Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Schuylkill County Obituaries for February 2nd, 2022

                                                                                                                         

Skook News Obituaries: February 2nd, 2022

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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

Doris Marie Willhoyte
, 93, of Summit Station, passed away Monday, January 31st, at home.

Born in Auburn on May 17, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Elwood & Anna (Petry) Eckert.

She was the widow of Raymond H. "Pappy" Willhoyte; who passed away in 2011.

In addition to her parents and husband she is also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Bonnie Carrol, brother, Harold E. Eckert, and sisters: Ruth Reed, & Jeanette Hall. Doris was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Doris was a 1946 graduate of Auburn High School.

She was the former owner and operator of the Blue Ridge Hotel.

Doris was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Summer Hill, Auburn.

She is survived by step-son, John R. Willhoyte & wife, Diane, step-son, Robert A. Montgomery, several grandchildren & great-grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 12th at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, with Pastor Randy Hall officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 AM until the time of service. Interment will be privately held.

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

Dorothy Schaeffer
, 77, of Pottsville, passed away on Monday morning at Providence Place, Pottsville.

Born in Pine Grove, on April 14, 1944, she was a daughter of the late John and Elsie (Eberly) Daley.

She was a graduate of Pottsville High School and attended Ford School of Business.

Dorothy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity's Circle III, Pottsville.

She retired from the former Schuylkill Manor, now known as Schuylkill Center Genesis Elder Care, Pottsville, after 19 years.

Dorothy was a member of the Women's Eagles Auxiliary, where she served as a past officer, and the Pottsville Moose Lodge.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Schaeffer, in August 2013, and to whom she was married 30 years; sisters: Genevieve Weaver, Arlene Alexander, Betty Mease, Dellphine Connors, and Gloria Wheat; brothers: Thomas, Robert and John Daley. She is the last of her immediate family.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Lisa Lewis, husband of Dave, of TN; Tammy Hinkle , companion of Joseph K. "Ken" Biondo, of NJ; a step daughter, Jolene Gretsky, wife of Michael, of Pottsville; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Pastor Chris Rothharpt officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Joseph M. Donati, 53, of Palo Alto, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 in Lehigh Valley Hospital Sch. East.

Born on August 12, 1968 in Pottsville, he was a son of John and Carol Ney Donati of Pine Grove.

He was a 1987 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

He was a member of First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven.

Preceding him in death were two sons, Jacob Michael Donati and Zachary Donati.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife of 26 years, Tina Wendling Donati; a daughter, Adrienne Donati and companion Eric Curran of Palo Alto; a grandson Dante Charles Curran; a brother Michael and wife Bobbie Jo Donati of Schuylkill Haven; two sisters, Angela and husband Larry Bendetti of Pine Grove, Anna and husband Brent Haller of Reading; nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Rev. Shawn Van Dyke officiating. There will be a visitation on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

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

John R. “Jack” Yashinsky
, 87, of Gilberton, passed away peacefully Saturday January 29, 2022 at his daughter’s home in Barnesville, PA.

Born in Gilberton, January 11, 1935, he was a son of the late William and Mary (Berusky) Yashinsky.

Jack was a graduate of Gilberton High School. After high school he served honorably in the United States Air Force as a military police officer. He retired as a Truck Driver working for Beer City, Bethlehem Steel, and Hercules. He was a former member of the Teamsters Union, the American Legion, and the Continental Hose Co #3, Gilberton.

He and his brother Tom ran T&J’s Hideaway in Gilberton for many years.

Jack enjoyed playing cards, fishing, small engine repair, visiting and joking with his neighbors, teasing the ladies who cared for him, and most of all spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Theresa R. (Shimukonas) Yashinsky, his brothers William and Thomas Yashinsky, and his sister Marian Drag.

Surviving are his daughters Donna Yashinsky, Gilberton and Janice Davies, Barnesville, her companion Bruce Pascavage and his son Dimitri, Barnesville, his brother-in-law Anthony Shimukonas, and his nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, February 4, 2022 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Friends and family may meet at 2:00 PM at the Nice-Hart Funeral Home, 9 North Lehigh Avenue, Frackville to proceed to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Continental Hose Co #3. 229 Main St, Gilberton, PA 17934.

Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.

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

Patricia A. Jones (Wagner)
, 84, of Tamaqua, passed away Tuesday, February 1st, at her residence in the comfort of her family. She was born in Tamaqua on November 2, 1937, a daughter of the late Lavina (Wenzel) and Clement Wagner. She was the wife of John C. Hartranft, sharing 51 years together.

Pat worked for many years at Anchor Deep before retiring. She was adored by all her grandchildren, with whom she made a remarkable impact on their lives. She will be greatly missed by all her family and all those who knew her.

Patricia is survived by four daughters, Lavina, wife of Richard Dean; Kimberly, wife of Dave Harvan; Amy Toth and her companion Roland; Jennifer, wife of Daniel Chinchar as well as two sons Christopher Jones, husband of Mary and William Jones, husband of Diane. Patricia is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brothers Donald and Glenn Wagner.

Services are private at the convenience of the family. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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

David E. Buleza
, age 55, of Pottsville, PA passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown.

Born in Pottsville, PA on November 6, 1966, he was the son of the late John J. Buleza Sr. and Irene (Winn) Buleza who survives him in Hamburg.

Dave was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, Class of 1984. Previously, he worked at Luther Ridge Assisted Living as the Maintenance Manager where he made many lifelong friends and memories. Most recently, he worked for CACL Financial. Dave was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon.

