Friday, August 19, 2022

Schuylkill County Obituaries for August 19th, 2022

                                                                                                                         

Skook News Obituaries: August 19th, 2022

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Thomas Karl Fahringer
, 64, of Tamaqua, PA died on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, in Northampton, PA. He was a son of the late Karl and Allene (Hoffman) Fahringer. 

A Tamaqua High School graduate, Tom was employed by Anthracite Welding as a welder. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua. Tom is survived by brother, Glenn Fahringer and his wife Margaret of Valrico, FL and sister, Karen Edmonds and her husband Thomas of Mary D, PA as well as several nephews and nieces. Memorials in his name may be made to St. Lukes Hospice – Development Office, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Gary E. Zalusky
, 65, of Pottsville, passed away Tuesday afternoon in Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville on July 4, 1957, he was a son of the late Edward A. and Thelma (Searle) Zalusky.

He was employed for 7 years and retired from Fabcon Precast after sustaining a life-altering injury. While employed at Alcoa then later Cressona Aluminum (CA), he served as a member of their Health and Safety Committee and Fire Brigade. He also held positions in various Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Maintenance and Mill Departments. He was proud of his 25 years of employment at the mill.

Gary was a past President of Schuylkill County Fire Police and life member having served over 30 years; current President and Captain of Pottsville Bureau of Fire; and an active member of the State and Local Fire Police.

He was a firefighter with Station 40 and The Goodwill for 10 years then continued his service to the city with Station 30, and Humane for an additional 27 years. Gary's home was directly across from the fire house which meant he was always ready, willing, and able whenever his pager went off and the whistle blew...he bravely responded to the needs of the Pottsville community.

For many years Gary and his beloved wife, Nancy, were active members in the planning and coordination of the Greater Pottsville Cruise and Traffic Control.

Gary and Nancy also shared a love of retired racing greyhounds and at one point in their marriage were caring for 5 retired greyhounds, all at the same time. After Nancy passed away, Gary continued being faithful to their companions, a beautiful greyhound, "Personality Plus" (Percy Girl) and a Schnauzer mix (Monkey Man).

Gary lived a very simple life but one thing he really enjoyed was cruising with Royal Caribbean. He was only 3 points away from Diamond status and sadly due to his diagnosis of glioblastoma was not able to obtain that status.

Gary's dedication, determination, inner fortitude, and willingness to show up as a firefighter served him well as he bravely fought the daily, long, hard, 2-year fight to beat his cancer. He went through 30 rounds of radiation at Simon Kramer Institute; he endured 7 rounds of chemo, suffered 2 major heart attacks, and finally, his left arm and leg were left incapacitated from a stoke.

One final tribute was paid to Gary coordinated by Compassus Hospice while he was a patient at Schuylkill Center. On Friday, July 22, 2022, Engine #32 of the Humane Fire Company drove up to see him, the sun was shining and the sky above was blue. Gary had his gold Pottsville Fire Police Captain's badge on and his Senior Captain shirt. He had a big smile on his face while spending time with his long-time friends and partners, John "Bump" Fox, Joe Spotts and "A.J." Assistant Chief 68-03.

Gary responded to his "Last Call" on 8/16/22 and "he's putting out fires in Heaven" as his radiation Tech Joe from Simon Kramer so appropriately conveyed in his sympathy text. Free at last Gary Guy--you have earned the Good Long Sleep by Nancy's side.

It was a difficult ending for such a strong PROUD man.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, in 2012 and to whom he was married 24 years.

Gary is survived by 8 cousins living in various counties of PA, NJ, and SC, and also, his sister-in-law, Betsy Bixler, wife of Craig, of Pottsville, who was his faithful caregiver throughout his illness. Betsy also worked in the Sales & HR Departments at CA and played matchmaker for Gary to meet her sister, Nancy. He married her, moved to Pottsville and she is forever grateful to him as they enjoyed 24 years together as reunited sisters.

An announcement will be made for Gary's interment at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery at a later time.

The family request contributions in Gary's memory be sent to: Nittany Valley Greyhound Rescue, 30 TLD Circle, Port Matilda, PA 16870.

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

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Elizabeth "Betty" Niedzwiecki, 92, Frackville died unexpectedly on Monday, August 15th.

