Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
---------------------------------------------------
Nora Mace, 82, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Tuesday, June 30th, peacefully, at Schuylkill Center.
Nora was born in Collegeville, PA on April 6, 1938, a daughter of the late Gertrude (Baker) and Thomas McKenrick. She lived many years in Ocklawaha FL
She had worked for many years for Phoenix Clothes and then Greif Company’s Garment Allentown also worked for the former United Cerebral Palsy in Mechanicsville (now Avenues)
She was a member of First Congregational Church, Coaldale.
She was wife of the late Fred Mace.
Nora is survived by two daughters, Susan Schaller, of Mahanoy City; Ann Dee Morris, of Tamaqua; a son, Thomas, husband of Kelly Morris, of Mahanoy City; also by a sister, Naoma Januik, of Schwenksville, three brothers, Thomas McKenrick, of Pennsburg; Lloyd McKenrick, of Ocklawaha Fl; Terry McKenrick, of Gilbertsville; and by 9 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews.
Nora is preceded in death by brothers Sylvester, Dean and sister Sherry Lynn McKenrick.
Services will take place at a later date.
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.
Nora Mace, 82, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Tuesday, June 30th, peacefully, at Schuylkill Center.
Nora was born in Collegeville, PA on April 6, 1938, a daughter of the late Gertrude (Baker) and Thomas McKenrick. She lived many years in Ocklawaha FL
She had worked for many years for Phoenix Clothes and then Greif Company’s Garment Allentown also worked for the former United Cerebral Palsy in Mechanicsville (now Avenues)
She was a member of First Congregational Church, Coaldale.
She was wife of the late Fred Mace.
Nora is survived by two daughters, Susan Schaller, of Mahanoy City; Ann Dee Morris, of Tamaqua; a son, Thomas, husband of Kelly Morris, of Mahanoy City; also by a sister, Naoma Januik, of Schwenksville, three brothers, Thomas McKenrick, of Pennsburg; Lloyd McKenrick, of Ocklawaha Fl; Terry McKenrick, of Gilbertsville; and by 9 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews.
Nora is preceded in death by brothers Sylvester, Dean and sister Sherry Lynn McKenrick.
Services will take place at a later date.
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.
------------
Carolyn Marie (Hontz) Hamilton, 103, passed away June 26, 2020 in her Muhlenberg Township residence.She was the widow of E. Raymond Hamilton, who died September 20, 2009. They had been married 70 years. Born, August 30, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Wheeler and Edythe (Schultz) Hontz.Carolyn was a 1934 graduate of Pottsville High School; a 1937 graduate of Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing; and a 1938 graduate of Philadelphia Lying In Hospital. She was employed as an Registered Nurse at Philadelphia Lying In Hospital for a short time before getting married.Carolyn was a member of Muhlenberg Hospital Auxiliary and Women’s Club of Muhlenberg.An avid traveler, she and her husband traveled extensively during their lifetime.
Surviving is her daughter, Barbara E. Rankin of Maidencreek Township; her two granddaughters, Cynthia A. Rankin and Christine M. Rankin; and her sister, Joyce Civello of Lower Gwynedd.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Calvary Lutheran Church, 1009 Elizabeth Avenue, Reading, PA 19605
Charles D. Brayford , 83, formerly of Frackville, passed away Tuesday June 30, 2020 at Schuylkill Center Nursing Home, Pottsville.
Born in Hazleton, January 4, 1937, he was a son of the late Charles and Salome (Griffiths) Brayford.
Charles was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School, he then matriculated to East Stroudsburg University where he played and was captain of the football team. He finished his education at Shippensburg University earning his Masters degree. He devoted his professional life to education, teaching in Baltimore County, Ashland High School and North School High School, where he taught Physical education and Television Production.
An avid reader and photographer, Charles will be remembered fondly by his children for his many hobbies and dedication to his community. He was a member of the Mahanoy City Masonic Lodge # 357, served the Frackville Borough as Mayor, coached football, wrestling and taught countless children how to swim at the Frackville Pool. His favorite thing to do however was walking dogs.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Patrick Brayford and his sister Nancy (Brayford) O’Brien.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years Nancy Anne(Hreshko) Brayford, 3 daughters Amy Brayford and her husband Fran Shukausky of Berwick, Christine Kostura and her husband Ken of Christiansburg VA, Colleen Krupo and her husband Tom of Primrose, 2 sons Nicholas Brayford and his wife Angie of Butler Twp., Knute Brayford and his wife Denise of Frackville, brother William Brayford, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ruth Steinert SPCA, P.O. Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Butler Twp.
Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to www.nicehartfuneralhome.com.
Born Thursday, September 10, 1964 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania son of the late William J., and Stella (Briggs) Kunkel. He was also predeceased by; brothers, William J. Kunkel, Jr., and Frank Kunkel.
Surviving are; sons, Bruce S. Kunkel, Devin Kunkel; daughters, Breanna Kunkel and Stellah Kunkel all of Tamaqua; brothers, Donald Kunkel and his wife Diane, Terry Kunkel and his wife Jeanette, Leon Kunkel and his wife Zelaine all of Tamaqua, sisters, Kathy J. Kunkel of Lansford, and Leslie F. Kunkel and her husband Brian Neifert of Tamaqua. Many nieces and nephews survive Bruce.
Bruce was a 1982 graduate of De La Salle Vocational School in Philadelphia. He had worked for Bachert Construction. Bruce enjoyed working on cars and listening to music.
Bruce loved his children deeply.
Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held on Tuesday evening July 7, 2020 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. until time of remembrance.
The family would appreciate donations in his name in care of the funeral home to offset expenses.
Masks are required.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Grace Jones, 87, of Ashland, passed away July 1st, at the Rosewood Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
------------
Patricia Anne Priester, 68, of Tamaqua, PA, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at home. She was the wife of the late Roger E. Priester who died July 1, 2008. Born in Neptune, NJ on June 23, 1952, Patricia was a daughter of the late Charles and Adeline (nee Schmidt) Van Curen. A high school graduate, she last worked for Hess Gas Station, Tamaqua.
Patricia is survived by her children, Maria Yesavage of Arizona, Dawn Yates of Tamaqua, Trisha Kozak of Buffalo, NY, Scott Priester of Tamaqua, Alexander Priester of Tamaqua, Victoria Priester of Tamaqua, Landan Priester of Tamaqua; 3 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister, Helen Abate of NJ; and brother, Charles Van Curen of NJ.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
------------
------------
Born in Hazleton, January 4, 1937, he was a son of the late Charles and Salome (Griffiths) Brayford.
Charles was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School, he then matriculated to East Stroudsburg University where he played and was captain of the football team. He finished his education at Shippensburg University earning his Masters degree. He devoted his professional life to education, teaching in Baltimore County, Ashland High School and North School High School, where he taught Physical education and Television Production.
An avid reader and photographer, Charles will be remembered fondly by his children for his many hobbies and dedication to his community. He was a member of the Mahanoy City Masonic Lodge # 357, served the Frackville Borough as Mayor, coached football, wrestling and taught countless children how to swim at the Frackville Pool. His favorite thing to do however was walking dogs.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Patrick Brayford and his sister Nancy (Brayford) O’Brien.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years Nancy Anne(Hreshko) Brayford, 3 daughters Amy Brayford and her husband Fran Shukausky of Berwick, Christine Kostura and her husband Ken of Christiansburg VA, Colleen Krupo and her husband Tom of Primrose, 2 sons Nicholas Brayford and his wife Angie of Butler Twp., Knute Brayford and his wife Denise of Frackville, brother William Brayford, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ruth Steinert SPCA, P.O. Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Butler Twp.
Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to www.nicehartfuneralhome.com.
------------
It is with great sadness the family of Dean R. "Bip" Confer, Sr., of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania announce the unexpected passing of their beloved husband, and father on Wednesday July 1, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp. after his two year courageous battle against cancer, at the age of 67 years.
Born Tuesday, January 27, 1953 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania the son of the late Donald C. and Ruth E. (Blose) Confer. He was also predeceased by; infant siblings, Sharon and Keith Confer; brother, Gene "Rutz" Confer
Surviving are; his wife of 33 years, Leslie (Kulha) Confer; daughter, Rachel Confer Krebs wife of Joseph of Jim Thorpe; son, Dean R. Confer, Jr. of Tamaqua; brothers, Glenn Confer and his wife Margaret of Jim Thorpe, Ronald Confer and his companion Susie Strauss of Jim Thorpe, Donald Confer and his wife Paula of New Ringgold, Brent Confer of Tamaqua, Dennis Confer and his wife Lisa of Tamaqua, Gregory "Fred" Confer and his wife Patti of Tamaqua, Bruce Confer and his wife Elizabeth of Tamaqua, Neil Confer and his wife Bernadette of Tamaqua; sisters, April Gearhart of Tamaqua, Starr Valentine wife of Paul of Tamaqua; his grandchildren whom he adored, Cooper Dean Krebs and Theodore "Teddy" Krebs. Many nieces and nephews also survive Dean
A 1972 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Dean was an ardent supporter of the Tamaqua Blue Raiders sports teams. A harder worker one will never find. Dean was a Pipe Fitter for over 35 years, last working for Muschlitz Excavating of Bath. He supported all Philadelphia sports teams and was a longtime member of the Citizens Fire Company.
