Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: September 8th, 2021

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Skook News Obituaries: September 8th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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The Rev. Frank J. Miller, Sr., 74, returned to his heavenly home Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the Orlando VA Medical Center. He was the husband of Catherine F. (Morgans) Miller to whom he was married 49 years. 

Although unable to visit during his illness due to pandemic restrictions, Catherine and his daughter Cami were at his bedside at his passing due to COVID-19. Born in Coaldale, PA on September 14, 1946, to Frank H. Miller and Alice A. (Bonenberger) Miller, Frank was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He grew up in Coaldale, PA and resided in Hometown, PA, returning to Coaldale briefly before retiring to Kissimmee, FL. 

A 1964 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, he later graduated from McCann School of Business, attended Lehigh Community College, and completed several theology courses. Frank entered the U.S. Air Force, worked at Prudential Insurance while also serving in the Army National Guard, and finally served full time in the Army working as an NCO Trainer at Fort Indiantown Gap until he retired. He was a Vietnam veteran, earning the rank of SFC and was a member of the Coaldale American Legion and a lifetime member of the Coaldale Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Possessing a genuine love for music, Frank played the trumpet and guitar, sang in the church choir and the Coal Cracker Barbershop Chorus, and assisted with the Marian High School marching band. While serving at Indiantown Gap, he was frequently called upon to play Taps at various military services at the Capitol in Harrisburg, PA. During his early adult years, Frank often performed with the Mauch Chunk Opera House Community Theatre in Jim Thorpe, PA. 

He enjoyed playing golf, reading, watching football, especially Penn State Football; but his biggest passion has always been for the Lord and sharing God's Word. Frank retired to Florida in 2004, where under the mentorship of the late Reverend Earl Deetz, he was ordained through Echoes of Calvary and became Senior Pastor of Sherwood Community Chapel. He also volunteered as a crisis chaplain for the Osceola Sheriff Department. Frank loved to learn and was enrolled to further his Biblical Studies online this fall with Reformation Bible College. Married since April 15, 1972, he and Cathy loved being together, holding hands, taking cruises, traveling, attending the movies and theatre, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, dining out, and spoiling their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters Lisa M. Rosohac and her husband, Dennis S. of Lansford, Jeannine A. Carroll and her husband John G. of Tamaqua, and Cami Alice Miller of Kissimmee, FL; son, Frank. J. Miller, Jr. of Tamaqua; grandchildren, Ashley, Morgan, Dennis, Amber, Kailee, Makenna, Joshua, Pamela, and Hannah; great grandchildren, Carter, Cali Rose, Makayla, with two more on the way; and sisters-in-law, Dee Miller the wife of his late brother David J. Miller, Sr. of Walnutport and MaryLou the wife of his late brother Bruce G. Miller, Sr. of Palmerton. 

In addition to his brothers, he was predeceased by infant sister, Pamela A. Miller. 

Along with his immediate family, he will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, his Church Family, and many friends. Services will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made in his name/memory to Penn View Bible Institute, P.O. Box 970, Penns Creek, PA 17862, to help prepare young men and women, through higher education, spread the love and Word of God. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements locally are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Tamaqua.

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Agnes M. Schaffer Masler
, 90, of Orwigsburg, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, at home.

Born Jan. 27, 1931, in Orwigsburg, she was a daughter of the late Kermit and Mary (Lydon) Heim.

She was the widow of Richard J. Masler Jr.

In addition to her parents and husband, Aggie was preceded in death by her grandson, Timothy Wert; son, Rick Schaffer.

She was a graduate of Orwigsburg High School, Class of 1948.

Aggie was a member of Orwigsburg Senior Citizens.

She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with her friends and taking and displaying pictures of her family.

She was an active member of First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven.

Aggie is survived by two sons, Scott Schaffer (Kathy), Orwigsburg, and Brian Schaffer (Judy), Cressona; four daughters, Sharon Fehr (Charles), Pine Grove, Nadine Morgan (Herm), Auburn, Kim Heisler, Pottsville, and Lisa Picard (Tony), Orwigsburg. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Lesley Schaffer, New Mexico; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13 at First United Church of Christ, with Pastor Shawn Van Dyke officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow the funeral in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading.

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Eileen E. Kosta
, 86, Pottsville, entered into eternal rest Sunday September 5th at Providence Place, Pottsville.

Born June 21, 1935 in New York, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Gavula) Greene.

Eileen was a Graduate of Bryant High School, NY; member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville; and a member of the Schuylkill County Country Club and the former Pottsville Club.

Eileen worked alongside her husband the late Russell F. Kosta as Vice President of Operations at the former Aetna warehouse which was located on Peacock Street in Pottsville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother John Greene.

Eileen leaves behind a legacy in her three daughters and their families who include Karen Piccioni wife of Henry, Schuylkill Haven; Kathleen Brennan wife of Shawn, Port Carbon; and Donna Bydlon wife of Bernard, Whitehall.

Mom-Mom will be missed by her grandchildren Joshua M. Zeman husband of Chelsea, Charissa M. Kirby wife of Michael, Dominic F. Piccioni, Whitney N. Brennan, Shawn P. Brennan, Aiden M. Brennan, Connor B. Bydlon, Madison T. Bydlon, and Zachary J. Bydlon; and great grandchildren Jayden and Charolette Zeman.

She is also survived by a sister-in-law Joanne Kosta, nephew Richard Kosta, and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Friday September 10th at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9AM until 10:30 at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville.

