9:45 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be in Roedersville Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made in Kathryn's memory to People International, P.O. Box 3005, Vancouver, WA 98668 and write 279JL, 294CL on memo line or give online at gopeople.org/give and include 279JL, 294CL on online donations.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
-------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, July 3, 1948, a daughter of the late Bernice Keiter.
Brenda was a retired social worker with Schuylkill County Children and Youth where she worked for 20 years.
She was a member of the Calvary Independent Church, Lykens, and a social member of the Williamstown American Legion. Brenda volunteered for 15 years with Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center, Millersburg.
Brenda's family was her world. Her grandchildren brought her much pride and happiness.
Despite her unexpected passing, we can take comfort knowing she is with her Lord and Savior. She will be remembered for her strong faith and love for God.
Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Frederick W. Stone; two sons, Donald Kauffman and his wife Janida, and Mark Ellinger; three grandchildren, Elyssa Ellinger, Cody Ramer, and Michael Kauffman.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 10-11. Brenda will be laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations in her memory can be made to Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center, 403 Union St, Millersburg, PA 17061.
-------------------------------------------
She was born on Wednesday, August 8, 1923, in Hegins, a daughter of the late Arthur H Klouser, Sr. and the late Agnes S (Bixler) Klouser.
Helen was a seamstress in area garment factories prior to her retirement.
She was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Hegins.
She was also a member of the Tri-Valley Senior Citizens.
Helen enjoyed playing bingo, trips to the casino, and spending time with her family.
Her husband, John J Kessler passed away in 1965 She was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers Herman, Arthur, Jr, Ted, and Jack Klouser, four sisters, Dorothy Klinger, Pearl Ressler, Jean Rinda, and Nancy Starr, an infant sister, Ruby Klouser, and three son in laws, Robert Rinda, William Brosius, and Charlie Smith.
She is survived by three daughters, Carol Rinda of Hegins, Linda Brosius of Millersburg, and Janet Smith of Hegins; seven grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; a sister, Kay Harner of Valley View; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church, Hegins, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Benjamin Scholl officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday at the church.
Burial will be in Barry Salem Cemetery, Weishample.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
-------------------------------------------
Marie was born on August 18, 1934, in Laflin, PA to Peter and Mary (Skupin) Rinish. She attended Laflin area school district.
On October 19,1957, Marie married Joseph A. Demnitski, (Trooper Joe), a member of the Pennsylvania State Police. They celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage before his passing on June 22, 2016.
Marie genuinely enjoyed being a homemaker for her family through the years. She loved cooking, baking, reading the newspaper daily, living in beautiful Barnesville and most especially spending quiet times and holidays with her family. With grace and a quiet manner, she supported everyone in her family and celebrated our individual accomplishments. She was particularly proud of her grandson Brad, and great grandchildren, Isabelle and Grayson Zelonis.
Marie is survived by her three children: Donna M. Zelonis, of Barnesville, Doreen and husband David Brill of Macungie, PA, son Joseph A. Demnitski and wife, Kimberly of Suwanne, GA. Grandson, Brad and wife Rachel Zelonis of Ephrata and great grandchildren, Isabelle and Grayson. Marie is also survived by many nieces and nephews of the Rinish and Skupin families.
She was preceded in death by sisters: Helen (Rinish) Mudlock, Patricia (Rinish) Bartolotto, brothers: Robert and Peter Rinish, son-in-law, Vincent E. Zelonis.
A special thank you is extended to the caring and warm staff of Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill in Pottsville. Their staff provided kindness, companionship, care and a loving home for Marie for the past five years.
Marie had been a member of the St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Barnesville and St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, Frackville, PA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richards Church, Barnesville, at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 27th, with Reverend Robert T. Finlan officiating.
Friends and family may call Wednesday 10 AM at St. Richards Church.
Interment at Skyview Memorial Park Tamaqua, PA.
The family requests, if you wish, make a donation in Marie’s name to a charity of your choice.
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.
-------------------------------------------
Mary was born to Charles and Ellen Hinderliter on July 7, 1925 in Ringtown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Ashland High School in 1943. Mary worked jobs including “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II and factory work.
In 1948, Mary married her spouse of 59 years Frank D. Calvert. Mary and Frank went on to have 2 children, John Calvert of Waynesboro, PA and Lynn Wolfgang of Ashland, PA. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Sung Calvert and Terrence Wolfgang, her grandchildren David Calvert, Yvonne (Calvert) Ford, Michelle (Wolfgang) McGee, and Erica (Wolfgang) Simpson, 6 great grandchildren (Collin McGee, Tanner McGee, Alexis Calvert, Ella Calvert, Kyla Simpson, Keagan Simpson), and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mary was most proud of the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed checking out books from the Ashland Public Library. She and her husband traveled all 50 states and annually visited Myrtle Beach for the South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival. Mary was a lifelong member of Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ and her commitment to her Lord brought her comfort in her final days. Mary was a 75-year member of the Eastern Star. Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed socializing with friends by hosting coffee clubs and card clubs as well as dining out with family and friends. She also loved sewing.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM at Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921. Services at the church will begin a 10:30 AM with Pastor Dean Luther officiating. Burial will take in Christ Church Cemetery-Fountain Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com
-------------------------------------------
Brenda Lee Kukish, 60, of Llewellyn, Branch Township, passed away on Monday at home.
Born on March 21, 1963, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late George E. Neidlinger and the late Wanda Guida. While residing in New Jersey, she worked as an office manager in a skilled nursing facility. She returned to Llewellyn in 2009.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Felmey; six siblings, George Neidlinger, John Neidlinger, Dennis Neidlinger, Shirley Legeza, Deborah Baynes, and Carol Morris.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 19 years, George Kukish; her remaining children, Justin Felmey, Lllewellyn, and Heather Felmey, Pennsville, NJ; her grandson, Jaxson Felmey; her granddaughter, Alissa Bender. She is also survived by two remaining siblings, Randy Neidlinger, Harrisburg, and Bonnie Barry, Feasterville; nieces and nephews.
Brenda’s devotion to her children and her family was always at the forefront of her life. Her guidance and protection will be sorely missed.
Private interment will be in the Llewellyn Community Cemetery at a later date.
-------------------------------------------
