Skook News Obituaries: July 11th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Dolores Ann "Tinker" (Bauer) Jordan, 64, a resident of St. Clair, passed away peacefully early Thursday Morning, July 11th, 2024.Born in Pottsville on September 18, 1959, Dolores was a daughter of the late William and Dorothea (McCool) Bauer. She was a graduate of the Nativity BVM High School, and was a life long homemaker.
Dolores was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, in St. Clair, and was affectionately know as "Tinker" to those who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Joseph Bauer.
Dolores is survived by her caregiver and sister, Hazel, wife of Donald Chescavage, and by a brothers, William Bauer and his wife Liz, along with nieces and nephews, including great niece Gabriella and great nephew Hunter.
Rev. Msgr. William Glosser will conduct a funeral service on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at 11 AM at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 West Market Street in Pottsville. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Dolores will be laid to rest at the Queen of the Universe Cemetery immediately following the service.
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Carol A. Bretz, 73 of Pine Grove, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in the Tremont Health & Rehab Center.Born on May 24, 1951 in Lebanon, she was a daughter of the late John Sr. and Sarah Beicher Gerberich.
She was a 1969 graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School.
Carol was an LPN and worked for the Lebanon VA Hospital for over 20 years.
She was a member of the Most Blessed Trinity parish in Tremont.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 52 years, Franklin Z. Bretz on May 4, 2024; a son, Joseph Bretz; and five brothers, John Jr., Richard, James, Thomas, and Joseph Gerberich.
Surviving are a son, Franklin and wife Joelle Bretz of Pine Grove; a daughter, Carrie and husband Tom Rimby of Bernville; four grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, and Zee (Rachel) Bretz, and Dylan Rimby; a sister, Linda and husband John Basel, Jr.of Lebanon; two brothers, William and wife Shelly Gerberich of Mifflintown, Robert Gerberich and companion Dorothy of Lebanon; nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, with Father George Kochuparambril officiating. There will be a viewing on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove.
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Alice Muscalus, 92, formerly of Frackville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 9,2024, surrounded by her family at home in Harrisburg, PA, following a brief illness.Born in Mahanoy Plane, January 17, 1932 she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Wasylchuck) Shpakovsky.
Alice graduated as valedictorian from Frackville High School in 1949. Along with her husband, she established and operated Muscalus Furs, Inc in Harrisburg until their retirement.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by 3 brothers Michael, Fred and John Shpakovsky.
Surviving her husband of 72 years, John “Jack” E. Muscalus Sr. , daughter Dr. Sharon McGregor and her husband Dr. Robert McGregor, 2 sons Dr. John E. Muscalus Jr. and his wife Donna, Dr. Robert Muscalus, grandchildren Dr. Ali McGregor and her husband Dr. Will Garner, Abby McGregor Loop and her husband Connor, John E. Muscalus III and his wife Katie, Jacquelyn Shipe and her husband Dr. Adam Shipe, Joshua Muscalus and his wife Emily, Dr. Alexandra Muscalus, David Muscalus and his wife Morgan, great grandchildren Caleb and Jude Garner, John IV, Andrew and Ella Muscalus, Palmer and Naomi Shipe, Hudson and Ford Muscalus, sister Jule Shapowal.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 13, 2024 from New Love in Christ Church, 6003 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg PA, 17112 with the Senior Pastor Ariel Ramos and founding Pastor Ross Reider officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice Central of PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or by visiting https://hospiceofcentralpa.org/giving-and-donations or New Love in Christ Church at the above address. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Robert William Gronski, 70, of Pottsville, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Cedar Crest, Allentown surrounded by his loving family.Born in Sunbury, March 14, 1954, he was a son of the late Ignatius and Olga (Moses) Gronski.
Bob was a 1972 graduate from Pottsville Area High School. He was a Production Worker at Yuengling Brewing Company, Pottsville.
Bob loved traveling, camping , spending summers in Myrtle beach with his family and was a dedicated sports fan. He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, a lifetime member of the Brady Fire Company, Ranshaw and the Crimson Tide Football Club.
He was preceded in death by son Kyle Gronski and two brothers Joseph and William Gronski.
