Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Schuylkill County Obituaries for December 7th, 2021

                                                                                

Skook News Obituaries:  December 7th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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

Lamar Lee Butler, Sr., 79, of Pine Grove, passed away Tuesday, December 7th, at Hershey Medical Center, Hershey.

Born in Pottsville on August 7, 1942, he was a son of the late Leonard & Elizabeth (Kintzel) Butler.
Lamar was a 1960 graduate of Pine Grove High School; and later graduated from Williamson Trade School, Williamsport.

He had worked for AMP/Tyco as tool and dye engineer.

Lamar was a member of Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, Pine Grove.

He was the stocking coordinator for the Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Pine Grove, for over 20 years.

Lamar is survived by his wife, Anna L. (Steffie) Butler, two sons: Scott, husband of Tina Butler, Schuylkill Haven; & Lamar L. Butler, Jr., husband ofCarol, and a daughter, Sheila, wife of Jim Cavaluchi, of all of Pine Grove. He is also survived by grandchildren: Zachary, Nathaniel, Dakota, Colton, Wyatt, & Alexander, two sisters: Lois Lehman, & Michelle Rhody, a great-grandson, Giannis, and a brother, Ted Butler, Sr., all of Pine Grove.

Family and friends may honor Lamar's life by making donations to Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association, in C/O Lamar Butler, Jr., 365 Rock Rd., Pine Grove, PA 17963.

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

Pearl Mae Fritz, 98, of Pine Grove, passed away Monday, December 6th, at her daughter's home.
Born in Landingville on May 12, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Maude (Reichert) Cole.

She was the widow of Charles Fritz, Sr.

In addition to her husband, Pearl is also preceded in death by her half sisters, Rose Wegman, & Mary O'Neil, half brother, Joseph Cole, Jr., and her step-father, Joe Cole, Sr.

Pearl had been employed by the Blue Mountain School District, as a cafeteria cook.

She is survived by four daughters: Barbara, wife of James Dunningan, Schuylkill Haven; Charlene, widow of Dale Wagner, Cressona; Leah, wife of Ronnie Emerich, Pine Grove; & Malinda, wife of Thomas Renninger, Orwigsburg, and a son, Charles Fritz, Jr., husband of Veronica, Heckscherville. Pearl is also survived by grandchildren: Jimmy, Dale, Robin, Tammie, Kellie, Michael, Tina, Megan, Zach, & Aaron, great-grandchildren: Alicia, Caitlin, Jacob, Samantha, Brandon, Josh, Jordyn, Abigail, Billy, Madison, Olivia, & Darcy, and a great-great-grandson, Carter; as well as two brothers-in-law, Ray Wegman, & Joe O'Neil.

A private funeral service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

At the family's request, donations in Pearl's memory may be made to Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

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

Roger R Huntzinger
, 77, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Wednesday, December 1st, at his residence.

Born in Cressona, on January 13, 1944, a son of the late Alberta (Reber) and Calvin Huntzinger.

Roger was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1964 and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was employed at Glen-Gery, Sheomakersville for forty two years.

He was preceded in death by his brothers David and Harold Huntzinger and former wife Irene (Reiner) Zimmerman.

Roger is survived by his daughter Amanda Huntzinger Copeland wife of Peter, New York, NY; a brother Wayne Huntzinger, Schuylkill Haven; a sister Ann Schrack, Schuylkill Haven; and his many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Friedensburg on Monday, December 27 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Red Creek Wildlife Center, 300 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven PA 17972, redcreekwildlifecenter.com.

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

Elizabeth Flaim
, age 95, of Buck Mountain, passed away Sunday morning. 

Born in Mahanoy City, she was the daughter of the late Damiano and Letizia (Ghirardini) Mattes. She was educated in Mahanoy City schools and worked as a home maker. She was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred E. Flaim in 2007. 

