Skook News Obituaries: May 3rd, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Trencin Teplice, Czechoslovakia, on February 18, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Roman and Valeria (Kohl) Oleksij. She met her husband Michael while living in a German refugee camp. They were married in Madrid, Spain and immigrated to the United States. Together they built a strong and loving family.
Xenia was a faithful and devout member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville, and later a member of St. Elizabeth's Church, Allentown, PA. She was admired for her devotion to family, the Catholic Church and the Blue Army. Her Catholic faith was a very significant part of her life. While volunteering as a translator for the Blue Army pilgrimages, Xenia had the opportunity to visit the world's most frequented Marian shrines and meet Mother Teresa, Sister Lucia and Pope John Paul ll. Xenia delighted in hosting unforgettable family gatherings during the holidays. She shared her love of cooking, baking, family recipes, ceramics, sewing, and crocheting with her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Michael S. Pristas, to whom she was married 31 years until his death in 1987; son, Rolando and his wife, Sharon; grandson, John Klemer; brother, Dimitri; and sister, Romana. Xenia is survived by three daughters: Bernadette Marcus, of Dallas, TX; Ana Maria Alvarez, of Mexico City, Mexico; and Lucia Mandell, widow of Steve, of Pottsville, PA; four sons: Dr. Adrian Pristas, husband of Jeannie, of Holmdel, NJ; Michael Pristas, husband of Mary, of Doylestown, PA; Dr. Rene Pristas, husband of Lisa, of Coopersburg, PA; and Alexander Alvarez, husband of Rebecca, of Pine Grove, PA. Her legacy extends through her grandchildren: Alexandra, Jacqueline, Michael, Dominic, Marlena, Lauren, Max, Natalie, Mario, Alexander, Adrienne, Alethea, Eric, Leticia, and Anthony; and nephew, Alexander.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA., with Fr. Kevin J. Bobbin officiating.
Interment will follow in St. John #2 Cemetery, Pottsville.
Xenia's memory will be cherished by all those she leaves behind. The family extends gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a Mass said in her honor.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Born Saturday, August 25, 1962 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.the son of the late Robert M. Smith Sr., and Jean (Herring) Smith, Robert was also predeceased by; siblings, Pete Bieniek, and Patricia Smith.
Surviving are; sons, Curt Delong and his wife Kathy of Tamaqua, Garrett Smith of Tamaqua; daughter, Chaynna C. Lobichusky wife of Greg of Nesquehoning; brothers, Joe Bieniek and his wife Alice, Jim Bieniek and his wife Rose, David Bieniek, Gene Smith, Gary Smith, Howard Boyer and his wife Amy; sisters, Diane Smith, Sue Ellen Smith; grandchildren, Landon Delong, Elliana and Lacie Lobichusky.
A Tamaqua Area High School graduate, Bob served honorably in the United States Navy, and retired from True Value Warehouse in Fogelsville. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed hunting, and fishing. His children said "put an empty bucket in front of their dad, and he could catch a fish".
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Funeral service will be held on Monday evening May 6, 2024 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
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