Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Schuylkill County Obituaries for November 16th, 2021

                                                           

Skook News Obituaries:  November 16th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elizabeth A. Phillips Taylor
, 97, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away November 15th at Rosewood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, North Manheim Township.
 
Born in Pottsville on January 30, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Leon S. & Mary Ann (Brown) Phillips.

She was a1942 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School.

Elizabeth was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, the Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens, American Legion Post #38, Schuylkill Haven, and the Mahantongo Daughters of the American Revolution.

In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold C. Taylor, and two brothers, Harold J. & Elmer J. Phillips.

Surviving are a daughter, Trudy Gordon, and granddaughters, Angela & Erin Gordon.
Elizabeth worked in retailing and handled newspaper advertising for many stores. She worked in many Schuylkill Haven factories. She enjoyed gardening and traveling.

A viewing will be held at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, on Monday from 9:30-10 AM. A Funeral Service will be conducted by Pastor Shawn VanDyke at 10 AM.
Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bryan T. Gradwell, 52, of Pottsville, passed away due to complications from a rare disorder on Sunday, November 14th, at home.

Born in Pottsville on October 12, 1969, he was a son of Bernadette (Blakeslee) Gradwell, of Pottsville, and the late Edward T. Gradwell.

Bryan graduated from Blue Mountain High School.

He had worked as a self-employed truck driver.

He was of the Protestant faith.

In addition to his mother, Bryan is also survived by four children: Nevin, husband of Erika Gradwell, of Pottsville, Deziree, wife of Luke Diehl, of Schuylkill Haven, Jaiden, wife of Samuel Strunk, of Orwigsburg, & Michael Keller, of Schuylkill Haven. He is also survived by grandchildren: Tristan, Hailey, Cayden, Peyton, Kolson, Soroya, & Harper, a sister, Brenda Fry, of Minersville; a brother, Joseph, husband of Peggy Gradwell, of Schuylkill Haven, and several nieces & nephews.
In addition to his father, he is also preceded in death by his niece, Cierra Gradwell.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted by Pastor Jack Murray at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 19th at Geschwindt Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the time of services.

Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

To help defray the cost of funeral expenses, contributions may be sent to Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hunter A. Hoagland
, 18, Pottsville was taken from his family and friends much too soon due to COVID-19. On Tuesday November 9 at 6:16 am Hunter took his last Earthly breath at Lehigh Valley Medical Center- Cedar Crest.

Born September 13, 2003 in Lewisburg he was the son of Donna (Geib) Dombrowski and the late Richard Hoagland who died October 31, 2021 of COVID-19.

Hunter was in his senior year at Gillingham Charter School, Pottsville. He had been a student there since the 5th grade. He was an avid video gamer who loved hanging with his best friend Dan. He enjoyed listening to music and loved animals. He could be described as sarcastically witty, very smart, and especially helpful to his Mama who like every teenager liked to give her a hard time but loved her with all of his heart.

So many hearts here on Earth are heavy because of Hunter’s passing but his paternal grandparents Dorothy and Walter Hoagland are happy to be reunited with him again.

Hunter’s spirit will forever live on thanks to his Mama, Donna, Pottsville; stepfather Randolph Dombrowsk Schuylkill Haven; step brother Dalton Hoagland; step sister Jordan Jones, Columbia MD; maternal grandmother Sandra Geib, Leesport; aunts Linda Boone wife of John and Amy Bausher; cousins Adam and Katie Boone, Drew Lauck, and Julianne Ovelman; and his best friend Dan.

A Celebration of Hunter’s life will be held December 4 at 5 o’clock at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 3 o’clock until the time of service. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations can be made to the Funeral Home to help defray funeral costs CLICK HERE or to Dustin’s Adventure Land.

Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to share a memory of Hunter or to make a donation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John “Jack” M. Purcell
, 82, of West West Terrace, Branch Township, died Sunday peacefully at home.

Born on March 29, 1939 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late John and Valeria Subasavage Purcell.

Jack, as he was known to his friends, was a 1957 graduate of Minersville High School who resided in Minersville until moving to Branch Township in 1972. After graduation, Jack enlisted in the Navy where he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate from 1958 to 1961. He was voted “Enlisted Man of the Month” in 1961 and then continued to serve in the Naval Reserve. His post military career started in sales for which his amiable personality and quick wit helped him tremendously. Later, however, Jack discovered his true passion which was working outdoors. He spent the remainder of his career as a heavy equipment operator in the water, sewer and gas industry. First owning his own company and then working proudly as a member of the Operating Engineers Union 542 until his retirement. He also served three terms as a Branch Township Supervisor from 1996 to 2014. He was a lifelong member of what is now the Holy Family Church in Minersville.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, the former Janet DiRenzo, in 2014; a son, John A. Purcell, in 2015; a brother, Paul Purcell, at birth.

Even after the loss of his beloved son, John in 2015, Jack could still manage to make you laugh. He will be remembered fondly by many for his love of telling a good story and a good joke. His grandchildren, who loved their Pop, will be repeating his silly jokes and sayings for many years to come.

Surviving are his remaining children, Linda Fellows, wife of H. Bruce Fellows, Pottsville, and Michael Paul Purcell, husband of Jaclyn, West West Terrace; five grandchildren, Jordan Fellows, husband of Nicole, Jillian Fellows, Jack, Sophie and Ellie Purcell; a great-grandson, Leo Fellows. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Purcell Sherwood, wife of Leslie, Madison, Connecticut; a nephew, Matthew Sherwood.

The family will accept visitors on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Committal with military honors will be in St. Barbara Cemetery, Branch Township. The family would prefer that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Holy Family Parish of Minersville or The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Kaska St., Middleport, PA 17953.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edward M. Kupetz, Jr.,
61 years of age, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at his home in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Born Tuesday, August 9, 1960 in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Edward Kupetz, Sr. of Tuscarora, and Eleanor (Hosler) Kupetz-Ulrich of Tamaqua.

Surviving are brothers, Bernard Kupetz and John Kupetz; sister, Theresa Kupetz.; parallel siblings, Harold, and James Ulrich; Dawn Lubold, Penny Ulrich; nieces and nephews also survive Edward.

A graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Ed earned his Bachelor's Degree from Albright University. He was employed most recently as a Wellness Coach at Resources for Human Development focused at their site in Walnutport, specifically the Chalet.

Private services have been entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc; 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252; 570-668-2550

Private Interment will be in St. Bertha's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Tuscarora, PA. at the convenience of the family.

To share a fond memory of Ed or offer online condolences, please visit www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Irene L Clark
, age 82, of Valley View, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on Monday, July 17, 1939, in Mount Carmel, a daughter of the late John Augustine and the late Eleanor (Krouch) Augustine.

Irene was a seamstress in area garment factories for forty years, prior to her retirement.

She was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; by an infant son, Allen F Clark, and by two sister, Barbara Evert and Marcella Augustine-Yadlosky-Schwarz.

She is survived by her husband Richard A Clark, to whom she was married for 63 years.

She is also survived by two sons, John R Clark and his wife Denise of Hegins, Jeff S Clark and his companion Kerri Stanton of Valley View; a daughter, Anita T Bordner of Tower City; six grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a brother, John Augustine and his wife Donna of North Caolina; a sister, Jenny Pavelcheck and her husband John of York; two brother in laws, Lyke Clark of Hegins and Robert Clark and his wife Cindy of Hegins; a sister in law, Barbara Miller and her husband Lamar of Hegins; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Michael C Klahr officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Friedens Cemetery, Hegins.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vincent J. "Penner" Hudock Sr.
, 91, of New Philadelphia, passed away Nov. 5, 2021, peacefully at home.

