Skook News Obituaries: August 5th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Steve is survived by the love of his life, wife, and dance partner of 55 years, Cheryl Ann (Boris) Bobiak, his son Stephen H. Bobiak III; his daughter Jessica Dean and her husband Kris, Lake Wynonah; grandchildren Kasey, Jason and Jack Dean; brother Robert Bobiak, Deland, Florida, brother-in-law Michael Boris and his wife Mary Lou, Clarksville, Maryland, many nieces, nephews, golfing, fishing and card-playing buddies.
Steve spent time living across the Commonwealth in places such as Philadelphia, Williamsport, Schuylkill Haven, and Bloomsburg. Through his formative years, and most of his adult life, Steve resided in his hometown of Frackville, PA where he served on Borough Council and was a member of the BPOE 1533. A 1964 graduate of Frackville High School, Steve was the Scholar Athlete, excelling in the classroom as well as on the football field, basketball court, and baseball diamond. As a highly recruited quarterback, Steve had scholarship offers to play football at many Division I Universities throughout the country as well as a handful of basketball opportunities. “Golden Arm” initially chose to continue his academic and football career at Rutgers University before transferring and graduating from Temple University as a member of their baseball pitching lineup where he played for legendary coach Skip Wilson. As a decorated athlete, Steve was named to the Jerry Wolman Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Following in his father’s footsteps as a teacher and coach, in 1970 Steve packed up his bride and son and moved to Williamsport to begin his career as an educator. It wasn’t long before his gift of gab, charming personality, and joke telling ability led him to a career in insurance sales. After several years selling insurance part time, he eventually left the public school system and worked full time as a broker for varying agencies before starting his own business in 1986. Steve sold his Frackville business, Goal Line Financial, in 2021. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Florida fishing and visiting with his brother, Bob.
Steve had a passion for many things in life including fishing, hunting, golf, Yankees Baseball, Browns Football, Fox News, oldies music, and watching sporting events, not necessarily in that order. If he wasn’t fishing in the Lehigh or Delaware Rivers with a fly rod, in his bass boat on Lower Lake Beverly in Canada, he could be found on one of the many golf courses in the area. He loved teaching these skills and passing on his knowledge to anyone that would listen. He was a fierce competitor, whether it was darts, billiards, or a game of backyard bocci ball with the family, he did not like to lose. His proudest moments came from watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. He was known to breakdown film and offer unsolicited advice on a regular basis. Once a coach, always a coach.
He will be missed dearly by those who loved him, and to honor his memory, we ask that you tell someone a joke. Bonus points if it is a long-winded tale that leads the listener through a seemingly endless series of events, often culminating in an anticlimactic punchline.
Divine Liturgy will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, August 8th, at St. John the Baptist, Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1408 Main Street, Maizeville, PA. Family and friends are invited to his visitation at the church on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve’s name to the Spartan Games for Students with Special Needs. Please make check payable to the North Schuylkill Activity Fund and mailed to North Schuylkill High School at 15 Academy Lane, Ashland, PA 17921.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Cressona on December 31, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Marion (Messer) and Harry Miller.
Charlotte was the widow of Harry Freudenberger who served with the Army Engineers of the Army Lieutenants. In 1952, they purchased their first home in Wyomissing, PA.
After graduating from Cressona High School, Charlotte was employed for Bell Telephone from 1944 to 1951. She started her career as a phone operator in Schuylkill Haven before being transferred to Reading, PA, where she sustained her role with the company. In 1952, she worked for Dr. Houck before joining Boscov's, where she spent 29½ years in the telecommunication department. During her tenure, she advanced to the position of Director of Communications, overseeing all installation setups for the company.
She was a member of Bethany Christian Fellowship Church in Cressona.
Charlotte is survived by her niece and caretaker of four years, Deborah Gauker of Pottsville; her nephew, Dale Freudenberger of Tamaqua; and her God child, Cindy, wife of Mike Denver. She is also survived by her closest family that spent everyday with her, Dennis Gauker, husband of Amanda, and their children: Dallas and Violet; Troy Gauker, husband of Carol; Trish Gauker; her dear friends, Barbara & Matt Miller and their daughter, Alex.
In addition to her husband and parents, Charlotte is preceded in death by her half sister, Karen Ulsh and dog, Sir Timmy.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 17th at Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Cressona with Rev. Dennis Snyder officiating.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Bethany Christian Fellowship Church 102 Front Street Cressona, PA 17929.
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Born in Forestville on June 6, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Vladimir and Anna (Bobrick) Charowsky. During her high school years at Minersville High she enjoyed cheerleading and sang regularly on a local radio show. After graduation she trained then worked as a medical lab technician at the hospital of the Univ. of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Cecelia married Paul James Caulfield of Pottsville in October of 1961.
Throughout her life Cecelia maintained a deep Catholic faith and generously supported many charities with financial and volunteer contributions. In midlife Cecelia became a successful certified massage therapist. Living near Harper's Ferry West Virginia, she developed a keen interest in studying Civil War history. Cecelia loved animals and was a "mom" to several rescue dogs and cats over the years.
