Skook News Obituaries: October 18th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Philadelphia, December 13, 1950, she was a daughter of the late John J. and Barbara (Kenny) Schmidt.
She had worked as a secretary at Offray and Sons, Frakcville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister Mary Carson-Welch
Surviving are a son Edward A. Koropchak of St. Clair; grandson Edward A. Koropchak Jr. granddaughter Kayleigh Koropchak; sister Barbara A. Fox of Port Carbon; brother John J. Schmidt Jr.and his wife Fay; Edward Schmidt both of Lake Wynonah; Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Monday October 21, 2024 from St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 10th & Mahantongo St. Pottsville, PA 17901. The Rev. Kevin Bobbin will be officiating. Friends may call from 9:00-10:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA Po Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901 Burial will be in St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Frackville.
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Catherine “Penny” Ruddy, 77, of Llewellyn passed away peacefully Sunday October 13, 2024 after a swift, ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Pottsville she was a daughter of the late John and Emma (Bair) Ruddy. Penny was often seen shopping for the best deals in the county with her sister, Joanne, but her greatest joy was spending time with and spoiling her grandnephew and nieces.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her niece April Witmer.
She is Survived by her sister Joanne Hendricks, Llewellyn; Nephew Tom Hendricks and his wife Rikki; Grandnephew and Nieces Brandon Witmer, Isabella and Penelope Henricks; Brother John Ruddy and his wife Judy, and their family.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Thursday October 17, 2024 at Dutcavich Funeral Home 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:00-10:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Llewellyn Cemetery. May Penny, April and Emma be together again at last.
Born in Pottsville she was a daughter of the late John and Emma (Bair) Ruddy. Penny was often seen shopping for the best deals in the county with her sister, Joanne, but her greatest joy was spending time with and spoiling her grandnephew and nieces.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her niece April Witmer.
She is Survived by her sister Joanne Hendricks, Llewellyn; Nephew Tom Hendricks and his wife Rikki; Grandnephew and Nieces Brandon Witmer, Isabella and Penelope Henricks; Brother John Ruddy and his wife Judy, and their family.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Thursday October 17, 2024 at Dutcavich Funeral Home 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:00-10:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Llewellyn Cemetery. May Penny, April and Emma be together again at last.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on May 22, 1965, he was the son of the late Harold Robert Curtier and Jenet Lee (Knowles) Curtier who survives him in Pottsville. Barry was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Class of 1983 and then later attended Penn State University. He worked as an Operations Supervisor at Norsk Hydro Extruded Solutions in Cressona for over 35 years. Barry was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pottsville. He enjoyed his family, vacationing (especially at places with a beach), and took great joy and pride in helping/supporting others.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by sons: Anthony J. Curtier, and Rodney J. Curtier; a daughter Sundeena Curtier, a brother Russ Curtier, sister Nancy Curtier; as well as other family and loved ones.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 10:30AM on Tuesday, October 22nd, with Rev. John Wallace officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00PM and Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in the Charles Baber Cemetery in Pottsville.
Margaret Rose Keim Shamus, 84, entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Margaret was born in Pottsville, PA and graduated with honors from Nativity Blessed Mother High School in 1958, where she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper “Skylines” and yearbook “Ave Maria.” She was also the winner of the N.E.P.H. essay contest sponsored by the St. Pius X society. She attended St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Reading, PA and graduated in 1961 with honors as a registered nurse. She moved to Linden, NJ in 1962. She was a homemaker until 1986 and was employed as a home health care aide at Patient Care in Westfield and as a caregiver at the Employees Center for Young Children in Rahway until she retired in 2000.
Margaret was the loving daughter of the late Christine M. and Edward J. Keim. She was the loving wife to the late Ronald J. Shamus, who passed away in 1991, loving mother to Ronald Shamus and his wife Tricia, Thomas Shamus and his wife Darleen, Janice Gwaldis and her husband John, cherished grandmother to Alicia Eroh and her husband Tim, Tim Shamus, Jimmy Shamus, Ronnie Shamus, Jonathan, and Julia Gwaldis.
She loved and cherished her family and friends to whom she devoted her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the Leonard-Lee Funeral Home, 301 E. Blancke Street, Linden, NJ on Monday, October 21, from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus on Tuesday, October 22 at 11am. Cremation will be private. Interment will be at a later date at St. Casimir Cemetery, Port Carbon, PA.
In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to McAuley Hall Healthcare Center, 1633 US-22, Watchung, NJ.
Ways to Give - McAuley Hall Health Care Center
James Joseph Kristoff, Sr., 85 years of age, of Barnesville, Pennsylvania passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at home.
Born Sunday, August 27, 1939 in Mary-D, the son of the late Joseph T Kristoff, Sr., and Helen (Thomas) Kristoff. Jim was also predeceased by; his wife of 59 years, ,Rosemary (Sepos) Kristoff; son, Michael A. Kristoff; sisters, Edna Falls, Jeanette Vilcheck; brothers, Robert and Joseph Kristoff.
Surviving is his son, James J. Kristoff, Jr. and his wife Diane Loveland, CO.