She is survived by her children Alfred Flaim and his wife Donna, Marie Majetsky and her husband Joseph, Patricia Hanrahan and her husband Timothy, Lettica Applegate and her husband Edward, Michael Flaim and his wife Jeanmarie, Angela Hughes and her husband Richard, a sister Josephine Gromalski, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday morning at 10:30 AM from St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City to be celebrated by the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher. Friends may call at the church beginning ay 9 AM. Masks will be required to attend. 

Interment will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery in Mahanoy Township. Contributions in her name to Advantage Home Health and Hospice 1502 Route 61 Highway South, Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. Teresa of Calcutta Church 614 W. Mahanoy Ave. Mahanoy City, PA 17948 would be appreciated by the family. 

David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.

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

Josephine Patricia (Gober) Romanko
, 93, of Pine Grove Township, formerly of Bethlehem and Clinton, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Providence Place, Pine Grove, PA with her sons by her side.

Born March 17, 1928 in Buck Run, Foster Township, PA, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Gober. She attended Cass Township schools. She was first employed in the local garment industry before moving to New Jersey, where she worked as a cafeteria manager in the Union Township School District, Hunterdon County for 25 years. She developed many life long friendships during her time at Union Township School.

She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, New Jersey including the Altar Rosary Society and attending daily Mass for over 25 years. Upon returning to Schuylkill County, she became a member of St. Ambrose Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joseph Romanko, in 2018; her daughter, Elaine A. Hooper, in 2012. She was also preceded in death by five siblings, Katherine Chelak, Anna Postick, Joseph Gober, Frank Gober and Sophie Borrell.

Josephine is survived by two sons, Gerard Romanko, Arlington, Virginia and Dr. Kevin Romanko (Steve), San Francisco, California; three siblings, Rose Turnowchyk, Lancaster, Paul Gober (Monica), Sumter, South Carolina, and Thomas “James” Gober (Marion), Deptford, New Jersey; many nieces and nephews.

Josephine will be dearly missed by her family and will always be remembered for her generous, loving spirit and positive attitude towards life. A friend of hers said “Josephine was so gentle and a model to her Catholic faith. I loved to listen to her advise and was always astounded with her fortitude for life. She was a blessing to me.”

The family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to her friends, staff of Compassus Hospice and Providence Place, Pine Grove, whose caregivers provided such compassionate and professional care to "Josie" during her final days. Josephine and her family were blessed by their presence and assistance.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Church, 201 Randel Street, Schuylkill Haven, on Saturday, December 11 at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:15 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. The family requests that visitors and attendees follow CDC guidelines. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka #2 Cemetery, Branch Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Ambrose Church Memorial Fund or in support of your local charity.

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

George Oakill, Jr.
, 85, of Winnsboro, South Carolina, formerly of Forestville, Cass Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday.

Born on May 20, 1936 in Forestville, he was a son of the late George Oakill, Sr. and the late Helen (Bobrick) Oakill. He was employed by Mack Trucks, Allentown, until 1987 when he moved to Winnsboro to continue his career with Mack.

Upon retirement, George chose to stay in South Carolina, always saying that “the North is too cold.” He was very active in his community, having started a Legion Baseball League for Winnsboro youth. He loved coaching baseball. While playing ball in his youth, he earned the nickname “Eggs” for his ability to scramble around the bases. He also coached for the Forestville Citizens’ Fire Company softball team.

He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan; and could be found glued to the TV on game days.

George was an Army veteran. His pride in having served his country was evident in the excitement with which he told of his many Army adventures.

He was a life member of the Forestville Citizens’ Fire Company, the Minersville American Legion, and the United Auto Workers, Local 677.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene Oakill and Luke Oakill.

