Monday, March 22, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: March 22nd, 2021

                                                               

Skook News Obituaries: March 22nd, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Frank Jackson, Sr.
, 47, of 121 West Main Street Girardville, PA, passed away Saturday, March 20th, in Hazleton.

Frank was born in Woodbury, NJ on May 8, 1973, a son of William Jackson, III and the late Elizabeth (Dodds) Mattson and his step mother Kathleen Jackson.

He loved collecting antiques and his slot machines.

Frank is survived by his ex-wife Virginia Crocie, two daughters, Madison Jackson, of Warsaw MO; Shakira Bolton, of Girardville; four sons Frank Jackson Jr., of Warsaw MO; Aaron Jackson, of Warsaw MO; Austin Jackson, of Warsaw MO; Jaggar Bolton, of Girardville;

Frank is also survived by seven brothers, William Jackson IV, Richard Jackson, Guy, Thomas, Matthew, Brian, and Kyle, also by two sisters Brooke Jackson, and Krystin Evans. He is survived by four Grand Children.

A religious service will be held at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 27th, with Pastor Jack Murray officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday March 27th 10:00 AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, send sympathy cards, or view Video Tribute.

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Gerry Lee Miller, 80, of Orwigsburg, passed away Friday, March 19th, at Seton Manor, Schuylkill County.

Born in Reading, on November 18, 1940, a daughter of the late Beryl (Martin) and John M. Miller, Sr. She was the widow of Richard R. Anderson.

She was a graduate of Reading High and was an alloy identifier at Carpenter Tech.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by a son Curt Brian “Buddy” Anderson.

Gerry is survived by her children Richard D. Anderson, St. Clair, Bridgett L. Trumbach wife of Michael, Morrisville, Amelica L. Davidheiser and her fiance Jay Riegel, Friedensburg and Darrin Anderson husband of Katherine; grandchildren Tonya, Amber, Heather, Tashua, Richard Jr., Renae, Damon, Lacy, Nicholas, Dustin, Sophia, Jamile and Jeush; 14 great grandchildren; and her brother John M. Miller, Jr. husband of Linda, Reading.

Gerry was a mother, nanny, and nanny 2 to so many even if not “biologically” related. Gerry put her whole retired life into her family. She was only happy and content if someone was at her house with her cooking, talking at table, or sitting on porch watching the birds and squirrels.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, March 25 at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Schuylkill Haven, with Reverend Curtis Zemancik officiating. A Public Viewing will be held from 10am until the time of the service at the Church.

Interment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading at 1:30pm.

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Isabel C. "Bel" Kutz
, 79, of Pottsville, passed away Sunday, March 21, at home with her family by her side.

Born April 3, 1941, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late John & Julia (Moore) McCready.

She was the loving wife of Charles Kutz.

Bel was a 1959 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, where she excelled in basketball.

She was a member and former CCD teacher at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.

Bel was employed by Van Heusen, Pottsville, the Pennsylvania Highway Department, Harrisburg, and lastly, for CVS Pharmacy (formerly Rea & Derick Drugs), Cressona Mall, where she retired after 30 years of employment.

In 1960, Bel was a "Kennedy Girl," campaigning in Pottsville and Harrisburg for John F. Kennedy. She was also the first Nativity Girls' Basketball Coach to win the Anthracite Catholic League, going undefeated with a 12-0 record in 1965.

Bel was an avid sports fan who loved watching Notre Dame Football, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Blue Mountain Eagles. But most of all, she loved cheering for all six grandchildren at any of their sporting events. She will be remembered for her kind and easy-going nature, her passion for all things "Irish" and above all else, her love of family.

In addition to her husband, Bel is survived by two daughters, Karen E. Barton and Karleen E., wife of Anthony Stramara, all of Pottsville; a son, Charles P., husband of Angela Kutz, of Pottsville; grandchildren, Tori and Dean Stramara, Jack Barton and Julia, Kylie and Lindsay Kutz; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Isabel was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Hahner, Rosemary Ashman, Dorothy Gardner, Mary Andrefski and Sheila Frantz; infant brother, John McCready; brother, Edward "Sonny" McCready.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. A visitation will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be privately held at the family's convenience.

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Brenda Gail Gerbino
, 58, of Kutztown, passed away Sunday, March 21st, at Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center, Tremont.
 
Born in Shamokin on January 31, 1963, she was a daughter of Grace (Snyder) Wonn, of Pottsville, and the late William V. Sock.

She was the wife of Mark J. Gerbino.

Brenda was a graduate of Franklin Academy, and Arizona State University.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Pottsville.

Brenda was formerly employed by St. John's the Baptist Church, Pottsville; and was a sewing machine operator at Argo & Alpha Mills.

In addition to her mother and husband, Brenda is also survived by three sons: Kenneth Jr., husband of Jennifer Frie, of Cressona;Dorian, husband of Chasity Rynard, of Pottsville; & Jonathan, fiance Amanda Abalo Frie, of Frackville; grandchildren: Emmerson, Callie, Brennan, Dominic, Nicholas, Jordanna, & Wyatt; three sisters: Barbara, widow of Henry Buzza, of Schuylkill Haven; Crystal, wife of Bob Leiby, of Pottsville; & Kim, wife of Dale Blum, of Pottsville; two brothers: William, husband of Lori Sock, of New Ringgold; & David, husband of Lisa Sock, of Minersville; as well as nieces & nephews, and her former husband, Kenneth Frie, Sr., Pottsville.

Brenda loved crocheting and playing The Sims.

A private service for the family will be conducted by Rev. John Wallace.

The family would like to thank Tremont Health & Rehabilitation Center for the care compassion they showed Brenda during her stay.

