Saturday, November 28, 2020

Skook News Obituaries: November 28th, 2020

 

Skook News Obituaries: November 28th, 2020

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Larona A Smink, 84, of Pitman, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020 at York Terrace, Pottsville.

Larona was born in Klingerstown, on April 27, 1936, a daughter of the late Irene K (Reed) and Clarence E Wiest.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lamar Klinger, who passed away in 1974, her second husband H. Charles "Charlie" Smink who passed away in 2011, and her companion Guy Schreffler who passed away in 2019.

She attended Upper Mahantongo Schools and worked part time at Crossroads Market, Spread Eagle Farm, Koppy's Store and Snyder's Greenhouse

She was a member of the Idella Rebekah Lodge #58 of Dornsife, Woodmen of the World Lodge 433 of Pitman, and the Tri-Valley and Mahantongo Senior Citizens. She was also a member of the Pitman Trio and the Wolfe Family Band.

Larona volunteered for many years at the Friendly Nursing Home and also enjoyed helping wherever she was needed. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, playing guitar, square dancing, and looked forward to getting together with her coloring group and sewing group.

Larona is survived by two daughters, Charlene Woodring, wife of Homer Jr, of Catawissa; Bonnie Snyder, wife of James E., of Rebuck; two sons Brian Klinger, husband of Sheila, of Klingerstown; Todd, husband of Betty Klinger, of Leck Kill; 10 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren,4 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Private services will be held at St. Michael's Lutheran Church with Pastor Jonathan Jenkins officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Lutheran Church 48 Main St., Klingerstown, PA 17941 or Hepler's Church of God C/O Mark Swinehart 95 South Road, Pitman, PA 17964

The Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the online guest book please visit www.srrfh.com.

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Joseph E. Rollman, 82, of St. Clair, died Thursday November 26, 2020, at Lutheran Home, Topton PA.

Born in Mount Laffee, November 27, 1937, He was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (McGrath) Rollman.


Joe worked as a pattern maker for Phillips-Van Heusen Company and American Argo Company both of Pottsville.

Lastly he drove a school bus for the North Schuylkill School District.

He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy (Walters) Rollman in 2009 and a grandson Joseph H. Rollman in 2010.

Surviving are a son Joseph J. Rollman and his wife Beth of St. Clair, daughter Judy Vrabel and her husband Jesse of St. Clair, daughter Ann Rollman and her companion Scott of Pottsville; 7 grandchildren: Carrie, Michael, Jennifer, Melissa, Stephanie, Stephen, and Kevin; 3 great-grandchildren: Joey, Dylan, and Eyan.

Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Clare of Assisi Memorial Fund, 250 E. Hancock St., St. Clair, PA 17970. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.

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Joseph L. Gravish, 100, of St. Clair, passed away Thursday November 26, 2020, at Broad Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Frackville PA.

Born in Wadesville, March 12, 1920, he was a son of the late Matthew (Maciej) and Sophie (Zofia Stempien) Gravish (Grabarz).

A graduate of St. Clair High School, Joseph went on to enlist in the United States Army Air Force where he served honorably in the European Theatre during World War II. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge, witness to the Dachau concentration camp and was specially protected in his unit for his knowledge of Morse Code.

After returning home, he worked as a Machinist at several area factories but mainly at Mayfair Industries, Shoemakersville PA.

He was a member of the former Ss. Peter and Paul RC Church, current member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, a lifetime member of the St. Clair American Legion post 719 and a former St. Clair Councilman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Isabel (Bulharowski) Gravish, 2 brothers, Edward and Martin Gravish, 3 sisters Anna Fleischut, Agnes Selosky, Julia Kline and Son-in-law Eric Sonne.

Surviving are 2 sons, Retired Colonel Joseph Gravish and his wife Elaine of St. Louis, MO; Professional Musician, Andrew Gravish and his wife Maria of Brooklyn, NY; daughter, Attorney Frances Sonne of Catasauqua PA; 1 Grandson, Joseph Michael, 2 Granddaughters, Jolaine and Jolyn, 5 Great grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 East Hancock Street, St. Clair, PA 17970. The Rev. Msgr. William F. Glosser will be officiating. Friends may call from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Clair American Legion Post 719, PO Box 81, St. Clair, PA 17970. Burial with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA Thursday Dec. 3, 2020 at 1:30 PM

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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Paul J Gnall Sr, 78, of Frackville passed away Thursday, November 26, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, surrounded by his loving family after a more than two-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born June 22, 1942 in New Boston, PA; he was a son of the late Michael and Helen (Gensure) Gnall. He was of the Byzantine Catholic faith.

Paul was a member of the first graduating class of Mahanoy Area High School, class of 1960. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Army. He would continue his military service as a member of the US Army Reserves for more than 30 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant, USAR Assistant Inspector General. He was also employed for more than 30 years by the federal government at Fort Indiantown Gap as a Support Branch Supervisor.