A Tamaqua High School graduate, Jim had owned Renegade Coal Co. in Tuscarora, and was a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years. An outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and the companionship of his cats.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Edward (Poppy) Houser, 84, of Frackville, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Shenandoah on December 16, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward and Evelyn (Derr) Houser.
Edward was known as a hard worker. He worked many years for Hart Farms in Ringtown, then as a machine operator for St. Jude Polymer in Frackville for 17 years until his retirement. Outside of work, he loved taking scenic rides through Ringtown and Brandonville, playing the treasure hunt, watching polkas, and had an affinity for horses.
His wife Jeanne passed away in 2003.
The surviving family includes his son- Edward (Allison) Houser of Shenandoah, his daughters- Debbie Burke of Mount Carmel, Lisa Kalinowski (Frank) of Ringtown, Donna Lopez (Howard) of Frackville, and Gloria Bloschichak (Stephen) of Frackville. Also surviving are his sister, Betty Berthold of Brandonville, along with his grandchildren- Joshua, Kelly, Beth, Shawn, Tara, Jordan, Amanda, Brianna, and Stephen, and his great-grandchildren- Kyson, Cecelia, James, Laken, Hudson, Abel, and Lincoln.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
The Oravitz Home for Funeral Inc, of Shenandoah are entrusted with handling the arrangements.
Kathryn J. "Kay" Shaw, 101 of Pottsville, died Thursday at Schuylkill Center.
She was born June 26, 1923, in Pottsville a daughter of the late John and Margie Johnson Shaw.
She was a 1942 graduate of Pottsville High School.
Kay worked for the Pottsville Republican prior to retiring in 1985.
Kay was the oldest member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville where she was part of Social Ministry, Prayer group and volunteered at the blood drive.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Elmer Shaw, Rhoda Usewicz, Joan Eberhardt, and Mary Murton.
Surviving are her nephew Bill Murton and his wife Pat; Charleston, SC; and dear friend, Kathy Bowden, Pottsville; nieces and nephews
Funeral Service will be held Saturday Oct 26 at 11AM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 10AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Kay be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 300 W. Arch St. Pottsville, PA 17901.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Margaret Rose Keim Shamus, 84, entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Margaret was born in Pottsville, PA and graduated with honors from Nativity Blessed Mother High School in 1958, where she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper “Skylines” and yearbook “Ave Maria.” She was also the winner of the N.E.P.H. essay contest sponsored by the St. Pius X society. She attended St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Reading, PA and graduated in 1961 with honors as a registered nurse. She moved to Linden, NJ in 1962. She was a homemaker until 1986 and was employed as a home health care aide at Patient Care in Westfield and as a caregiver at the Employees Center for Young Children in Rahway until she retired in 2000.
Margaret was the loving daughter of the late Christine M. and Edward J. Keim. She was the loving wife to the late Ronald J. Shamus, who passed away in 1991, loving mother to Ronald Shamus and his wife Tricia, Thomas Shamus and his wife Darleen, Janice Gwaldis and her husband John, cherished grandmother to Alicia Eroh and her husband Tim, Tim Shamus, Jimmy Shamus, Ronnie Shamus, Jonathan, and Julia Gwaldis.
She loved and cherished her family and friends to whom she devoted her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the Leonard-Lee Funeral Home, 301 E. Blancke Street, Linden, NJ on Monday, October 21, from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus on Tuesday, October 22 at 11am. Cremation will be private. Interment will be at a later date at St. Casimir Cemetery, Port Carbon, PA.
In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to McAuley Hall Healthcare Center, 1633 US-22, Watchung, NJ.
Ways to Give - McAuley Hall Health Care Center
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Born Sunday, August 27, 1939 in Mary-D, the son of the late Joseph T Kristoff, Sr., and Helen (Thomas) Kristoff. Jim was also predeceased by; his wife of 59 years, ,Rosemary (Sepos) Kristoff; son, Michael A. Kristoff; sisters, Edna Falls, Jeanette Vilcheck; brothers, Robert and Joseph Kristoff.
Surviving is his son, James J. Kristoff, Jr. and his wife Diane Loveland, CO.
A Tamaqua High School graduate, Jim had owned Renegade Coal Co. in Tuscarora, and was a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years. An outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and the companionship of his cats.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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Lee I. Reiser, 92, of Tower City, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife of 72 years by his side, on Friday, October 18, 2024 at his home.
Born January 17, 1932 in Tower City, a son of the late Albert and Grace Shuttlesworth Reiser. He was a 1949 graduate of the Tower City High School and a 1952 graduate of Williamson Trade School.
Lee was a proud United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany.
He was a retired supervisor from the former AMP Inc., where he was employed for over 36 years.
He was an active and faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served as a Sunday School Superintendent, an usher, treasurer, and was on the church council.
Lee will be remembered for being very active in his community. He was recently honored by the Tower City Borough Authority for serving on the council for over 35 years. During his tenure, he held the position of treasurer. He volunteered for many years as a Little League and Teener baseball coach.
