Skook News Obituaries: March 15th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
---------------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, February 14, 1958, a son of the late Kenneth and Phyllis Miller Bloch. Daniel was a 1976 graduate of Tri-Valley High School. He graduated from Penn State University in 1980 with a Bachelor's degree in education.
He was a retired school teacher with the Upper Dauphin School District for over 30 years. Daniel had a strong passion for education and always went above and beyond for his students.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, and the Pennsylvania State Education's Association. Daniel always looked forward to the annual meetings with the retired teachers in Gettsyburg, where he served as secretary.
He will be remembered for his love of socializing, especially going out to eat with his family and friends. He could often be found at public sales, looking for antiques.
In addition to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by a sister, Holly Bloch.
Surviving are his two sisters, Rachel Bloch Koppenhaver and her husband David, Valley View, and Wendy Bloch Campbell, Orwigsburg; three nieces, Andrea Campbell Scarola and her husband Dan, Kara Koppenhaver Tucker and her husband Ross, and Kristen Koppenhaver Snyder and her husband Brock; a nephew, Alex Kenneth Campbell and his wife Casey; eight great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Isabella.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City with Pastor Suzanne Elliott officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 am at the chapel. Burial will be in the St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View.
In lieu of flowers donations in Daniel's name can be made to the Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.
--------------------------------------------------
John “Jack” Macknis, 83, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. He was born on November 22, 1940, in his Shenandoah home and was the son of the late John and Nellie (Kadlubowski) Macknis.
John was a proud United States Army veteran.
Returning after his tour of duty, he worked on highway construction and in later years he worked in custodial maintenance.
John was a former member of St. George Lithuanian Catholic Church and a graduate of St. George Parochial Elementary School. He was a 1958 graduate of J.W. Cooper High School.
John was an avid fan of Penn State football and the Philadelphia Phillies.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded by his sister Marie and her husband John McLaughlin, his sister Dorothy Guers, his baby great nephew Jimmy Schaffer, and a nephew James Schaffer. He was the last member of his immediate family.
Surviving John are his nephew Robert and wife Helene McLaughlin, his niece Marie Manbeck and her companion William Tomcavage, nephew John Guers and his wife Donna, niece Cindy (Guers) Schaffer widow of James Schaffer, niece Cheryl (Guers) Ambrose and her companion Clyde Fisher, his brother-in-law John Guers, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are handling the arrangements.
--------------------------------------------------
All services are private.
Interment will be in St. Kieran No. 2 Cemetery. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mathias R. “Tuck” Brickler, 68, of Andreas, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in his home. He was the husband of Susie (Miller) Brickler. They were married on April 25, 1998, and celebrated 25 years of marriage. He was last employed at Lehigh Valley International Airport as an air traffic controller.
--------------------------------------------------
Born in Northampton, he was the son of the late Mathias R. Sr. and Reeta (Yeanish) Brickler. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church, West Penn, the church building committee, and was instrumental in the church expansion project. Matt enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and the outdoors. He liked carpentry, working with his hands, racing cars, watching racing, flying airplanes, going for walks, and enjoying nature. The real joy in his life was his daughter Abby. He was very proud of all her accomplishments from her education, sports, and band. He lovingly adored his wife and daughter, who were both important parts of his life. Matt was a diehard Yankees fan. He was levelheaded, calm, intelligent, had a great sense of humor, and made the best out of everything that came his way.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Susie, and daughter, Abby, are two sisters, Laurie Bianco, of Richlandtown, and Rosina, wife of Larry Liggitt, of Summit Hill; and nieces and nephews.
Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 23, at St Peter’s Church, West Penn, 184 St. Peter’s Rd, Tamaqua, PA 18252 with Rev. Cliffert Herring and Pastor Greg Laible co-officiating. Call at the church Friday, March 22, from 6-8pm and Saturday, 10-11am.
Private interment in the church cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the church or the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, www.arizzofoundation.org/donate.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
--------------------------------------------------
Eileen T. Lipinsky, 88, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, March 14th at her niece's house surrounded by family.
Born in Norwegian Township on September 25, 1935, she was the daughter of Eleanor Takash.
