Skook News Obituaries: March 7th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Wednesday, December 18, 1946 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania the son of the late Roy H., and Mary J. (Stancavage) Heller. Bernie was also predeceased by; sisters, Doris Slifko, Patricia A Pogwist; brother, John J. Heller
Surviving are brother, Michael Heller and his wife Joann; niece and caregiver, Lisa Filloy her husband Rob their sons Nathan, and Zachary; brother-in-law, Michael Pogwist. Other nieces and nephews also survive Bernie.
A 1964 Marian Catholic High School graduate, Bernie was a talented baseball player and continued his fondness for the sport playing softball in local leagues, while serving as Assistant High School baseball coach at his alma mater Marian Catholic. Bernie served as Post Master for a number of localities retiring from the St. Clair office. He traveled to Post Office conventions yearly, and was often recognized for his exemplary service. A devout catholic Bernie belonged to the former St. Bartholomew R.C.C. of Brockton, and now worships at St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua having volunteered as usher, lector, and for any task requested. Bernie enjoyed working the block party at the American Hose Co #1 summer festival, and Men of Marian summer picnic. An avid Flyers fan, Bernie was enamored with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Bernie looked forward to attending concerts, and encouraged Lisa and Rob to tag along. Bernie had served as President of the Tamaqua Adult Day Care for many years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Bernie's name on Tuesday March 11, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. located at 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Visitation of friends will be held on Tuesday morning March 11, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.
Interment will be in St. Bartholomew R.C. Cemetery, Brockton Pennsylvania.
Memorials in Bernie's name to:
Tamaqua Adult Day Care
810 East Broad Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Larry Nelson Bensinger, SR, 82, of Montoursville, PA passed away on March 6, 2025. He was a devoted husband to Rita (Houser) Bensinger for 61 years and loving father to Tina Evans and Larry Bensinger, JR (Karen). He was preceded in death by his parents Nelson F & Grace J (Buehler) Bensinger.
He earned the Honor of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Tamaqua High School & Williamsport Technical Institute as a welder. He worked at Bethlehem Steel & Williamsport Wire Rope for 40 years. He received his 50 year award as a member of the Montoursville Masonic Lodge, was a 50 year member of the Lewistown Grange 1639, and was long standing member of the Scottish Rite. He served on the Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit for 40+ years holding the Chairperson position for greater than 20 years.
He loved working on the family farm in Schuylkill County. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting & fishing with family and friends. But most of all, he was very proud of his four grandchildren. He attended all their sporting events, theater events & graduations with pride.
He is survived by his wife, children & four grandchildren; Derrick Evans (Jennifer), Olivia Evans, Emmeline Bensinger & Nelson Bensinger. His sister, Grace Ann Gerber (Donald) and 13 nieces & nephews.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy will live on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared & the memories we will cherish forever.
Pending Funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Memorials in his name:
Montoursville Volunteer Fire Co.
Attn: Ambulance Association
821 Broad Street
Montoursville, Pennsylvania 17754
or
Samaritan's Purse
P.O. Box 3000
Boone NC 28607
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He earned the Honor of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Tamaqua High School & Williamsport Technical Institute as a welder. He worked at Bethlehem Steel & Williamsport Wire Rope for 40 years. He received his 50 year award as a member of the Montoursville Masonic Lodge, was a 50 year member of the Lewistown Grange 1639, and was long standing member of the Scottish Rite. He served on the Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit for 40+ years holding the Chairperson position for greater than 20 years.
He loved working on the family farm in Schuylkill County. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting & fishing with family and friends. But most of all, he was very proud of his four grandchildren. He attended all their sporting events, theater events & graduations with pride.
He is survived by his wife, children & four grandchildren; Derrick Evans (Jennifer), Olivia Evans, Emmeline Bensinger & Nelson Bensinger. His sister, Grace Ann Gerber (Donald) and 13 nieces & nephews.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy will live on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared & the memories we will cherish forever.
Pending Funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Memorials in his name:
Montoursville Volunteer Fire Co.
Attn: Ambulance Association
821 Broad Street
Montoursville, Pennsylvania 17754
or
Samaritan's Purse
P.O. Box 3000
Boone NC 28607
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville