Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Schuylkill County Obituaries for December 14th, 2021

                                                                                       

Skook News Obituaries:  December 14th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Barbara A. Consavage
, 78, of Frackville, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at her home.

Born Nov. 24, 1943, in Butler Twp., she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Dabrilla) Consavage.

She was a sewer at the former City Shirt Factory, Frackville.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville.

Barbara’s love for her family was unmatched. She enjoyed spending time with her family and taking their photos.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister, Dolores Consavage.

Surviving are brother, Anthony Consavage and his wife, Rose Ellen Espanola, N.M.; sister, Theresa Mishoe and her husband, James, of Annapolis, Md.; nephews, Lee Consavage and Michael Mishoe; nieces, Sandy Shute and Margaurite Romero.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Spring and Line streets, Frackville, PA 17931. The Rev. Brian M. Miller will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901. Burial will be held in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Frackville.

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James “JT” Kelley Jr.
, 67, Mount Carmel, passed away on Sunday December 12th at his home.

Born in Houston, TX, he was a son of the late James and Katie Lee Kelley.

JT was a retired United States Army Veteran having served from 1973 to 1993. He had been employed as a mechanic for Merck, Danville, from 1996 until his retirement in 2014.

Jim was a life member of the VFW, Mount Carmel and a member of the unknown riders. He was a 1972 graduate of Sam Rayburn High School, class of 1972.

He married his wife Kathleen Matukaitis on July 5, 2008 in Zion Reformed UCC Church, Ashland.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Geraldine Matukaitis and a brother-in-law Michael “Mickey” Matukaitis.

JT is survived by his wife Kathleen Matukaitis Kelley, his brother Richard Kelley, Atlas, step-children; Annie (Chris) Birster, Lavelle, Crystal Zelinski, Mt. Carmel, Tiffany Long and her partner Tyler Sanko, Ringtown and Jenna Bray, Mt. Carmel, Grandchildren; Kiara and Dylan Blocker, Wyatt, Kaylee and Raygen Long, Braelyn Strausser, Oliver Sanko, Max and Tessa Birster and Isabella Bray, Father-in-law Charles W. Matukaitis, Mt. Carmel, brother-in-law Shawn ( Tara ) Matukaitis, Sisters-in-law; Barbara (Todd) Cromer, NC, Carolyn Miller, MD, Susan ( Jim ) McHale, Locust Gap and Susan Rossi, Mt. Carmel he is also survived by his beloved pets Commander Cosmo, Private Bear and Princess Elsa.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday from 10 until 12 noon at the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., Mt. Carmel. Interment with military honors will follow at the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.

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Marcia M. Myers
, 87, of New Ringgold, passed away Sunday, December 12th, at her residence.

Marcia was born in East Falls, PA on August 20, 1934, a daughter of the late Mary (Morris) and Albert E. Salmons.

She was the widow of Robert J. Myers. He passed away in 1994.

She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven and she worked as a Dance Instructor. She had her own studio, Marca’s Dance Studio, located in New Ringgold. She was also a member of the Schuylkill Lionettes.

Marcia is survived by her daughter, Dorothy J. Myers.

Two sons Robert Joseph Myers “Jos”, husband of Donna J. and Albert J. Myers, husband of Darlene.
Marcia is also survived by her sister, Barbara Stauffer and her brother, John Salmons. Marcia’s grandchildren are Joshua Myers, Jeanie B. Roach and Scott Myers. She has 6 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandson.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Albert Salmons and Beatrice Collarin Norris.

An evening Viewing will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 17th at Hamilton - Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 18th at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven, PA with Rev. Msgr. Zemanik officiating. There will be a visitation in the church chapel from 9:15 until 10:15 AM.

Interment will be at St. Ambrose Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901

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Clarence L. "Clem" Harig
, age 57, of Schuylkill Haven, PA passed away Friday, December 10th, 2021 at his home.

Born in Pottsville, PA on November 25, 1964, he was the son of the late Charles G. and Emma S. (Rich) Harig.

Clarence worked as a coal miner and a strip miner and last worked for the Tuscarora Coal Company. He loved learning about the history of the coal industry and coal mining. Clarence was a master of grilling and smoking meats and cheese and he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Karen Ann Harig and a brother Charles Harig.

Clarence is survived by three sisters: Jane Hoffman, Arkansas, Ruth Morgan and her husband Eugene, Pottsville, and Emma Wertz, Pine Grove; two brothers: Kenneth Harig and his wife Amy, Schuylkill Haven and Christopher Harig and his wife Jane, Gordon; and nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Graveside Service at the Mt. Laurel Cemetery on bulls Head Road in Pottsville at 12noon on Friday, December 17th, with Rev. Jack Murray officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillside SPCA P.O. box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.

The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.

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Earle Eugene Stahler
, 92 of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, as a guest of Seton Manor in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania..

Born Monday, July 29, 1929 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania the son of the late George, and Marvella (Melchoir) Stahler. He was also predeceased by; brothers, Robert, Franklin; sisters, Isabelle Maeder, Helen Steffy, Ellen Barthel.

Surviving are; sister-in-law, Jane Marie Stahler; nieces, nephews; cousin, Helen Harton.

His passing took a long time to come. Our Lord gave him plenty of time to live his life. He was a special guy. Graduating from Tamaqua High School class of 1948, Earle migrated to Los Angeles Ca. in 1955 and remained there for 38 years. He served honorably in the Army during the Korean War, and then worked for Rebber Aircraft, and Chevrolet before going to work at the University of Southern California ordering medical supplies, and other important products for the hospital system. He was always efficient, and blended well with his co-workers. Earle was voted most outstanding employee of the year in 1988 for his excellent work. He was very professional, and fussy. Earle loved the theater, Broadway musicals, and the balliet.

