Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Schuylkill County Obituaries for November 2nd, 2021

                                             

Skook News Obituaries:  November 2nd, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Gregory P. Metz
, 74, of Rock Road, Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at home.

Born on October 26, 1947 in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Gerald and Isabel Hastings Metz.

He was a graduate of Bolivar High School and being a man who never gave up, received his A.A.S. from Casper College at age 52.

He was a Navy Veteran having served two tours in Vietnam in '66-'67, the first as captain of a PBR patrolling the Mekong Delta and the second aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA 59). He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion, a patriot and true American badass.

Gregory was co-owner of Foxfire Enterprises.

Preceding him in death was his wife of over 40 years, Connie Wilson Metz in 2019, whom he met while living in Casper, Wyoming.

Surviving are a daughter, Amber Hockenberry; grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Metz of Pottsville.

Gregory loved his friends and family and loved spending time with them. There is nothing he would have wanted more than for his family to be together for good times, bad times and hard times like this one. He was tough but compassionate, a loyal friend, generous and a man of his word. A man to be respected among men. He will be missed by all.

Graveside Services and interment will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 12:30 P.M. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, where he and Connie will be laid to rest together, with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1117 Country Club Rd., Camp Hill, Pa. 17011 in his memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Mr. Michael Economy, age 67, of Gilberton, passed away Monday Morning at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation in Frackville. 

Michael was born, raised and educated in Somerset New Jersey and was a United States Air Force Veteran. He worked as a brick layer all of his life and last worked for LMB Industrial Services of Pottsville. He was of the Catholic faith. 

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was his son Michael D. Economy and 2 sisters Diane McWalters and JoAnn Vizzi. Survivors include his wife of 46 years the former Linda Powanda, a son Jason and his wife Katrina of Lavelle, four grandchildren Alivia Economy and her mother Kim Souchak, Karleigh, Josie and Kensley, 1 sister, 2 brothers as well as nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends may call at David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City on Saturday from 11 AM until 1 PM. A religious service will be held at noon with the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating. Masks will be required during the service. Interment will be privately held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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James P. "Jimi 1" Hollywood
, age 68, of Pottsville, PA , passed away Thursday, October 28th, 2021 at his home. 

Born in Pottsville, PA on February 24, 1953, he was the son of the late Eugene J. and Ruth M. (Cauley) Hollywood. Jimi worked for Ed Keese at Ed's USA Auto rental in Pottsville as a manager for 20 years until being forced out by new management. He was a member of the Mechanicsville and St. Clair Fish and Game Clubs and was recently appointed to the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee. Jimi was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, especially during rival games with his sisters teams. He was a very generous and caring man and usually kept his word and followed up on family, friends, and neighbors. Jimi enjoyed a good time, especially at family gatherings. His latest interest was supporting Democratic Candidates, both locally and nationally. Yes all those signs along the roads were strategically placed and removed by him to the ends of all county roads. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers; Hugh, Dennis, and Edward and most recently his grandson Max. 

Jimi is survived by his daughters Jennifer in St. Clair and Jacklyn in Pottsville, his grandson Benjamin and great-grandson Mickee. Also surviving are his siblings, Thomas and wife Patty in Palo Alto, Mary Jane and Michael in Port Carbon, Susan and husband Wade in Justin, TX, and Kathleen and JoAnne in Apollo Beach, FL. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon at 7:30PM on Thursday, November 4th. Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday from 6-7:30PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be held private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated at your local American Cancer Society. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfh.com

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Robert “Bob” J. Allen, 63 of Orwigsburg passed away peacefully on Monday morning while at Lehigh Valley Hospice Care Center.

Born June 14, 1958, he was the son of the late John and Shirley Parsons Allen.

Bob was a 1976 graduate of Blue Mountain Area High School. He was of the Christian Faith. Bob was an avid golfer and loved the game.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Robert and Gertrude Allen and maternal grandparents Cecil and Ruth Parsons.

Bob is survived by his siblings; Elaine Allen of Deer Lake, Nancy Nance wife of Mark of Trout Run, PA, Doug Allen husband of Donna of Orwigsburg and Steph Allen of Orwigsburg. He is also survived by nephew Winn and niece Maggie along with aunts, Jessie Smith of Shreveport LA and Muriel Luker of Nashville, TN

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven at 10:30 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com

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Kathleen “Kathy” R. Thompson, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on Monday, November 1st, after a long battle with dementia, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. 

