Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/06/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He was born on March 23, 1956 in Pottsville to the late Francis J. and Winifred Murphy. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kim, his two children, Sean Patrick and Mallory Erin, her husband Cody, and two brothers, Daniel Murphy, his wife Hermine, and Thomas Murphy.
Patrick graduated from Pottsville Area High School in 1974 and immediately ventured out to attend America’s Oldest Watchmaking and Jewelry Institution, Bowman’s Technical Jewelry School, in Lancaster. He joined his family business following graduation as the third generation of Murphy Jewelers. Over the next 44 years, he and his wife, Kim, grew the business from one small downtown jewelry store to one of the most respected jewelry organizations in the country. His success was a result of his unending work ethic and fearless entrepreneurial spirit. He was the first person to walk in the store in the morning and the last person to leave; never taking a sick day in 44 years. When asked, he would state that he never had a job; only a passion. In recent years, he was so incredibly proud to welcome his children and son-in-law into the family business as the fourth generation.
Notwithstanding his passion for work, the real pride of his life was his family. He met and fell in love with his wife, Kim, at the young of age 16. They shared 46 joyous years of the deepest love, happiest marriage, and truest partnership in every sense of the word. Their love most recently had never been stronger or more heartfelt, with Patrick re-proposing on their 40th wedding anniversary to symbolize the next chapter and commitment of their love story. He completely and utterly loved Kim more than anyone in this world.
Patrick was the ultimate family man. He treated his children, Mallory and Sean, in a way that celebrated all of their potential and opportunity. He loved them unconditionally and never ceased to show or tell them how much he loved them. Often referring to their dad as their “hero”, he believed in them always, even if no one else would. His outpouring of love and support also spread to countless numbers of Mallory and Sean’s friends, who regard “Mr. Murph” as a father-figure that guided them to be the people they are today.
Most of us are lucky if we have even one great passion in our lives. Patrick J. Murphy had many: his wife, his children, his business, and also his friends. His ability to light up a room and genuinely connect with people created friendships that spanned throughout the world. Without trying, he could make a perfect stranger feel like his best friend in a matter of minutes with his spirited personality and honest-to-goodness joy in meeting new people. Many would note that he would give you the shirt off his back and apologize that he couldn’t give you more. If you were a friend of Murph’s, you were a friend for life.
Patrick J. Murphy truly lived. In life as in business, he pushed himself to his personal best — running multiple marathons, skydiving seven times, hang gliding, parasailing, and even recently bungee jumping off the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel at the age of 60 years old. He lived every second of every day with a passion for living life to the fullest — something few people have the benefit of experiencing, regardless of the amount of time they have on earth.
His devotion also stretched to include the success of his community and charities. He was well-known for his philanthropy and was generous with his time to countless organizations, including the Pottsville Area School Board for 20 years, Relay for Life Chairman for 15 years, Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Directors, Vice President of the Pottsville Business Association, Chairman of the Pottsville Parking Authority, Eucharistic Minister at Saint John’s Church, Co-Chairman of Crab Fest benefiting Good Samaritan Hospital, Campaign Chair for A. Matthew Dudish Recorder of Deeds, Co-Chairman of Pottsville Historical Society’s Capital Campaign, Member of the Pottsville Lions Club, Pottsville Revitalization Committee, Board of North Second Street Revitalization Project, Supporter of the Saint Patrick Soup Kitchen, Orwigsburg Lion’s Club, Board member of the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival, Past Pottsville Winter Carnival King Vulcan, Volunteer for the Minersville Theater Association, and title sponsor to help numerous non-profit organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hospital Charity Ball, YMCA, St. Nicholas School, Schuylkill Women in Crisis, State Police Camp Cadet Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police…and the list goes on.
Patrick’s legacy will live on through his family, his business, his life-long friends, and his community. The world is a better place because Patrick J. Murphy was part of it.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated Wednesday at 12PM from St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, with Rev. David J. Loeper as celebrant. Family and friends are invited to a visitation 9am until the time of Mass.The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contribution made to the Patrick J. Murphy Foundation C/O Murphy Jewelers 115 W. Market St. Pottsville PA, 17901 or you can visit murphyjewelers.com/foundation to learn about how to donate in honor of Patrick’s legacy. Interment will follow mass at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
Please share your memories and condolences with Pat’s family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bonnie J Felty, age 57, of Ventor City, NJ, formerly of Hegins, passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 at Atlantic Care Medical Center, Atlantic City NJ.
She was born on Tuesday, May 2, 1961, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Lester O Felty Sr and the late Gloria H Wert Felty.
