Skook News Obituaries: January 10th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
---------------------------------------------------
PeggyAnne was born on July 4, 1943 in Ashland and was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Mooney) Burke.
PeggyAnne was retired from the Pennsylvania State Department of Treasury as a Director in Harrisburg PA for many years. In her retirement she became a realtor in Avalon New Jersey for Purdy Realty for many years.
She loved her summer home in Avalon New Jersey and spending time with her family and friends there. She will be missed by her many friends there.
She was a devoted daughter to her mother Mary Burke of Ashland. They were the best shoppers together and very kind. She will be missed by everyone.
PeggyAnne was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Church in Ashland. She also was a member of Maris Stella Catholic Church in Avalon NJ where she was active in the Altar Society. She was faithful to her religion and attended regularly.
PeggyAnne was a member of the Avalon Garden Club, where she was the historian and co-chair of the annual flower show winning many awards for her exhibits in the Artistic Division.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John “Jackie” Clarke on January 20, 1992; her sister Eileen Marie Clews on October 15, 2021; sister-in-law Marietta Centiole on June 20, 2015; uncle Pvt John Mooney who was the first Ashland resident killed in action in World War II. She was also preceded by her fur babies Molly and Candy whom she loved dearly.
Survivors are her nieces and nephews, and her cousins. We all loved PeggyAnne very much and she will be missed with all our hearts. There’s always that void that no one can replace.
Donations can be made to the American heart association or charity of one’s choice or maybe to your local animal shelter, we know she would like that.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday January 13, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1115 Walnut St, Ashland PA 17921. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the viewing at 11:00 AM with Rev. Giuseppe C. Esposito officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Fountain Springs.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------
Walter J. Kuczynski Jr., 64, of Maizeville, died Thursday January 4, 2024 at LVHN Schuylkill-East.
Born in Hazleton, July 25, 1959, He was a son of the late Walter J. Sr. and Evelyn (Rescavage) Kuczynski.
He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Bears Head Sportsman Association, and Shenandoah Fish and Game Protective Association.
He was preceded in death by son Eric Kuczynski; granddaughter Xena Martofel.
Surviving are his companion of 18 years Margaret Dean; a son Walter Kuczynski of GA; daughter Melissa Kuczynski of Shenandoah; Step-daughter Shannon Martofel of Frackville 3 Brother David Kuczynski of Mahanoy City; Kenneth Kuczynski of FL; Robert Kuczynski of Zion Grove; 4, sister Susan Kurtek of Cresswell Gardens; Diane Mervine of Frackville; Marie Dillard of Morea and June O’Brien of Coal Twp.; Grandchildren Evelyn, Lane and Myles Lawson, Gabby Martofel. Great Grandchild Roseann and is favorite buddy Hank. Nieces and Nephews.
Memorial Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Nice-Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Nice-Hart Funeral Home, 9 N. Lehigh Ave. Frackville, PA 17970 to defray funeral costs.
Louis Steve "Luigi" Belovich, 92 years of age, of Coaldale, Pennsylvania died on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospice in Bethlehem.
Born Sunday, June 21, 1931 in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania the son of the late Anthony, and Mary Elizabeth Belovich. Louis was also predeceased by; wife, Melba (Kobal) Belovich; sisters, Eva Kern, Mary Terslemes, Katherine Kauffman, Magdaline Ganey, Anna Sayer, Angela Belovich; brothers, George, Anthony, Joseph, and Frank Belovich.
Surviving are daughter, Loretta Belovich; 1 grandchild; companion Mary Watkins.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Louis owned and operated a drywalling business in Allentown. Louis served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. A talented accordion player and artist, Louis played professionally as a member of the Marson Trio, and entertained customer at La Dolce Casa "DiMaggio's" in Tamaqua for many years. Playing well into his early 90's.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania.
Phyllis A. Wanchalk, 74, of , Minersville passed away Sunday, January 7th, surrounded by her family, at LVHN Schuylkill East, Pottsville.
Born in Hazleton, July 25, 1959, He was a son of the late Walter J. Sr. and Evelyn (Rescavage) Kuczynski.
He worked as a carpenter and was a member of Bears Head Sportsman Association, and Shenandoah Fish and Game Protective Association.
He was preceded in death by son Eric Kuczynski; granddaughter Xena Martofel.
