Skook News Obituaries: October 23rd, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Gary J. McCloskey, 79 of Minersville, passed away Wednesday October 21, 2024.
Born in Pottsville, October 4, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Alice (Kellmer) McCloskey of Minersville. He was a 1963 graduate of Minersville Area High School and was as a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Gary retired from the Minersville Water Authority. He then worked for NAPA Auto and spent his retirement years delivering auto parts and supplies to customers throughout the county and the valley. He volunteered at Mt. Peace Cemetery, helping to keep graves cleaned and making sure veterans were honored with American flags.
Gary served his community for many years as a first responder and volunteer firefighter with the Mountaineer Hose Company in Minersville and was acknowledged as a lifetime member.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife Carol, whom he loved and missed every day since she passed in January 2017.
Gary will be missed by his two sons and their families: Joee and his wife Karen, and Michael and his wife Angela. His grandchildren, Rebecca and fiancé Joe, Ryan and wife Bri, and Bankole and fiancé Margot. He was blessed to meet his first great grandchild, Claire. He will be missed by many cousins and of course, his grand dogs: Barklee, Sausage, and Cleo.
The family would like to acknowledge the kindness, compassion, and support of the staff from Lehigh Valley Hospital at Cedar Crest and Lehigh Valley Hospice.
There are two things that Gary loved the most: cars and his grand dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Gary by replacing your car brakes, taking your car in for an oil change, and giving your car a wash and wax. Or if inclined, donate in memory of Gary to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA by visiting www.rsmspca.org.
Relatives and friends may call at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, PA 17954 on Sunday, October 27, from 6pm until 8pm and again on Monday, October 28 from 10am until services begin at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mount Peace Cemetery, Branch Township.
Margaret A. “Peggy” Biscoe, 89, a resident of Green Valley Skilled Nursing in Pottsville, and formerly of Shenandoah, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the facility.
Born in Shenandoah on April 8, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Carl C. and Ruth Marie (Swoyer) Kegolis.
Peggy was a 1953 graduate of the former Shenandoah Catholic High School. She then worked in the local garment industry for many years. She was a member of the ILGWU. Peggy enjoyed spending time at the casino, loved animals, going shopping, and reading. For many years, Peggy volunteered her time at church block parties. She spent much of her time in prayer and devotion.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Charles M. Biscoe, her brother, Carl Kegolis, and her brother-in-law, Patrick Kowalick
She is survived by 2 sisters, Mary Kathryn Burns with her husband Edward of Pottsville, and Ruth Kowalick of Philadelphia, along with several grand and great nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 28th at 10am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to Mass from 9 to 10am in the church. Burial will immediately follow in the Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy’s memory may be made to either, Divine Mercy Parish or Save the Strays Schuylkill.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah, is privileged to assist the family during this time.
She was born on July 1, 1933, in Barry Twp, a daughter of Roy C. and Della Ulsh Knorr.
Sarah was a hard worker, first at Eshlemans's, JE Morgan, and retired as a seamstress from Ashland Shirt Factory.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Harry E. Klinger, 2010; son, Stephen H. Klinger, 2016; 3 brothers, Richard, Glen, and Stanley Knorr, sister Grace Klinger.
Sarah is survived by five daughters, Nancy Hatter of Pine Grove; Mary Kaufman of Ashland; Rosemary Klinger of Hegins; Judy (Steve) Bohard of Nazareth; Melody (Craig) Molnar of Valley View; two sons, Andrew of Hegins, Matthew of Lavelle; 16 grandchildren, several great and great great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct 30, at 11AM , with Rev. Curt Zemencik officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home.
Burial will be made in the Barry Salem UM Cemetery, Weisample.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors
Son: Kenneth Kimmel Jr. and his wife Shelley, Frackville
Son: Brandon Kimmel and his companion Emily, Valley View
Son: Shawn Kimmel and his wife Laura, Lavelle
Nephew like a son: Bryan Kimmel and his wife Esther, Girardville
Daughter: Bridget Wolfe, Manheim
Sister: Donna Taylor, Mt. Carmel
Sister: Carolyn Keefer, Pine Grove
Brother: Lamar Kimmel and his wife Betty, Pitman
Companion of 19 years: Sue Mckinnon, Lavelle
Two Granddaughters, 2 Great Grandsons, Nieces and Nephews
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Ken’s Life funeral service, Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 AM, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland, PA. Officiating will be Rev. Ricky A. Ney Jr. Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Barry Township. A viewing will be held in the funeral home starting at 9:30 AM.
