Sunday, February 11, 2018

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 02/11/2018



Schuylkill County Obituaries for 02/11/2018

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Andrew T. Popalis, 93, of Shenandoah Heights, PA, passed away Friday, February 9th, suddenly, at his residence.

Andrew was born in Shenandoah, PA on March 7, 1924, a son of the late Anna (Lokitus) and Joseph G. Popalis.

Andrew left his mark of craftsmanship throughout the region as an expert carpenter, tile and carpet mechanic. His work still remains in many homes, businesses and churches to this day.

His love of design is present in his home where he lived for 61 years. He also worked at Locust Mountain and Coaldale State Hospital.

Andrew was lovingly called “Yendrok” and Gramp by his wife and family. The happiness and protection of his family always came first. He shared with his family and community a strong faith and commitment to doing the right thing. His heart and home were not only given to his family and others but he and Rose also fostered over 40 children, and adopting 5.

A proud Veteran of WWII, serving in the army Air Corp. in the China Burma India Theatre as a Tech Sergeant. He repaired combat damaged aircraft and was in charge of a large group of men.

Andrew was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, a member of the Catholic War Veterans, the D’Amato Post, and last served as Chaplain. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church and choir. He was also a member of and past president of the Shenandoah High School Band Parents, never missing a game, chaperoning and helping in any way.

Andrew loved his Lithuanian Heritage. He also embraced the Italian traditions he adopted from his wife and family.

He cherished God, family, work, baseball and his pipe.

He was husband of the late Rose M. (Bell) who passed away Sept 25th, 2016. They celebrated 70 years of marriage September 7th, 2016.

Andrew is survived by four daughters, Rosanne, wife of Walter Hall, Shenandoah Heights; Annette, wife of Terry Deitz, Johnstown; Mary Elizabeth Stefanowicz, Kulpmont; Theresa, Shenandoah Heights; five sons, Andrew M., husband of Patricia; Joseph, husband of Joanie, Bethesda, MD; John Zucotti, husband of Jewel, Dillsburg; Michael, Downingtown; and Eric, NY.

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Albert and Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Devine Mercy Catholic Church, 218 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah, at 11 a.m. on Thursday February 15th, 2018.

Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel cemetery.

Family prefers donations be made to the D’Amato Post.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

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William J Arner, husband, father, grandfather and brother of 429 N Railroad St Tamaqua passed away Saturday February 10, 2018 at his home peacefully with his family at the age of 78.

He is survived by his wife Faith (Lucas) Arner, and children Lisa Dolan, Becky Major, Amy Walburn, Justin Major, and Heather Major, also sister Theresa Arner and five grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews.

William served in the U.S. Army in the Korean war. While he was retired from being a heavy equipment operator he was an active member of the Hometown Fire Co. and Fire Police for many years.

Born on Tuesday, February 21, 1939 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of late James and Helen Arner. He was predeceased by his sisters Helen, Sara, and Patricia and brothers James, Bernie, Russell, ,Charles, John, Francis, Joseph, Larry, and Robert.
 
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 
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com


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Marie “Shorty” Baum, 92, of Pitman, passed away Friday, February 9th, 2018 as Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. 

Marie was born in Dornsife, on April 14th, 1925, a daughter of the late Mazie and Charles Campbell. She graduated from Primary school on April 20th, 1939. She worked at Snyder’s Greenhouse in Leck Kill, the General Store in Leck Kill, Snyder’s Restaurant in Pitman and the Carriage House in Klingerstown. 

She was a member of Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church, Leck Kill. She enjoyed playing cards, working in her garden and lawn and helping in the kitchen at Jack’s Spot. She was the window of the late Lester L. Baum who passed away January 29th, 1990. She was preceded in death by a daughter Ruby Williard who passed on July 7th 2007, and a son-in-law Charles Williard who passed on September 28th, 2016. 

Marie is survived by a daughter, Anita Shissler and companion Jack Bensinger, Sr., of Pitman; grandchildren Michelle Williard of Huntingdon, PA and Leroy Shissler, his wife Maura, and 2 great children, Amanda and Kaitlyn of Chelmsford, MA. 

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 from 6-8 PM at the Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home 1133 Ridge Rd, Klingerstown and on Thursday, February 15th, 2018 from 10-11 AM at Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church, 5189 Schwaben Creek Rd, Leck Kill, where the funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will follow at St. John’s Reformed Cemetery Leck Kill, PA. To sign the online guest book please visit www.srrfh.com.

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