Surviving are his companion of 18 years Margaret Dean; a son Walter Kuczynski of GA; daughter Melissa Kuczynski of Shenandoah; Step-daughter Shannon Martofel of Frackville 3 Brother David Kuczynski of Mahanoy City; Kenneth Kuczynski of FL; Robert Kuczynski of Zion Grove; 4, sister Susan Kurtek of Cresswell Gardens; Diane Mervine of Frackville; Marie Dillard of Morea and June O’Brien of Coal Twp.; Grandchildren Evelyn, Lane and Myles Lawson, Gabby Martofel. Great Grandchild Roseann and is favorite buddy Hank. Nieces and Nephews.
Memorial Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Nice-Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Nice-Hart Funeral Home, 9 N. Lehigh Ave. Frackville, PA 17970 to defray funeral costs.
------------------------------------------
Born Sunday, June 21, 1931 in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania the son of the late Anthony, and Mary Elizabeth Belovich. Louis was also predeceased by; wife, Melba (Kobal) Belovich; sisters, Eva Kern, Mary Terslemes, Katherine Kauffman, Magdaline Ganey, Anna Sayer, Angela Belovich; brothers, George, Anthony, Joseph, and Frank Belovich.
Surviving are daughter, Loretta Belovich; 1 grandchild; companion Mary Watkins.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Louis owned and operated a drywalling business in Allentown. Louis served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. A talented accordion player and artist, Louis played professionally as a member of the Marson Trio, and entertained customer at La Dolce Casa "DiMaggio's" in Tamaqua for many years. Playing well into his early 90's.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania.
------------------------------------------
Phyllis was born in Pottsville, Pa. on March 12, 1949, a daughter of the late Angelina (Sofia) and Paul Laudeman. She was the widow of George M. Wanchalk. A lifelong resident of Minersville. She was a 1967 graduate of Minersville Area High school. She was a loving mother and grandmother.
Phyllis is survived by two daughters, Denise Wanchalk and her partner, Shawn O'Brien and Melissa, wife of Walter Troy. Phyllis is also survived by a sister, Diana, wife of Michael Dodds, two brothers, Michael, husband of Linda Laudeman, David, husband of Camille Laudeman.
She is also survived by Grandson Ken Purcell, Granddaughter Taylor O'Brien, nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 13th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, PA. with a Christian Funeral Service following at 11:00 AM. Interment Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or Shriners Hospitals www.donate.lovetotherescue.org.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
Christine Kurtek, 70, a spirited and vibrant soul, peacefully passed on January 7, 2024, at her sister’s home in Pottsville, after a brave fight with cancer.
She was born on October 19, 1953, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Stephen Kurtek and Anna (Hughes) Kurtek.
Christine dedicated a significant part of her life to education, serving as a teacher at Schuylkill County Child Development for several years. Later in life, she embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Los Angeles and embracing the diverse experiences the West Coast had to offer.
A free spirit at heart, Christine believed in celebrating the joys of life rather than dwelling on its sorrows. She approached each day with an infectious enthusiasm, encouraging those around her to embrace the beauty in every moment. Her positive energy and zest for life were truly inspirational.
Christine is survived by her loving brothers and their wives: Walter Kurtek and Gail, Stephen Kurtek and Janis, Joseph Kurtek and Maureen, and William Kurtek and Angela. She is also survived by her loving sisters and husbands: Patricia Zaharis, Margaret Wenner and Richard, Anne Kurtek, Barbara Kilmer and David, and Laura Kramer and Jim, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and great nephews and one great great niece, her fur babies, Smudge and Fudge.
In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Kurtek.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor Christine's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, January 27th at 11:00 AM at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market Street, Pottsville, with Interment to follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Pottsville. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 AM til 11:00 AM providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather, share stories, and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.
Susan Marie Mengle, age 64, of Pottsville, PA passed away Tuesday, January 9th at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill, East, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on April 27, 1959, she was the daughter of the late John and Anne Marie (Sauers) Mitchell.
Susan was graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1977. She then graduated from beauty school, got her CNA certification from the Schuylkill Institute School of Business, and later earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Alvernia University. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Greenvalley Nursing Home in Pottsville.
Susan was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Pottsville and a member of the Schuylkill County Coral Society. She loved traveling and Diet Pepsi.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Francis "Mitch" Mitchell and John "Jack" Mitchell.
