Skook News Obituaries: November 19th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas and Kathryn (Burke) Slane. He graduated from Minersville High School in 1962 before serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. Thomas was beloved in the communities he served during his 26-year career as a Pennsylvania State Trooper and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, from which he retired in 1992.
He held lifetime memberships in the Yorkville Hose Fire-Rescue in Pottsville, Mountaineer Hose Company in Minersville, the American Hose Company # 1 in Tamaqua, and the Tuscarora Fire Company where he was past Assistant Chief. Thomas was a lifetime member of the Tuscarora Ambulance Association where he also had served as the Assistant Chief.
He was a charter member of the Schuylkill Fire Historical Society, the secretary of the Schuylkill Township Fireman’s Relief Association, past president of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, chairman of the Advisory Board of Schuylkill County Fire Fighters Association, a member of the Schuylkill County Juvenile Fire Setters Program, vice president of the Schuylkill County Fire Chief’s Association, and an advisory board member of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Service Institute. He was also a member of the American Legion C.H. Berry Post #173 in Tamaqua, a past president of the JFK Ancient Order of Hibernians in Pottsville, and a past president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 65.
Thomas is survived by his three children, Kathryn and her husband Keith Wunderlich of Tamaqua, Thomas and his wife Rushelle (Nelson) Slane, and Ryan and his wife Brianne (Gimbel) Slane, both of Tamaqua; a brother, Edward, and his wife Rosemary (Whalen) Slane of New Philadelphia; granddaughters, Grace and Brenna Slane and Amanda Wunderlich; and grandsons, Christian and Brayden Slane.
He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Catherine Slane. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 99 Valley Street, New Philadelphia. Call from 5-8 PM Friday at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua and 9-11 AM on Saturday at the church.
Interment with military honors in Sky View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua will follow. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Tuscarora Fire Company, P.O. Box 19, Tuscarora, PA 17982.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Born in Pottsville on May 24, 1929, she was a daughter of the late William & Eleanor (Edden) Frankenstine.
She was the widow of Francis "Chick" Caruano who preceded her in death February 27, 2003.
In addition to her parents and husband she is also preceded in death by her brothers: William Frankenstine, & Joseph Frantz, and sisters: Eleanor Melinchock, Jane Murphy, Hazel Ackalusky, & Estelle Madara.
Marie attended Pottsville High School.
She was an active member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven where she belonged to Sodality BVM, assisted with offertory, made lunches, and monitored the schoolyard.
Marie also belonged to the Schuylkill County Historical Society, and Allied Artist.
She is survived by two sons: "Skip" Caruano (Cheryl), Hamburg; & Robert Caruano (Peter Sacoulas), New York; two daughters, Diane Rohrbach (Ron), Schuylkill Haven; & "Sonnie" Petrachonis (Robert Gulas), Hazleton; grandchildren: Brendon Caruano, Hamburg, Matthew Caruano (Mel), California, & Jeremy Petrachonis (Brie), Hazleton, a sister, Ruth Smigo, of Pottsville, and nieces & nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 26th with Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik officiating. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:15-10:15 AM. Entombment will follow at St. Ambrose Mausoleum, Cressona.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to St. Ambrose RCC, 201 Randel St. Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Marie's family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Tremont Nursing Home and Compassus Hospice for their exceptional care.
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Dennis was born in Shenandoah, PA, He was the son of the late Neil Berkheiser and Aileen Berkheiser.
He was an avid outdoors man, lifetime member of the NRA. He graduated in 1962 from Frackville High School and then from Layfatte University with an Engineering Degree. He worked for Allied Signal, Atlas Chemical and various other comanies over the years.
He is survived by his wife Diane M. (Fields) Berkheiser, Frackville, a son, Keith Berkheiser (wife, Shawn), a daughter, Kristen Berkheiser, both of North Carolina, 2 grandchildren, Wyatt James and Caroline.
Services were private at the convenience of the family. Burial at St. Michael's Ukraine Cemetery, Frackville.
Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, was entrusted with arrangements.
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Annie V. Fessler, 85, of Covered Bridge Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home.
Born on August 6, 1939 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late James and Susie Eidem Schneck.
