Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Schuylkill County Obituaries for June 5th, 2024

                                                                                                                                                                              

Skook News Obituaries: June 5th, 2024

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Jane “Janie” Killian
, 57, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Monday, June 3rd, at her home.

Janie was born in Barnesville, PA on May 9, 1967, a daughter of the late Jean (Holman) and William Stoyer.

She graduated from Mahanoy Area High School class of 1985.

Janie was a member of Christ Lutheran Church Mahanoy City.

She was wife of the late James Killian.

Janie is survived by a daughter, Lauren Lorent and her fiancee Dane Zimmerman, of Barnesville. She is also survived by a sister, Judy Veghte wife of James, of Ringtown. Three brothers, John Dubuc husband of Jodi, of Barnesville; Curtis Stoyer husband of Denise, of Frackville; William Stoyer husband of Erica, of Barnesville;

She is also survived by 2 Grandchildren Owen and Oliver Zimmerman. Nieces and nephews.

Janie is preceded in death by a sister Jill Dubuc and her nephew Jed Dubuc

Services will be private at the 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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Edward A. Marx, 58, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at his residence after a courageous fight with cancer, with his love and lifetime companion, Jacqueline Roshannon and their daughter, Rachel Marx by his side.

Born in Pottsville on September 8, 1965, he was the youngest son of the late Charles D. Marx and Theresa (Visgarda) Marx.

Ed enjoyed riding his Harley, kayaking, fishing, gardening, miscellaneous projects around the house and long walk with his furbabies J.D. and Angus. He was always there to help out friends and family. He was last employed by Hydro in Cressona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Bonnie L. Marx and Sandra A. Marx, and by his furbabies, J.D. (Jack Daniels) and Angus.

Ed is survived by his love and lifetime companion, Jacqueline Roshannon, daughter Rachel Marx, sisters Donna McGrath of Longview TX and Rose, wife of Donald Adams of Pottsville.

He is also survived by brothers Charles Marx, Michael Marx and his wife Debbie, and Richard and his wife Sherri, all of Pottsville and Andrew Marx of Tamaqua, along with Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home of Pottsville is assisting Ed's family during their time of need, and his family will honor him during a celebration of life ceremony in the near future.

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Jack L. Bensinger Sr.
passed away on his birthday, June 3, 2024. He was a proud farmer, owner of Jacks Spot and lifelong resident of Pitman. He was a graduate of Tri-Valley High School.

He is survived by his three children, Ruth and Dan Audet, Jack Bensinger Jr. and Susan Bensinger; three grandchildren, Sara and Joshua Herring, Katie Wenrich and JR (Wayne) and Kendra Wenrich; three great grandsons Hunter, Oliver and Jack as well as a bonus great granddaughter, Karsyn; a nephew Glen and Alice Bensinger and nieces Joan and Henry Conrad, Carol and David Herb and Brenda and Rick Knorr.

He was preceded in death by parents Sara and Raymond Bensinger and brothers Ernest and Robert and business partner Anita Shissler.

Dad lived every day to the fullest. He loved being surrounded by people and no one was a stranger. Notorious for making everyone feel welcomed and adding the fun and laughter to a gathering making him a successful bar owner. He was born on the generational family farm which he continued to lovingly care for his entire life. He passed his love of farming to his daughters, although we call it gardening, which always made Dad laugh. He was an avid hunter and, of course, pigeons were a passion. Most nights he could be heard saying, "How about three quick ones," which of course was followed by "whiskey" while enjoying the companionship of his fellow Euchre players.

Jack will be missed by many but no one more than his children.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

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Gaylene Kym Ebling, 55, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday.

Gaylene was born in Pottsville on August 31, 1968.

She was the daughter of Glenda Loy Ebling and the late James Ebling.

Gaylene was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School in 1986.

Gaylene loved her pets and had several cats throughout her life and even kept numerous de-scented pet skunks.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Thomas Murphy.

Gaylene is survived by her mother Glenda along with her long-time companion David G. Evely. She is also survived by siblings, Brenda Phillips wife of Greg of Auburn, Robert Ebling of Schuylkill Haven, Robyn Murphy of Williamsport, and Pamela Hudock wife of Gary of Schuylkill Haven. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Larry Laine officiating. The interment will be held at Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Gaylene’s memory to The Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050.

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James F. Arant
, 71, of Shenandoah, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Lehigh Valley Medical Center – Cedar Crest in Allentown.

Born in Shenandoah on March 27, 1953, he was the son of the late Francis and Mary (Andrefsky) Arant.

Jim was a 1970 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School in Shenandoah. Jim worked as a concrete construction worker for many years. Outside of his job, he was an all-around handyman. Jim enjoyed going boating and crabbing.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded by his brother Frank.

He is survived by his wife and caregiver of 45 years, Janet (Vernusky) Arant, his brother Paul Arant of Wilkes Barre, his sister Alida Melusky with her husband Jerry of Beaver Meadows, along with nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 10th from 8:30 to 10:00am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Scripture services will be conducted at 10:00am at the funeral home. The burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the SPCA.

