Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: January 13th, 2021


Skook News Obituaries: January 13th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Miriam L Huntzinger
, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at her home with her children by her side on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

She was born September 24, 1929, in Fountain, a daughter of the late Burd Bressler and the late Annie (Shadle) Bressler.

She received her formal education in the Hegins Township School System and later completed the RN nursing program at Harrisburg Area Community College.

Miriam retired from Carlisle SynTech in 1995 after 17 years of service as an industrial nurse.
She enjoyed baking, gardening, playing her piano and organ, tending her flock of chickens for a time, traveling with her son to annual fireworks conventions, and especially spending time with her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul J Huntzinger in 1974. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas H Bressler, his wife, Sara, and her older sister, Betty J Otto.

She is survived by two daughters and a son: Sheila R Huntzinger of Murrells Inlet, SC, Paula J Huntzinger of York, and Greg A Huntzinger of Mechanicsburg; a grandson, Daniel Joseph Cipollini and great granddaughter Lydia Cipollini, both of York; sister Joyce Runkle of Halifax, and several nieces and nephews.

Miriam had a strong faith and regularly attended New Life Baptist Church in New Cumberland from the time it was established until her health declined.

Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Due to the current pandemic all attending will be asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Burial will be made in Fountain Community Cemetery.

Miriam valued maintaining her family’s final resting place, so in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fountain Community Cemetery Association, c/o Diane Bressler, 929 E. Mountain Road, Hegins, PA 17938.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

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Keith Barry Staller, 52, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Tuesday, January 12th, at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Allentown.

Born in Pottsville on December 27, 1968, he was a son of Mary Louise (Hughes) Staller, of Frackville, and the late David Staller.

In addition to his father, Keith is also preceded in death by his step-daughter, Brandi Pucci, and brothers: Scott, & Dave Staller.

Keith was proud of his professional welding skills, obtained while he was still in high school. He has been employed for many years at U.S.S. Achey as an independent contractor.

His hobbies included following aviation, collecting drones, working in his garage, Nascar, and proudly supporting his daughter in everything she did.

He is survived by a daughter, Amanda Jo Staller, Orlando, FL, siblings: Deb Staller, Cumbola; Val Mengel, wife of Brad, Schuylkill Haven; Holly Conrad, wife of Robert, New Ringgold; Curt Staller, husband of Jennifer, Auburn, and his former wife, Jodi Staller, Orlando, FL.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor Kris Perry officiating. A calling hour will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Please follow CDC guidelines; practice social distancing, and wear a mask.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, to help defray the cost of funeral expenses.

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Barbara Ann Shadler, 84, formerly of of Pine Grove, current resident of Seton Manor, Oriwgsburg, passed away Tuesday, January 12th, at Geisinger St. Lukes Hospital, Orwigsburg. 
 
Born in Heilwood, PA on September 29, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Gerald & Margaret (Altemus) Croyle.

She was the wife of Clyde R. Shadler.

Barbara was a graduate of Pottsville High School.

She worked in the cafeteria for Pine Grove Area School District for 30 years.

Barbara was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by three sons: Clyde R. Shadler, of Sch. Haven; Mark S. Shadler, of Pine Grove; and Timothy S., husband of Sandra Shadler, of Sch. Haven; 8 Grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by two sisters: Kathy Bastian, of Bethlehem; and Sandra Daniels, of Florida.

Barbara was preceded in death by four brothers: Robert, Tom, Larry, and Jerry Croyle, and 2 sisters: Eileen Frye and Lois McNulty.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 20th at St. Mark’s Browns Church in Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor Eugene Eckroth officiating. Please follow CDC guidelines; practice social distancing and wear a mask.

The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to St. Mark's Brown Church PO Box 37, 151 Summer Hill Road Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

Interment at Schuylkill Memorial Park will be held at a later date.

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June R. Sackett
, 87, of Schuylkill Haven, died Saturday, January 9th, at Geisinger St. Lukes Hospital, Orwigsburg.

Born in Gratz, PA, on June 12, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Grace Murray Williard.

She was the widow of Charles R. Sackett, who died May 9, 1999.

June retired from Hudson River Psychiatric Hospital, after more than 30 years of service.

She was a lifelong contributor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

She is survived by three sons: Steven Sackett, of Millbrook NY;David, husband of Maggie Sackett, of St. Clair PA;and Jeffrey Sackett, of Mechanicsburg PA;one daughter, Lynn Stuetzle, of Sch. Haven; 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, one sister, Ruth Shuey, of Sch. Haven;two brothers, Edward Williard, of Tremont;and Gurney Williard, of Auburn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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James “JIM” Flanagan
was born March 23, 1962 in Hershey, Pennsylvania to Mr. Ray Flanagan and Martha Flanagan. He attended Annville Cleona High School and worked for Rays Vacuum Cleaning Service for years. James was united in Holy Matrimony to Kathy Jean Wagner December 12, 1981. Together they raised four children, Patrick, John, Kyle, & Michael Flanagan. James had a passion for the outdoors, teaching his sons how to hunt, fish, and work on cars but most of all he loved spending time with his family. He will truly be missed.

