Friday, March 13, 2020

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/12/2020


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/12/2020

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John “Sparky” Lewis, 81, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Wednesday, March 11th, at Shenandoah Senior Living Community, Shenandoah. 

John was born in Mahanoy City, PA on February 24, 1939, a son of the late Eileen (McCoog) Lewis-Killian and Alvin Lewis, and Stepson of Joseph Killian.

He graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1957, and later served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Speigel Grove LSD 32.

Sparky was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and traveled to numerous games, including Super Bowls in the late 70s.

He joined the Mahanoy City Police Department in 1968, and served proudly as the Chief of Police for several years prior to his retirement. He was highly respected for his friendly, firm and caring disposition.

Sparky was preceded in death by a brother, Robert. He is survived by a brother, Alvin, husband of Joan, of Allentown, and by Sister-in- law Dorothy Lewis, nieces and nephews.

Services will be private at the convenience of the Family.

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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Bernadette A. Vevasis, 73, Girardville passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born in California, she was a daughter of the late Bernard and Catherine Dolan Bilsky. She worked for the General Cigar Factory, Mahanoy City and as a presser for Ashland Shirt until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Church of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

Bernadette enjoyed painting and decorating ceramic crafts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Vevasis and her brother Nathan Bilsky.

Bernadette is survived by her two loving sons Michael Vevasis, Girardville and Joseph Vevasis and his wife Jessica, Shenandoah Heights; her two grandchildren: Alyssa and Joey Vevasis; her beloved dog, Misty and several cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 16th at 11 a.m. from St. Vincent dePaul Church, Girardville with pastor, Rev. Brian Miller, as the celebrant. Friends are invited to her viewing at the church on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will follow in St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Cemetery, Englewood, Frackville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Bernadette’s name, to the Hillside SPCA at PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.

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Sandra J. (Stromberg) Matte, former resident of Palm Springs, CA, passed away March 1 at Shenandoah Manor Nursing Center in Shenandoah, PA where she had resided for the past year.

Born August 24, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Harold C. Stromberg and Pearl Lowe Ellison. Sandra was born in Bradford, PA and raised in the Bradford area. She was a graduate of Bradford High School and was very proud of being named "May Queen of the Class of '57", which followed her throughout her life. Sandra sported a personalized license plate stating that fact. Sandra served as a flight attendant for United Airlines for more than 40 years and traveled the world extensively.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vadim Matte in 2002.

She is survived by one step-daughter, Cybele Stacey, University Place, WA, and two step-grandchildren, Alexander Matte, CA, and Kayla Stacey, Covington, WA. She is also survived by two sisters, Joanne Weist Nagle, Frackville, PA, her primary caretaker with whom she spent the last several years; Susan Green, Killeen, TX; one brother, Mark C. Stromberg, Jenkintown, PA; four nieces and two nephews.

Memorials may be made in Sandra's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.com or 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 33256.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Ashland is in charge of the arrangements.

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Dona L. Casper, 62, of Saint Clair, formerly of the Minersville area, passed away on Wednesday at Schuylkill Center.

Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Edman and Eleanor Winand. She was a 1975 graduate of Minersville Area High School. She was last employed by Reidler Decal Corp, Saint Clair.

Dona is survived by four children, Melissa Valukevich, Pottsville, Anjelica Casper, Saint Clair, Heather Tafur, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and Timothy Winand, Auburn; five grandchildren, including Haylea Winand. She is also survived by two siblings, Beverly Fish, Minersville, and David Winand, Phoenix Park; a niece, Elena Geiger.

Services were private at the convenience of the family.
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Leo F. Haley, 85, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital-E. Norwegian Street, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville, on November 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Jacob and Katherine (Lipsett) Haley.

Leo was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School Class of 1952, where he served as Sr. Class President. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick R.C.C., Pottsville.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he served aboard the USS Canisteo and was attached to the staff of the Commander–in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet.

After discharge from military service in 1955, Leo returned to Pottsville. He was employed by the Pottsville City Street Department as a foreman for 18 years. he was employed by Reading Anthracite as a sales promotion and advertising manager for 20 years. Most recently, he worked for the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, serving Judges Stine and Goodman, and was especially proud of the strides made in Drug Court.

He was an active member and leader of many civic organizations. He had extensive involvement in the Catholic War Vets holding all major local, state and national offices, including National Commander. He was awarded National Life Membership, and was presented with the Saint Sebastian Award in 2019.

The ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS was very near and dear to Leo. He was a Charter member of the John F. Kennedy Division No.2, Pottsville since 1966, Division President since 1968, served as both County and State President, as well as on the National Board. He was awarded National Life Membership. He founded the Annual Pottsville Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1975.

