Skook News Obituaries: March 21st, 2021

 

                                                               

Skook News Obituaries: March 21st, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Everett Demopulos was born to his parents George and Angeline, on June 17, 1923 at Mercy Hospital. A native of Wilkes Barre, PA, Everett grew up working dutifully in his father’s diner. Following high school, he attended Penn State University. However, at the onset of WWII Everett chose to take a leave from his studies in order to serve his country proudly. He was a U.S. Army paratrooper and medic for the 221st Airborne Division. After the war Everett returned to college and earned his BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management. In 1954 Everett married the love of his life, Evelyn Karaces of Minersville, PA. Together they made a life for themselves in Tamaqua, PA, and became the well-known proprietors of Taylor’s Diner for almost 30 years, and were beloved by their employees and customers alike. Everett is survived by his wife, his sister Marion Zachariades, his three children Nick, Rea, and Sondi, and his two grandchildren Guy and Bergen. He was appreciated for his great sense of humor, worldly knowledge and advice, and his interests in hunting and wood-working. Everett was a member of the FreeMasons for over 60 years and was a founding member of the Tamaqua Gun Club. Simply put, Everett Demopulos was one-of-a-kind. Thank you so much to all of the home health aids, friends, and loved ones who cared for and supported him until the very end. As anyone who knew him would suggest, “They just don’t make them like that anymore.” Everett Demopulos will be greatly missed.

Please, in lieu of flowers, gifts, food, and/or other items of consolation, the family would appreciate that a donation be made in Everett Demopulos’s honor, to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 East Ross Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701 or Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901

Calling Hours will be from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 25, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Attendees are reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and are kindly asked to wear a mask and observe physical distancing. 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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Gerald E. Snyder, 81, of Williamstown, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Born in Leck Kill, May 7, 1939, a son of the late Lawrence and Catherine Hinkel Snyder. Gerald was a graduate of Mahanoy Joint High School and attended Bloomsburg University. He was a United States Air Force Veteran and played in the Air Force Band.

Gerald was previously a band director/teacher at Tri-Valley, Blue Mountain and Williams Valley School Districts.

He and his wife were the retired owners of the former Karpet Korner in Lykens, a business they operated for over 35 years.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown, Williamstown American Legion, Williamstown VFW and the Williamstown Liberty Hose Company #1, where he served with the fire police.

Gerald played in the Larry Koch band on weekends in his early married years. He was a kind and generous man that always tried to help someone in need, by lending a hand or giving them a job. He always rooted for the underdog, even while watching sports. Gerald wanted to connect with people, he always wanted to know where someone lived and how they made a living. When asked if he could be anyone in the world, he answered that he didn't want to be anyone else. He loved his life, his family, and he was happy being himself.

Gerald and Joan had a great passion for traveling and enjoyed trips all over the world, something they instilled in their family, to explore the world. He enjoyed going to the horse track and formerly owned a race horse. He could often be found listening to music and watching sports. He was extremely proud of his family, especially his two granddaughters, who brought him great joy every day.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Gerald J. Snyder; a brother, Leon Snyder; two sisters, Arlene Snyder and Lorraine Martz.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Joan Klemick Snyder; two daughters, Christine M. Schumber (Eric), Halifax and Susan K. Ziegler (Steve), Williamstown; two granddaughters, Francesca and Isabella Ziegler; two step-grandchildren, Lauren and Zachary Schumber; a sister Carol Miller, Lebanon, two brothers; Randy and Larry Snyder, both of Pitman. Nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday, March 25th at 11:00 am from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown, with Rev. Michael Opaki as celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, c/o Parish Office, 732 Main Street, Lykens, PA 17048.

Thank you to Premier at Susquehanna, Millersburg for all of the loving care that was given to Gerald during the past few weeks of his life. The staff went above and beyond to support Gerald and his family.

The 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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Christopher J. Blackwell, 42, of Lost Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 15th, 2021 in Hazleton.

Christopher was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on August 15, 1978, a son of James Blackwell Sr., of Frackville and the late Eileen (Knipe) Blackwell.

He attended the Shenandoah Valley School district, and was working as an auto mechanic for Primo's Garage in Lost Creek.

Chris enjoyed four-wheeling, but he especially loved spending time with his daughter and fiancee.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a daughter Hannah Nicole Blackwell.

Along with is father, James Blackwell Sr., Chris is survived by his daughter, Kailey Elizabeth Blackwell, and by his fiancee, Nicole DiNofa. Two brothers, James Blackwell and Matthew Blackwell, and his sister, Sara Fritz, also survive.

He is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Monday, March 22nd, 2021 from 9-11 AM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM.

All Covid-19 mandates, including facial coverings, social distancing and capacity limitations will be adhered to.

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