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Louis Cugusi
, 91, of Mahanoy City passed away Monday, June 3rd, at his residence.


Lou was born in Shenandoah on October 10, 1932 and was a son of the late Salvatore and Mary (Colosimo) Cugusi.

He was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City.

Lou attended the local schools and graduated from Shenandoah High School Class of 1950.

After graduation he was drafted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War.

Lou worked for 34 years at Mack Trucks in Allentown and had his own business Lou’s Auto Body in Mahanoy City for many years.

He was a member of the American Legion in Frackville.

Lou was a true gentleman and an extremely humble man. He was always lending a helping hand and was affectionately known as "Sweet Lou" by many of his sons' close friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who loved him so much and called him "Poppi".

He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Litchko) Cugusi who passed away in 1996. They were married 33 years at the time of her passing. He was preceded in death by brothers; Dominick Cugusi, Carmen Cugusi, Jack Cugusi; sisters Angeline Tite, Mary Hogan, Antoinette Opella, Jean Benashunas, and Carmella Cugusi. He was also preceded by his companion Patricia Nolan.

Lou is survived by; a daughter Cheryl wife of Richard Wronski of Barnesville; a son Paul companion of Sara Fletcher of Tresckow He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren; Valerie Wronski, Rickie Wronski, Isabella Cugusi, and Giovanni Cugusi; 2 Great-Grandchildren; Nikolai Richardson, and Lorelei Richardson; 2 sisters; Anna Gottstine of Shenandoah; Isabel Fornito of Waterbury, CT.; a brother Joseph Cugusi of Frackville; numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call Friday, June 7th from 6 to 8 PM and Saturday at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., and June 8th from 9 to 10 AM at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City at 10 AM on Saturday, June 8th with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating. Burial will be in Saint Casimir Cemetery near Mahanoy City.

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Diane F. Polityka
, age 76, of Sunbury, formerly of Mahanoy City, died Monday at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. 

Born in Pattersonville she was the daughter of the late Francis and Getha Houser. She attended area school and had been employed by City Shirt Factory. She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Sunbury and the Moose Lodge and American Legion Post also of Sunbury. She was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State fan, enjoyed karaoke and traveling with family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband Charles S. "Doc" Watson and her second husband John Polityka as well as several brothers and sisters. 

She is survived by her daughter Rhonda Wynn and her husband Mark of Sunbury and two siblings Marcella and Emerald as well as nieces and nephews and her parrot Buddy. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral on Monday at 11 AM from David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City. The Rev. Fred T. Crawford will officiate. 

 Interment will follow at Sky View Memorial Park in Hometown, Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday morning beginning at 9:30 AM.

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Barbara A. “Caz” Polatz
, 83, of Port Carbon, passed away on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest.

Born in Minersville, she was the daughter of Daniel and Ida (Barbacovi) Casari. She was a 1959 graduate of Minersville Area High School. While living in New Jersey, she worked in the Medical Records Department of Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, NJ. Upon returning to Schuylkill County, she worked for a time at the Independence Plant of H.L. Miller in Schuylkill Haven. However, her longest career tenure was with Boscov's in the Fairlane Village Mall, where for many years she helped customers in the Ladies Coats & Dresses Department.

She enjoyed reading, traveling, and watching the antics of songbirds from her patio. She faithfully followed the Olympics, often staying awake to watch the Games as they aired live in the early morning hours.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, John Polatz.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Maxine Mead (partner, Isaias O’Daniell), Pasadena, Maryland, and Michele Polatz, Port Carbon; three grandchildren, Tyler Moran (spouse, Kristen), Marcayla Lutzkanin and Morgan Lutzkanin; and a great grandson, Turner Moran. She is also survived by her life partner, Ralph Forte, Saint Clair.

The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Saturday, June 15, from 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society.

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Robert H. May, Sr.
, 77, of Ashland, passed away in the early hours of June 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of his wife and family.

Bob loved playing bingo, hunting, woodworking, bowling, and most of all, his family. He was a two-tour Vietnam Navy Veteran. He worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as a pipe fitter for 17 years and finished his career at the New London Sub Base before retiring in 2004 after over 27 years of government service.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Grace (Bowen). Bob and Grace loved to travel with their camper, and their favorite spots were Gettysburg Battlefield Resort and Florida. He is also survived by his three children: his son Robert May, Jr. and his wife Jacqueline, his daughter Marybeth and her husband Jeff Piazza, and his son Vincent May and his wife Hana. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Austin, Rebecca, Hannah, Maya, and Luna, who lovingly called him PopPop. He also leaves behind two siblings, Margaret Conner and James May, and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Fetterman) May, and his sisters Mary and Jane, who are survived by their husbands, James Houser and James Fetterolf, respectively. Bob was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Bob's Life on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 12 Noon, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Dean Luther, Pastor. A viewing will begin at 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Internment with military honors will follow in Christ Church Cemetery, Fountain Springs. The family requests that memorials be made to Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St., Ashland, PA, 17921.

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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.