At the family's request, memorial donations in Brenda's memory may be forwarded to Ruth Steinert SPCA P.O. Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

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Debra L. Kurtek, age 64, of Pottsville, PA passed away on Sunday, March 21st, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown. 

Born in Pottsville, PA on December 8, 1956, she was the daughter of the late William and June (Butterman) Carlin. Debbie was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Class of 1974. She worked as a salesclerk at Boscov's Department Store in Pottsville until retiring and she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville. 

Debbie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Thomas Kurtek, Pottsville; a sister Jody Klein and her husband Fred, Pottsville; and cousins. 

Funeral Services and interment will be held private for her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth Steinert SPCA P.O. Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. 

The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com

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Thomas Peter Konstas
, 57 years of age, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away from covid related disease on Monday, March 22, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital of Allentown.

Born Friday, April 12, 1963 in Baltimore, Maryland the son of Joan Ann (Tumas) and the late Louis Peter Konstas who passed away on July 3, 2016. In addition to his mother, Tom is survived by; brother, Louis P. Konstas of San Diego, CA.; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Catholic by faith, Tom worked at Reynolds Consumer Products of Hometown. He enjoyed following Tamaqua Area High School sports teams, collecting niche liquors, was an avid baseball card collector, and going to concerts.

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

Interment SS. Peter & Paul R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

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Warren J. Brewen, 93 years of age of Coaldale, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospice in Bethlehem.

Born Sunday, August 28, 1927 in Maxatawny Twp., the son of the late Edison, and Florence (stump) Brewen. He was also predeceased by; siblings, Mae Young, and Norman Brewen.

Surviving are; his beloved wife of 35 years, Alicia E. (Unger) Effting; daughters, Vicki Kirkpatrick and her husband Collin, Amy Hilbert ; grandchildren, Carissa Koopman and her husband Jared, Troy Blessing, Orion Kirkpatrick.

Warren served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII. He owned his own electrical contracting business in Allentown before going to work at Bethlehem Steel, and then working for Bechtel Corp. as a member of the United Iron Workers, retiring in 1990.

An avid outdoorsman, Warren was a hunter, and fisherman. He was a state recognized champion Trap & Skeet Shooter. Warren shot competitively throughout the State. He was a Life member of Ontelaunee Gun Club, North End Rod & Gun Club, Rural Sportsman Club of Trexlertown where he volunteered for many years. Warren was a devoted follower of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries on Sunday mornings, and was a Gold Member of the Eagles Club.

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

Military Honors will be bestowed.

Memorials in her name to:
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights New york 10598-9805

online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Mary M. Stahl
, 88, of Tower City, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021 at Gardens of York Terrace, Pottsville.

Born in Donaldson, a daughter of the late Melvin and Alice Wendling Dixon.

Mary was a retired nurses aide.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband George, 2010 whom she dearly missed; a son, George Stahl, Sr.; a daughter, Kathryn Lumbard and a grandson George Stahl, Jr.

Surviving are three grandsons and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary will be laid to rest privately at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

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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Edward “Butch” Zimnitsky, 78, of Brandonville was welcomed into the loving arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 21st, 2021. He passed into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family, while in the care of his beloved sister, Rose and his nephews, Dave and Jim Antonelli.

Born August 16th, 1942 in Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah, the only son of the late Alex and Alma “Derr” Zimnitsky.

Before retirement, Butch worked as an auto mechanic and detailer for Don’s Auto Body, Brandonville, he also worked for several years as a farmer for Allen Hart Farms, Ringtown.

His love of cars gave him his passion for collecting antique toy cars, a collection which he was very proud of. Along with his car collection, Butch was most comfortable sitting in his favorite chair listening to Bluegrass music and reveling in the music that took him back to a better time.

He was a very loving and giving man. His warmth, gentleness, and loving heart were just some of the many attributes that drew those who knew him best into his home and into his heart. He was a man who always put family first and never hesitated to help both family and friends in need. Butch was a man with great faith, honesty, and compassion. He always put the needs of others, especially his family, above his own. A true “ Angel of Earth” is an accurate description of who he was.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were 2 sisters, Maryann, who passed away at age 3, and Margaret “Peggy”, who passed away at age 6 months. Niece Angela Antonelli and great niece Tiffany Antonelli.

Butch is survived by his only remaining beloved sister, RoseMarie Antonelli – Hazleton, whom he devoted his life to. Nephews, Jim Antonelli – Hazleton and Dave Antonelli – Brandonville. Nieces, Christina Custred – Drums, and Cheryl Grady – Wilkes Barre.

Many Great Nieces and Great Nephews along with Great Great Nieces and Nephews

His Best Friend, Frank Krupilis and wife Pat – Brandonville

Many dear and close family and friends.

The family would like to extend a very special “Thank You” to all the nurses and staff at Asera Care for their compassionate care during these very difficult last days, along with Dr. Eugene Stish – Hazleton for his care.

Funeral arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family and are under the supervision of the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah.

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James G. “Greg” Melson, 65, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday, March 20th at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.

He was born in Winston-Salem, NC on November 9, 1955 to his late biological father, James Caviness and surviving mother Josephine White.

James was an avid Philadelphia sports fanatic and loved March Madness basketball. He was often seen cruising around Shenandoah on his Jazzy scooter.

Preceding James was his father who adopted him, Raymond Melson and step-father, Joe White along with 1 grandchild.

Besides his mother Josephine, James was survived by 6 sons, James G. Melson II with Althea – Girardville, Lamarr Melson with Cherie – NC, Julius Trusty – NJ, Raymond Melson – Orwigsburg, Ryan Melson with Brittany – NC, and Ron Kyle. 4 daughters, Jamie Williams with Mumit – TN, Radience Pittman – MD, Jannena Correa with Carlos – Girardville, and Johanna Melson – Shenandoah, and 1 sister, Gloria McBride-Wright. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.

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