George is survived by his daughter, Alyssa Meusel, Cass Township, two grandchildren, Kiersten Ridge (spouse, Brett) and Kolby Meusel (fiancée, Brandi Cielinski); three great grandchildren, Addyson, Greyson and Lawson, all of Pottsville. He is also survived by 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. Funeral services will be at Noon. Interment with military honors will at 2:00 P.M. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

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

Robert R. Gehres
, 77, of Donaldson, passed away suddenly Monday, December 6, 2021 at his home.

Born in Donaldson, January 20, 1944, a son of the late Earl Sr. and Verna Shadle Gehres. Bob was a 1962 graduate of the former Tremont High School. He was a United States Army Veteran during the Vietnam Era as a medic.

Bob was retired CNA from the Lebanon Veterans Medical Center.

He was a member of the Zions Lutheran Church, Donaldson, a member of the former Tremont American Legion, Pine Grove American Legion, H&HL Fire Company, Pine Grove VFW and the Pine Grove Fish and Game.

Bob enjoyed cooking, doing crafts, dancing and shooting pool. He always looked forward to his vacations in Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Mildred Corkery, Pauline Ellinger and Meriam Eisenhauer, five brothers; John, Richard and Bernard Ney, Earl Jr. and Lamar Gehres.

Surviving are one sister, Sandra Kimmel and her husband Karl, Tremont; one brother, Clyde Ney and his wife Janice, Valley View. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Burial with military honors will be in the Donaldson Community Cemetery. Viewing will be from 1-2 at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Zions Lutheran Church, c/o Frank Mohn, 19 E. Center Street, Donaldson, PA 17980.

To send condolences to the family please visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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

Rodney L. Neiman
, 52, of Tower City, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021 at UPMC- Pinnacle, Harrisburg.

Born in Harrisburg, August 29, 1969, a son of Joann M. Miller Neiman, Lykens and the late Nevin Matter.

He attended Williams Valley High School.

Before becoming ill, Rod was employed by Metal Industries.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Rod could often be found hanging out with his family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his mother are one son, Skyler Neiman, Tower City; one brother, Darryl Neiman, Halifax, six sisters, Valarie Morris, Tower City, Stephanie Medellin, Williamstown, Kristie Stiner, Millersburg, Laura Berlando, Millersburg, Jewelah Whitcomb, Williamstown and Rebecca Boteler, Williamstown. Nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 10:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Pastor Keith Dimpsey officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery, Williamstown. Viewing will be from 9-10 at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 644 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City PA 17980 to help with funeral expenses.

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

Alice L. Sulicki
, 63, of Williamstown, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville, March 18, 1958, a son of the late Lloyd and Bessie Long Rabuck.

Alice enjoyed doing crafts and being surrounded by her family. Her grandchildren were the joys of her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward "Mucker" Shutt and three grandchildren; Austin "Bub" Kroh, Bentley Klinger and Ferdinand Rabuck.

Surviving are her husband, Lee Sulicki, one son, Ricky A. Rabuck (Becky), Florida; two daughters, Lisa M. Shutt, Donaldson and Stacey L. Klinger and her husband William, Tower City, one sister, Judy Houtz, Tower City, one brother, Lloyd "Butsy" Rabuck and his wife Cheryl. Seven grandchildren, Sabreena, Taneesha, Lorinda, Danayshia, Hayley, Jaiden and Kolton; six great grandchildren, Ashton, Jaylynn, Cameron, Hope, Granger and Jaxon.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Pastor Amanda Bressler officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 644 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980 to help with expenses.

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

Eileen M. Sitlinger
, 76, of Lykens passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Pottsville, June 19, 1945, a daughter of the late Paul and Kathryn Yentch Platzer. Eileen was a 1963 graduate of the former Williamstown Catholic High School.

She was a very active member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Lykens where she was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and a former religious education teacher.

Eileen will be remembered as a lifetime caregiver for her family. She was always there to help others. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, she was be predeceased by her husband, Ronald "Pete" Sitlinger, 1996.

