Skook News Obituaries: May 20th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Elaine A. Mataka, 97, of Pottsville, passed away Saturday, May 17th, at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, on February 19, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Irma (Brinich) and Harvey Reedy.
Elaine was the widow of John Mataka who passed away in April of 2018.
She attended Pottsville Area High School.Elaine was a member of Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
She had a true passion for gardening and was a great baker.
She is survived by two sons: Earl Reber, husband of Peggy and John S. Mataka. She is also survived by grandchildren: Michael Reber and Amy, wife of Mark Brobst; great grandchildren: Kyla and Jaidin Brost; a sister, Daneen Warfield; & loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine is preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Reedy and a sister, Irene Witmier.
Services and interment are private at the convenience of family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elaine’s memory may be sent to DAWGS Prison Programs, 25 Brier Dr. Pottsville, PA 17901.
Ani M. Beam, 88, of Pine Grove, formerly of Maryland, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Providence Place, Pine Grove.
Born on March 13, 1937 in Nicosia, Cyprus, she was a daughter of the late Manouk and Nevart Sarian.
Ani was a Suite Host at Oriole Park @ Camden Yards for over 20 years.
She loved gardening, crafts and the Baltimore Orioles.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Richard D. Beam; and two sisters.
Surviving are a daughter, Dina and husband Kenneth Haislip Sr. of Allen, TX; a son, Christopher Metzger and husband Samuel Barr Jr. of Pine Grove; four grandchildren, Lauren Lopez, Kenneth Haislip, Jr., Jesse Haislip and Lacey Haislip; two great grandchildren, Gavin Moffitt and Liam Haislip.
No services will be held.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Daniel G. Zaprazny, Sr., 89 years of age, of East Brunswick Township New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the home of his son in law Joe and daughter Crissy.
Born Thursday, February 20, 1936 in Alburtis, Lehigh County, he was the loving son of the late John and Marie (Jiran) Zaprazny. Daniel was also predeceased by; beloved wife of 46 years, Marie E. (Ziegler) Zaprazny; sons, Daniel G., Edward J. Zaprazny; sisters, Blanche DeCosta, Jean Rinker; brothers, John, Martin, Franklin, Joseph, and Richard Zaprazny; grandchildren, Austin H. Hillbish, Emily A. Holland and great-grandchild Rylan Jean Hower.
Surviving is his loving companion, Margaret "Peggy" Latshaw and their doggie "Crissy Baby"; daughters, Debra Mattern wife of Paul, Christine Dabashinsky wife of Joseph, Melissa Lynam wife of Anthony; sons, Harry J. Zaprazny , Paul Mickley and his wife Stacey; sister, Dorothy Frye; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; Many nieces and nephews also survive Dan.
A graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Dan served honorably in the United States Army. Retiring from Jaflo Tree Service as a Foreman after 30+ years, Dan then worked for his brother at J.W. Zaprazny. Danny farmed, and enjoyed showing his antique car and truck collection at car shows across the area and won dozens and dozens of trophies and various awards. Many locals would recognize Dan from driving his 1928 Seagraves Fire Engine which was originally from Palo Alto, and his first pickup, a 1929 Chevy Huckster Wagon. Dan liked to garden and was known for his huge vegetable gardens that had no weeds! An avid animal lover, he enjoyed the companionship of his pets and brought home many critters over the years for him and his kids to enjoy. Dan was a member of Christ Church McKeansburg, and was a lifetime member of the New Ringgold Fire Company. He and Peggy were the biggest fans of their daughter and son in laws band, Whiskey Crush, and rarely missed a gig. He would dance and laugh all night long and the band will always be feeling the loss of their cherished mascot.
Dan The Man and his antique trucks seen driving around the area with stuffed animals in the back are going to be sorely missed by so many.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday May 23, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home, Rev. Jonathan Heim to officiate. Family and friends may call Friday morning at the funeral home from 9 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tamaqua Pennsylvania. Memorials in his honor can be made to: Hillside Society SPCA51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901.
Louis J. Mattu, 94, of Ashland passed away Tuesday morning May 20th at his home.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Ann G. Penn, 92, of Pottsville passed away Thursday morning May 15th at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Lincoln, MA on November 23, 1932 she was the daughter of the late Muriel (Hewitt) and Edmund Giles.
Ann graduated from Concord High School in 1950. After high school she attended Massachusetts General Nursing School.
She was of the Episcopalian faith.
Ann drove school bus during her working career and would also pet sit. She enjoyed crafting, watching TV, crocheting and playing Mexican Train.
Ann is survived by; sister Priscilla DiSabito, NH; sister Patience Brooks, KS; daughter Stephanie E. Penn (Joseph Connaghan), Minersville; son Bradley G. Penn (Virginia “Pelj”), AZ; son Bruce Penn (Deborah); MA; son William “Gregory” Penn, Minersville; 6 grandchildren Amanda (Chase), Amanda Sieracki and Megan Sharon, Wesley, Dana (Michael), Ian (Bridget); 4 great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews; grand cats.
Services and interment will be held privately.
Contributions can be made in Ann’s memory to St. Luke’s Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Born in Pottsville, on February 19, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Irma (Brinich) and Harvey Reedy.
Elaine was the widow of John Mataka who passed away in April of 2018.
She attended Pottsville Area High School.Elaine was a member of Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
She had a true passion for gardening and was a great baker.
She is survived by two sons: Earl Reber, husband of Peggy and John S. Mataka. She is also survived by grandchildren: Michael Reber and Amy, wife of Mark Brobst; great grandchildren: Kyla and Jaidin Brost; a sister, Daneen Warfield; & loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine is preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Reedy and a sister, Irene Witmier.
Services and interment are private at the convenience of family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elaine’s memory may be sent to DAWGS Prison Programs, 25 Brier Dr. Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born on March 13, 1937 in Nicosia, Cyprus, she was a daughter of the late Manouk and Nevart Sarian.
Ani was a Suite Host at Oriole Park @ Camden Yards for over 20 years.
She loved gardening, crafts and the Baltimore Orioles.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Richard D. Beam; and two sisters.
Surviving are a daughter, Dina and husband Kenneth Haislip Sr. of Allen, TX; a son, Christopher Metzger and husband Samuel Barr Jr. of Pine Grove; four grandchildren, Lauren Lopez, Kenneth Haislip, Jr., Jesse Haislip and Lacey Haislip; two great grandchildren, Gavin Moffitt and Liam Haislip.
No services will be held.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Born Thursday, February 20, 1936 in Alburtis, Lehigh County, he was the loving son of the late John and Marie (Jiran) Zaprazny. Daniel was also predeceased by; beloved wife of 46 years, Marie E. (Ziegler) Zaprazny; sons, Daniel G., Edward J. Zaprazny; sisters, Blanche DeCosta, Jean Rinker; brothers, John, Martin, Franklin, Joseph, and Richard Zaprazny; grandchildren, Austin H. Hillbish, Emily A. Holland and great-grandchild Rylan Jean Hower.
Surviving is his loving companion, Margaret "Peggy" Latshaw and their doggie "Crissy Baby"; daughters, Debra Mattern wife of Paul, Christine Dabashinsky wife of Joseph, Melissa Lynam wife of Anthony; sons, Harry J. Zaprazny , Paul Mickley and his wife Stacey; sister, Dorothy Frye; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; Many nieces and nephews also survive Dan.
A graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Dan served honorably in the United States Army. Retiring from Jaflo Tree Service as a Foreman after 30+ years, Dan then worked for his brother at J.W. Zaprazny. Danny farmed, and enjoyed showing his antique car and truck collection at car shows across the area and won dozens and dozens of trophies and various awards. Many locals would recognize Dan from driving his 1928 Seagraves Fire Engine which was originally from Palo Alto, and his first pickup, a 1929 Chevy Huckster Wagon. Dan liked to garden and was known for his huge vegetable gardens that had no weeds! An avid animal lover, he enjoyed the companionship of his pets and brought home many critters over the years for him and his kids to enjoy. Dan was a member of Christ Church McKeansburg, and was a lifetime member of the New Ringgold Fire Company. He and Peggy were the biggest fans of their daughter and son in laws band, Whiskey Crush, and rarely missed a gig. He would dance and laugh all night long and the band will always be feeling the loss of their cherished mascot.
Dan The Man and his antique trucks seen driving around the area with stuffed animals in the back are going to be sorely missed by so many.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday May 23, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home, Rev. Jonathan Heim to officiate. Family and friends may call Friday morning at the funeral home from 9 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tamaqua Pennsylvania. Memorials in his honor can be made to: Hillside Society SPCA51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901.
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Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Lincoln, MA on November 23, 1932 she was the daughter of the late Muriel (Hewitt) and Edmund Giles.
Ann graduated from Concord High School in 1950. After high school she attended Massachusetts General Nursing School.
She was of the Episcopalian faith.
Ann drove school bus during her working career and would also pet sit. She enjoyed crafting, watching TV, crocheting and playing Mexican Train.
Ann is survived by; sister Priscilla DiSabito, NH; sister Patience Brooks, KS; daughter Stephanie E. Penn (Joseph Connaghan), Minersville; son Bradley G. Penn (Virginia “Pelj”), AZ; son Bruce Penn (Deborah); MA; son William “Gregory” Penn, Minersville; 6 grandchildren Amanda (Chase), Amanda Sieracki and Megan Sharon, Wesley, Dana (Michael), Ian (Bridget); 4 great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews; grand cats.
Services and interment will be held privately.
Contributions can be made in Ann’s memory to St. Luke’s Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville