Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Skook News Obituaries: October 27th, 2020


Skook News Obituaries: October 27th, 2020

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Joan Irene Wassel
, 86, of Pottsville, PA and formerly of Tamaqua, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 in Pottsville. 

The best mother, gram, mam, and wife anybody could ever have, she was the wife of the late John A. Wassel, Sr. who died on May 13, 1988. 

Born in Delano, PA on December 11, 1933, Joan was a daughter of the late George and Irene (nee Levy) Maurer. A 1952 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, she worked for the former Woolworths, Tamaqua, the Kiddie Kloes, Tami Sportswear, and several other textile factories. Joan was a member of the former Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and currently a member of The Parish of St. John XXIII. She was a past president of the Ditchburn School PTA and an honorary member of the Democratic Club. 

Joan is survived by daughter, Elaine J. Goho and her husband Richard of Wildcat Mountain, Tamaqua; sons, John “Jack” Wassel and his companion Kelly Knepper of Tamaqua and Corey Wassel and his wife Cristal of South Tamaqua; son-in-law, Jim Davis; grandchildren, Shawn, Karen, Lisa, Kayla, Hunter, Cheyann, Jim and Barry; 12 great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. 

She was preceded in death by a daughter Cindy Davis in January 2020 and sisters, Margie Lincovich and Ruth Nester. She was the last member of her immediate family. 

Services are private at the convenience of the family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Stephen Herman
, 74, formerly of St. Clair, died Tuesday October 20, 2020, at Rosewood Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven.

Born in Pottsville, August 10, 1946, He was a son of the late George Sr. and Anna (Kalyan) Herman.

He was a graduate of St. Clair High School.

Stephen served as a Medical Service Specialist in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Staff Sargeant.

He worked as a Machine Operator for PennDot and later Anthracite Protective Services.

He was a member of The Church of Nazarene; St. Clair Lions Club where he served as Tail Twister; Life member of Independent Hose Co. #1 where he held many positions and cooked the best kettle of bean soup.

He was preceded in death by 2 Brothers, Georgie and John Herman; 2 sisters Anna Dietzel and Eva Herman.

Surviving are a son Steven G. Herman of St. Clair; brother Andrew Herman and his wife Helen of Rio Rico, AZ; sister Elizabeth Placek of Diener’s Hill; Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles; Great Nieces, Great Nephews & Cousins.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday October 31 from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home 110 N. Second St. Saint Clair, PA 17970 with The Rev. Jack Murray officiating. Friends may call from Noon – 1:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to defray funeral costs c/o the funeral home at the above address. Burial with Military Honors will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

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Justine Messaros
, 80, of Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, at her residence.

Born Aug. 10, 1940, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Justin and Mary (Starzetski) Zutelis.

She was a graduate of Nativity High School in 1958 and worked for Acme Markets Inc. as a customer service representative, retiring after 40 years.

Justine was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, and former Ladies Auxiliary of the Yorkville Fire and Rescue, Pottsville.

In her earlier years, she loved traveling to New York City to see Broadway plays, having dinners at the Rainbow Room, going to South Bend to see an occasional Notre Dame football game. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, visiting relatives in Philadelphia and Baltimore. She especially loved watching her son play Little League baseball, Nativity boys’ basketball and track and field.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Andrew J. Messaros; son, Daniel Messaros, of Pottsville; sister, Elaine Reed, of New Philadelphia; sisters-in-law, Sister Jean Messaros, R.S.M., of Dallas, Pa., Marianne Hoover and her husband, Joseph, of Middletown; brother-in-law, James Feigenbaum and his wife, Marion, of East Norwalk, Conn.; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews.

Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer remembrances to St. Patrick RCC Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

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Wayne James. Rhoads
, 74, of St. Clair, died Monday October 26, 2020, at LVHN Schuylkill East.

Born in Pottsville, July 13, 1946, He was a son of the late Wayne S. Rhoads and Isabel (Bagucansky) Rhoads.

He retired in housekeeping after 32 years from the former Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.

He was a member of Former St Casimir RCC, St. Clair and Alerts Fire Company, St. Clair where he volunteered as a fire policeman.

Wayne was an engaging person who loved talking to people. He also loved animals especially dogs. He was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching the Phillies and Eagles on TV.

Surviving are brother William Rhoads and his wife Donna of St. Clair; Nephew William Rhoads and his wife Kelly of Pottsville; Niece Meghan Rhoads of Pottsville. Aunts, Uncles & Cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA 17970 with Msgr. William F. Glosser officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alert Fire Co. 34 S. 2nd St. Saint Clair PA 17970. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair.