Eileen was the widow of John F. Lipinsky.
She was employed as a seamstress by Ethel Maid, Schuylkill Haven.
Eileen was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She loved to shop and enjoyed feeding the stray cats that lived near her house.
Eileen is survived by sisters-in-law, Dolores Lipinsky of St. Clair and Val Lipinsky of Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also survived by her neighbors, Dale & Brenda who were not related to Eileen but considered family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 19th with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. A viewing period will be held from 9:15 AM until the time of Mass.
Interment will take place at 10 AM on Thursday, March 21st at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
--------------------------------------------------
George J. Purcell Jr., 95, of Pottsville, passed away on March 13, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg.
Born on April 17, 1928, he was the son of the late George J. Purcell Sr., and Catherine (Farrow) Purcell.
George served in the Army from 1945 to 1947. Upon leaving the Army, he worked as a welder for many different companies throughout the years.
In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Doris A. (McGugart) Purcell; brother, Vince Purcell; sisters, Margaret Doyle and Alice Close; and son-in-law, Gary Hemerly.
Surviving is son, George Purcell and wife Alice, Pottsville; daughter, Elizabeth Hemerly, Pottsville; grandchildren Gary Hemerly, Pottsville; Angela Purcell, Berwick; George Purcell, Schuylkill Haven; great grandchildren, Devon Michael Hemerly, Charlie Marie Louise Hemerly, Natalie Purcell, Connor Purcell, and Bella Purcell; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville.
--------------------------------------------------
Born in Orwin, July 16, 1933, a son of the late John and Merle Reiner Nelson. Chicker was a graduate of the former Porter Township High School.
In his younger years, he worked as a coal miner. He worked for many years as a welder mechanic with Bush Coal Company and retired from the maintenance department at ZEMCO.
He was a member of the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Orwin where he also attended the adult Sunday school.
Chicker's true passion was racing his modified race car. He was well known throughout the area as an accomplished driver, most of the time behind the wheel of car #409. In 2023 he was inducted into the Coal Region Racing Hall of Fame. When he could no longer race, he could always be found in the stands at Big Diamond Raceway.
He will be remembered for his famous Easter eggs, which he enjoyed sharing with everyone.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joan Weaver Nelson, 2015, a great grandson, Daniel Mack, a brother Harold, 3 sisters; Jane, Dorothy and Dolly.
Surviving are his five children, Susan Brown (Michael), Pine Grove, John Nelson, Pottsville, Homer "Rex" Nelson (Deb), Tower City, Jennifer Fox (James), Muir and Tony Nelson (Jamie), Muir. 10 Grandchildren, Eric, Brandy, Darrel, Kelly, Julia, Leo, Kim, Jody, Nicole and Melissa, numerous great grandchildren including, Emma, Ellie, Rachel, Mason and Mika. Nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy officiating. Viewing will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Private burial will be in the St. Peter's Cemetery, Orwin.
Memorial donations in his name can be made to St. Peters UCC, 427 Dietrich Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980.
--------------------------------------------------
Born in Pine Grove, October 10, 1925, a daughter of the late Stanley and Esther Mease Miller. Delphine was a 1943 graduate of Tremont High School.
She was an active member of the former First United Methodist Church, Tremont, and was currently a member of the Jolliet United Methodist Church.
Delphine loved to sing, especially in the church choir. She was an avid card player and belonged to the pinochle card club for over 50 years. She enjoyed line dancing in her younger years. Delphine was very dedicated to her family and will be remembered as being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother.
Delphine was preceded in death by her husband Joseph D. Zernhelt, 1987
Surviving are her three children, Jo Ann Drumheller and her husband Elmer, Tremont, John Zernhelt, Tremont, and Holly Zimmerman and her husband Kenneth, Mollystown; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandson.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City, with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-11 at the chapel. Delphine will be laid to rest in the German Reformed Cemetery, Tremont.
Memorial donations in her name can be made to the Joliett U.M. Church, c/o Shirley Yerges, 23 Joliett Street, Tremont, PA 17981.
--------------------------------------------------