He loved music, going to concerts, and especially playing the guitar with his friends. During his teen years, he was a guitarist for The Mudflaps band. Dave liked going to the casino and helping people with their computer and general handyman projects. He was a true family man who deeply loved his wife and two daughters. He had a heartwarming smile and laugh you could identify anywhere. He was extremely hardworking and kind—the type of man who would do anything to help someone in need. He was loved by all who knew him and will be truly missed.

In addition to his dad, he was preceded in death by a brother John J. Buleza Jr.

In addition to his mother, Dave is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joan Marie (Mulhall) Buleza, Pottsville; two daughters: Nicole Buleza and Brittany Buleza, both of Pottsville; two sisters: Carolyn Elison and her husband Jack, Limeklin, and Irene (Toot) Gagliardi and her husband Frank, Harrisburg; a brother William (Billy) Buleza and his wife Diane, Oregon; several nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats—Milo and Carter Joe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair at 1PM on Monday, February 7th, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.

Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday evening from 6-8PM and Monday morning from 11:30AM-12:30PM at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.

Interment will be held in the St. Stephen Cemetery in Port Carbon.

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

Duane S. Kline, 64, of Ringtown, PA, passed away unexpectedly as the result of an automobile accident on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022.

He was born in Doylestown, on December 20, 1957, a son of the late Lois (Shaw) and Richard Kline.

Duane was currently employed by Jeld-Wen in the Highridge Industrial Park.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville, where he volunteered doing the custodial duties around the church.

He enjoyed fishing, antiques and was a fan of WWE wrestling. Duane enjoyed mowing his lawn while riding his zero-turn lawnmower. He had a passion for being an excellent cook.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pat.

He is survived by his wife Judi (Krieger) Kline, with whom he was looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in May, and by a daughter Mechele, wife of Seth Albright, of Quakertown.

Two brothers and a sister survive, Richard of Elizabethtown; Terry of Telford and Judy of Witehall. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, including Jadell Rehrig of Coopersburg, Janeen Brooks of Blandon and Alana Joy Thompson of Souderton, who were like his own daughters.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11 AM on Wednesday, February 9th at St. John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville. A time for visitation with his family will be from 10-11 AM.

Duane's family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Brandonville.

The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home. Ringtown is assisting Duane's family during thier time of need.

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

Joseph Thomas, 75, formerly of Minersville, passed away Monday at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, Orwigsburg.

He was a son of the late Daniel and Catherine Lipka Thomas.

He graduated from Minersville Area High School and was a retired warehouse and traffic control management at Argo Mills. He loved fishing and enjoyed hunting, camping and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and companion of 49 years Jo-Ann; and his siblings Mary, Sylvia, Harold, Daniel and James.

He is survived by his sister Helen, his son Shane Thomas and a sister-in-law Joette Vargo.

Private services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville.

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

Ann Marie “Sam” Webber, 71 of Pottsville passed away peacefully Monday at her daughter’s home.

Born in Pottsville, August 23, 1950 she was the daughter of the late John and Violet Weismiller Brown.

She was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School and then went on to attend Empire Beauty Academy. Sam was best known as the owner and operator of Sam’s Corner Deli in Jalappa.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles I. Webber who passed away in 1985.

Sam is survived by her children Charles Webber husband to Paige of Pottsville and Lacie Hemerly wife of Gary of Pottsville. She is survived by her grandchildren; Owen, Wyatt, Preston, and Roczen Webber and Devyn and Charlie Hemerly. Sam is also survived by her sister Joan Kuzio wife of Robert of St. Clair and nieces and nephew, Heather, Bobby, and Jennifer, along with her beloved dog Paisley.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 A.M. on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with services.

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

Donald Woodward
, 64, passed into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at his residence in Lehighton, surrounded by his loving family.

He grabbed his fishing pole, crossed the rainbow bridge, and found a good spot by the lake to throw out his line.

Born in Coaldale on April 3, 1957, Donald was the son of the late Russell and Geraldine (Butler) Woodward of Tamaqua. He was married to his wife, Marlene (Zellner) Woodward, for 43 years.

He was nearing retirement as a professional welder for Sovereign Steel Manufacturing in Hazleton. A self-taught welder, he purchased his first welding machine at a yard sale about 40 years ago, and it became not only his talent but his profession. He also worked at the Pennsylvania Steel Foundry in Hamburg for almost two decades and was a welder for Szoke Brothers Inc. in Slatington.

Donald was a Cold War Era Veteran and Sergeant in the U.S. Army. He took great pride in his four-year stint in the military and later joined the U.S. National Guards for two years. While in the service, one of the assignments he had was to handle military processions.

He was an avid fisherman, and his favorite pastime was fishing at Mauch Chunk Lake, Beltzville Lake and the local creek. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them new things and hanging out with his beloved cat Charlie.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Steven and his wife Jennifer of Andreas, and a daughter Janet, wife of Rick Mertz of Lehighton. He had three grandchildren, Noah and Ava Mertz and Cole Woodward.

Services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 5th at Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, with Pastor Keith House officiating. Calling hours 8:30-10:30 a.m. Masks must be worn, and COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Private interment at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown, with full military honors bestowed by the Lehighton UVO.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Carbon County Friends of Animals, 77 W. 13th St., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 or the Mahoning Valley Fire Co., 2358 Mahoning Dr W. Lehighton, PA 18235.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.

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

These obituaries are being  brought to by

Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.