She was a 1979 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
She is survived by two sisters, Cheryl Straub of Hegins and Pamela Felty and her companion Tom Krick of Reading; two brothers, Lester Felty Jr and his wife Ann of Spring Hill, FL and Robert Felty Sr of Hegins; life long best friend, Holly Deibler of Ventnor City, NJ; a niece and four nephews; and her fur babies, Nick and Zena.
Bonnie's wishes were to have her body donated to a medical school. Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School will use her remains for the advancement of medical rsearch.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
------------------------------------------------------
Robert H. Reichwein, 97, of Germanville Road, Ashland, PA passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Ridgeview Nursing & Rehab., Shenandoah, PA where he was a resident for only 2 days.
Born in Ft. Springs, PA on November 16, 1921 the son of the late Peter and Emma Guinther Reichwein.
Born in Ft. Springs, PA on November 16, 1921 the son of the late Peter and Emma Guinther Reichwein.
Robert attended Butler Twp. Schools. He worked as a farmer for many years, and also worked at Malho Coal Company, and retired from Reading Anthracite as a bulldozer operator. He was a member of Christ Congregational Church, Ft. Springs and served as a board member for the church and cemetery for many years. He was an avid Phillies fan and enjoyed fishing and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Ruth Tielman, Feb. 24, 2004. Sisters: Margaret Mervine, Dorothy Boylan, Mae Quinton, Helen Reichwein, and Catherine Gilfert. Brothers: James and Henry Reichwein.
Surviving are a son: Robert husband of Augusta Reichwein of Ashland, PA. Grandchildren: Denise wife of Ryan McGurl of Ashland, PA, Lynn Reichwein of Dauphin, PA, Rob husband of Jenna Reichwein of San Tan Valley, AZ. Great grandchildren: Ryan and Brooklyn McGurl. Nieces.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland, PA with John Kessler officiating. Interment at Christ Church Cemetery, Ft. Springs, PA. Viewing 9:00-11:00 AM Saturday, March 9 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Christ Congregational Church, 134 Broad St. Ashland, PA.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
------------------------------------------------------
Ivan E "Charlie" Kissinger, age 92, formerly of Valley View, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Stone Ridge Towne Center, Myerstown.
He was born on Tuesday, June 29, 1926, in Gratz, a son of the late Albert Kissinger and the late Irene Spotts Kissinger.
Charlie served in the US Army during World War II.
He was a heavy equipment operator for the former Kocher Coal Company prior to his retirement.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Charlie was also a member of American Legion Post #575 and VFW Post #8237 both of Valley View, F&AM Valley Lodge #797 Valley View, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Millersburg Forest #125.
His wife Helen J Maurer Kissinger passed away in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers, Billy Kissinger and Lamar Kissinger; and by a sister, Lorraine Herb.
He is survived by a son, Tom L Kissinger and his wife Karen of Boiling Springs; a daughter, Beverly A Mason and her husband Glenn Schneider of Bradenton, FL; a grandson, Jeremy C Kissinger and his wife Krista of Boiling Springs; two granddaughters, Misty L Pagan and her husband Joel of Goodyear, AZ and Lori A Capizzi and her husband James of Mechanicsburg; four great grandsons, Joel Pagan, Jr. of Goodyear, AZ, Antonio J Pagan of Goodyear, AZ, Joshua Silva, II of Mechanicsburg, and Lennox Kissinger of Boiling Springs; a great granddaughter, McKayla Kissinger of Boiling Springs; a sister, Barbara Runkle of Fairport, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Duane Bardo and Pastor Ron Murhon officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial with Military Honors will be made in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice, 2201 Ridgewood Rd #180, Wyomissing, PA 19610.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
Susan B. Heath of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, who recently celebrated 100 years, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp.
Born Thursday, January 30, 1919 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Avil and Susan Beneck.
Susan was a longtime Tamaqua resident and a retiree of the Atlas Powder Company. She was a member of Primitive Methodist Church. Susan enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.
Surviving are son, Stanley Yanus and his wife, Denise of TX; daughters, Mary Freeland of Breinigsville, PA with whom she resided and Elizabeth "Betty" Bower of GA; brother, Charles Beneck of Orwigsburg, PA; 7 grand children; 5 great grand children.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Heath in 2005; daughter, Kathryn Lewis, brothers, Joseph Beneck and Alvert Beneck, sister, Anna Gruver.
Private arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.