She was a 1957 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Annie was a member of Salem Hetzel's UCC, Pine Grove.
She enjoyed babysitting and crocheting.
Preceding her in death were eight sisters, Esther, Pauline, Betty, Mary, Martha, Ruth, Hattie and Gladys; and five brothers, Lee, Elvin, Roy, James and Charles.
Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Robert P. Fessler; two sons, Gary and wife Ann Fessler, Brian and wife Nicole Fessler, all of Pine Grove; three grandchildren, Ashley and husband Johnny Jakubiw of Pine Grove, Kristen and husband Matthew Harris of Fairmont, WV, and Andrew Fessler of Pine Grove; a brother Donald and wife Helen Schneck of Schuylkill Haven; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Assoc. Inc. 2595 Interstate Dr. Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or www.alz.org in her memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
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Born in Reading January 25, 1948 he was a son of the late Rufus and Iona (Spohn) Keller.
Michael loved fishing and was an avid firearm enthusiast. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Rainbow Fire Company No. 1 in Reading and a member of Birdsboro-Union Fire Department where he and his wife served as fire police.
Michael served honorably in the United States Army.
Surviving are his wife Sandra (Whitmore) Keller, son Michael Keller Jr. and his companion Charlene, daughter Lucile Keller, step sons Thomas, Christopher and Allen, step daughters Tammy S. and Tammy L., many grand and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death his daughter Michelle Keller and two brothers Eugene and Paul Keller and a sister Ruth Bosold.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street, St. Clair, PA is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, March 5, 1927, he was a son of the late Dorothy Cartwright and James Lavenberg.
Raymond served honorably in the US Navy in WWII.
He retired as a Millright from Bay-Mor Pet Foods, Cressona, PA.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, St. Clair, a Life Member of the Roedersville Fish & Game Association, and a Life Member of Buckhorn Hunting Camp, where he served as Secretary and Treasurer for 51 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Zelinsky) Lavenberg in April 2024, two sisters, Kathryn Boyer and Edith Haeseler, and a brother Donald Schneck.
Surviving are his son Raymond Lavenberg and his wife Joanne, Collegeville, PA, a grandson Brian Lavenberg and his wife Kelly ,Pennsburg, PA, a granddaughter Laura Fitzgerald and her husband Brian, Downingtown, PA, Nieces and Nephews
Office of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday November 22, 2024 from the Bruce T Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St Clair with Rev. Greg J. Noga officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be held at 10:30 Am Monday November 25, 2024 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 107 S. Fourth St., Minersville, PA 17954.
Buckhorn Hunting Camp , 31 Pleasant Drive, Pine Grove, PA 17965
Hospice of Central PA , 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110
The family wishes to extend their utmost thanks to the staff at Providence Place, Pottsville and Hospice of Central PA for their kindness and compassion while Raymond was in their care.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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Gary was born Saturday, August 8, 1953, in Lykens, a son of the late Leroy and Betty Evans Yerger. He was a 1971 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a 1975 graduate of Millersville University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Education.
Gary was employed for 45 years with the Federal Government, retiring in 2020 from the Social Security and Disability Department.
He was a very active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City, where he served on the church council and was a member of the choir.
Gary was a member and officer with the former Williamstown Jaycees and the Tower Porter Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Orwin Fire Company, Tower City Moose Lodge, and the Tower City American Legion. He also volunteered with the Tower Porter Old Home Week Celebration.
Gary could often be found out and about socializing in the valley, whether it be with his sister and her family, going out to eat, playing bingo, or attending the outdoor concerts in Lykens.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Dennis Yerger and his wife Darlene.
Surviving are his sister, to whom he was very close to, Sherry Mahoney and her husband Mike, Williamstown; nieces and nephew, Danielle Willard, Denean Hileman, Denny Yerger, Kristy Deeter, and Katie Dunlop; two aunts and an uncle, Nancy and Jit Raho and Julie Evans; great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10:00 am from the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating. A viewing will be from 9-10 at the church. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon and time of fellowship will follow in the church social hall.
Memorial donations in Gary's name can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 415 E Grand Avenue, Tower City PA 17980.