He was a 63 year member of the Tower City American Legion and was instrumental in the Veteran's Memorial.
Lee was one of the founding member of the Williams Valley Camp in Potter County where countless memories were made with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. Every Saturday, Lee could be found cheering on his Nittany Lions.
His life revolved around his family, and he was the true definition of a patriarch. He was the best husband, father, and pap. Family trips were very important to him, whether it was the annual Ocean City Maryland vacation or trips to camp. He was the biggest supporter of all his children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchildren's activities - especially sports. He never missed a game.
Lee's legacy will be his love for his community, country, and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Kerry Reiser.
Surviving are his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol Stoudt Reiser; a son, Lee L. Resier (Elaine); a daughter, Lori Reiser-Leitzel (Richard); grandchildren he adored, Amber Gabrielson (Ken), Tiffany Underkoffler (Carl), Tanya Birch (Jim), Lindsey Shreve (Bill), and Erica Leitzel; great grandchildren, Drew and Lexy Gabrielson, Zakary and Ally Underkoffler, and Reese, Dylan, Austyn, and Averi Shreve; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Memorial services celebrating Lee's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM from St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastors Annette Shutt and Harold Hand officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church social hall. Lee will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 415 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve the Reiser family.
Born January 17, 1932 in Tower City, a son of the late Albert and Grace Shuttlesworth Reiser. He was a 1949 graduate of the Tower City High School and a 1952 graduate of Williamson Trade School.
Lee was a proud United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany.
He was a retired supervisor from the former AMP Inc., where he was employed for over 36 years.
He was an active and faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he served as a Sunday School Superintendent, an usher, treasurer, and was on the church council.
Lee will be remembered for being very active in his community. He was recently honored by the Tower City Borough Authority for serving on the council for over 35 years. During his tenure, he held the position of treasurer. He volunteered for many years as a Little League and Teener baseball coach.
He was a 63 year member of the Tower City American Legion and was instrumental in the Veteran's Memorial.
Lee was one of the founding member of the Williams Valley Camp in Potter County where countless memories were made with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. Every Saturday, Lee could be found cheering on his Nittany Lions.
His life revolved around his family, and he was the true definition of a patriarch. He was the best husband, father, and pap. Family trips were very important to him, whether it was the annual Ocean City Maryland vacation or trips to camp. He was the biggest supporter of all his children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchildren's activities - especially sports. He never missed a game.
Lee's legacy will be his love for his community, country, and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Kerry Reiser.
Surviving are his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol Stoudt Reiser; a son, Lee L. Resier (Elaine); a daughter, Lori Reiser-Leitzel (Richard); grandchildren he adored, Amber Gabrielson (Ken), Tiffany Underkoffler (Carl), Tanya Birch (Jim), Lindsey Shreve (Bill), and Erica Leitzel; great grandchildren, Drew and Lexy Gabrielson, Zakary and Ally Underkoffler, and Reese, Dylan, Austyn, and Averi Shreve; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Memorial services celebrating Lee's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM from St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastors Annette Shutt and Harold Hand officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church social hall. Lee will be laid to rest privately in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 415 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve the Reiser family.
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Edward (Poppy) Houser, 84, of Frackville, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Shenandoah on December 16, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward and Evelyn (Derr) Houser.
Edward was known as a hard worker. He worked many years for Hart Farms in Ringtown, then as a machine operator for St. Jude Polymer in Frackville for 17 years until his retirement. Outside of work, he loved taking scenic rides through Ringtown and Brandonville, playing the treasure hunt, watching polkas, and had an affinity for horses.
His wife Jeanne passed away in 2003.
The surviving family includes his son- Edward (Allison) Houser of Shenandoah, his daughters- Debbie Burke of Mount Carmel, Lisa Kalinowski (Frank) of Ringtown, Donna Lopez (Howard) of Frackville, and Gloria Bloschichak (Stephen) of Frackville. Also surviving are his sister, Betty Berthold of Brandonville, along with his grandchildren- Joshua, Kelly, Beth, Shawn, Tara, Jordan, Amanda, Brianna, and Stephen, and his great-grandchildren- Kyson, Cecelia, James, Laken, Hudson, Abel, and Lincoln.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
The Oravitz Home for Funeral Inc, of Shenandoah are entrusted with handling the arrangements.
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Kathryn J. "Kay" Shaw, 101 of Pottsville, died Thursday at Schuylkill Center.
She was born June 26, 1923, in Pottsville a daughter of the late John and Margie Johnson Shaw.
She was a 1942 graduate of Pottsville High School.
Kay worked for the Pottsville Republican prior to retiring in 1985.
Kay was the oldest member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville where she was part of Social Ministry, Prayer group and volunteered at the blood drive.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Elmer Shaw, Rhoda Usewicz, Joan Eberhardt, and Mary Murton.
Surviving are her nephew Bill Murton and his wife Pat; Charleston, SC; and dear friend, Kathy Bowden, Pottsville; nieces and nephews
Funeral Service will be held Saturday Oct 26 at 11AM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 10AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Kay be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 300 W. Arch St. Pottsville, PA 17901.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.