Born in Frackville, she was a daughter of the late John and Anna Penchishen Richardson. She worked as a presser for the former Charles Rabbins Factory until her retirement.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Albert Niedzwiecki in 1995.

She is survived by her sister Rosemarie Suslavage, King of Prussia and several nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.

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John A. Lawrence
, age 60, of Mahanoy City, passed away Thursday morning at the Veterans Administration Medical Center if Lebanon. 

 Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital, he was the son of the late Charles and Constance ( Hollenbach) Lawrence. He was a 1979 graduate of Mahanoy area High School and was a United States Army veteran. He had been employed by Lowe's Distribution Center. He enjoyed coaching girls youth basketball and attending his nephews and nieces sporting events and being one of their biggest fans. 

He is survived by his siblings Paul Lawrence and his wife Susan of Denver, PA, Dave Lawrence and his wife Sally of Mahanoy City, Peggy Shaner and her husband Danny of Breinigsville, PA, Joseph Lawrence of Buck Mountain, Mark Lawrence and his wife Denise of Mahanoy City and Matt Lawrence and his wife Sharon of Brandonville as well as nieces and nephews. 

Services will be privately held. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.

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Basil R. Reaves
, 94, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon in his residence with his family by his side.

Born in Pottsville, on January 17, 1928, he was a son of the late Nelson P. and Carrie (Johnson) Reaves.

He was a member of Bethel AME Church, Pottsville.

Basil was a custodian at Padco Corporation for over 25 years, retiring in 2016.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother: James Reaves; and sisters: Ernestine Glenn and Rosalie Reaves; and his companion for over 30 years, Elizabeth Horning.

Basil is survived by two daughters: Karen Horning, of Pottsville; and Linda Shollenberger, of Schuylkill Haven; two sons: William Horning, of Pottsville; and Timothy Horning, of Pottsville; grandson, Jared Horing; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

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

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Allen E. Brennan
, 82, passed away August 17th at The Gardens at York Terrace with his wife by his side.

Born in Pottsville on September 13, 1939, he was the son of the late Albert Brennan and Elizabeth (Harris) Brennan.

Allen was a graduate of Pottsville High School and attended Penn State University. After a brief stint as a draftsman at Alcoa, Allen found his niche as the director of visual merchandising for Pomeroy's and then the Bon-Ton for 47 years, using his artistic talents to create those beautiful displays that customers loved to look at as they walked through the store.

Allen was a devout Episcopalian for his entire life and was always active in his church, Trinity Episcopal, serving on vestry for many years and also on the Marian Price Trust Committee. He could be found helping to prepare church dinner and rolling Easter eggs in chocolate for the church's annual sale or setting up spectacular buffets for after-church receptions.

Preceding him in death were his brother, John Brennan; sisters, Elizabeth Merlino and Lillian Cutler; father-in-law, Eugene B. Murphy; and mother-in-law, D. LaRue Murphy.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Murphy Brennan, daughter, Seraphina Elizabeth Brennan and her wife, Aimee of Austin, Texas; brothers-in-law Richard Murphy and Eugene Murphy and his wife Jane; sister-in-law, Alice Brennan; many nieces and nephews.

Allen was a talented visual director with a keen sense of style, display, and decor. His artistic talents provided beauty in his chruch and in his home, but his true talent was being a genuinely kind, compassionate, and loving human being, a man who loved his wife during their 42 years together and adored his beautiful daughter, Seraphina, from the moment of her birth. He filled our lives with love and laughter. The world is a lesser place for his absence.

In lieu of flower, the family requests memorials to Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 South Second Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. As per Allen's request, services are private and at the convenience of the family.

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

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Mary Alice Purcell
, 98, of Pottsville, passed away on August 18 at Luther Ridge.

Born Oct. 8, 1923, in Scranton, she was a daughter of the late John J. and Anna L. Brady Mooney, both natives of Scranton.

She was a 1941 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, and a member of St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville.

Mary Alice worked for many years at the Pottsville Public Library, a job that she enjoyed very much. She was a talented artist and for a long time she was an active member of the Allied Artists of Schuylkill County.

Mary Alice will be remembered by her family as a devoted wife and mother for whose generous love and support her children will always be grateful.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, John F. Purcell; brothers, John Mooney and William Mooney, sister Nancy Stoner; daughter, Barbara Purcell Liebner and son-in-law John Liebner, Pottsville; and daughter-in-law, Pat Gilbert Purcell, Flanders, New Jersey.

Mary Alice is survived by two daughters Sheila Purcell, Pottsville, and Kathleen Purcell and her husband, Ed Epstein, West River, Md.; four sons, Paul Purcell and his wife, Mary Corcoran, Auburn, John F. Purcell Jr., Baltimore, Matthew Purcell, St. Johns, Fla., and Patrick Purcell, Odenton, Md.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901 or St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.

Please share your memories and condolences with Mary Alice's family by signing the guest book at https://www.lordbixler.com.

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

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Donald Eugene Klinger
, Army Veteran, better known to all as Pappy, was granted his angel wings on August 16, 2022. The Lord called him home in a peaceful manner at his sons’ home in Georgia, with his children by his side in his 82nd year.

Don’s life was well lived, and he was well loved! What a Character he was, he loved to joke around and make people happy that were around him. Family was the pivotal essence of Don’s life. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch of his family, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a good friend to all, and a man who would give his shirt for a friend. He has been a major presence in the lives of his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. This gentle, loving, caring, and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed by his family near and far. He has reminded us of the preciousness of life, the shortness of time we have here with each other, and to always be humble and kind to everyone you meet.

Don was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life with those you love. He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father to many. A man who never put himself first and who even in his final days would say to his children, “just to take care of “Toots” when I’m gone”. Don was a strong, proud and a truly good man. He is so well loved and will be missed by many!

Don was a Graduate of Wiconisco High School, had a life-long love affair with Maryland Blue crabs, Almond Joys, playing semi-pro softball, crosswords, fishing trips, teaching his grandkids how to swim, Brownies hamburgers, ring bologna, Fire department volunteering, Myrtle Beach golf trips and Baseball, specifically the Phillies. Don spent many years coaching soccer, softball, and basketball with his children in the New Carrollton Boys & Girls club along with many years of dedication to his work for C&P/AT&T telecommunication company.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Klinger & Ernestine Klinger and Wife, Esther Jane Klinger. Don is survived by Sister Barbara Fromme; current wife JoAnn Klinger; three children: Donald Klinger, Jr. and his spouse, Sharon Klinger, Steven Klinger, and Krista Marie Alexander; Stepchildren: Beth Kain and spouse Joe Kain, Debbie Timmons, and Ed Timmons.

Don was passionate and proud of his grandchildren: Sarah Whitlock & spouse Pat Whitlock, Steve Klinger, Jr & his spouse Laura Klinger, Michael Klinger & his spouse, Destiny Klinger, Brittany Magness & her spouse Nathan Magness, Colin Klinger & his spouse Alexis Klinger, and Brooke Alexander & Jacob Massey. Step Grandchildren: Jenn Wagner and her spouse Bob Wagner, Brianna Kain, Joe Kain, and spouse Pam Kain.

Don took extreme pride in his 19 great-grandchildren: Russel Whitlock, Hudson Klinger, Harper Magness, Caden Klinger, Finley Magness, Liam Klinger, Olivia Klinger, and Wesley Klinger. Step Grandchildren: Andrew (AJ) Timmons, Eddie Timmons, Emily Timmons, Michaela Timmons, Pat Timmons, Joey Timmons, Mason Timmons, Willow Kain, Shelby Wagner, Martha Kain, and Cora Wagner.

We ALL smile when we think of you Pappy! Our hearts are broken forever without you here but the memories we all have of you will live on forever in our hearts! We are extremely blessed to have been a part of your journey here on Earth!

In lieu of flowers, Don would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some poor unfortunate soul in his name.

Family and friends may pay their respects at the Christ United Methodist Church, 400 E Grand Ave, Tower City, PA 17980 on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Visitation from 9 to 10am, Service at 10am followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery with Military honors, in Wiconisco, PA. We will have a Fellowship gathering following the burial at Christ United Methodist Church in Tower City, PA.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. has been honored to serve the Klinger family.

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These obituaries are being  brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.

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