Skook News Obituaries: May 8th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Jonestown, Cass Township, PA on February 11, 1930, a son of the late Kathryn A. (Ritzel) Jenkins and David B. Jenkins, Jr.
He was a 1948 graduate of Cass Township High School, and was a self-employed land surveyor. Merlyn was a former member of the St. David’s Society, United Cerebral Palsy, Cressona Area Little League, and was active in local and regional music circles throughout his lifetime.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville.
Merlyn served from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War with the 8th Army, 4th API Company, stationed at Kimpo Air Base, South Korea.
Merlyn is survived by two daughters, Cynthia, wife of Charles Miller, of Myrtle Beach, SC; Jaymie, wife of Kevin Thomas, of Gettysburg; a son, Tory, husband of Louise Jenkins, of Schuylkill Haven; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren.
Merlyn is preceded in death by his sons Todd Jenkins and Timothy Jenkins, a daughter Trudy Jenkins and a brother Gordon R. Jenkins.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 16th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor John Wallace officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Merlyn’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 3550 S. Clark Street, Suite 203. Arlington, VA 22202 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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Born on October 15, 1950 in New Cumberland, he was a son of the late Franklin German and Naomi Zerbe Bretz and husband Ernest Bretz.
He was a 1968 graduate of Pine Grove High School and received two associates degrees in Welding and Math.
Franklin had been a Sgt in the Air Force.
Franklin worked as a Diesel Mechanic on Heavy Trucks for 30 years for the TTMA in Frystown, Penske, and Swift.
Preceding him in death were a son, Joseph Bretz; and two sisters, Lorna Mae Bretz, and Ona Renee Shartle.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years this year, Carol Gerberich Bretz; a son Franklin and wife Joelle Bretz of Pine Grove; a daughter Carrie and husband Tom Rimby of Bernville; four grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, and Zee (Rachel) Bretz, and Dylan Rimby; a brother, Melvin and wife Cathy Bretz of Hegins; two sisters, Zora and husband Wendell Fabian of Wexford, Cora and husband John Shenk of Pine Grove; nieces and nephews; and his dog Vicky.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with John Ries officiating. There will be a visitation on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Hetzel's Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr. Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in his memory.
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John was born in St. Clair on May 1, 1928, a son of the late Margaret (Carbe) and Anthony H. Stephen. He was the widower of Josephine E. (Brazenec) Stephen.
He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven..
John served in the United States Army during WW II and before retirement he was employed at Fort Indiantown Gap.
John is survived by his sister Teresa Reppy, widow of William. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Priscilla Faller, widow of Leo and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two Infant brothers, Daniel Anthony, Jr. and Vincent Stephen and his sisters Mary Orff and Christine DiNapoli Hall.
A Religious Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 15th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Inc. Schuylkill Haven with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pottsville Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson Street. Pottsville, PA 17901 or Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born on July 9, 1946, she was a daughter of the late Manuel and Dorothy (Feinauer) Gittleman. She was a 1964 graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School. She worked in various local businesses, including W.T. Grant, Pine Shirt, Walden Books and Sheetz.
She was a member of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville.
Dorothy is survived by three siblings, David Gittleman (spouse, Patricia), Pittsburgh, Mary Esther Glass (spouse, John), Mohnton, and Stephen Gittleman (spouse, Deborah), Orwigsburg; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Patrick Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville. There will be no calling hours. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Hillside. Dutcavich Funeral Home has charge.
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Born Friday, November 21, 1947 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of the late George B., and Mary M. (Hanlon) Woodward. George was also predeceased by; his infant daughters, Donna, and Diana; sister, Maryellen (Woodward) Jurick.
Surviving are; daughter, Kimberly A. Woodward of Tamaqua; sons, George B. Woodward, III and his wife Jennifer of Pottsville, Kyle J. Woodward and his companion Maya Kowalcyk of Jim Thorpe; sister, Carol Reigel, wife of Daniel of Tamaqua; grandchildren, Evan, Gavin, Tristan, Logan, Zoe, and Nora. Nieces and nephews also survive George.
A Tamaqua High School graduate, George served honorably in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War in the Military Police. George's tenure as a Tamaqua Police officer spanned 32 years, rising through the ranks earning the position as Criminal Investigator before serving as Police Chief for 5 years. In retirement George worked as a police officer for Walker, and Schuylkill Townships. An avid outdoorsman, George enjoyed hunting and fishing. George was a Knee-Hi football coach for the Eagles as his boys played youth football. He was a member of the Tamaqua American Legion, FOP, and Keystone Club in Tamaqua. An avid supporter of Tamaqua High School sports, George enjoyed following the Penn State Nittany Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles. Summers at the Bungalow, and long walks throughout the town holding Janice's hand were a daily routine for George. During his walks George continued to keep a watchful eye on the community he protected for many years, and would stop at Depot Park to give the community bell a ring. George was a member of St. John XXIII R.C.C.,
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Friends and the community can pay their respects from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
A Celebration of George's Life will be held on Tuesday evening May 14, 2024 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home with Military Honors bestowed.
Memorials in George's name to:
Kellner's Dam Association
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Sandra was born in Arnots Addition, PA on April 24, 1951, a daughter of Gladys Tipping and the late Laurance Bennett.
She graduated from North Schuylkill High School, Class of 1969.
Sandra was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved cutting hair, owner of her own beauty salon since 1999, and never stopped. She was an avid quilter and had made friends all across the country through varioius quilting groups. She enjoyed shooting pool and was an Elvis Presley superfan.
She was the wife of Andrew Gera.
Sandra is also survived by two daughters, Lucinda Gera, of Georgia; Jennifer Gera, of Texas. two sons Rick, husband of Kim Bennett, of Shenandoah; Andrew Gera III., of Grapevine, Texas; two brothers, Larry, husband of Lisa Bennett, of Frackville; Ralph Clocker, of Frackville;
She is also survived by Hailey Bennett., Granddaughter. Allyson Bennett., Neice. Larry Bennett III. Nephew, and Late Scott Bennett., Nephew.
Interment private at convenience of the Family.
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.
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