Born on Sept. 15, 1930, in Branchdale, he was the son of the late Joseph Hudock Sr. and Mary Padelsky Hudock. He was a graduate of Reilly Township High School. He worked as a tanner at Garden State Tanning in Fleetwood until retiring.

He served honorably during the Korean War in the Army Tank Division.

He was a member of Holy Family and Holy Cross Church in New Philadelphia.

Penner was manager of the New Philadelphia Little League teams Austin's and Good Intent Fire Company from 1969-2013 (44 years). He is the manager with the most wins and championships for the New Philadelphia Little League. Most importantly, he influenced the children who played in the New Philadelphia Little League to be the best they could be in life.

After retirement, he was an adult altar server for weekday Masses at Holy Family and Holy Cross Church.

He was preceded in death by five siblings, Joseph Hudock Jr., William Hudock, Elizabeth Hoover, Catherine Slavickas and John "Jack" Hudock.

He was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Rena (Boran) Hudock, and is survived by his beloved sons, Vincent J. Hudock Jr. and Mark P. Hudock. He is survived by a brother, Gerald (spouse Diane), and nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, with the Rev. Ronald J. Minner as celebrant. Relatives and friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park. Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donations are requested to: Holy Cross Church, Pottsville Hillside SPCA and Good Intent Fire Company of New Philadelphia.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert F. Graeff, 86, of Newtown, Reilly Twp, passed away Saturday, November 13th, at Tremont Nursing Home, . He was born in Newtown, Pa. on June 23, 1935, a son of the late Helen (Harvus) and Frederick Graeff. He was the widower of Carmela (Natale) Graeff. 

He was a graduate of Tremont High School. Bob served in the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. He was employed in the field of Telecommunications at Fort Indiantown Gap. Following his retirement he was a bus driver for the Minersville Area School District. Bob was a member of the Newtown Fish & Game Club and Newtown Volunteer Fire Co. Bob truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren play their sport as well driving the numerous athletic teams to their away games. 

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Carmela, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Geiger, and an infant brother. 

Bob is survived by two sons Frederick J. Graeff and Robert F. Graeff Jr. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Cassandra Kessler, Emily & Jared Graeff and, Justin Geiger. 

 A Visitation will be held 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Monday, November 22nd at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville. A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 at the funeral home. Interment Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shirley June Malunis
, 87, passed away on November 10, 2021 at Providence Place, Pottsville. Shirley was born and raised in Llewellyn. A daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Petrick) Sedusky. She was a 1952 graduate of Branch Township High School and also a graduate of Temple School of Nursing, Philadelphia. 

Shirley spent her adult life working as an RN in Philadelphia while living in Merchantville, NJ. She had been a resident at Providence Place, Pottsville since 2016. 

Her parents, her husband, Joseph Malunis and 8 siblings predeceased her. 

Shirley is survived by her sister, Anita Sausser, Schuylkill Haven, nieces and nephews including her caregiver Gail (Greg) Senich, Llewellyn, Stephen (Maureen) Hribick, Bethlehem, Cindy (Bill) Taylor, Minersville, Judith Major, FL, Greg Sausser, Carlisle, Gary (Elena) Malunis, NY, Glen (Pat) Malunis, Philadelphia ; a step-grandson Glen D. (Kristina) Malunis, AZ, a step-granddaughter Rosemary Malunis , Philadelphia; great nephews and nieces and great-great nieces and a great-great nephew. 

An immense debt of gratitude is owed to the Connections directors and staff at Providence Place and to Compassus Hospice. They treated Shirley with dignity and compassion while she was a resident there. And most importantly, they loved her like family. 

Donations can be made in Shirley’s name to: Connections Activities Department Providence Place 2200 First Ave.Pottsville, PA 17901 (Please write PP Pottsville Connections Activities on your check) OR CHOP Foundation The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation P.O. Box 781352 Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352 Funeral services and interment are private. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville, is entrusted with the arrangements.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------