Skook News Obituaries: May 24th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born February8, 1942, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Marion C. (Welker) and Charles J. Malarkey of Girardville.
He was of the Catholic faith.
Dennis graduated from Girardville High School in 1959 and also attended Penn State University, where he earned an associate degree in engineering in 1962. He was very proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps reserve.
He was the husband of Carol A. (Dixon) Malarkey.
Dennis was involved in the local community, especially in the area of youth sports, serving as a coach for both Ashland Little League and Ashland Youth Football, as well as in leadership positions for Immaculate Heart CYO and the “Men of Brennan” booster club for Cardinal Brennan football. He later also served on the Butler Township board of supervisors, and was a long-time member of the Gordon Rifle & Pistol Club and the Coal Cracker Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Dennis was known as an enthusiastic hunter and outdoorsman, making regular hunting trips with his friends and exploring our national parks with his wife. His legacy as a husband, father and friend will be cherished by his family and everyone who knew him.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Carol Malarkey, Smyrna, Delaware; two sons, William and his wife, Helena, of Berwyn and Thomas and his wife, Shelley, of Frackville; three grandsons, Maximilian, Michael and Matthew Malarkey; and two granddaughters, Megan and Melissa Malarkey. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Marlene, and his brother, William J. Malarkey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 31st in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with visitation at the church from 9-11 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dennis’s memory to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born Monday, September 18, 1933 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. the daughter of the late Calvin, and Edith (Yeck) Steigerwalt. Rita was also predeceased by; husband, Chester Yasinsky in 1970; daughter, Stacie Louise Chapman; sisters, Dorothy Yeakel, and Catherine Flounders.
A Lehighton High School graduate, Rita worked for the FBI in Washington D.C., out of High School. Rita returned to her families homestead in Andreas, and became the Postmaster of the Andreas Post Office, holding that position for over 30 years. Widowed at a young age, Rita devoted her entire life to raising her children, providing a loving home, and being a terrific Nan. Rita was a faithful member of St. Peter & Paul R.C.C. of Lehighton. In her spare time Rita enjoyed gardening.
Surviving are; son Doug Yasinsky her caregiver; grandchildren, Phillip Yasinsky, Sadie Serra ; great grandchild, Olivia Yasinsky. Many nieces and nephews also survive Rita.
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 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday May 30, 2024 at 10 o'clock A.M. from St. Peter & Paul R.C.C. 260 North Third Street Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235. Msgr. Vincent York to officiate.
Interment will be in St. Peter & Paul R.C.C. Cemetery Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in her name to:
Tamaqua / Carbon American Cancer Society
33 West Ridge street
Lansford, Pennsylvania 18232
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Born in Schuylkill Haven on September 24, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Guy & Ella (Dietrich) Douglas.
She was the widow of Robert John Hoy, with whom she shared a beautiful life and had three children. Despite being a younger widow, MaryElla often shared cherished memories of her late husband. Later in life, she reconnected with her grade school friend Floyd Brown in her 90s, and together they shared many adventures and laughs until his passing.
MaryElla graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1941. She had a deep love for education and took great joy and pride in the educational achievements of her children and grandchildren. She truly loved learning.
She was a devoted member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Summer Hill in Auburn. For 49 years, Mary Ella served as a church organist at several different churches, a role she cherished deeply. This was one of her life's most prized accomplishments and passions, bringing her immense joy and pride. Additionally, she sang in the Schuylkill County Community Chorus for 29 years. MaryElla's love for music was a significant aspect of her life. Until her final moments, she found joy in her cherished records and soundtracks, playing them on repeat. She took immense pride in her role as an organist, and to know MaryElla was to understand her profound passion for music.
MaryElla loved sharing stories of her worldly travels and often reflected on those fond memories. She was always ready for a game of 500 rummy or to tackle a crossword puzzle. One of her favorite artists was Elvis Presley, and she could frequently be heard singing 'Love Me Tender.' She always aspired to celebrate her 100th birthday, which she joyfully did this past September, surrounded by many loving friends and family. To make the occasion even more special, her caring in-home nurses arranged for “Elvis Presley” to make a surprise appearance.