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She loved her puppy Rusty and her companion Kevin to the depth of her soul. She called Rusty her youngest child, telling her children that he was their younger brother. And she always said that her and Kevin were soul mates and that they had a love that went beyond this Earth.
Karen was a two time cancer survivor and despite everything she went through with cancer and her other health issues, she was a fighter, with a positive spirit and was affectionately known as "Sunshine" and "Scrappy Doo" by many because she had that feisty, positive spirit and she fought down to the very last minute.
She loved her children with all her heart, and she regularly called to check up on them. If she couldn't find one of her children, she started calling the others until she made sure she knew they were each okay. It was guaranteed she would have sent the National Guard after them if they didn't call her back within a day or two or if one of them didn't know where the other was at and why they weren't answering her call.
She enjoyed cooking and baking. Feeding others was something that made her happy. She loved to be outside in nature, which included fishing, gardening and going for drives up in the mountains.
When she got to a point where her body was not allowing her to be so active, she started her card making. She loved to work on making cards and was always giving them away. She would take them to all her doctors appointments and give them to the staff. Anytime she came to visit or you visited her she would have a bag of cards that she'd spent her time and love making and was ready to show them off. Then she would just give them to you to keep. She loved that they made people smile! She also loved working on her puzzle books, putting together jigsaw puzzles, watching game shows, YouTube comedy videos, and other comedy movies. She loved to listen to music and to play games on her computer.
She is also survived by her puppy Rusty; her mother, Carol (Michaels) Deiter of Williamstown; two grandchildren, Lara Frey of Wurzburg Germany and Hunter Frey of Halifax; her siblings, Linda (Deiter) Waltermyer, Williamstown, Keith Deiter (Sharon) of Lebanon, Alvin Deiter (Madelon) of Lebanon, Barbara (Deiter) Merwine of Newport, and Bruce Deiter of Williamstown, along with many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Deiter of Williamstown and several uncles and cousins.
Karen wanted to be cremated and to have a Celebration of Life to take place. The Dimon Funeral Home in Tower City will be handling the cremation. A Celebration of Life will be set for a date in 2025 by her life partner and children. The date and other details will be announced at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Dimon Funeral Home.
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Born in Ashland on April 8, 1969 he was the son of the late Charity (Portz) and Dr. Roy C. Green.
Doug was of the Catholic faith.
He graduated from Cardinal Brennan High School in 1987. Doug also attended Penn-State. Most recently he worked for PennDOT as a construction inspector. Prior to that he worked as a commercial sales representative for Benjamin Moore Paints.
Doug was a man of many words and many talents. Most of all, he was a proud and loving father to his daughter Charity. One of his many talents included cooking. Doug loved to cook for any occasion, his specialty was his ham. He was also an avid football fan, whether he watched his nephews or the Philadelphia Eagles, you could always find him watching football. In his younger days, Doug formed many lifelong connections at the South Jersey Shore. One of his favorite bar/restaurants was Fred’s Tavern in Stone Harbor NJ. He would frequently say, “It’s only 144 steps to Fred’s.” Doug was an avid adventurer, many of his adventures weren’t limited to land, most of which were at sea. Doug was a man meant to be outside, he especially loved fishing on his boat “The Charity Works”. He was also an avid explorer and enjoyed driving around to new places in his vehicle. Lastly, if you knew him personally, you knew he was the life of the party.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 2 brothers Jonathan Carter Green and R. Jason Green DMD.
He is survived by; daughter Charity Green, Girardville; brother Roy C. Green (Stacie), Ashland; 5 nieces & nephews Jonathan, Carter, Rachel, Emma & Jake; aunts & uncles.
Graveside services for family and friends will be held on Monday November 25, 2024 at 11 AM at Sky-View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Ave, Tamaqua PA 18252. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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After graduating from Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, he entered the monastery. He later left it but continued studying philosophy and religion earning a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida. He then continued his education with a Master of Science degree from Cornell University. Charles was a member of both Mensa International and the Triple Nine Society. His career included positions as an adjunct professor at Penn State University and as a health insurance specialist for the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Charles was an active member of the Coaldale United Methodist Church where he enjoyed speaking and being a church lector.