Kathy was born in Seltzer City, PA on May 21,1937 to the late James & Stella (Keating) Reddington. She graduated from Pottsville Area High School, worked as a seamstress in the garment industry, cashier, waitress/cook, Juvenile Detention Center, and was proud of her career driving bus for STS where she retired after 17 years with a Perfect driving record all while blessing thousands of peoples lives. Most of all she was proudest of her Irish heritage! The simplest pleasure in life brought great joy to Kathy. She loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family. She was a loving and giving person who was always cooking & baking for friends, family, & neighbors. Most of all she cherished spoiling her 4 grandchildren & 3 great-grandchildren while finding beauty and adventure in everything she came across. Kathy was immensely proud of her family and was known to be the loudest cheerleader at every event she attended. 

Preceding her in death were her brother William & sisters Rose Marie & Carol. Also preceding her in death were 2 husbands. John L. Dillow with whom she had 2 sons. and her second husband, Harry Thompson. 

She is survived by Daniel J Dillow wife Beverly, their children Jennifer Wynen & husband Luke, children Enoch & Selah; Daniel A Dillow & wife Stephanie and their children Harper & Theo. 

Visitation will be held 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 6th at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville. A Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 am with Pastor Chris Rothharpt officiating. Interment Schuylkill Memorial Park. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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Herman W. Clemens
, 81, of Pine Grove, passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at the home of his daughter surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Clayton Sr., and Ruth Hoke Clemens of Donaldson. He was also preceded in death by his brother Alfred Clemens, United States Navy.

Herman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary Precise Clemens of Pine Grove; two sons, Tim Clemens and wife Ana of Arizona, Dan Clemens of Tower City; a daughter Cindy Zimmerman and husband Craig of Pine Grove; seven grandchildren, Ashlee Sharrett and husband Landon of Virginia, Bianca Wilson and husband Aaron of Washington, Cady Carpenter and husband Nate of North Carolina, Dakota Clemens of Arizona, Alyssa Adams and husband Ryan of Jonestown, Matthew Zimmerman of Pine Grove, and Cassie Clemens of Lebanon; thirteen great grandchildren, Sterling, Parker, McKensie, Jaycee, Allie, Jaxson, Stassi, Griffin, Grayson, Kellen, Elowyn, Caden and Adaline; a brother Clayton Clemens Jr. of Donaldson; and many nieces and nephews.

Herman attended Frailey Twp. High School and graduated from Tremont High School in 1957. He selflessly served in the PA Army National Guard for 43 years and retired as a Sergeant Major in 1999. He worked as a technician at Fort Indiantown Gap for 32 years. He was the first enlisted soldier to ever be inducted into the PA Military Affairs Hall of Fame at Fort Indiantown Gap in 2006 for his dedication to the PA Army National Guard.

Herman dedicated his life to being a community man, serving eight years as Pine Grove township supervisor. He was a life member of the NRA, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, and the Tulpehocken Rifle and Pistol Club. He was a member of the American Legion, the Fort Indiantown Gap Museum Board, the Republican Party, and was a 32nd degree mason of Pine Grove Lodge #409 F & AM. He was an avid believer of protecting our gun rights and constitutional rights. He also served as President of the PA National Guard Enlisted Association, the Association of the US Army Keystone Chapter, and the Tremont-Pine Grove Veteran Committee.

Mentoring youth was his passion, being a contributor to the Pine Grove JROTC, teaching hunter safety courses, and starting a summer program for kids at Fort Indiantown Gap. He loved his family and was loved by all who knew him. He dedicated himself to helping others, and no call was too much to ask of him. Herman was a mentor to many family members and friends, providing guidance to any who sought it. His wit and humor in any and all situations are what made him authentic, charismatic, and showed his magnetic personality. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Herman was an active member of the Suedberg Church of God and served as an elder for three years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Suedberg Church of God, 898 Suedberg Rd., Pine Grove, with Pastor Terry Jansma officiating. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the Church. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 12:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Wounded Warriors Inc. Pennsylvania 1117 Country Club Road Camp Hill, Pa 17011 in his memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com