Dean, was raised in a large family yet by way of his huge personality had an even larger group of friends. He will be deeply missed by all.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Public visitation will take place from the funeral home on Monday July 6, 2020 from 5 to 8:00 P.M.
The family will hold private funeral services with interment at St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Memorials in Dean's name may be made to:
St. Jerome Regional School
50 Meadow Ave.
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
or
Citizens Fire Company
99 West Rowe Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences or a fond memory of Dean may be made by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Born Tuesday, January 27, 1953 in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania the son of the late Donald C. and Ruth E. (Blose) Confer. He was also predeceased by; infant siblings, Sharon and Keith Confer; brother, Gene "Rutz" Confer
Surviving are; his wife of 33 years, Leslie (Kulha) Confer; daughter, Rachel Confer Krebs wife of Joseph of Jim Thorpe; son, Dean R. Confer, Jr. of Tamaqua; brothers, Glenn Confer and his wife Margaret of Jim Thorpe, Ronald Confer and his companion Susie Strauss of Jim Thorpe, Donald Confer and his wife Paula of New Ringgold, Brent Confer of Tamaqua, Dennis Confer and his wife Lisa of Tamaqua, Gregory "Fred" Confer and his wife Patti of Tamaqua, Bruce Confer and his wife Elizabeth of Tamaqua, Neil Confer and his wife Bernadette of Tamaqua; sisters, April Gearhart of Tamaqua, Starr Valentine wife of Paul of Tamaqua; his grandchildren whom he adored, Cooper Dean Krebs and Theodore "Teddy" Krebs. Many nieces and nephews also survive Dean
A 1972 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Dean was an ardent supporter of the Tamaqua Blue Raiders sports teams. A harder worker one will never find. Dean was a Pipe Fitter for over 35 years, last working for Muschlitz Excavating of Bath. He supported all Philadelphia sports teams and was a longtime member of the Citizens Fire Company.
Dean, was raised in a large family yet by way of his huge personality had an even larger group of friends. He will be deeply missed by all.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Public visitation will take place from the funeral home on Monday July 6, 2020 from 5 to 8:00 P.M.
The family will hold private funeral services with interment at St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Memorials in Dean's name may be made to:
St. Jerome Regional School
50 Meadow Ave.
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
or
Citizens Fire Company
99 West Rowe Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences or a fond memory of Dean may be made by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
------------
Bruce S. Kunkel, 55 years of age, of East Elm Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania died on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Tamaqua.Born Thursday, September 10, 1964 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania son of the late William J., and Stella (Briggs) Kunkel. He was also predeceased by; brothers, William J. Kunkel, Jr., and Frank Kunkel.
Surviving are; sons, Bruce S. Kunkel, Devin Kunkel; daughters, Breanna Kunkel and Stellah Kunkel all of Tamaqua; brothers, Donald Kunkel and his wife Diane, Terry Kunkel and his wife Jeanette, Leon Kunkel and his wife Zelaine all of Tamaqua, sisters, Kathy J. Kunkel of Lansford, and Leslie F. Kunkel and her husband Brian Neifert of Tamaqua. Many nieces and nephews survive Bruce.
Bruce was a 1982 graduate of De La Salle Vocational School in Philadelphia. He had worked for Bachert Construction. Bruce enjoyed working on cars and listening to music.
Bruce loved his children deeply.
Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held on Tuesday evening July 7, 2020 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. until time of remembrance.
The family would appreciate donations in his name in care of the funeral home to offset expenses.
Masks are required.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
------------
Michele Spitz, 82, of Zion Grove, passed away Monday, June 29th, 2020.
Michele was on November 8, 1937, a daughter of the late Rae (Frederick) and Samuel J. Cronin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Spitz.
Michele is survived by two sons, Sandy Spitz and Hal Spitz..
As per her wishes, private burial services attended by her family will take place at the Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
Michele Spitz, 82, of Zion Grove, passed away Monday, June 29th, 2020.
Michele was on November 8, 1937, a daughter of the late Rae (Frederick) and Samuel J. Cronin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Spitz.
Michele is survived by two sons, Sandy Spitz and Hal Spitz..
As per her wishes, private burial services attended by her family will take place at the Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
Arrangements are being handled by Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown.
------------
Grace Jones, 87, of Ashland, passed away July 1st, at the Rosewood Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
------------