Charles is survived by three stepsons, Matthew Matula of Allentown, James Matula of Coaldale, and Timothy Matula and his wife Lynn (Pigliacampi) of Allentown; a step-granddaughter, Olivia Matula; and two step-grandsons, Dash, and Ace.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Mailed condolences or visits may be made to Susan MacKay, Forest Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center,1000 Evergreen Ave., Weatherly, PA 18255.
The Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua, is handling the arrangements.
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Born in Kingston, New York, he is the son of Frank Watzka, of Kinston, New York, and Patricia (Turck) Sanchez, wife of Edwin Sanchez, of New Paltz, New York. Christopher was an independent Contractor who owned his own business, J.C. Contracting. His ability to fix things translated into his personal life with a love of trucks and classic/muscle cars. He had the ability to always find the ones that “would be great” after fixing a few tiny things. Christopher enjoyed the outdoors and could be found fishing, boating, camping, and gardening. He relaxed by listening to country music and kicking his feet up on his couch to watch cartoons. He adored his family and likewise, was adored by them.
Christopher is survived by his daughter, Brittnay Watzka and her companion Shane Russell of Poughkeepsie, NY; sons, Brandon Watzka of Lansford, and Damian Watzka and his companion Danelle Kite of New Philadelphia; the mother of his two sons, Belinda Long of Lansford; step-daughters, Jullia Elletson-Oaks and her husband Matthew Oaks of Salt Point, NY, and Monica Elletson of Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Chace and Olivia Russell; step-grandchildren, Conor and Elliot Oaks; brothers, Michael Watzka of NY, Nicholas and his wife Suzanne Watzka of NY and Edwin and his wife Kimberly Sanchez of NY; an aunt, Susan Effner; and a uncle Gene and his wife Rungsi Turck.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Michael and his wife Jacqueline Turck and William and his wife Helen Watzka.
Service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with Pastor Kevin Roberts officiating. Call from 11-1 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Vincent "Morgy" Mazurek, 64, of Tamaqua, PA passed away Monday, November 4th at home.
Born in Orange, NJ on September 29, 1960, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Perrella) and Vincent Mazurek.
Vincent worked for Scott Bolt & Supply Co., eventually becoming the co-owner and operator.
He had a passion for music - often attending live shows and concerts.
An avid sports enthusiast, Vincent enjoyed golfing and devoted his time playing in numerous tournaments over the years. Hockey was his true love; he played throughout high school and continued to participate in leagues, always cheering on the Bruins. Vincent also loved playing darts with friends and even joined leagues to stay involved in the game.
Vincent is survived by a daughter, Alexis Mazurek; two sisters: May Louise Hannon (Jerry); Laura Piasecki (Eddie); and brother: Andrew Mazurek (Kathy).
He was a special uncle to Jason Piasecki (Kathi); Lauren Bielskie (Dan); Andrew Mazurek (Lisa); Kevin Hannon (Kelly); Jeffrey Mazurek (Arielle).
He was also a great uncle to Bennett and Tessa Bielskie, Wesley and Shaelyn Hannon, Jeffrey Mazurek and one on the way.
Services will be held privately at the family's convenience.
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Born in Orange, NJ on September 29, 1960, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Perrella) and Vincent Mazurek.
Vincent worked for Scott Bolt & Supply Co., eventually becoming the co-owner and operator.
He had a passion for music - often attending live shows and concerts.
An avid sports enthusiast, Vincent enjoyed golfing and devoted his time playing in numerous tournaments over the years. Hockey was his true love; he played throughout high school and continued to participate in leagues, always cheering on the Bruins. Vincent also loved playing darts with friends and even joined leagues to stay involved in the game.
Vincent is survived by a daughter, Alexis Mazurek; two sisters: May Louise Hannon (Jerry); Laura Piasecki (Eddie); and brother: Andrew Mazurek (Kathy).
He was a special uncle to Jason Piasecki (Kathi); Lauren Bielskie (Dan); Andrew Mazurek (Lisa); Kevin Hannon (Kelly); Jeffrey Mazurek (Arielle).
He was also a great uncle to Bennett and Tessa Bielskie, Wesley and Shaelyn Hannon, Jeffrey Mazurek and one on the way.
Services will be held privately at the family's convenience.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.