Earle was a member of Trinity U.C.C. of Tamaqua.

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

A Funeral service will be at 11 o'clock AM from the funeral home on Friday December 17, 2021. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.

Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

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Charles John Odorizzi, Jr.
, Orchestra Leader of "The Royal Tones" for over 50 years, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 13, 2021, at his home on Clay Street in Tamaqua at 79 years of age.

Born Tuesday, August 4, 1942 in Coaldale the son of the late Charles John Odorizzi, Sr., and Mary (Keich) Odorizzi.

A beloved, and proud father, Charlie is survived by; sister, Marie Yuhas wife of Jerry; sons, Charles John Odorizzi, III and his wife Cindy, Anthony Odorizzi, Esquire and his wife Kathy, Kenneth Odorizzi and his wife Kim, Daniel Odorizzi and his wife Dr. Rebecca Odorizzi; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, Jessica Yuhas, Lesley Boyer, Mariel Yuhas.

A 1960 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Charlie served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War for 4 years. Charlie retired from Bethlehem Steel after 33 years as an O.S.H.A. inspector, having worked as a mechanic early in his tenure. He owned and operated Tamaqua Buy & Swap on Center Street for many years, and Charlie's Discounts which he operated from his home. A talented Saxophone player, Charlie was the Orchestra Leader of "The Royal Tones" a popular Northeastern Pa. dance band for over 50 years. Charlie was a devout member of St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua. He held Life Membership in the; Tamaqua American Legion, Citizens Fire Co,, and Knights of Columbus Father Henry Baker Lodge as a 4th Degree Knight . Charlie maintained membership in the American Federation of Musicians, and had served as a past president of the local chapter.

Charlie loved Tamaqua, and enjoyed procuring it's history. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 18, 2021 at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252, Rev. Robert Finlan to celebrate.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the funeral home.

Interment with Military Honors bestowed St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

Memorials in his name to:
St. John XXIII R.C.C.

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Phyllis J. Whitehead
, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, of Chestnut Street Tuscarora, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 12, 2021, upon arrival at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus. She was 86 years of age.

Born Saturday, October 12, 1935 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Edward, and Elva Mae (Lindenmuth) Kester. Phyllis was also predeceased by; sisters, Marion Woodward, Norma Kester, Patricia Stellfox, Sandra Phillips; brothers, William, Donald, and Ted Kester.

Surviving are son, Douglas H. Whitehead of Bernville; daughters, Deborah K. Hatmaker of Coaldale, Pamela J. Golinsky and her husband Thomas of Lancaster; sister, Barbara Mundy and her husband, Daniel of Florida; grandchildren, Nikki, Eric, Alicia, Nathan, Danielle, Kevin; great grandson, Corson. Many nieces, and nephews also survive Phyllis.

A 1954 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Phyllis enjoyed crafting, knitting, gardening, and was a fabulous cook, and baker. Every fiber of Phyllis 's soul was spent caring for her family. She will be greatly missed by all. Phyllis was a member of Advent Lutheran Church of Tuscarora.

Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

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Lila J Lucas
, age 88, of Donaldson, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on Monday, June 19, 1933, in Klingerstown, a daughter of the late Robert Wolfgang and the late Jennie (Geist) Wolfgang.

She was of the Protestant Faith, .

Lila's greatest joy in life was spending time with her family.

Her husband, Ray "Checky" A Lucas, passed away in 1982. She was also preceded in death by three sons, David A Lucas, Robin E Lucas, and Gary R Lucas, a grandson, Kevin T Lucas, Jr; and twelve siblings.

She is survived by three sons, Rick L Lucas and his wife Susan of Joliett, Kevin T Lucas and his wife Robyn of Donaldson, and Darryl "Bimmer" W Lucas and his wife Chris of Donaldson; four daughters, Judy A Hoover of Williamstown, Debra J Cinqmars of Williamstown, Christine J Morgan and her husband Tom of Valley View, and Donna E Morgan and her husband John of Valley View; twenty-nine grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, Weishample.

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Harry E. “Buddy” Artz
, 90, of Girardville, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, East Norwegian St., Pottsville. 

Born in Hegins, July 18, 1931, he was the son of the late Marlin and Helen Troutman Artz. He was a graduate of the former Hegins Township High School, Hegins, class of 1949. Harry was a veteran of the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army, as a Radio Specialist Operator. Following his military service, he was employed 27 years as a Scheduling Agent for Pan American Airlines, later he worked for the Jetson Direct Mailing Company, St. Clair, as a machine operator, and lastly as a van driver for Earl Richards Bussing, Ashland. Harry enjoyed transporting the kids of the North Schuylkill Schools. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, always there for all the family activities. He was a former member of the Lavelle Fire Company, Lavelle. 

Preceding him in death was his wife, Jean Marie Krise Artz, passing September 25, 2012, a sister, Dolly Bashore, and a brother Teddy Artz.

Survivors:

Daughter: Leanne wife of John Gross, Locustdale

Granddaughter: Randi Gross, Locustdale

Grandsons: Brandon Artz and Scott Gross, both of Locustdale

Nieces and Nephews

Relatives and friends will be welcome to attend Harry’s funeral service, with military honors, at a later date to be announced, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hillside S.P.C.A., Hillside Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.

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