Skook News Obituaries: February 21st, 2021
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Brian C. Irslinger, 83, of Pottsville, beloved brother, uncle, friend, and Scout entered eternal life passing peacefully in his sleep on February 16, 2021.Born on July 2, 1937, Jamaica, NY, he was the son of the late Otto Joseph and Dorothy Rose (Boylan) Irslinger.
He was a member of Incarnation RC Church, Queens Village, NY, St. Mary RC Church, Ringtown, PA, and St. Joseph RC Church, Sheppton, PA. Before retiring Brian was employed by both MetLife and Blue Cross Blue Shield working as a computer analyst for many years.
All who knew Brian could attest to the many acts of kindness and hours of time he gave to community organizations both in Queens, NY and in Ringtown, PA, doing the jobs that needed to be done and giving 100% effort.
Until recently Brian would travel to every family celebration whether he was close by or needed to travel hours from his beloved home on the hill in Ringtown.
Brian was a traveler, very content to go off by himself for weeks at a time to visit our beautiful USofA, camping when and where he could. And a storyteller! He could tell story upon story. Brian was never at a loss for words. But if you could ask him Brian would tell you that his real love was Scouting. From when he was a young Scout, Explorer, Troop Leader, BSA Council Member, his joy was scouting. He ascribed to the theory that every boy could thrive in life if he was a member of an active, organized, motivated troop and remembered to carry out the values shown and spoken about by his mentors. After all these years a goodly number of his former Scouts still keep in touch with some also visiting at his last residence, Providence Place of Pottsville.
Brian will be remembered by many.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Ferraro.
He is survived by his sisters, Diane Sperzel of Smithtown, NY and Karen Altman of San Antonio, TX.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick RC Church, Smithtown, NY at a later date. Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Please visit SchlitzerAllenPugh.com to leave a condolence for the family.
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Donna was born in Brandonville, on June 21, 1956, a daughter of the late Alice (VanHorn) and Clarence Foose.
She was a graduate of the West Hazleton High School and last worked as a QA lab technician at Aryzta in Humbolt.
Donna was a long time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville. She was a woman who had a great big heart and was always willing to help others. Family was very important to her and she loved to have everyone together whenever possible. She also loved her dogs very much.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death a brother, Ira Foose and a sister, Alice Mae Kane.
Donna is survived by her significant other, John Evancho of Brandonville, and by her daughters, LeeAnn Jones of Girardville; and Lori Vale with Paul Shuey, Jr. of Hegins.
A sister Carol Garrison and a brother Paul Foose, both of Shenandoah also survive, as do her grandchildren, Caitlyn Deeter; Lacey Deeter; David Deeter, Jr. and Mallory Jones.
Private services for Donna's immediate family are being provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown.
Donna's family asks that in lieu of any flowers, memorial donations to either the Ruth Steinert or Hillside SPCA would be greatly appreciated.
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David was born in Hazleton, on February 8, 1961, a son of the late Irene (Steadely) and Edward Ahlbrandt. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Drums.
Dave attended Hazleton area schools, and began a lifelong career in the building trade industry, having been currently employed by the Butler Valley Builders as a carpenter.
A true renaissance man of his time, Dave was a multi-tradesman, able to do anything from auto work and refurbishment to full home construction. He was an auto enthusiast who restored several classic muscle cars and trucks, having worked on the mechanics along with the bodywork, all while building homes from start to finish.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Mae Licari.
He is survived by his children, a son Keith, and his wife Melissa Ahlbrandt, of Zion Grove; and a daughter, Angel Ahlbrandt, of Harrisburg.
He is also survived by his siblings, Dawn Klick, of Drums; Yvonne Thomas, of Drums; Charmaine Welsh, of McAdoo; Rob Ahlbrandt, of Oregon and Ronald Ahlbrandt, of Drums.
Dave was the loving and proud 'Pa' to Kase David and Bristol Grace, both of whom he adored.
A true definition of the 'blue collar' worker, his willingness to help others in their times of need is a constant reflection of self sacrifice at its best.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, February 23rd from 6-8PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. All covid-19 protocols including wearing a mask, social distance and building capacity measures will be adhered to.
A Funeral Service will be held at the 11 AM on Thursday, February 25th at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Zion Grove, and everyone is asked to meet at the church for the service. Dave will be laid to rest at the Mt. Zion Cemetery following the service.
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