He was active in many military organizations. Leo was a Charter member of Navy Club of the U.S.A. Ship 257, Life Member of VFW Post 129, Member of the American Legion Post 67, and Amvets Post 180, and Secretary of the Pottsville Joint Veterans Council. He received the Council’s “Citizen of the Year'' Award and “Veteran of the Year” Award. He served as National Chairman of U.S.S. Canisteo Reunion and Member of the Navy League & Naval Institute. He received the Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and was a charter member of World War II Memorial Society.

Leo will also be remembered for his dedication and involvement in the Pottsville and Schuylkill County Community with the following affiliations: He was a Member of Pottsville Lions Club since 1967 also serving as Club President; Coached CYO Football and Basketball 1950’s – 60’s; Vice President of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County; Schuylkill Unit of the American Cancer Society serving 37 years on the board; Past President Pottsville Downtown Association; First President of Pottsville Commission on Tourism; and Member of: The Schuylkill County Fair Association; Civilian Armory Board of Pottsville; Majestic Theater Restoration Committee; Schuylkill Council 431 Knights of Columbus and the Schuylkill Assembly 4th Degree K of C. He served as Grand Marshall of Greater Pottsville Area Winter Carnival Parade 1999.

He was also the Official “Santa Claus” for the City of Pottsville since 1959; Noted “After Dinner'' Speaker, Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies; Member of Schuylkill County Democratic Committee 1962 To 1982, where he served on the Executive Committee.

In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his companion of 40+ years, Lorraine Joy Devitt and her son, James.

Leo is survived by Mary Lou Boyer, his companion of over 20 years; Lorraine’s children whom he considered his own: Thomas and Garrett (Jake) Devitt, and Margaret Koury; grandchildren: Pam, Doreen, Joe, Dan, Lorraine, Gary, Victor, John, Steven, Eric, and Brian; great grandchildren: Natalie, Danny, Jordan, Emma, and Gibson; sister, Regina Haley, of Schuylkill Haven.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 15th at 4:00 p.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held on Sunday in the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until time of service. There will be an additional hour of viewing on Monday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at which time the procession will leave for Indiantown Gap.

Interment with military honors will take place on Monday, March 16th, at 10:30 a.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The procession will leave from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and all are invited.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial in St. Patrick RCC for Leo will be celebrated and announced at a later date.

The family request contributions in Leo's memory be sent to: ANCIENT ORDER of HIBERNIANS, P.O. Box 196, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PALeo F. Haley, 85, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital-E. Norwegian Street, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, on November 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Jacob and Katherine (Lipsett) Haley.

Leo was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School Class of 1952, where he served as Sr. Class President. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick R.C.C., Pottsville.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he served aboard the USS Canisteo and was attached to the staff of the Commander–in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet.

After discharge from military service in 1955, Leo returned to Pottsville. He was employed by the Pottsville City Street Department as a foreman for 18 years. he was employed by Reading Anthracite as a sales promotion and advertising manager for 20 years. Most recently, he worked for the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, serving Judges Stine and Goodman, and was especially proud of the strides made in Drug Court.

He was an active member and leader of many civic organizations. He had extensive involvement in the Catholic War Vets holding all major local, state and national offices, including National Commander. He was awarded National Life Membership, and was presented with the Saint Sebastian Award in 2019.

The ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS was very near and dear to Leo. He was a Charter member of the John F. Kennedy Division No.2, Pottsville since 1966, Division President since 1968, served as both County and State President, as well as on the National Board. He was awarded National Life Membership. He founded the Annual Pottsville Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1975.

He was active in many military organizations. Leo was a Charter member of Navy Club of the U.S.A. Ship 257, Life Member of VFW Post 129, Member of the American Legion Post 67, and Amvets Post 180, and Secretary of the Pottsville Joint Veterans Council. He received the Council’s “Citizen of the Year'' Award and “Veteran of the Year” Award. He served as National Chairman of U.S.S. Canisteo Reunion and Member of the Navy League & Naval Institute. He received the Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and was a charter member of World War II Memorial Society.

Leo will also be remembered for his dedication and involvement in the Pottsville and Schuylkill County Community with the following affiliations: He was a Member of Pottsville Lions Club since 1967 also serving as Club President; Coached CYO Football and Basketball 1950’s – 60’s; Vice President of the Historical Society of Schuylkill County; Schuylkill Unit of the American Cancer Society serving 37 years on the board; Past President Pottsville Downtown Association; First President of Pottsville Commission on Tourism; and Member of: The Schuylkill County Fair Association; Civilian Armory Board of Pottsville; Majestic Theater Restoration Committee; Schuylkill Council 431 Knights of Columbus and the Schuylkill Assembly 4th Degree K of C. He served as Grand Marshall of Greater Pottsville Area Winter Carnival Parade 1999.

He was also the Official “Santa Claus” for the City of Pottsville since 1959; Noted “After Dinner'' Speaker, Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies; Member of Schuylkill County Democratic Committee 1962 To 1982, where he served on the Executive Committee.

In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his companion of 40+ years, Lorraine Joy Devitt and her son, James.

Leo is survived by Mary Lou Boyer, his companion of over 20 years; Lorraine’s children whom he considered his own: Thomas and Garrett (Jake) Devitt, and Margaret Koury; grandchildren: Pam, Doreen, Joe, Dan, Lorraine, Gary, Victor, John, Steven, Eric, and Brian; great grandchildren: Natalie, Danny, Jordan, Emma, and Gibson; sister, Regina Haley, of Schuylkill Haven.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 15th at 4:00 p.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held on Sunday in the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until time of service. There will be an additional hour of viewing on Monday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at which time the procession will leave for Indiantown Gap.

Interment with military honors will take place on Monday, March 16th, at 10:30 a.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The procession will leave from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and all are invited.

A Memorial Mass of Christian burial in St. Patrick RCC for Leo will be celebrated and announced at a later date.

The family request contributions in Leo's memory be sent to: ANCIENT ORDER of HIBERNIANS, P.O. Box 196, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home | Pottsville, PA
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Cliff Fetterman passed away Thursday, March 12th, 2020.  Clint was born in Shenandoah, on September 2, 1944, a son of the late Blanche (Zimmerman) and Claude Fetterman.

He was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School, and spent most of his life working on his family's farm in Ringtown. He also worked as a spreader for a short time at the former Ringtown dress factory.

He was a member of St.John's Lutheran Church, and enjoyed stamp collecting.

Cliff is survived by two brothers, Ronald Fetterman and his wife Sandi, of Ringtown, and Roger Fetterman, and his wife Evelyn, of Hatboro.

He is also survived by a nephew, Tim Fetterman, and nieces, Darlene Manjone and Melissa Zawislak, along with their families.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date which will be announced.



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Nancy L. Lehr, 83, of Sparrow Lane, Pine Grove, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at home.

Born on April 23, 1936 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late Rankin and Mary Brommer Fisher.

She was a 1953 graduate of Pine Grove High School and attended Manbeck's Church, Schuylkill Haven.

Nancy married Frederick "Fritz" Lehr on January 15, 1955 and they had four children. Nancy spent the first half of their marriage running the home and caring for Fritz and their children. The second half of those 65 years she worked side by side with Fritz, helping to build the family business at Lehr's Feed and Farm Supplies, which they started in 1986 and ran until 2017.

Nancy was a wonderfully devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She gave her life to her family.

Preceding her in death was a sister Ruth Neal.

Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Frederick "Fritz" Lehr; two sons, Mark and wife Debra Lehr of Schuylkill Haven, Timothy Lehr of Pine Grove; two daughters, Linda and husband Eugene "Bim" Maidenford, Stephanie and husband Kendall Martin, both of Pine Grove; 12 grandchildren, Katrina, Leigh Ann, Bethany, David, Jessica, Jared, Zachary, Nicholas, Caitlynn, Aaron, Alexus and Jacob; 6 great grandchildren, Taylor, Jasmyne, Kota, Zander, Finn, and Mya; a brother, Raymond Fisher; and a sister, Susan Reiter, both of Pine Grove.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Manbeck's Church, 110 Wild Cherry Rd., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Norman Dixon officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in Manbeck's Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Manbeck's Church Memorial Fund c/o Deborah Reiter, 159 Spittler Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in her memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Steven C. Burger, 41, of Dark Woods Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at home.
Born on May 7, 1978 in Lancaster, he was the son of Robert and Paula Curtis Burger.
He was a 1997 graduate of Pine Grove High School and attended Thompson Institute.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are four brothers, Kristofer, Daniel, Aaron and Bob Burger; two nieces.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online to www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Linda L. Nagle, 72, of Waterfall Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon.
Born on April 30, 1947 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Harold M. Felty of Pine Grove and the late Marie M. Schwartz Felty.
She was a 1965 graduate of Pine Grove High School and a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
She was a Girl Scout and a Girl Scout Leader.
Linda was owner of H. M. Felty Sales and Service, Pine Grove.
Surviving, in addition to her father, are her husband of 54 years, Gerald Nagle; two daughters Sherri Lee and husband Joseph Harnish, Susan Nagle; a son Steven and wife Stacey Nagle, all of Pine Grove; five grandchildren, Jamie and husband Bradley Lengel, Matthew and wife Alyssa Harnish, Tyler Harnish, Valerie and husband Charles Bowers, Shayn Nagle and companion Carissa Tobin; seven great-grandchildren, Laila, Austin, and Logan Lengel, Ella and Clara Bowers, Blaise Fantini, Ron Heidle; a brother, Alan and wife Ann Felty of Schuylkill Haven, a sister, Kathy Clark of Lewisberry.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 8:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating. There will be a viewing on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, P.O. Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 17972 in her memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlnsyderfuneralhome.com

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These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.