Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville on February 18, 1952, he was a son of the late Frank & Olga (Visintainer) Potlunas.
He was the widower of Michelle J. (Horan) Potlunas, who passed away June 20, 2009. In addition to his wife, John is also preceded in death by his infant sister, Diane.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, where he participated in the choir, served as a cantor, and a eucharistic minister.
John was a 1970 graduate of Nativity BVM High School; and earned a bachelor's degree in music education in 1974 from West Chester State University. He earned a master's equivalency in music education from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
John had been employed as the high school band director for Nativity BVM High School, Williams Valley Jr. & Sr. High Schools, and retired from Tamaqua High School. After retirement, he volunteered as an assistant for the Exeter Area Township Senior High School marching band.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the former director of Cressona Band, and former conductor of the Schuylkill Youth Symphony. John played clarinet in the pit orchestras for local high school musical productions, and was a former member of Anthracite Philharmonic. He was a brother of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, and Phi Beta Mu.
John is survived by a daughter, Michquelena, wife of Justin Ferguson, of Bellefonte, a grandson, Tiberius John Ferguson, a sister-in-law, Katherine Horan, OSB, Erie, PA, and many cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday, July 19th at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
Public Viewing will be held 5 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, July 18th; as well as immediately prior to mass on Monday, July 19th from 10 AM to 10:45 AM, both at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
At the family's request, memorial donations in John's name may be forwarded to St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo Street Pottsville, PA 17901, Cressona Band, 12 Wilson St., Cressona, PA 17929, or Tamaqua Area Band Booster Association, 147 Race St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.
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Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital he was the son of the late Wassel and Anna (Timko) Suda. He was a 1962 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and served with the National Guard. He worked as a 1st Class Lineman for PPL and retired after 33 years of service. He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City.
He was preceded in death by a brother Basil and a sister Virginia Wink.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years the former Barbara Weikel, a daughter Karen Ali and her fiancee' Pierre Gonsalves of Las Vegas, a son Eugene J. Suda Jr. and his wife Kim of Pine Grove, 2 grandchildren Kenzie and Evan Suda.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. James Carroll on Friday morning at 11 AM.
Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends mat call at the church beginning at 10 AM. Contributions in Gene's name to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church would be appreciated by the family.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.
Margaret J. Schultz, 90, of Dieners Hill, East Norwegian Township, passed away on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill – East.
Born in Mahanoy City on January 31, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Margaret Lee Wall. She was a 1949 graduate of Mahanoy City High School; and worked as a theater usher before raising her family.
She was a member of Primitive Methodist Church, Mahanoy City, and worshipped at First Primitive Methodist Church of St. Clair.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 67 years, Herman “Skip” Schultz, on January 25, 2017; two grandsons, Jim and Will Wineland; a sister, Ruth Graeff.
She is survived by eight children, Linda Wineland, (spouse, James), Allen Schultz (spouse, Susan), Arthur Schultz (spouse, Joan), Harry Schultz, Margaret Kellman (spouse, Gery), Todd Schultz, Jayne Burkot, Janet Lipshaw (spouse, George); 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, with another expected great grandchild; nieces and nephews.
Services are private.
Ronald “Tic” Gradwell, 68, of Saint Clair, PA, passed away Tuesday, July 13th, at his residence.
Ron was born in Frackville, PA on August 12, 1952, a son of the late Grace (Edwards) and John Pierce Gradwell.
Ron graduated from North Schuylkill High School class of 1970.
He served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Ron worked as a General Contractor and Roofer and was co-owner of Frackville Coin.
He enjoyed golfing and collecting Lionel Trains and spending time with his friends in his favorite places. He was known for his unique sense of humor and was always the life of the party.
Ron is survived by two daughters, Sheila, wife of Jason Quick, of Gordon;
Jenna Gradwell, of Pottsville; and by a brother, John Pierce Jr., husband of Peggy, of Gordon.
He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren Novah, Ezra, Scarlett, Koda, Kaeli, Abigail, and Jacob and a niece Nicole Anthony, and nephew John Pierce III.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Born in Mahanoy City on January 31, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Margaret Lee Wall. She was a 1949 graduate of Mahanoy City High School; and worked as a theater usher before raising her family.
She was a member of Primitive Methodist Church, Mahanoy City, and worshipped at First Primitive Methodist Church of St. Clair.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 67 years, Herman “Skip” Schultz, on January 25, 2017; two grandsons, Jim and Will Wineland; a sister, Ruth Graeff.
She is survived by eight children, Linda Wineland, (spouse, James), Allen Schultz (spouse, Susan), Arthur Schultz (spouse, Joan), Harry Schultz, Margaret Kellman (spouse, Gery), Todd Schultz, Jayne Burkot, Janet Lipshaw (spouse, George); 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, with another expected great grandchild; nieces and nephews.
Services are private.
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Ron was born in Frackville, PA on August 12, 1952, a son of the late Grace (Edwards) and John Pierce Gradwell.
Ron graduated from North Schuylkill High School class of 1970.
He served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Ron worked as a General Contractor and Roofer and was co-owner of Frackville Coin.
He enjoyed golfing and collecting Lionel Trains and spending time with his friends in his favorite places. He was known for his unique sense of humor and was always the life of the party.
Ron is survived by two daughters, Sheila, wife of Jason Quick, of Gordon;
Jenna Gradwell, of Pottsville; and by a brother, John Pierce Jr., husband of Peggy, of Gordon.
He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren Novah, Ezra, Scarlett, Koda, Kaeli, Abigail, and Jacob and a niece Nicole Anthony, and nephew John Pierce III.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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