James is preceded in death by his father Ray Flanagan and father-in-law Sanders Wagner.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his beloved mother Martha Flanagan & mother-in-law Florence Wagner; the love of his life Kathy Jean Flanagan; his children Patrick Flanagan (Jasmine Flanagan), John Flanagan (Kristina Flanagan), Kyle Flanagan (Rebecca Flanagan) , & Michael Flanagan; his grandchildren Bethany Flanagan, Christian Flanagan, Emma Flanagan, October Flanagan, William Jordan and Eve Jordan; his one & only brother Les Howard; his one and only sister Donna Myers (Jeffrey Myers); his nephews Justin Myers, Zachery Howard; his nieces Jessica Myers, Sarah Daub; & a host of aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews, relatives, and close friends whom he all loved dearly.

All services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Terry Jansma officiating. Burial will be in the Suedberg Church of God Cemetery, Pine Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon Co., 150 N. Ramona Rd., Myerstown, Pa. 17067 in his memory.

Acknowledgment
The family of James Flanagan would like to thank you all for the calls, text, words of encouragement, thoughts, prayers, & showing of love and support for our family during this difficult time. It has played a major role in starting the healing process. Yet, through it all we will continue to hold firm to Gods unchanging hands. We’re forever thankful and love you all.

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Virginia Eileen Hessler
, 70, of Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Rosewood Rehab and Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven.

Born on June 4, 1950 in Phoenixville, she was a daughter of the late Harry E. and Erma Rahn Funk Lytle.

She was a 1968 graduate of Spring-Ford Area High School in Royersford.

She was a member of Roedersville Mennonite Church, Pine Grove. She was a life member of the Humane Fire Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary in Royersford and the Friendship Fire Co. #2 in Royersford, and a member of the Montgomery County 4H.

Virginia worked as a dispatcher for the Montgomery County 911, a secretary for the Franconia Twp. Police Dept., and Cabela's in Hamburg after she and her husband moved to Pine Grove.

Preceding her in death was a brother Leroy Lytle.

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, William A. "Bill" Hessler; a daughter Ruth A. and husband Paul Barr, III of Acme; a son D. Eric Hessler of Souderton; two grandchildren, Taylor Barr and Ricky Barr; a sister Elizabeth "Betty Ann" Lutz of Towanda; two brothers Earl Lytle of Wilson, N.C. and David Lytle of Gilbertsville.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Roedersville Mennonite Cemetery.

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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Joseph N. Kamant
, 27 years of age, of Lansford, Pennsylvania died on Monday, January 11, 2021, upon arrival at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.

Born Monday, March 1, 1993 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania the son of the late JoLynn Kamant who passed away on July 14, 2005.

Surviving are; his companion, Melissa (Snyder) Scott of Lansford; daughter, Aliciana Kamant; step children, Shane Monk, Alexis Scott, Mackenzie Scott; siblings, Becky Hartranft, Robert Fredericks, Dale Fredericks; god mother Wendy Fredericks. Aunts, uncle, and cousins also survive Joe.

Joe attended Tamaqua Area High School, and was a member of the marching band. In his youth, Joseph enjoyed playing Little League Baseball, and was introduced to his love of fishing by his late maternal grandfather, Joseph J. Kamant. Joe enjoyed spending time with his daughter, and family.

Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

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

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Rita E. (Stanczyk) Karlavage, 65 of Shenandoah passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 in Melbourne, Florida.

Born in Shenandoah on July 10, 1955, she was a daughter of the late John and Eleanor (Nedinsky) Stanczyk.

She was a 1973 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School.

Rita retired from the Rite Aid in Shenandoah. Earlier she worked at the Morgan Knitting Mills, Hometown, McCann School of Business, Mahanoy City and the Bargain Anney, Shenandoah.

Surviving are her daughter, Michele Karlavage; two sons, Chad Karlavage and Terry Karlavage; her significant other, Paul Leger; three grandchildren, Daishon, Kennedy & Lexus; two sisters, Lisa Breznik and Susan Schegan; one brother, John Stanczyk; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her brother, Dennis Stanczyk and her sister, Theresa Santella.

Religious services will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:30 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Rev. Dr. John Reid will officiate. Interment will follow in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown at 11:30 am. A visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at the funeral home. All state and federal COVID-19 guidelines and regulations will be observed; masks and social distancing will be required.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the World War II Memorial c/o Trust for the National Mall, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 370, Washington, DC 20004 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.

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Elizabeth Rosko Macario, 88. Formerly of Minersville. Died December 20, 2020 in Fuquay Varina, N.C. She was the widow of William Macario. A Service of Christian Burial in accordance with and following CDC COVID guidelines shall be held 11:00 am, Friday, in St. Barbara Cemetery.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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Judith Ann Coale
, 67, of Creek Rd, Butler Twp., Died Saturday at her home. She was born in Norristown, January 26, 1953, a daughter of the late Gene A. and Edith May (Stone) Davis. She was a graduate of Upper Merion High School. She was employed as a Training Supervisor for the Office of Public Safety. 

She is survived by her daughter Elyse Amato, a brother Richard, husband of Rosemary Davis, nephew, Matthew and his wife Kristina Davis, niece Joellen, and husband Cory Stocker, beloved friends and confidants the Wisler family. 

Judith also leaves behind her beloved dog and best buddy Rio. Judith worked for and retired from IBM for 25 years as a MVS systems operator She was once an avid skydiver with United Parachute Club, including having her pilots license, and her own plane. Extremely outgoing, and adventurous, with activities such as white water rafting skydiving bungee jumping, and zip lining. Passion for horses including her two horses Toro, and Lucky. Judith was a fun loving, sarcastic, and laid back woman who would tell you how it is. 

All services shall be private and held at the convenience of the family. 

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc.