Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on , including family remembrances and available funeral service information.
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Joel Robert Ottaviano, 58, of North Manheim Township
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Joel Robert Ottaviano, 58, of North Manheim Township, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Born in Pottsville on October 2, 1968, he was the son of James V. Ottaviano Jr. and Bonnie Jean (Thompson) Ottaviano of Douglassville.
A graduate of St. Pius X High School, Joel went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War, where he specialized in welding and ship repair. Throughout his military service, Joel earned numerous awards and decorations in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and honorable service to his country.
He was employed as a Supervisor and Machine Operator for Lear Corporation in Pine Grove.
Joel was a member of the Pine Grove VFW, the Pine Grove American Legion, where he participated in the dart league, and the Pine Grove Fish & Game Association.
Joel loved organizing fantasy baseball and football leagues, where he was affectionately known as “The Commish.” He enjoyed playing poker and golf and spending time with family and friends. A passionate fan of all Philadelphia sports teams and Notre Dame football, Joel was also an avid WWE wrestling fan and had a love for hard rock and heavy metal music.
Joel had a larger-than-life personality and a remarkable ability to bring joy to everyone around him. Known for his endless supply of dad jokes, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor, he could light up any room the moment he walked through the door. Whether he was sharing a laugh, telling a story, or playfully giving someone a hard time, Joel had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and included. His laughter, kindness, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, Joel is survived by his loving wife, Therese (Rushanan) Ottaviano; his son, Cage Ottaviano, and his wife, Kristen, of Mohnton; and the children he lovingly welcomed into his life, Gabriel Dieter and his wife, Natasha, and Magdalene Dieter and her husband, Austin.
He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Layne, Levi, and Lainey, with another grandchild expected.
Joel is further survived by his brothers, Jamie Ottaviano and his wife, Karen, of Douglassville, and Brandon Ottaviano and his wife, Michele, of Exeter Township; his mother-in-law, Marie Rushanan; and his brother-in-law, Emil Rushanan, and his wife, Donna.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Gia, Sophia, Gavin, Carter, Mikayla, Jovie, Bridget Dougherty and her husband, Kevin, and their children, Annastasia, Miles, Archer, and Estella, who was also Joel’s beloved goddaughter; and Clem Rushanan, his girlfriend, Kierstin Grove, and their daughter, Wren Rushanan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, with Rev. Msgr. Edward Zemanick officiating.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the church chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 201 Randel Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Mary Elizabeth Evans, 61, of Pottsville
Mary Elizabeth Evans, age 61, of Pottsville, PA passed away Monday, October 19th, 2026 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Pottsville, PA on January 27, 1965, she was the daughter of the late Irvin Umberger and Catherine M. (Sylvester) Yeager.
Mary loved being with her grandchildren and being outside with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter Abagail Evans.
Mary is survived by her companion Terry Yorski; daughter Stephanie L. Evans (Gino Ricigliano); sons: Stephen L. Evans (Crystal) and Travis M. Evans (Michelle); sister Autumn Umberger; brothers: Earl, Lewis, and Kirk Yeager (Sue) and Kyle, Craig, and Gavin Umberger; grandchildren: Cameron, Stephen Jr., Lilah, Grayson, Bailey, Brody, Brooklyn, and Beau; stepmother Carla Umberger; and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Tuesday October 27th at 7PM.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday evening from 5:30 till time of service at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help with Mary's funeral expenses to the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, 208 Pike Street, Port Carbon, PA 17965.
Alvin “Butch” Schlauch, 71, of Zion Grove
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It is with great sadness that I announce that I have lost the love of my life, Alvin "Butch" Schlauch, Zion Grove at the age of 71. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026.
He was born on May 20th, 1955, a son of the late Alvin and Rita (Mummey) Schlauch, and was retired, having been employed as a mechanic in the local coal mining industry.
He worked in the coal industry most of his life, last employed at Lehigh Anthracite prior to retiring.
He loved fishing, working on home projects and there wasn't anything he couldn't accomplish if he set his mind to it. If he couldn't come up with an answer, it was googled till he found a solution. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, no matter what, he could do it. He also was a big hunter of good recipes and spent many hours writing them all down so when he needed them, he knew where to look. Canning, gardening and jelly making was more tools he had under his belt. He could do it, just give him the chance and that ever going mind of his would do what needed to be done.
A tribute to Alvin, by his loving wife, Denise - There isn't anything that couldn't be done together, and he was especially proud when we joined St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Ringtown. He had a picture of the document on his phone that he showed everyone to prove it and rightfully bragged about it. He was so proud of that.
He will also be missed by his best friend, Bailey, our Beagle. He loved her so much and she loved him. She will miss him also.
We loved each other, defended each other and supported each other until the very sad end. I couldn't ask for a better husband, always supportive, hard working and such a caring guy. He fought and won many battles since his blood cancer diagnosis and treatment. The stroke he had on July 29th was his biggest downfall. What a fighter he was, even to the very end. I miss him so much already, 40 years of marriage and we both learned a lot together, and all of that is in my memory forever. Please rest in peace my dear and always know I will meet you again in heaven and we will be together forever, your loving wife, Denise.
Alvin is also survived by his wife, Denise; his sons, Jeffery, Tony and his daughter, Kim. Also surviving is his sister, Tammy and his brothers James and Raymond.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Rita Schlauch; a son, Alvin, and a stepdaughter, Jamie Sanza.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, which will be held on Tuesday evening, October 27th, 2026 at 7 PM at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown. A viewing will be held from 5-7 PM prior to the service.
George V. Hartnett, 72, of Pottsville
George V. Hartnett, 72, of Pottsville passed away October 2026 at Orwigsburg Center.
Born January 8, 1954, he was a son of the late Joseph and Rose (Trabosh) Hartnett.
A graduate of Pottsville Area High School, he went on to work as an office manager for Pottsville Moving & Storage and also Bartended at Massari’s Blu Tavern.
George was an active Volunteer Firefighter for American Hose Co., Pottsville and a Volunteer EMT.
He loved helping people, cooking, was a talented baker and was a collector of many things, especially baseball cards.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Pat Weber.
Surviving are his sister Jo Marie “Joie” Hartnett of Pottsville; His Companion Terry Houser of Minersville; Nephews Mark Weber and his wife ML of TN; Richard Weber and his wife Tinne of SC; Great Nephew Drew Weber; Brother-in-law Richard Weber of SC.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Friday October 30,2026 from Grace Free Church 10 Hollenbush Ln, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Rev. Josh Ott will be officiating. Friends may visit from 9:00-10:00 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Hose Co. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is entrusted with arrangements.
Bernice R. Moser, 95, of Port Carbon
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Bernice R. Moser, 95, of Port Carbon, passed away Saturday October 17, 2026, at her home.
Born in Pottsville, January 2, 1931, she was a daughter of Angelo and Sadie (Bair) Rizzuto.
Bernice worked for several area garment factories, retiring from Angela’s Sportwear. She was a member of ILGWU and enjoyed sewing, crocheting and spending time with her family and her dogs, AZ and Chantell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carl Robert Moser in 1994; 3 daughters Judith Moser; Bernice Stenger; Carla Spotts; 2 grandchildren Jason Fegley; Timothy Gangeware; 2 sisters Catherine Moyer; Josephine Otto; 2 brothers Joseph Rizzuto, Ernest Moser.
Surviving are her daughter Gayriel Lester and her husband William of Lehighton; Emma Palik of Port Carbon; Grandchildren Jesse Fegley; Johnathan Fegley, William Ashmore, Jeffrey Gangeware; George Kehl Jr.; Gail Maillet; Jennell Lester; Jason Fowler; Jacquelinn Dissinger; Dennis Spotts Jr.; Daniel Spotts; Stephanie Spotts; Smantha Wronski; Gary Palik Jr. Hether Heck; Brother Thomas Rizzuto of CT; Sister Emma Kristoff of Kaska; Annetta Wenner of Kaska; Son-in-law Roy Stenger Jr.; Many Great Grandchildren Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy “Dotty” Marie Bensinger Major, 104, Formerly of Port Carbon
Dorothy “Dotty” Marie Bensinger Major
After more than 104 years, our mom, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend and neighbor has passed into her eternal glory. Born and raised in Port Carbon, she was the daughter of the late George and Lucy (Bentz) Bensinger. A 1940 graduate of Port Carbon’s Soldiers’ Memorial High School, she excelled in the art program, earning the Art award on Class Day.
Dotty pursued her faith in a private way and was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Port Carbon. Her well worn, bookmarked and highlighted bible served as a regular source of reading. Mom regularly professed her strong Lutheran faith beliefs.
In 1949, she married Lawrence N. Major who passed away in 1975 at the age of 55. She was also preceded in death by her son Lawrence J. Major, her parents and sisters, Olive, Carmen and Joan. She lived the majority of her life in Port Carbon until her move to Mary Queen of Peace Apartments, Providence Place and finally Schuylkill Center in Pottsville.
During the 1940s, Dotty worked as a cutter at John L. Miller and Sons, a position she left when marriage and children blessed her life. In 1971, Dotty returned to the workplace with Schuylkill Child Development where she worked as a classroom aide for 20 years at schools in Port Carbon, Palo Alto, Pottsville and St. Clair. Along the way, she earned early childhood education credits from Marywood University.
After retirement in 1991, Dotty enjoyed travel to resorts from Las Vegas, to Branson, Nashville and the Bahamas. Mom enjoyed the music and showmanship of Elvis Presley. Behind the scenes, Dotty busied herself as a gifted seamstress who enjoyed creating plush holiday decorations for her home and family.
Much of her leisure time was spent sun worshipping and enjoying time with family at home. Dotty served sticky buns on Memorial Day, red, white and blue cake for the 4th of July and ground up cheese on Christmas Eve. Her iced tea and ice cream Jello, serve as memorable treats at picnics.
Dotty is survived by her children, Lucille (David Kraft) Mechanicsville, Gary (Cheryl) and Mark (Nannette) both in Pottsville and daughter in law Mary (wife of Bill McElvaney) Port Carbon. A sister Marlene Bensinger resides in New York City. Nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren also survive along with a number of beloved nieces and nephews.
Dotty lived a long, eventful and fruitful life. She survived two heart attacks, breast cancer and several bouts with Covid 19. She was a fighter, who recognized that her life was coming to a close. Her quiet and humble passing provided an escape from pain and discomfort without fear, but rather with a faith that she would see her family again.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Monday October 26th at 7PM.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family on Monday evening from 5PM till time of service at the Funeral Home.