Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Joan Ann Chickilly, 90, formerly of Tamaqua, PA died on Monday, December 20, 2021, in Weatherly, PA. She was the wife of the late James D. Chickilly, Sr. to whom she was married 52 years at the time of his death on December 2, 2003.Born in Clamtown, PA on June 18, 1931, Joan was the daughter of the late Rudolph Petrash and Anna (Getz) Petrash Prachar and the stepdaughter of the late John Prachar. The 1949 Valedictorian of the former St. Jerome High School, she was a member of The Parish of St. John XXIII, Tamaqua. After a 47 year career in banking, starting with the old American Bank in Tamaqua, Joan retired as Branch Manager from the former Wells Fargo Bank in Coaldale, PA, having been employed through many of the bank’s mergers. During those years, she was also very active in community organizations serving in officer positions of many of them. Joan had been a member of the Woman’s Club, the Beautification Association, the Public Library Endowment Committee, and the Catholic Women’s Education Association all of Tamaqua; the Coaldale Lion’s Club; the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary; the Panther Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Banking; and served as a Den Leader for Boy Scout Pack #72. She was an amazing cook and baker and an accomplished seamstress who won a First Place award from the State of Pennsylvania’s Federation of Women’s Clubs. Her home was adorned with beautiful flower gardens that were often admired by passersby.
Joan is survived by sons, David M. Chickilly and his wife Luanne of New Ringgold, PA and Michael J. Chickilly and his wife Joann of Summit Hill, PA; daughter-in-law, Vivian Chickilly of Tamaqua; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by son, James D. Chickilly, Jr. in 2015. Prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Robert Finlan officiating. Call 6-8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to the Tamaqua Arts Center at: https://www.tamaquaarts.org/team/
COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Born April 29, 1928, in Luzerne, she was an only daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Hornack) Topic.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Leonard A. Mandycz, in 2016.
Violetta, or Vi, as she was affectionately known, was a peer leader at Broad Mountain, and she was of the Catholic faith.
Violetta A. Mandycz, 93, formerly of Bath, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2021, at Broad Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.
In her earlier years, she was a homemaker and Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed card games while camping in the Appalachian Mountains, and was a longtime fan of the N.Y. Mets, often attending games with her husband, Leonard. She was an avid baker and was known for her homemade chocolates during the holidays. Through the years, Vi enjoyed many crafting activities, such as sewing, hooking rugs and painting ceramics. She taught herself how to crochet so she could make a blanket for her first grandchild.
Surviving are her loving daughter, Marie Bobroski, of Mountainside, N.J.; son, Leonard Mandycz and his wife, Barbara, of Key West, Fla.; grandchildren, Donna Simunovic, Michael Bobroski and his wife, Brooke, Nicole Mandycz and Jonathen Mandycz; great-grandson, Ronan Bobroski; many nieces and nephews; and a circle of friends.
Private services will be held. Donations in Violetta’s memory may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. We may celebrate her life by planting her namesake flower or a rose bush, as the rose was her favorite flower.
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Douglas A. (Doug) Kistler, 69, of Orwigsburg, passed away Sunday, December 19th, at his residence.
Doug was born in Pottsville, on May 29, 1952, a son of Arthur Floyd Kistler, of Orwigsburg, and the late Gloria Ann (Zechman) Kistler. Gloria passed away Nov. 15th, 2020.
Doug served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He worked as a Machine Operator for M & Q Packaging in Schuylkill Haven. He also previously worked for Hill's Department store.
In addition to Arthur, his father, Doug is survived by his brother, Neil Kistler, of Orwigsburg; Uncle Robert Zechman and his wife Darlene; Niece Melissa and a Nephew William.
A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 27th at St. John's Reformed Church in Friedensburg, with Pastor Matt Kenitzer officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM in the church. Guests are asked to follow CDC guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 27th at St. John's Reformed Church in Friedensburg, with Pastor Matt Kenitzer officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM in the church. Guests are asked to follow CDC guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Interment will be in Christ Church Cemetery, McKeansburg.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg, is honored to be serving the family
Larry John Musselman was born 13 January 1942 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Edwin Musselman and Verna Mae (née Houser). Larry grew up with a tight group of friends, who could frequently be found fishing, hunting and playing football. Upon graduating Tamaqua High School in 1960, Larry answered the call of duty to his country and joined the United States Air Force. His service took him from his Pennsylvania hometown to Texas for training, before deploying to India, Pakistan, Germany and France. He frequently regaled the “good ole days” in stories to his family. Upon his honorable discharge at the end of his service, Sergeant Musselman continued to look after his country. Moving to Connecticut, he worked for Pratt & Whitney building and repairing jet engines for 38 years. It was during his move to Connecticut that he met his great love, Judy Elizabeth (née Poirier). They married 6 November 1965 in Waterbury, CT. Upon retirement from Pratt & Whitney, Larry returned home to Andreas, PA to his father’s favorite place on earth.
Larry unexpectedly passed away in the early hours of December 21st, 2021 at home alongside his wife. Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Judy, their adopted four-legged friend, Smokey the Swampcat, and their sons John Musselman (Beaufort, South Carolina) and Scott Musselman (Goshen, CT), as well as daughter-in-law, Jill Musselman (née Groody). Larry also leaves behind his greatest achievements, his grandchildren - Spencer Musselman (Goshen, CT), and Christopher Musselman (Charleston, South Carolina), and Sara Musselman (Litchfield, CT). His legacy remains with his kindred spirit and pride and joy, Chloe Musselman Beyus (Litchfield, CT), his great-granddaughter. Larry was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and fulfilled his lifelong dream of visiting Heinz Stadium this August with his family where he saw Ben Rothelisberger play. Larry touched the lives of all he met - whether in friendship, love, loyalty or laughter. All who knew him have been blessed to call him a friend, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be incredibly missed and already the world feels too quiet without his laugh.
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960.
Private Interment with Military Honors Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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Larry unexpectedly passed away in the early hours of December 21st, 2021 at home alongside his wife. Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Judy, their adopted four-legged friend, Smokey the Swampcat, and their sons John Musselman (Beaufort, South Carolina) and Scott Musselman (Goshen, CT), as well as daughter-in-law, Jill Musselman (née Groody). Larry also leaves behind his greatest achievements, his grandchildren - Spencer Musselman (Goshen, CT), and Christopher Musselman (Charleston, South Carolina), and Sara Musselman (Litchfield, CT). His legacy remains with his kindred spirit and pride and joy, Chloe Musselman Beyus (Litchfield, CT), his great-granddaughter. Larry was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and fulfilled his lifelong dream of visiting Heinz Stadium this August with his family where he saw Ben Rothelisberger play. Larry touched the lives of all he met - whether in friendship, love, loyalty or laughter. All who knew him have been blessed to call him a friend, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be incredibly missed and already the world feels too quiet without his laugh.
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960.
Private Interment with Military Honors Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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Bradley M. “Brad” Dye, 28 of Brandonville, Ringtown passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at his residence.
He was the son of Crystal A. Rydzy-Dye of Brandonville, Ringtown and the late Ricky E. Dye, Jr. who preceded him in death on March 9, 2013.
Brad was a graduate of Hazleton High School.
He worked as a carpenter in construction and home improvement.
Preceding him in death in addition to his father were his paternal grandparents, Ricky Dye, Sr. and Janice Catherman and maternal grandparents, William “Bill” Rydzy and Alberta (Becker) Rydzy.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his fiancé, Brandi Wetzel and his daughter Kaydence Dye of Ashland; two brothers, Richard Dye of Idaho and Dale Dye of Brandonville, Ringtown; three aunts, Loretta Swetavage of Shenandoah, Tina Shusko and her husband Brian of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Carol Meyer of Pottsville.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Lykens, April 16, 1954, a son of the late Lester Sr. "Buddy" and Caroline Weaver Adams. Buddy was a 1972 graduate of Williams Valley High School. He was a United States Navy Veteran.
Before becoming ill, he was employed as a machinist Alfa-Laval, Lykens.
Buddy was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Reinerton. He was also a member of the NRA and was previously very active with and a former leader of the Tower City Boy Scouts, #115.
He enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether it be camping, fishing, hunting or boating.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Yvonne Schadle Adams, two sons; Jason Adams (Holly), Tower City and Brent Adams (Jennifer Wirrick), Halifax, one sister; Susan Wharton (John), Delaware, four grandchildren; Peyton, Hadley, Aspen and Boaz Adams; his mother-in-law, Nancy Schadle, Tower City, Sister-in-law, Lori Boyd (Dennis), Lebanon, brother-in-law, Mark Schadle (Penni), Tower City. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10:30 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc, Tower City. Burial with military honors will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Viewing will be from 9:30-10:30 am at the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1931 Wiconisco Street, Tower City PA 17980.
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Kathy was born in Shenandoah, on November 11, 1953, a daughter of the late Kathryn "Taffy" (Shoup) and Edward Engle.
She worked as a certified nurses assistant, having been employed by the former Trinity Mission Nursing Center in Shenandoah. She was also a well known cook, having been affiliated with several local restaurants.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen Engle, Sr. and his wife Barb, and Jimmy Joe Engle.
Kathy is survived by her children who meant the world to her, Michele Lorah and Bob, of Ringtown; Brian Lorah and Amy, of Frackville; Taffy Engle and Jeremy, of Wyoming, PA and Ryan Griffiths, of Pottsville.
She is also survived by her siblings, Clare Zimmerman and Gene, Ringtown; Karen Lex and Lamar, Ringtown; Carol Engle, Hawley; Sally Judge, Nuremberg; Edward Engle, Berwick; Tom Engle, Drums and Carl Engle of Wilmington, NC.
Six grandchildren, whom she adored survive, Brandon, Brittany, Kitana, Kaidin, Patrick and Jasmine, along with many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, December 29th at Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown, with Rev. Craig Zimmerman officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Kathy's family from 5 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
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David Sincavage, 76, of Minersville, passed away Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Hazelton. Arrangements will be announced by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville.
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James was born in Pottsville, PA on October 15, 1946, a son of the late Catherine (Zimmerman) and James Hartnett, Sr.
He graduated from Pottsville High School Class of 1966.
James served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War.
James owned Ray's Locksmith Pottsville.
He was a member of the Freemasons.
He was the husband of Patricia (Casteel) Hartnett.
James is survived by two daughters, Estelle Kerestus, of Minersville; Jennifer Pardini, of Schuylkill Haven; a son, James Hartnett III, of Pottsville; and by two sisters, Mariann Fasnacht, of Tremont; Dorothy Hartnett, of Pottsville. He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild.
He is preceded in death by a brother Robert.
Services will be private at convenience of the 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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