Interment will be held 9:30 AM Friday September 17th on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

The family prefers donations be made in Eileen’s name to The PA Association for the Blind 555 Gettysburg Pike a300 Mechanicsburg PA 17055.

Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to share a memory of Eileen.

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Steven M. Baucum, 57, of Girardville, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.

Private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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Georgine L. Orlick, 97, of Minersville, died Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at Luther Ridge Assisted Living, Pottsville.

Born in Minersville, April 22, 1924, she was a daughter of the late George and Ellen Laudeman Maurer and Clara Maurer, by whom she was raised.

She was a member of the former Emanuel Church, Minersville.

Georgine was preceded in death by her husband, Edward G. Orlick, and a brother, Jack Maurer.

Surviving are a son, E. Wayne Orlick and his wife, Barbara, of Pottsville; two daughters, Lynn Patricia D’Alessandro, of Birmingham, Ala., and Virginia E. Kolibab, of Minersville; a sister, Clara Martz, of Virginia; and nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, from Emanuel Church, 16 Church Street, Minersville, PA 17954. The Rev. Paul Zaspel and the Rev. Richard Katner will be officiating. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Emanuel Church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

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Catherine C. Geiger
, 89, of Pottsville, passed away on Thursday at the home of her son in Dowdentown, Branch Township, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 26, 1932 in Phoenix Park, Branch Township, she was a daughter of the late John Dullard, Sr. and the late Elsie Sharp Dullard. She attended Minersville schools and worked in the local garment industry.

A “candy striper” in her youth, she served as a caregiver for numerous friends and neighbors over the years. She was also a dedicated mother to her children and their biggest fan. Keeping house for her family led to a career outside the home as a housekeeper. She was a talented polka dancer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl A. Geiger, Sr., in 1986; two sons, Dale Geiger, in 1971, and Earl A. Geiger, Jr., in 2006; three siblings, Helen Weiner, Margaret Connors and John Dullard, Jr.

Catherine is survived by her five remaining children, Ronald Geiger, Sr., Schuylkill Haven, Susan Geiger, Pottsville, Gary Geiger, Pottsville, Brenda Comishock, New Ringgold, and Daryl Geiger, Dowdentown; twelve grandchildren, Ronald Geiger, Jr., Christopher Geiger, Kyle Geiger, Misty Whalen, Daniel Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Stephen Spiess, Kerilynne Spiess, Matthew Spiess, Mark Leonard, Jr. Shannon McConnell and Nicole Purcell; ten great grandchildren, Ireland Motto, Daregan Motto, Isolde Whalen, Cora Jenkins, Madison Purcell, Elias Purcell, Rowan Purcell, Thomas McConnell, Remington McConnell and Stanton McConnell. She is also survived by two remaining siblings, Ethel Chistakoff, Branchdale, and Patricia Ditzler, Pottsville; nieces and nephews.

The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Sunday from 6:00 P.M and on Monday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 9:15 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, on Monday at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.

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L. G. Scott Felty
, 56, of Lykens, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, son of Barbara Mizia Felty, Pine Grove and the late Lanny Felty. Scott was a 1984 graduate of Pine Grove High School, a graduate of Harrisburg Area Community College and received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Bloomsburg University.

He was a proud United States Army Veteran. Scott was employed at the Bureau of Forensic Services with the Pennsylvania State Police as a Systems Analyst.

He was an Eagle Scout, a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed Star Trek and Star Wars, going to the movies, 80's music and traveling with Andrea, especially visiting historical military landmarks.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his partner of 13 years, with whom he resided, Andrea D. Leitzel, her 3 children; Seth Leitzel, Wisconsin, John Leitzel, Lykens and Sarah Leitzel, West Virginia. A sister, Nikkole Brown and her husband Robert, Pine Grove; a brother, Todd Felty and his wife Liz, Maine. Nephews and a niece.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Memorial donations in Scott's name can be made to the Tom Huey Heart and Vascular Institute Development Office, Forbes Tower, Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Ave. at Meyran Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Please put In Memory of Scott Felty in memo)

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, Tower City has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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Helen G. Pennypacker, 90, formerly of Mowry and Paxinos, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, surrounded by family, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, E. Norwegian Street, Pottsville. Born in Locustdale, May 16, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Angeline Delaney Overkott. She was a member of Christ’s United Lutheran Church, Airport Road, Ashland. Helen married the late Glenn Pennypacker on October 29, 1949, in St. John’s (Kimmel’s) Lutheran Church, Barry Township. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Proceeding her in death was her husband, Glenn Pennypacker, passing September 1, 2013, sisters, Margaret Pennypacker, and Grace Neye, Genevienve Overkott, and an infant sister, Louise, also brothers, Robert and Louis Overkott.

Survivors:

Daughter: Joy wife of Charles Hughes, Ashland, with whom she resided.

Son: Glenn Pennypacker, Paxinos

Son: Allen Pennypacker and his wife Barbara, Mowry

Son: Henry Pennypacker and his wife Annette, Kulpmont

Brother: Kenneth Overkott, Virginia

Sister in Law: Doris Edwards,

Her Pride and Joy Grandchildren: Andrea Hughes, Angela (Hughes) Higgins, Robert and Allen Pennypacker, Anthony, Angelique and Amy Wahalac.

Great Grandchildren: Max and Mina Pennypacker, Kerry Wahalac, Maura, Ian, and Isla Higgins

Many Nieces and Nephews

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 11 AM, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Dana Heckman Biel, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ashland. Interment will follow in Citizen’s Cemetery, Lavelle. A viewing will begin at 10 AM until service. Memorials may be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., Hillside Road, Pottsville, PA. 17921. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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