Paul was a devoted father and a loving husband. He loved everything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He could fix or repair just about anything. On most days, Paul could be found in his garage working on cars, motors or various pieces of equipment. He was the best storyteller and an amazing cook. Some of the most cherished times in his life were spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by five brothers, John, Michael, David, Frank and William Gnall; a sister, Irene McCall.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, MaryAnn (Bloschichak) Gnall; son Paul J Gnall Jr, wife Kathleen, grandchildren, Benjamin and Erin; Mechanicsburg; daughter Carrie (Gnall) Falls, husband Ralph, grandchildren Zachary and Nicholas; Frackville; three brothers, Emil Gnall, Daniel Gnall and Edward Gnall; nieces and nephews.

Religious Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the Albert L. Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville with Deacon John Setlock, as celebrant; Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 9:00 a.m. till time of Service, Thursday morning at the funeral home; following CDC guidelines and precautions. Interment with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

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Betty M. Charowsky, 91, of Pottsville, passed away on Thursday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.

Born on May 12, 1929, in Tremont, she was a daughter of the late Harry Staller and the late Elizabeth Feeman Staller Olexo. She attended Pottsville Area High School; and was employed in the local garment industry. She was always thinking of others and giving of herself by helping others.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.

Preceding her in death were her first husband, Robert Hoffman; her second husband, John Charowsky; a son, Robert Hoffman; six siblings, Harry Staller, Richard Staller, Edward Staller, Joan Dillion, Virginia Lutchkus, and Linda Beck.

Betty is survived by two sons, Ralph Hoffman (spouse, Gail), Mill Creek, and Richard Hoffman (spouse, Catherine), Hummelstown; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four siblings, Lamar Staller (spouse, Barbara), Pottsville, Theodore Staller (spouse, Loretta), Schuylkill Haven, Kenneth Staller, Walnutport, and Faye Krasinsky, Pottsville; many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are incomplete. Please check this page frequently for updates.

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John “Jack” Johnson
, 83 of Lavelle, PA passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born May 6, 1937, the son of the late Ralph and Alma (Stine) Johnson. He married Frieda Smith who survives. Jack spent most of his life working in and owning mines. He retired from Lindenmuth’s Coal Processing Plant in Ashland, where he was the manager.

Jack was a devoted member of the Lavelle Volunteer Fire Company for 66 years. He held numerous official titles, such as Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, Constable and he was always on the Election Board. Jack was a member of the Christ’s United Lutheran Church, the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Jack loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed being outside and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by two sons: John (Jack) Johnson Jr., Ashland; and James Johnson, Pottsville. A daughter, Jill Still and her husband Scott, Carlisle.

3 grandchildren: Jessica Venesky and her husband Bernie, Shamokin; Jeremiah Johnson and his fiancé Madison, Mt. Carmel; and Molly McNeal, Carlisle. 4 great grandchildren: Miranda and Autumn Peifer, Shamokin; Jax and Ivan Johnson, Mt. Carmel. Nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his daughter, Julia Johnson; 2 brothers, Ralph (Cappy) Johnson and Charles Johnson. And his beloved dog, Bear.

Memorial Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Rd., Ashland, PA 17921 in his honor.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.

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James E. Reilly Sr., 78, formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday, November 24th at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Schuylkill Haven, Pa.

Born in Pottsville, Pa on April 30th, 1942, he was the son of the late Francis B. & Helen E. (Slane) Reilly.

Jim worked as an equipment operator for Barletta & Racho for many years until his retirement. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Association.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded by his wife, Antoinette Reilly in 2015, and 1 brother, Francis Reilly.

Surviving are a son, James E. Reilly Jr. and his children, Brayden and Aryana, Daughters- Christine and husband Joseph Burns and their children, Cassidy Ann, Ethan, Reese, Jani, and Jasper, Kimberly and husband John Lecher and their children, Sarah and Evan. Also surviving are 1 sister, Helen Juba, and nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be private for immediate family only on Saturday, December 5th with Pastor Jack Murray officiating at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Minersville, Pa

Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.

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Sara Nicole Cowan-Scotto, 32, of Jonestown, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

Sara was born in Harrisburg, on November 24, 1988, the only beloved child of Edgar Cowan III, Tower City and Ellen Michaels Cowan, Jonestown.

Sara's greatest joy was being a mom to Mara. She loved every minute of being a stay at home mom.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her husband, Vincenzo Scotto; her daughter, Mara Sofia Scotto; one aunt, Barbara Kolar, Florida; uncle, Richard Cowan, Elizabethville. Several cousins.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown. Sara loved every kind of animal. If you wish to make a memorial donation in her memory, please make it to the Hillside SPCA, Inc., PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901. The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with arragements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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