Surviving are his wife Janet (Menchey) Gronski, Pottsville, daughter Elyse Beyer husband Jacob , Bernville, grandson Korbin Gronski, Pottsville, sister Maria Sherakas and her husband Robert, Pottsville, 2 brothers David Gronski and his wife Raquel, Puerto Rico, John Gronski and his wife Colleen, Hughesville, sister in law Diane Gronski, Schuylkill Haven, brother in law Richard Minchey and his wife Nancy, St. Clair, sister in law Kathy Stabinski, Lansdale and many beloved nieces and nephews
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 13, 2024 from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair. The Rev. Msgr. William F. Glosser will be officiating. . Friends may call from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Crimson Tide Foundation, PO Box 62, Pottsville, PA 17901 or at http://www.ctidefoundation.com.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
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Beatrice “Bea” Esther (Davis) Seltzer, aged 84, passed away on July 9, 2024, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. Born on July 1, 1940, in Frackville, Bea was renowned for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.Bea spent many years at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, where she made significant contributions through her work and commitment. Her devotion extended beyond her professional life into her personal passions. Bea was an active and cherished member of the First United Methodist Church in Frackville, often found in the social hall's kitchen, where she joyfully prepared meals and baked goods for various church events. She also enjoyed organizing and attending class reunions for the Frackville class of 1958.
Her personal life was filled with the joys of camping, spending cherished moments and many laughs playing pinochle with friends and caring for her beloved ragdoll cat, Maggie.
Bea leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her husband of 64 years, Lew, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply. Bea was a cherished mother to Pamela (William) Zeigenfuse, Kimberly (Christopher) Kostinko, and Betty (Roger) Buck. She adored her role as a grandmother to Kimberly (Seth) Zeigenfuse-Lowe, Kaitlin (Jeffrey) Plummer, Drew Paul, Alec (Eeshani) Buck, Nicholas Paul and Bryce Buck, and was a great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she nurtured each family member with love and care.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held in her honor on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Frackville. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11am with services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bea's memory to Hillside SPCA animal rescue in Pottsville, PA, reflecting her compassion for animals.
Bea's legacy of love, service, and compassion will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who were fortunate to know her.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Carol Ann Krout, 77, a beloved mother, sister, Mimi, and Mammy of New Ringgold died July 9, 2024 after a brief illness and courageous battle at St. Luke’s Hospice in Bethlehem.
Born Sunday, March 16, 1947 in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Francis H, and Kathryn (Moran) Walker. Carol was also predeceased by; son, Joseph Francis Sweeney; brothers, Kenneth and Francis "Butch" Walker.
Surviving are; daughters, Mary Frantz and her husband Robert and Jennifer Gowdy and her husband Michael; son, Shawn P. Sweeney and his wife Amy with whom she resided; brothers, Daniel Walker and his wife RoseMary, William Walker and his wife Kitty. Many nieces and nephews also survive Carol.
Carol’s greatest treasures were her nine granddaughters: Kaitlyn, Erin, Devan, Meagan, Madelyn, Nora, Molly, Maci and Caroline. To add to her joy was the addition of four great- grandchildren.
A devout member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, Carol earned an associates degree from McCanns in Mahanoy City. She had worked at the former J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills, Boyer’s, and lastly retiring as a medical receptionist. Carol was an enthusiastic member of the Senior Bowling League at Spare Time Bowling and was an avid reader, enjoying everything from Stephen King novels to her weekly People Magazines.
Carol loved to laugh, her faith, and most especially spending time with her family.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday July 16, 2024 at 11 o'clock A.M. at St. John XXIII R.C.C. located at 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A visitation will occur on Monday evening July 15, 2024 at the funeral home from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
Private interment Holy Sepulchre R.C.C. Cemetery Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in her name to:
St. Luke's Hospice
2455 Black River Road
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
or
St. John XXIII R.C.C.
Tamaqua, PA
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Sandra M. Lucas, 83, formerly of Joliett, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Tower City.Born in November 6, 1940 a daughter of the late Charles and Ruth Lucas Steckley.
Sandra worked as a seamstress in the local garment industry.
She enjoyed going camping in Delaware, fishing, and boating. Sandra loved finding a good deal and always had a great time thrift shopping. She enjoyed her trips to the casino and was always excited to dogsit her granddog, Bear. Above all else, her family meant the world to her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Lucas Sr.; two sons, Vince and Jason Lucas; siblings, Marvin Steckley, Evelyn Boyer, Charles Steckley, Robert Steckley, and Ruth Freeman.