Surviving are her three children; Michael D. Sitlinger, Lykens, Mark D. Sitlinger and his wife Jamie, Oxford and Mary K. Bateman and her husband Ryan, Lykens, one brother; Robert Platzer, Lykens, four sisters; Rosemary Boyer, Williamstown, Kathy Dougher, Loretta Adams and Joan Ramberger all of Harrisburg. Six grandchildren; Matthew, Natasha, Kassidy, Patrick, Jessica and Tyler, three great grandchildren, Kennedy, Kora and Anistyn. Nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Friday, December 10, 2021 from Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Lykens with Rev. Michael Opoki, AJ officiating. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 735 Main Street, Lykens, PA 17048.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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

Lamar E. Staller
, 82 of Pottsville, died Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East Norwegian St., Pottsville.

He was born June 19, 1939 in Tremont a son of the late Harry Staller.

He was a graduate of Pottsville High School.

Lamar was employed by Evans Trucking and Penn State University-Schuylkill Campus prior to retiring.

Lamar was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.

Throughout his life Lamar enjoyed antique cars to which he even purchased a Chevy Corvair.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mia Wapinski; brothers, Harry, Richard and Edward Staller; sisters, Joan Dillion, Virginia Lutchkus, Linda Beck and Betty Chaworsky.

Surviving are his wife Barbara Schappell Staller with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage with on September 16; 2 daughters, Antoinette Govern and her husband John, Pottsville; Megan Bailey and her husband Lin, Fredericksburg, VA; a son Lamar Staller, Jr., and his wife Katrina, Port Carbon; 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Theodore Staller, Schuylkill Haven; Kenneth Staller, Walnutport; a sister, Faye Krasinksy, Pottsville; a son-in-law Beamer Wapinski, St. Clair; nieces and nephews.

Services of Remembrance will be held Saturday at 11AM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville with Rev. Chris Rothharprt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9-11AM Saturday at the church. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contribution in memory of Lamar be made to ALS Association 1300 Wilson Blvd Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209 or to the Pennsylvania or Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, 555 Gettysburg Pike Ste A300 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Interment will follow in Cressona Cemetery, Cressona.

Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.

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

Joseph T. 'Pop Joe' Hudock
, 96, of Minersville, passed away Sunday, December 5th, at LVHN Schuylkill East, Pottsville. 

Joseph was born in BranchDale, Pa. on December 7, 1924, a son of the late Mary (Lovelick) and Michael Hudock. He was the widower of Catherine A. (Tarascavage) Hudock who died May 26, 2007. 

He was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville, and of St. Vincent De Paul church where he once served as a Eucharistic Minister of both. He was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School. He was a veteran serving in World War II with the U.S. Army. He was employed as a Machinist at ALCOA. Joe was a Lifetime Member of the Mountaineers Fire Co. Minersville, A 50 year faithful participant at the Malvern Retreat. He was an avid golfer sinking his first Hole In One, May 24, 2006. He was an ardent fan of Penn State Football and all the Philadelphia sport teams. Joe was a loving husband and family man who had a strong religious faith. 

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Catherine, he was preceded in death a brother, Michael Hudock and two sisters, Theresa Kaster and Mary Gustitus. 

Joe is survived by a son, Joseph M, husband of MaryJane Hudock, two daughters, Mary Ann, wife of Lee Harvilla, and Peggy, wife of Thomas Dallago. He is also survived by a sister, Florence Trabosh and a brother, Francis Hudock. Also surviving are his Grandchildren, Tyler(Kori) Hudock, Jesse (Susan) Hudock. Adam (Jen) Dallago, Sara and Simon Dallago. Great Grandchildren, Tannis, Lakota, Reilly, Colton & Lily. Nieces and nephews. 

As well as Debbie Dallago. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am Saturday at St. Michael the Archangel Church with Reverend Jason F. Stokes officiating. A visitation in St. Michael’s Chapel with calling a hour from 9:00 am to the time of mass. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Memorial Fund. 538 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. 

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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