Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Miami, FL on March 28, 1975, he was the son of Donna E. (nee Derr) Ketring of Orwigsburg, PA and the late Joe Wayne Ketring. A 1993 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Joey earned an associate degree in marketing from McCann School of Business and a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in business administration from Alvernia University. He was employed by various local industries and served on the Coaldale Crime Watch for several years. An avid sports fan, he followed the Miami Dolphins, the Miami Hurricanes, the New York Mets, and especially the Tamaqua High School sports teams. Joey enjoyed hiking, outdoor activities, and visiting local breweries. He loved his family, friends, and animals, especially his dog Todd. Very proud of his nephews and nieces, Joey was one of their biggest supporters.
In addition to his mother, Donna, he is survived by sisters, Charise Fiorilla and her husband Tony of New Ringgold, PA, Aimee Shank and her husband, Gregory of Douglassville, PA, and Dawn Derrick and her husband Joshua of New Ringgold; nephews and nieces, Joshua, Abby, Jocelyn, Andrew, and Zachary; his loving partner Kelly Andrews of Tamaqua, PA and her children Tyler, Emily, and Chase; Kelly’s beloved dog Hank; and several uncles, aunts, cousins and loyal friends. Joey will be remembered for his kind heart, loving soul, intellect, and wonderful sense of humor.
Services will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, May 27, 2021 in Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Janet Kline officiating. Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, 503 West Broad Street, Tamaqua will follow the services. Call 11 AM - 1 PM on Thursday at the church.
Memorials in Joey’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the Ruth Steinert SPCA, 18 Wertz Drive, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania 17963.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Born in Pottsville on December 30, 1932, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Hanley) Purcell.
He was a 1951 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and a member of St. Patrick R.C.C.
PJ worked in the family business, Purcell Moving and Storage from 1951-1966. He then went on to work at the Pottsville Republican doing photo engraving and then became assistant foreman of press operations, from 1966 until his retirement in 2002.
He was a loyal and dedicated life member of the Good Intent Fire Company, Pottsville, where he started out as a driver, foreman, past President, and then fire trustee. He was also a member of the Nativity High School Men's Club. In his retirement PJ was an active volunteer for the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
PJ enjoyed traveling to Ireland, Maine, and Stone Harbor and was an avid Notre Dame Football fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Bensinger), in 2008 and to whom he was married 57 years; sister, Marie; brothers: Paul and Jack.
PJ is survived by three daughters, Monica A. Bonitatibus, of Bluebell, PA; Terri A. Conville, wife of Jack, of Lititz; Patricia J. Tellup, wife of Joseph , of Cressona; three sons: Richard A. Purcell, husband of Joanne, of Auburn; Mark A. Purcell, husband of Nancy, of Auburn; and Stephen J. Purcell, of Portland, OR;14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Morris, widow of Frank, of Oxford, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Msgr. Glosser officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the church.
Inurnment will follow in the Chapel Columbarium at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family requests contributions in Richard's memory be sent to: Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Rd., Pottsville, PA 17901 or Good Intent Fire Co., 7 N. 2nd St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.
Charles T. Parrish, 77 years of age, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at home in the loving care of his wife of 58 years, Barbara A. (Stapleton) Parrish
Born Monday, February 7, 1944 in Frackville, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Charles T. Parrish, Sr., and Pauline (Close) Parrish. Charles was also predeceased by; sister, Beverly Parrish; brother, Robert J. Parrish.
Surviving are sisters, Margaret E. Walters of Mifflintown, Nancy Lindenmuth wife of Francis of Ringtown, Karen Bova wife of Jim of New Ringgold. Many nieces and nephews also survive Charles.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Charles retired from the former J.E. Morgan Knitting of Tamaqua after 44 years of service where he drove truck between their plants. An outdoorsman, Charles enjoyed fishing, long rides with Barbara thru Lancaster County admiring the landscape, and barns. Charles adored the constant companionship of his dog Molly.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Funeral Services will be held on Friday May 28, 2021 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of services. Rev. Cindy White to officiate.
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in his name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Alfred R Harner, age 76, of Weishample, passed peacefully away Monday, May 24, 2021 at his residence, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on Monday, March 26, 1945, in Pitman, a son of the late Roy "Pete" Harner and the late Beulah I (Smith) Harner.
He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Alfred attained the rank of Sergeant when he received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Star. A proud Vietnam Veteran, he maintained a close relationship with his brothers of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
He was an independent coal miner, self employed roofing and siding contractor, and last worked as a foreman at IAC Coal Mine in Bear Valley.
He was a member of Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample.
He was also a member of American Legion Post 442 Renovo, Tamarack Kettle Creek Sportsmen Club, Kettle Creek Fire Company, the Tri-Valley Veterans Committee, the former Valley View Fire Company, and the196th Light Infantry Brigade.
In addition to his love of family and country, Alfred enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting and fishing, and spending time at his hunting camp in Clinton County. If you were privileged to know Alfred, you knew he was never short on conversation and made lasting friendships wherever he went.
He is survived by his wife Janet C (Carl) Harner, to whom he was married for 52 years.
He is also survived by two daughters, Penny Klinger and her husband Shawn of Weishample, Bobbie Jo Scholl and her companion Michael Twigg of Weishample; a son, Jeffrey R Harner and his wife Melanie of Hegins; a grandson, Colby Harner of Hegins; two granddaughters, Lexis Harner and her companion Sebastian Shay of Hegins, and Melanie (Zilker) Luscavage of Valley View; a great grandson, Ezra Shay; and a brother, Ray "Bud" Harner and his wife Velma of Auburndale, FL.
Funeral services will be held at the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample, on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Benjamin Scholl officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the church.
Burial with Military Honors will be made in Salem Cemetery, Weishample.