Surviving are her three sons, Jerry "Nip" Lucas Jr., Pine Grove, Jeffrey Lucas, Pottsville, and Lance Lucas, Sr., Tower City; a sister, Gail Shade (Dale), Spring Glen; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to graveside services on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 9:30 AM from the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve the Lucas family.
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Nancy J. Ulmer, 95, of Norwegian Twp., passed away peacefully at home on July 6th. Born on August 6, 1928, in Pottsville, she was the only child of William and Margaret (Kennedy) Zeiders.She was a graduate of Minersville High School and attended Penn State at Bunker Hill 9Pottsville) for 2 years before graduating from West Chester State Teachers College in 1948.She first worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Pottsville until she married her husband George in 1951and raised her family. In 1970 Mrs. Ulmer started her professional career at Minersville School District where she taught Junior and Senior High School English. She loved teaching and fondly remembered and recognized many of her students well into her later years. She was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honor society of women educators..
Nancy was a member of the former Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Minersville and its Ladies Sodality. She is a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of Holy Family Parish of Minersville, where she served many years as a Eucharistic Minister, sang in the choir and belonged to the Ladies Guild. She will be remembered for her chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, a stillborn son in 1955, and by her husband George in 2001, 2 months before their golden anniversary.
She is survived by 2 much loved daughters, Margaret “Peg” Ulmer and Nancy Hertz, wife of George Hertz Jr., her beloved son-in-law. Nancy had a lifetime love of dogs and recently suffered the loss of her last fur baby, Grayce in May.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville. Memorial Services and interment are private at the convenience of the family. Contributions in memory of Nancy can be made to a charity of choice.
Nancy’s family extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Geisinger Home Health and Compassus Hospice for the truly wonderful
Care she received during her last illness.
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Stephanie Shandor, 77, of St. Clair, died Wednesday July 10, 2024, at her residence.
Born in Pottsville, December 30, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Basil and Helen (Horas) Hopko.
She was a 1964 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School.
Stephanie worked as a waitress at the former Melnic’s Cafe and Stone Manor Inn, St. Clair and as a teacher aide for the IU 29, but for most of her 53 years of marriage she was happiest as a stay at home mother and homemaker.
She was an active member of St. Michael Orthodox Church, St. Clair. She sang in the choir, and was a member of the parish council and the sisterhood.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister Paula Christensen and a brother Robert Hopko.
Surviving are her husband Jack Shandor, two daughters; Camille Habacker and her husband James of New York, NY; Ivana Shandor and her significant other Bill Palko of York; brother John Hopko of Wernersville; four grandchildren Veronica, Mitchell, Lincoln, and Leo, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday July 16, 2024 at St. Michael Orthodox Church Mill and Hancock Streets, St. Clair PA 17970. The Rev. Jeff Zias will be officiating. Friends may call from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday (Parastas 7:30PM) and Tuesday 9:00 AM – 9:45AM at the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Building Fund, 106 North Morris Street, St. Clair, PA 17970. Burial will be in St. Michael Orthodox Cemetery, East Norwegian Twp.
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John J. LaRose, Sr., 81, of Kelayres, passed away Wednesday evening at Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at Luzerne, of Drums, surrounded by his loving family.Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Pacenza) LaRose. He was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo.
John was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired member of the PA National Guard.
Prior to retiring, he was first employed as a life insurance agent with American General Life Insurance Co. and later with Metropolitan Life Insurance. He was also employed at Fort Indiantown Gap for 30 years.
John was a member of the McAdoo AMVETS #1, Hazleton American Legion #076, and the Bunton Bock Club of Hazleton. He was also a member of the Anthracite Automobile Club, McAdoo, and attended many car shows over the years. He had a passion for cars, especially his ’89 Corvette, 2003 Corvette, and 1965 Ford Mustang.
He was an avid hunter and bowler through the years. He loved cooking and sharing meals with his family. John was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a friend to many, he will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding him in death were his sister, Marie LaRose, and brothers Louis and Michael LaRose.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Caroline M. (Morelli) LaRose; son, John J. LaRose, Jr. and wife Diane, of Sugarloaf; daughter, Joanne Zahran and husband Ehab, of Nazareth; son, Jamie LaRose and wife Kara, of Doylestown; grandchildren, J.J. and Angela LaRose; Evan Zahran; and Macy and Greyson LaRose; brother, Anthony LaRose and wife Amy, of Muncy; and several nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be held Friday, July 19, beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo. Rev. Barnabas Shayo will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in Church of All Saints, McAdoo, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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