To offer condolences or share a fond memory of Susan, please visit www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
James Martinez, 68, of Weatherly, PA and formerly of Tamaqua, PA died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 in Hazleton, PA. Born on December 3, 1950 in New York, NY, he was a son of the late Vincent and Cruz (nee Otero) Martinez. A high school graduate, James worked as a quality control inspector for the federal government. He is survived by sons, Jay Martinez and his wife Karen of Tamaqua and James Tassillo of New Jersey; 5 grandchildren; and a brother, Mannuel Martinez. A memorial service will be held at Noon on Thursday, March 14 in St. John Lutheran Church, 200 Mauch Chunk Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Phyllis Wolford officiating. Interment in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown will follow the services. Call 11 AM - Noon on Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua.
Ivan E "Charlie" Kissinger, age 92, formerly of Valley View, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Stone Ridge Towne Center, Myerstown.
He was born on Tuesday, June 29, 1926, in Gratz, a son of the late Albert Kissinger and the late Irene Spotts Kissinger.
Charlie served in the US Army during World War II.
He was a heavy equipment operator for the former Kocher Coal Company prior to his retirement.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Charlie was also a member of American Legion Post #575 and VFW Post #8237 both of Valley View, F&AM Valley Lodge #797 Valley View, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Millersburg Forest #125.
His wife Helen J Maurer Kissinger passed away in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers, Billy Kissinger and Lamar Kissinger; and by a sister, Lorraine Herb.
He is survived by a son, Tom L Kissinger and his wife Karen of Boiling Springs; a daughter, Beverly A Mason and her husband Glenn Schneider of Bradenton, FL; a grandson, Jeremy C Kissinger and his wife Krista of Boiling Springs; two granddaughters, Misty L Pagan and her husband Joel of Goodyear, AZ and Lori A Capizzi and her husband James of Mechanicsburg; four great grandsons, Joel Pagan, Jr. of Goodyear, AZ, Antonio J Pagan of Goodyear, AZ, Joshua Silva, II of Mechanicsburg, and Lennox Kissinger of Boiling Springs; a great granddaughter, McKayla Kissinger of Boiling Springs; a sister, Barbara Runkle of Fairport, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Duane Bardo and Pastor Ron Murhon officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial with Military Honors will be made in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice, 2201 Ridgewood Rd #180, Wyomissing, PA 19610.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
------------------------------------------------------
Born Thursday, January 30, 1919 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Avil and Susan Beneck.
Susan was a longtime Tamaqua resident and a retiree of the Atlas Powder Company. She was a member of Primitive Methodist Church. Susan enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.
Surviving are son, Stanley Yanus and his wife, Denise of TX; daughters, Mary Freeland of Breinigsville, PA with whom she resided and Elizabeth "Betty" Bower of GA; brother, Charles Beneck of Orwigsburg, PA; 7 grand children; 5 great grand children.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Heath in 2005; daughter, Kathryn Lewis, brothers, Joseph Beneck and Alvert Beneck, sister, Anna Gruver.
Private arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.
To offer condolences or share a fond memory of Susan, please visit www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
------------------------------------------------------
James Martinez, 68, of Weatherly, PA and formerly of Tamaqua, PA died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 in Hazleton, PA. Born on December 3, 1950 in New York, NY, he was a son of the late Vincent and Cruz (nee Otero) Martinez. A high school graduate, James worked as a quality control inspector for the federal government. He is survived by sons, Jay Martinez and his wife Karen of Tamaqua and James Tassillo of New Jersey; 5 grandchildren; and a brother, Mannuel Martinez. A memorial service will be held at Noon on Thursday, March 14 in St. John Lutheran Church, 200 Mauch Chunk Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Phyllis Wolford officiating. Interment in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown will follow the services. Call 11 AM - Noon on Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua.
------------------------------------------------------
Pamela Ann Mikita, 47, of Ringtown, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 at her residence.
Pam was born in Pottsville on August 12, 1971, a daughter of the late Alfred and Eileen (Shoup) Mikita.
She was a 1989 graduate of the North Schuylkill High School, and was a former member of St. Mary's Church in Ringtown. She had previously worked in her parents establishment, the former Al and Eileen Mikita's Bar and Restaurant in Ringtown.
Pam was a social butterfly and will always be remembered as a very generous woman with a big heart and a love of life.
She is survived by her sister Kelly, wife of Darrell Laudeman of Ringtown and by her nephew Tyler and niece Danielle. Aunts, uncles and cousins also survive, as does her long time boyfriend, Billy Zaremba.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening, March 15th from 6-8 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. The Rev. Msgr. Ronald Bocian will conduct a scripture service at 8 PM.
Private burial services will be held a later date.
------------------------------------------------------