Memorial contributions can be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive,Triangle, VA 22172.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
Bob was born in Shenandoah, on July 16, 1945, a son of the late Helen (Carevya) and Clem Kosmisky.
He was a graduate of the former Frackville high school, and then served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, the former Annunciation BVM Church in Frackville.
Bob worked for Conrail railroad, and then retired from the Stroehmann Bakery in Hazleton. Bob was an avid huner and fisherman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Peggy Witkoski, and by a brother, Joseph Kosmisky.
Bob is survived by three sisters, Mildred Klem, of South Amboy, NJ; Ruth Murphy, of Manalapan, NJ; and Theresa Horas, of Frackville, along with their families, including nieces and nephews.
As per Bob's request, private family services will be held at at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.
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Richard A. "PJ" Purcell, Sr., 88 , passed away on Saturday evening in Providence Place, Pottsville.Born in Pottsville on December 30, 1932, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Hanley) Purcell.
He was a 1951 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and a member of St. Patrick R.C.C.
PJ worked in the family business, Purcell Moving and Storage from 1951-1966. He then went on to work at the Pottsville Republican doing photo engraving and then became assistant foreman of press operations, from 1966 until his retirement in 2002.
He was a loyal and dedicated life member of the Good Intent Fire Company, Pottsville, where he started out as a driver, foreman, past President, and then fire trustee. He was also a member of the Nativity High School Men's Club. In his retirement PJ was an active volunteer for the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
PJ enjoyed traveling to Ireland, Maine, and Stone Harbor and was an avid Notre Dame Football fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Bensinger), in 2008 and to whom he was married 57 years; sister, Marie; brothers: Paul and Jack.
PJ is survived by three daughters, Monica A. Bonitatibus, of Bluebell, PA; Terri A. Conville, wife of Jack, of Lititz; Patricia J. Tellup, wife of Joseph , of Cressona; three sons: Richard A. Purcell, husband of Joanne, of Auburn; Mark A. Purcell, husband of Nancy, of Auburn; and Stephen J. Purcell, of Portland, OR;14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Morris, widow of Frank, of Oxford, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Msgr. Glosser officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the church.
Inurnment will follow in the Chapel Columbarium at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family requests contributions in Richard's memory be sent to: Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Rd., Pottsville, PA 17901 or Good Intent Fire Co., 7 N. 2nd St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.
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Born Monday, February 7, 1944 in Frackville, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Charles T. Parrish, Sr., and Pauline (Close) Parrish. Charles was also predeceased by; sister, Beverly Parrish; brother, Robert J. Parrish.
Surviving are sisters, Margaret E. Walters of Mifflintown, Nancy Lindenmuth wife of Francis of Ringtown, Karen Bova wife of Jim of New Ringgold. Many nieces and nephews also survive Charles.
A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua, Charles retired from the former J.E. Morgan Knitting of Tamaqua after 44 years of service where he drove truck between their plants. An outdoorsman, Charles enjoyed fishing, long rides with Barbara thru Lancaster County admiring the landscape, and barns. Charles adored the constant companionship of his dog Molly.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Funeral Services will be held on Friday May 28, 2021 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until time of services. Rev. Cindy White to officiate.
Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in his name to:
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
109 North Greenwood street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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He was born on Monday, March 26, 1945, in Pitman, a son of the late Roy "Pete" Harner and the late Beulah I (Smith) Harner.
He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Alfred attained the rank of Sergeant when he received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Star. A proud Vietnam Veteran, he maintained a close relationship with his brothers of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
He was an independent coal miner, self employed roofing and siding contractor, and last worked as a foreman at IAC Coal Mine in Bear Valley.
He was a member of Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample.
He was also a member of American Legion Post 442 Renovo, Tamarack Kettle Creek Sportsmen Club, Kettle Creek Fire Company, the Tri-Valley Veterans Committee, the former Valley View Fire Company, and the196th Light Infantry Brigade.
In addition to his love of family and country, Alfred enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting and fishing, and spending time at his hunting camp in Clinton County. If you were privileged to know Alfred, you knew he was never short on conversation and made lasting friendships wherever he went.
He is survived by his wife Janet C (Carl) Harner, to whom he was married for 52 years.
He is also survived by two daughters, Penny Klinger and her husband Shawn of Weishample, Bobbie Jo Scholl and her companion Michael Twigg of Weishample; a son, Jeffrey R Harner and his wife Melanie of Hegins; a grandson, Colby Harner of Hegins; two granddaughters, Lexis Harner and her companion Sebastian Shay of Hegins, and Melanie (Zilker) Luscavage of Valley View; a great grandson, Ezra Shay; and a brother, Ray "Bud" Harner and his wife Velma of Auburndale, FL.
Funeral services will be held at the Barry Salem United Methodist Church, Weishample, on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Benjamin Scholl officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the church.
Burial with Military Honors will be made in Salem Cemetery, Weishample.
Memorial contributions can be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive,Triangle, VA 22172.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
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Robert Kosmisky, 75, of Frackville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 24th, 2021.Bob was born in Shenandoah, on July 16, 1945, a son of the late Helen (Carevya) and Clem Kosmisky.
He was a graduate of the former Frackville high school, and then served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, the former Annunciation BVM Church in Frackville.
Bob worked for Conrail railroad, and then retired from the Stroehmann Bakery in Hazleton. Bob was an avid huner and fisherman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Peggy Witkoski, and by a brother, Joseph Kosmisky.
Bob is survived by three sisters, Mildred Klem, of South Amboy, NJ; Ruth Murphy, of Manalapan, NJ; and Theresa Horas, of Frackville, along with their families, including nieces and nephews.
As per Bob's request, private family services will be held at at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.
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