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to http://www.brucethartfuneralhome.com

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Charlie David Heffelfinger
, 47 years of age, of Orwigsburg Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania died due to injuries sustained from a fall on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at home.

Born Thursday, June 28, 1973 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the son of Linda Lou (Valentine) Heffelfinger - Bonetsky, and the late George Heffelfinger, Sr. who passed away in 1978.

Surviving are; his wife of 23 years, Yvonne (Solt) Heffelfinger, sons, Charles D. Heffelfinger, Jr. of Tamaqua, Darren S. Heffelfinger and his fiancée Amy Gardiner of Tamaqua; daughter, Tianna D. Heffelfinger and her fiancé Derek Beers of Tamaqua; brothers, George R. Heffelfinger, Jr. and his wife Veronica, Wayne J. Heffelfinger of Tamaqua, Stephen M. Heffelfinger and his wife Deanna of Tamaqua; sisters, Linda L. Hutta of Tamaqua, Deann L. Breiner of Coaldale; his grandson whom he adored, Silas M. Heffelfinger; many nieces and nephews also survive Charlie.

Charlie worked for American Zinc Recycling of Palmerton. He enjoyed the outdoors, four wheeling and fishing. Charlie liked to shoot darts, and play pool.

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

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening October 29, 2020 at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 P.M.

Interment Friday October 29, 2020 10 o'clock A.M. Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Vertie L. "Susie" Stahler
, beloved wife, mother, and sister, of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Mahoning Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lehighton, Pennsylvania at 81 years of age.

Born in 1939 in Onslow County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Lula (McLean) Rochelle. She was also predeceased by sisters, Thelma Rochelle, Julia Swinson, and Nellie Rochelle; brothers, Clyde ("CB"), Cline, Elmer, Reuben, and Earl.

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Paul F. Stahler; daughters, Kim R. Stahler, wife of John A. Zukowski of Reading, and Kelly R. Kichline, wife of Scott M. Kichline of Henderson, NV; grandson, Dexter S. Kichline of Henderson, NV; brother, Lenwood R. Rochelle and his wife Tonya of Jacksonville, NC; and sister, Elaine Johnson of Jacksonville, NC. Many nieces and nephews also survive Susie.

A Southern Belle, Susie graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, NC. Susie's enduring strength and courage was formed early in her life after she suffered two devastating car accidents before her 20th birthday and faced numerous medical complications during her life. After marrying Paul in 1965, Susie moved to Pennsylvania and established her life built around being a good wife and mother. A Girl Scout volunteer, Susie liked cooking, gardening, canning, and listening to music.

Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884

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The daughters of Marlene Hazen, of Pine Grove, announce that on Monday, October 26, 2020 mom went home to be with her Lord and Savior, where her beloved husband Dan has been waiting for 10 years.

Marlene Elizabeth Hazen, was born March 2, 1938 in Sunbury, PA, the youngest daughter of the late Ralph and Mabel Ross Miller. She was a 1956 graduate of Sunbury High School.

We thought we would have a few more days, but as usual mom had to be early - even in going to Heaven. She faithfully attended church her entire life while growing up in Sunbury, PA, retiring to Ocala FL and most recently residing near her daughters in Pine Grove, PA. She had most recently attended Pine Grove Community Church.

Mom was known for her hospitality. Having friends and family for dinner was a regular occurrence. And picnics! We had more than a few picnics wearing coats and mittens. What fun she would have. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and playing games.

She leaves behind her daughters, Cheryl J. Kirelawich (Rick) of Pine Grove and Dr. Mary Jane Horton (Chris) of Tower City. Grandsons, Collins (Katie) Kirelawich, Rick (Sunny) Kirelawich, Brett Horton and Nathan Horton, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Glenn Lamar Miller and sister, Rosella G. Lauver, as well as her lifelong friend Pauline Swineford.

A Celebration of Marlene's life will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 1:00 pm from Pine Grove Community Church, 85 Pleasant Valley Road, Pine Grove PA. The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family please visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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Patrick J. Doyle
, 55, of Wormleysburg, formerly of Williamstown, passed away Saturday, October 24th at his home.

Born in Harrisburg, a son of the late John "Jack" Doyle and Mary Ann Fago Doyle.

Pat was a 1984 graduate of Williams Valley High School. He was employed as a tool & die maker.

Surviving are his two children, Devon Doyle (Jessica), Halifax and Kylie Doyle, Pottstown; brothers, Matthew Doyle (Karen), Williamstown and Eric Doyle (Corinne), Maryland; a sister, Colleen Doyle, Gratz.

Following Pat's wishes there will be no services. Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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