MaryElla was employed by several local factories, as well as the Redco Group and the Arts and Ethnic Center at the Yuengling Mansion. She continued to work late into her life, not retiring until she was nearly 80 years old.
In addition to her parents and husband, MaryElla was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Hoy; her half-sister, Doris Hikes; and her grandson-in-law, Kim Wolfe. MaryElla's mother passed away during childbirth, and she often spoke of looking forward to meeting her mother one day when she passed on. (In her passing, we hope she is smiling down on us, joyfully reunited with her mother after 100 years.)
She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne, wife of Frank Koperna, of Schuylkill Haven; a son, William Hoy, of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren: Justine (Snipps) Reber and Husband Mike Reber, Francine Wolfe, Robert Koperna and Wife Norma Silver, Bradley Hoy and Wife April Hoy, Ryan Hoy, Caitlen Ambrose and Husband Nate Ambrose, great-grandchildren: Diona Sterner and Husband Wade Sterner, Justin Clauser and Wife Kelly Clauser, Dylan and partner Rylee Worthy, Jenna Reber, Rachael Wolfe and Partner Alex Nguyen, Alison Wolfe, Alexis Koperna, Brett Koperna, and Anthony Koperna, Johnathan Hoy, and Samantha Hoy, great-great-grandchildren, Ella Sterner, Kiyah Clauser, Jett Clauser, Macie Sterner, and Ezra Elliott; and several nieces & nephews.
MaryElla was affectionately known as Grandma not only to her own family but also to so many friends who loved her dearly. She shared countless laughs, holidays, and special moments with both her family and her chosen family. She felt incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such love.
Special thanks to the CompassUs girls who provided exceptional care for MaryElla. They quickly became like family to her, and we are forever indebted for their unwavering support.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 29th St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Summer Hill, Auburn with Pastor Kenneth McDowell officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Pine Grove.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to St. Pauls United Church of Christ of Summer Hill, 1235 Summer Hill Road Auburn, PA 17922.
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Kenneth L. Miller, 65, of Lykens, passed away Thursday night, May 23, 2024 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville with his family by his side.
Born in Pine Grove, April 11, 1959, a son of the late Eugene and Faith Zimmerman Miller.
Ken was a truck driver for over 40 years, currently driving for Wegmans.
He was very mechanically inclined and could often be found working on cars and trucks.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leroy and Winston Miller.
Surviving are his wife Lori A. Snyder Miller; one son, Andrew E. Miller and his wife Pamela, Hometown; two sisters, Hope King and her husband Steven, Hamburg, and Louise Miller, Hamburg; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel. Ken will be laid to rest in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville.
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James Tragus, 75, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at his home.
He was born in Shenandoah on November 10, 1948. James was a 1968 J.W. Cooper High School graduate. He worked many years as a machinist for Goyne’s in Ashland. Outside of work, he enjoyed watching westerns, sci-fi shows and movies – especially Star Trek, and liked to have a few ice-cold Rolling Rocks.
Besides his parents, James was preceded by his wife Charlotte Litwaitis, his daughter – Gina Tragus, and 2 sons – Christopher and James Tragus.
He is survived by his granddaughter Serena Tragus and her wife Lola. He was affectionately known as “Granpa” to all.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 28th from 9 to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Burial will immediately follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
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He was born July 30th 1963 to the late Margaret (Pruitt) and Thomas Copeland Sr. He was a 1982 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. He was last employed by SAPA in Cressona. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mahanoy City.
Brian is survived by his wife Stephanie, his 3 children Nicole Murray and her partner Mike Carey, Auburn, Michelle Copeland, Schuylkill Haven, and son Brian and his wife Cheyenne Copeland, Pottsville . His granddaughter Addison Carey and soon to arrive grandson Little Cope.
He is also survived by his step-children Asha and Jimmie Hein and grandchildren Eva Hein and Emma Williams. He is survived by his siblings Peg Tiboni, Thomas Copeland, and Barbara Getz. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
All are invited to attend a Visitation Tuesday, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Mahanoy City. 410 East Mahanoy Street. Pastor Bob Schrepple officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to the family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc, Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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