Skook News Obituaries: January 21st, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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John was a fixer. He had a profound way of making things better, starting first with his own life when he immigrated to the United States at the age of 6. John's extraordinary journey is marked by his leadership, impactful contributions to the community, and the way that he made people feel. This journey included dedicated service in the USMC from 1953 to 1956 in Korea and Japan. His professional legacy began at RCA, where he served as a computer tech for the space program, and later extended to the United States Postal Service, where he served as a supervisor and postmaster for 25 years.
An accomplished entrepreneur, John proudly owned the Mercuri Carwash and The Hotel Davis.
He was a devout member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville and a former member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. John held leadership roles as the past President of the American Postal Union and was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the DAV, and the AMVETS—all in Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Mercuri, a grandson, Albert Yackenchick Jr., sisters Maria Mercuri, Caroline Doyne, and a brother, Natale Mercuri.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Maria Mercuri, Pottsville. Together, they created an enduring legacy of love and commitment, evident in their children: Domenic Mercuri and his wife Taylor of Pottsville, and John C. Mercuri and his wife Anne, also of Pottsville; Annetta Yackenchick and her husband Albert of Schuylkill Haven; and a daughter-in-law, JoAnne Mercuri, of Pottsville.
Affectionately known as "Papa," John leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Domenic, Antonio, John, Francesco, Maria, Elizabeth, Rachel, Katherine, Alicia, Jonathan, Mike, Nicholas, Marissa, Mallory, Anthony, Nathan, Madeline, Ryan, Noah, and Leonardo; great-grandchildren: Emma, Lucy, John, Matthew, Gianna, Icarus, Sparrow, Aviana, Sophia, Camilla, and Gabriella. Additionally, he is survived by a sister-in-law, Theresa Mercuri, of Schuylkill Haven; brother-in-law Albino Mercuri and his wife Ivana, of Pottsville, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
His benevolence, resilience, and unwavering authenticity serve as a guiding light for all those fortunate enough to have known him. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Rev. Edward Connolly, will be celebrated at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-11 AM followed by the mass.
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Born in Coaldale on February 8, 1938, Tessie was a daughter of the late Francis W. And Anna May (Harkins) Farber. She spent most of her life as a homemaker but did work in retail sales and bartended in the Tamaqua area. Enjoying hunting and fishing, Tessie was a member of the Keystone Fish and Hunt Club, the West Penn Rod and Gun Club, and a former member of the Lone Pine Sportsman Club. She belonged to the Tamaqua American Legion, Post # 173 and formerly attended St. Jerome Catholic Church.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Tessie is survived by daughters, Carol Keerans of Tamaqua, Barbara Englert and her partner Tom Edmonds of Still Creek, and Sharon Russell and her husband Robby of Tamaqua; grandchildren, James Englert, Jessica Eick, Mark Keerans, Thomas Keerans, Lacey Pajakinas, Tessa Englert, and Charles Englert; great grandchildren, Courtney, Chloe, Cassidy, Liberty, Elaina, Chase, and Michelle; great great grandchild Leo and two expected great great grandchildren arrivals in May - Amelia and Caroline; sister, Dorothy Wadyak of Summit Hill; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She was predeceased by sons, Joseph, Thomas, and Walter; grandson, Joseph Charles Englert; brothers, Ralph, Russell, Daniel, Frances, Nicholas, Vincent, John, Eddie, and Thomas; and sister, Kathryn Minrod.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, January 24, in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Robert Finlan officiating. Interment in St. Jerome Cemetery, Tamaqua will follow the mass. Call from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, January 23 and from 8:30-9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 24 at Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. Memorial donations may be made to the Tamaqua Area Adult Day Care Center, 801 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 182523; Kellner’s Dam Association for the Children’s Derby; West Penn Fish Club for the Children’s Derby; or Rabbit Run Children’s Derby. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Grace Ann (Getz) Haberman, 83 years of age, of Andreas, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Township.
Born Monday, March 18, 1940 in Andreas, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Nathan, and Beulah (Smith) Getz. Grace was also predeceased by; sister, Shirley Gombert
Surviving are sisters, Betty Signarovitz wife of John of Bowmanstown, Joan Hunsicker of Jim Thorpe; nieces and nephews.
Grace obtained her G.E.D., and then went on to earn her Paralegal certification, working for a number of local law offices. Grace's relentless work ethic drove her to also become a successful Relator working in the Koehler-Marvin Realty offices in Lehighton.
Grace enjoyed long walks, listening to Christian music and was content spending time in her beautiful home. Proud of her accomplishments, Grace looked forward to shopping. She was quite the fashionista.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
A Funeral service will be at 11 o'clock A.M. on Friday January 26, 2024 from the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.
Interment will be in Slatedale Cemetery Slatington Pennsylvania.
Memorials in grace's name to a charity of one's choice.
Born in Muir, July 7, 1929, a daughter of the late John and Margaret Bixler Miller.
Mae was retired from the Hershey Food Company after working for 30 years.
She was a very active, faithful life-member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church, Muir, where she played the piano.
Mae will be remembered for her strong Christian faith. She could often be found reading her Bible. Mae enjoyed singing, playing the piano, crocheting, collecting dolls, and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Donald Lucas, 2013; two sisters, Lillian Zeager and Helen Nash; two brothers, Paul and Joseph Miller.
Mae is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.
Religious services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Viewing will be from 10-11. Mae will be laid to rest in the Methodist Cemetery, Muir.
Donations in Mae's memory can be made to the Pilgrim Holiness Church, 402 W Wiconisco St, Muir, PA 17957.
Born in Locustdale on August 11, 1945 he was the son of the late Eleanor (Burmeister) and William Schaffer.
Kenneth attended Ashland High School.
He was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland.
He worked for Tri-State Envelope for many years as a cutter until he retired.
In his free time he enjoyed drawing and having a good time. Kenneth always lived life to its fullest.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by; brother William Jr; brother Clarence; brother Lamar; brother Frank; sister Dorothy (Doll); sister Leah (Sis); sister Eleanor; sister Charlotte.
Kenneth is survived by daughter Jeri L. Dunkle (Mike), Valley View; son Franklin L. Schaffer (Tracy), Valley View; son Kenneth R. Schaffer Jr., Chicago IL; brother Wayne Schaffer (Margaret), Locustdale; brother Ron Schaffer (Dolly), NJ; 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 2nd at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. A visitation will be held prior to services from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Citizens Cemetery-Lavelle.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary A. Snyder, 80, former Tremont resident, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Tremont Nursing Center.