In addition to her parents, Cecelia was preceded in death by Paul, her husband of 42 years as well as siblings Virginia Hoover and Walter Charowsky. She is survived by two daughters who loved her very much; Jacqueline Caulfield, RN, of British Columbia, Canada and Dr. Ann Caulfield, of Phoenixville, PA; two amazing grandchildren, John and Gwyneth and her first great grandchild expected in November; sister Patricia Sharockman, of VA and brothers, Myron (Minersville) and Charles (NC) Charowsky; ten nieces and nephews and Maggie her beloved 4-legged companion.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9th, at 11 am at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville with Father Hubert officiating.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Cecelia's memory be sent to: St. Patrick R.C.C, Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, Pa 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Shenandoah on July 15, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Felix and Alberta (Subach) Bogdonanwicz. She worked in the local garment industry and was retired, having last worked as a phlebotomist for the former Ashland State Hospital and the office of Dr. John Karlavage.
Carol was of the Catholic faith and loved gardening. She was an avid bowler who participated in many leagues at the former Holiday Lanes bowling alley. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband, Mario C. Curreli, Sr., in 1984, along with two brothers, John and Donald Bogdonanwicz.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Carla J., wife of Rodney Knittle of Shenandoah Heights, and Mario C. Curreli, Jr., and his wife Kim of Ringtown. Two grandchildren, Rinatta, wife of Adam Hepler of Kulpmont and Rodney C. Knittle, Jr. of Gilberton, along with two great-grand children, Rodney C. Knittle, III and Jett Hepler.
Two sisters, Christine, wife of John Petrovich of Ringtown, and Lori Bertsch of St. Clair and one brother, Richard Bogdonanwicz and his wife Nancy of Indiana, also survive as do nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Private services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. The Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah, has charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Valley View, December 14, 1939, a son of the late Harvey and Mildred Morgan Kroh.
Bob was a truck driver most of his life, retiring from the former Mansonwear Factory, Muir.
He was a member St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove, and also belonged to the Tower City Loyal Order of the Moose.
Bob's life revolved around his family. They were the center of his world. He enjoyed camping at Lickdale, traveling, and listening to country music, especially George Jones. He was happiest when he was out and about driving in his truck.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Michelle Kroh; sisters, Marie Poletti, Eleanor Bixler, and Lorraine Barder; brothers, Mark, Clervin, Andy, John, and Mervin Kroh.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Shirley C. Bender Kroh; a son, Steven Kroh, Pine Grove; a daughter, Lisa Suprock (Robert), Newtown; five grandchildren, Tiffany Gilbert (David), Amber, Sleva (fiancee Danielle Gold), Eric Kroh (Kerri), Keisha Hummel (Ryan), and Keara Hess (Alex); step grandson, Bob; six great grandchildren, Hannah, Madison, Lulu, Parker, Jace and Cian; step great granddaughter, Val; numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City, with Pastor Brian Beissel officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the chapel.
Memorial donations in Bob's name can be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 312 S. Tulpehocken Street, Pine Grove, PA 17963.
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Born in Coaldale, Lon was the son of Verla (Titus) Craigle of Rush Township and the late Robert Craigle. A 1973 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, he served honorably in the Navy and was the Division Master of Arms for his unit. Lon worked as a baker at Strohman’s Bakery until his retirement in 2005. He was an accomplished fisherman who appeared in PA Outdoor Life catching one of the biggest muskellunges ever caught in Pennsylvania. Lon excelled in sports having set a shot-put record at Tamaqua Area High School in the 1970’s. He will also be recognized in September, along with his teammates, by the Tamaqua Hall of Fame for the 1972 football State Championship. Lon will be remembered for his love of animals and nature, but most especially for his love of fishing.
He is survived by sons, Eric and his wife Sharon Craigle of Tamaqua, and Robert and wife Rosewill Craigle of Nesquehoning; a brother John and his wife Ruth Craigle of Nesquehoning; and grandchildren Exzavier, Rexton, Zaccariah, and Payton.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Tamaqua Area Football Program. Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Carl was born in Shenandoah, a son of the late Jerome and Arlene (Kazmetski) Stauffer.
He was a graduate of the Hazleton high school, and worked in the local manufacturing industry, retiring from Ashland Foundry and Machine Works.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Ringtown. An avid hunter, Carl was also a member of the Shenandoah Fish and Game Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Foose.
Carl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda (Hinkle) Stauffer, and by their children, Justin Stauffer, and his fiancee Ashley Smluk of Shenandoah Heights and Brittany Stauffer, and her fiancee James Lommerin of New Ringgold. Four grandchildren, Jaylynn, Davina, Logan and Beau survive, along with his siblings, Jerome Stauffer, Jr. and his wife Nancy, Fred Stauffer and his wife Lori, all of Zion Grove; Charlene Weinfurter, Oklahoma; Linda Karenda, Shenandoah; Susan Stank, Mahanoy City; and Florence Woodard, Catawissa. He is also survive by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service officiated by Rev. Craig Zimmerman on Wednesday evening, August 7th, at 8 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. A viewing will be held from 6 PM until the time of the service.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
