Skook News Obituaries: April 25th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born November 19, 1925, in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Rosetta Villella.
She was a member of the former St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
Anna was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her siblings Theresa, Helen, Emma, Mickey, Albert, Sam and Alfred along with a nephew Vincent.
She is survived by her nephew Thomas Villella husband of Donata of New Philadelphia, nieces Pamela Bensinger of Schuylkill Haven and Kathie Villella of St. Clair.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 29th on the ground of Schuylkill Memorial Park at 11:00 A.M. Grabowski Funeral Home is entrusted with services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Born in Pottsville, September 26, 1934, she was the daughter of Hazel (Lechtleitner) and George Frankenstein, a member of Christ Church, Temple.
She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, predeceased by her parents, husband George H. Merryfield, brother Gordon Frankenstein, and sisters Ilene Zanini and Gail Baver.
Janet is survived by her sister Sandra and niece Lisa (Baver) Panchari, whom Janet adored and who kindly helped Janet in so many special ways over the recent years. Janet is survived by her son Dennis George Merryfield of Windermere, FL, daughter-in-law Melissa (Abbott) Merryfield, and grandsons Joseph George Merryfield, of Ithaca, NY, and Ethan Dennis Merryfield, of Queens, NY. Janet is also survived by very special nephews David Breiner and Duaine Zanini — for whom she always had a special place in her heart. And several other nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
Janet enjoyed hosting large Thanksgiving dinners, bringing together the extended family far and wide, separated by many miles and special circumstances.
Janet above all treasured playing Parcheesi with her son and grandsons, and spending summer afternoons and evenings on her deck with family and friends. As well as camping in Potter County, taking her grandsons fishing, and going on cruises.
At Janet’s request, there are no services planned. Memorial contributions in her memory may be sent to Servants to All, 4 S. Centre Street, Pottsville, 17901. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, is entrusted with services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Born Monday, August 18, 1924 in Mahoning Township Lehighton, Pennsylvania the son of the late Michael A. and Esther (Snyder) Henry. Elmer was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marie (Oswald) Henry who died on Nov. 11, 2010;Lynette L. Ware who passed away on May 6, 2020; grandson, Eric Henry; brothers, Maurice, Norman, Harold, and Earl Henry.
Surviving are son, Donald C. Henry and his wife Wendy of Phoenix Arizona, daughter, Joan A. Maring and her husband Gary of Holland Michigan; son-in-law, Timothy Ware; grandchildren, Gillian (Maring) Topp and her husband Jacob, Joshua Ware and his wife Jennifer, Zachary Ware and his wife Corie; great grandchildren, Isabel Topp, Henry "Hank" Ware, Watson Ware. Many nieces and nephews survive Elmer.
A graduate of Lehighton High School Elmer served honorably under the command of General George S. Patton Jr. as a member of the United States Army during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Campaign and in Rhineland Central European Theater as a Combat Engineer. Returning home, Elmer worked for the former Atlas Powder Co, for 37 years as a repairman of the Powder Line, retiring in 1988. A longtime member of Zion's Stone Church of West Penn Township having served as council member for many years, Elmer also belonged to the Mahoning Valley Fire Co, Lehighton American Legion, Disabled American Veterans Association, and served as Judge of Elections in West Penn Township for many local and national elections.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
A Funeral service will be held on May 9 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from Zion's Stone Church of West Penn Township Rev. Russell Campbell to officiate. Friends may call on the morning of in church at 45 Cemetery Road New Ringgold, Pennsylvania from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment with Military Honors bestowed will be held in the church cemetery.
Memorials in Elmer's name may be made in care of:
Zion's Stone Church of West Penn Township
45 Cemetery Road
New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960
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Thomas is survived by his parents Thomas & Pamela Chernewski; his sisters Harley Reese, Kimberly Chernewski and her fiancé Jason Petritsch, and Amber Conway and her husband Cody Conway; his brother Kyle Chernewski; his nephew Jaxon Gordon; soon-to-be nephew CJ Conway; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Donald and Rose Reese and paternal grandparents George and Johanna Chernewski.
A 2016 graduate of Shenandoah Valley Jr/Sr High School, Thomas remained close to his roots and the people who meant the most to him. He shared a special bond with his mother, Pamela Chernewski—his best friend and favorite shopping companion. Their trips to Goodwill were more than just outings; they were cherished moments filled with laughter and connection.
Thomas found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved playing video games with his nephew Jaxon and looked forward to welcoming another nephew, CJ. As the youngest in his family, he held a unique place in their hearts—a role he embraced with warmth and humor.
He adored his cat Crackers and found comfort in music and spending time with his family. Whether hanging out at home or enjoying everyday moments together, Thomas’s love for those closest to him was evident in all he did.
Thomas’s memory will live on through the love he shared and the lives he touched. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