Susan is survived by daughter Abbie Kukta and her husband Steven, Minersville; son Nicholas Mengle and his fiance' Dana Dunbar, Brockton; grandsons Aaden Smith and Grayson Mengle; brother Joseph Mitchell and his wife Donna, Pottsville; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon at 11AM on Thursday, January 18th, with Rev. Kevin Bobbin officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday 9:30-11AM at Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the St. John's No. 2 Cemetery Pottsville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund 913 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Leon C. Sassaman, 70 of Still Creek, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at home.
Born Thursday, December 10, 1953. in Coaldale the son of the late Clarence A., and June C. (Fisher) Sassaman. Leon was also predeceased by; wife, Alexandria Ann (Mikruk) Sassaman; brother, Edward R. Sassaman.
Leon is survived by nieces, nephews, and close friends.
A 1971 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Leon was an active member of Trinity U.C.C., and the Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Lodge 238 F&AM. Leon enjoyed fishing and spending time out on the water. He was a terrific cook, and liked to experiment making different recipes.
Leon retired form Altadis U.S.A. Cigar of McAdoo in 2016 after 44 & 1/2 years of employment.
Private Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. .
Catherine M. Harley, 83, of Minersville, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, PA.
Born in Pottsville on June 7, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Catherine (Brennan) Evans.
Catherine was a 1958 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and the former St. Kieran’s and St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Churches. She worked in manufacturing at Hexcel for over 20 years, retiring in 2003. She was an active contributor and volunteer for the Minersville Food Bank and a poll worker. Her favorite pastime was attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, especially Minersville Little League and High School Softball, where she was a fan since their founding. Catherine attended every graduation and celebration for her children and grandchildren and adored being an integral part of her family and friends’ lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harley, and two brothers, Francis Brennan and Albert Evans.
She is survived by her four daughters, whom she loved fiercely: Colleen Hozella and her husband Michael of Pine Grove, Carolyn Harley and her partner Kim of Camp Hill, Patricia Harley of Minersville, Suzanne Sterner and her husband Dave of Phoenix Park, and beloved grandchildren: Ryan Sterner and his wife Kristy, Keara Klose and her husband Ken, Michael Hozella and his companion Jess, Rachel Sterner and her companion Josh, and Grace Sterner.
Mom, Nana, Nana Kate, Kathy, Bonus Nana, Everyone's Nana…
No matter what name she went by, spending time with Catherine Harley meant one thing: love.
From her famous chocolate chip cookies to her witty quips, Catherine always had people smiling, hugging, or most importantly, eating.
She was an expert chef, frequenting farmers’ markets for the best ingredients. She made sure everyone had their favorite dish or dessert on their birthdays and holidays. Her Christmas cookie bonanza, pork tenderloin, halupkis, pumpkin rolls, and whoopie pies were unforgettable culinary delights.
Her family promises to continue seeking out the best fresh-cut french fries and to have a bottle of Panera's Fuji apple dressing at the ready during meals in her honor.
Catherine touched the lives of many with her kind heart. God must have decided that he needed an extraordinary baker, cook, gardener, nana, mother, mother-in law, friend, and sports fan in his flock so he called her to be with him. Words cannot express just how much Catherine was loved. Although the void left by her passing will never be filled, she will live on forever in our hearts. We know she is now with Nana Rosie, Lenie, Dawn, Francis, Albert, and all the others God called before her, baking cookies, planting flowers, driving to her heart’s content, and wearing her blue visor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 12, 2023 at Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954 with the Rev. Leo Maletz officiating. Friends may call from 8:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, or Minersville Food Pantry, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Burial will be private in St. Kieran’s Roman Catholic Cemetery.
------------------------------------------
She was born on October 19, 1953, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Stephen Kurtek and Anna (Hughes) Kurtek.
Christine dedicated a significant part of her life to education, serving as a teacher at Schuylkill County Child Development for several years. Later in life, she embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Los Angeles and embracing the diverse experiences the West Coast had to offer.
A free spirit at heart, Christine believed in celebrating the joys of life rather than dwelling on its sorrows. She approached each day with an infectious enthusiasm, encouraging those around her to embrace the beauty in every moment. Her positive energy and zest for life were truly inspirational.
Christine is survived by her loving brothers and their wives: Walter Kurtek and Gail, Stephen Kurtek and Janis, Joseph Kurtek and Maureen, and William Kurtek and Angela. She is also survived by her loving sisters and husbands: Patricia Zaharis, Margaret Wenner and Richard, Anne Kurtek, Barbara Kilmer and David, and Laura Kramer and Jim, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and great nephews and one great great niece, her fur babies, Smudge and Fudge.
In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Kurtek.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor Christine's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, January 27th at 11:00 AM at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market Street, Pottsville, with Interment to follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Pottsville. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 AM til 11:00 AM providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather, share stories, and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.
------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, PA on April 27, 1959, she was the daughter of the late John and Anne Marie (Sauers) Mitchell.
Susan was graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1977. She then graduated from beauty school, got her CNA certification from the Schuylkill Institute School of Business, and later earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Alvernia University. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Greenvalley Nursing Home in Pottsville.
Susan was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Pottsville and a member of the Schuylkill County Coral Society. She loved traveling and Diet Pepsi.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Francis "Mitch" Mitchell and John "Jack" Mitchell.
Susan is survived by daughter Abbie Kukta and her husband Steven, Minersville; son Nicholas Mengle and his fiance' Dana Dunbar, Brockton; grandsons Aaden Smith and Grayson Mengle; brother Joseph Mitchell and his wife Donna, Pottsville; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon at 11AM on Thursday, January 18th, with Rev. Kevin Bobbin officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday 9:30-11AM at Funeral Home.
Interment will be in the St. John's No. 2 Cemetery Pottsville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Church Memorial Fund 913 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901.
------------------------------------------
Born Thursday, December 10, 1953. in Coaldale the son of the late Clarence A., and June C. (Fisher) Sassaman. Leon was also predeceased by; wife, Alexandria Ann (Mikruk) Sassaman; brother, Edward R. Sassaman.
Leon is survived by nieces, nephews, and close friends.
A 1971 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Leon was an active member of Trinity U.C.C., and the Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Lodge 238 F&AM. Leon enjoyed fishing and spending time out on the water. He was a terrific cook, and liked to experiment making different recipes.
Leon retired form Altadis U.S.A. Cigar of McAdoo in 2016 after 44 & 1/2 years of employment.
Private Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. .
------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville on June 7, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Catherine (Brennan) Evans.
Catherine was a 1958 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and the former St. Kieran’s and St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Churches. She worked in manufacturing at Hexcel for over 20 years, retiring in 2003. She was an active contributor and volunteer for the Minersville Food Bank and a poll worker. Her favorite pastime was attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, especially Minersville Little League and High School Softball, where she was a fan since their founding. Catherine attended every graduation and celebration for her children and grandchildren and adored being an integral part of her family and friends’ lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harley, and two brothers, Francis Brennan and Albert Evans.
She is survived by her four daughters, whom she loved fiercely: Colleen Hozella and her husband Michael of Pine Grove, Carolyn Harley and her partner Kim of Camp Hill, Patricia Harley of Minersville, Suzanne Sterner and her husband Dave of Phoenix Park, and beloved grandchildren: Ryan Sterner and his wife Kristy, Keara Klose and her husband Ken, Michael Hozella and his companion Jess, Rachel Sterner and her companion Josh, and Grace Sterner.
Mom, Nana, Nana Kate, Kathy, Bonus Nana, Everyone's Nana…
No matter what name she went by, spending time with Catherine Harley meant one thing: love.
From her famous chocolate chip cookies to her witty quips, Catherine always had people smiling, hugging, or most importantly, eating.
She was an expert chef, frequenting farmers’ markets for the best ingredients. She made sure everyone had their favorite dish or dessert on their birthdays and holidays. Her Christmas cookie bonanza, pork tenderloin, halupkis, pumpkin rolls, and whoopie pies were unforgettable culinary delights.
Her family promises to continue seeking out the best fresh-cut french fries and to have a bottle of Panera's Fuji apple dressing at the ready during meals in her honor.
Catherine touched the lives of many with her kind heart. God must have decided that he needed an extraordinary baker, cook, gardener, nana, mother, mother-in law, friend, and sports fan in his flock so he called her to be with him. Words cannot express just how much Catherine was loved. Although the void left by her passing will never be filled, she will live on forever in our hearts. We know she is now with Nana Rosie, Lenie, Dawn, Francis, Albert, and all the others God called before her, baking cookies, planting flowers, driving to her heart’s content, and wearing her blue visor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 12, 2023 at Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954 with the Rev. Leo Maletz officiating. Friends may call from 8:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, or Minersville Food Pantry, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Burial will be private in St. Kieran’s Roman Catholic Cemetery.
------------------------------------------