Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on , including family remembrances and available funeral service information.
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Zoey M. Bainbridge
Baby Zoey M. Bainbridge, infant daughter of Heaven L. Knecht and Ryan Z. Bainbridge of Ashland passed in the embrace of her loving parents at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital on November 6, 2026.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by maternal grandparents Mary and Desi Knecht Sr, Ashland; paternal grandparents Sheila Parrish and Chad Bainbridge; uncles Brandon and Justin Bainbridge, Desi Knecht Jr and Ryan Miller; cousin Ryan Jr; other extended family and friends.
Services and interment will be private at the family’s request.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
David Blew, 58, Tuscarora
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David Blew, 58, of Tuscarora, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at his residence. He was the husband of Lisa (Emerich) Blew, with whom he celebrated 31 years of marriage this past September.
A son of Thomas and Eileen (Raudenbush) Blew of Tuscarora, David attended Tamaqua schools. He worked in construction for Lehigh Asphalt and, later, as a skid loader mechanic for Charles Snyder.
David was a skilled fabricator with a natural talent for mechanics and an ability to build, repair, or rebuild just about anything. Intelligent and resourceful, he took great pride in his property and enjoyed maintaining and improving it, especially landscaping. He also loved camping and was a member of the Tuscarora Fire Company and St. John United Church of Christ in Tamaqua.
In addition to his wife, Lisa, and his parents, Thomas and Eileen, David is survived by four children, William Mellor, Jr. and his companion Amber Calve of New England Valley, Nicole Smith and her husband Justin of Tuscarora, Kara Blew of Wisconsin, and David Blew, Jr. of Tuscarora; three grandchildren, Hannah and Leah Smith and Jacob Mellor; and a sister, Carole Blew of Tuscarora.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Mark Blew and Thomas Blew, Jr., and a grandson, Matthew.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made directly to his family to help defray funeral expenses.
Ronald F. Nelson Jr., 61, Tamaqua
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Ronald F. Nelson Jr., 61, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem.
Born in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, on Friday, December 11, 1964, he was the son of the late Ronald F. Nelson Sr. and Sarah (Miller) Nelson. Ron was a proud 1983 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.
A lifelong pizza maker, Ron spent his working years mastering his craft. He "threw pizzas" for local favorites DiMaggio's and La Casa Del Sol in Tamaqua, and also spent a brief time working at Dough Boy's in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Ron was a passionate sports fan who loved collecting and trading sports cards while cheering on the Colts, Phillies, and Celtics. A true music lover, he appreciated many genres and frequently listened to the classic sounds of AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, and Queen. He also famously—and "allegedly"—played the guitar, often to the amusement of his loyal cat, Patches. Above all, Ron adored his family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately gave him the ultimate title of "Batman." Throughout his recent illnesses, Ron found comfort and guidance by relying on his steadfast Catholic faith.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Baby James, and his brothers, Robert J. Nelson Sr. and Dwayne E. Nelson.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Rebecca L. "Becky" Rhoads and her husband Jason; his sisters, Susan E. Stine and her companion Scott Winterburn, and Eva M. Wagner and her husband Shawn; his brother, Greg S. Nelson and his wife Melissa; his adored grandchildren, Jesse, Addison, and Jack; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Friends and Family will Celebrate Ron's Life on Thursday evening November 12, 2026 at 6 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home with a visitation beginning at 4 o'clock P.M.
Frank D. Terranova, 69, Langhorne
Frank D. Terranova, 69, of Langhorne formerly of Staten Island, passed away on Sunday evening, November 1, 2026 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 27, 1957, he was the son of the late Fortunato “Fred” and Raffaelina “Lily” Terranova.
He leaves behind his life partner of twenty-one years, Maria Karvois, and his cherished son, Frank D. Terranova Jr., whom he shared with former spouse Lisa Terranova.
Frank and Maria spent over two decades building a life side by side, marked by countless adventures together and deep, caring moments as the years went on. Frank’s world centered on his family, especially Maria, his son Frank, his daughter-in-law Caitlin D. Terranova, and his two granddaughters, Alessia and Sabrina Terranova, who brought him endless pride and happiness.
Frank graduated from Fort Hamilton High School and went on to further his training before working for many years as an HVAC Engineer at New York University.
On Staten Island during his son's youth, he dedicated years to coaching Little League baseball and youth basketball, sharing the game with his son, mentoring countless neighborhood kids, and lightly traumatizing a generation of local umpires and referees in the process.
To say Frank had a distinct and oftentimes unfortunate taste in sports is an understatement: his loyalties belonged to the New York Mets, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Boston Celtics. Watching a game was never a quiet event in his home—he took great pleasure in thoroughly yelling at the television whenever a call didn't go his way. Despite the Mets’ often disappointing performance, Frank proudly shared his love of the team with his son. Some of their fondest memories together were spent watching Mets games and even attending Game 4 of the 2000 Subway Series. Unfortunately, in true Mets fashion, the team lost that game, but the experience remained a special memory they shared.
Outside of sports, Frank loved a good bet. He could often be found playing the horses or testing his luck at the casinos with Maria’s mother, Leona Karvois, prior to her passing. The two of them had a dynamic like no other: they were either loudly bickering over bets or celebrating a massive win together, and there is no doubt they are hitting it big together right now.
Frank also enjoyed spending time with Maria’s brother and sister-in-law, Stephen “Junior” and Joelle Karvois, and their children, Joseph “Junebug,” Jourdin, and Ellie. He especially enjoyed the lively atmosphere, laughter, antics, and chaos that inevitably accompanied family gatherings, particularly during the holidays. Frank cherished the opportunity to rekindle memories of his own Little League days with his son and relive some of those special moments with Junebug. He also enjoyed introducing Junebug to the ponies, although some family members may not have shared quite the same enthusiasm for the experience!
When he wasn’t at the track or pacing in front of the TV, Frank loved vacationing in the warmth of the Dominican Republic. Back at home, he always enjoyed the company of his pets, his cat “Tiger Meow Meow”, his dog “Bleenie”, and his late cat, “Moo”.
Frank will be remembered above all for his love for Maria, Frank, and his granddaughters, and for his simple, genuine desire to enjoy life and spend it surrounded by the people who mattered most to him, whether pulling a slot machine with Leona, catching a game with Frank, or simply relaxing with a movie beside Maria. He will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 West Oak Street, Frackville. The Rev. Robert Plictha, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor, Christopher L. Kowalski, Director are in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences or to share memories or photos of Frank with his family, please sign the guestbook at www.stutzfuneralhome.com.
David Mummey, 70, Mahanoy City
David Mummey, age 70, of Mahanoy City, passed away Monday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill in Pottsville.
Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital he was the son of the late Woodrow and Helen (Lukach) Mummey. He was a 1974 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and also attended the McCann School of Business.
He worked as a senior field tax auditor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years the former Ann Marie Repella, a sister in law Debra Ann Fegley of Shenandoah as well as cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM from St. Teresa of Calcutta Church. Interment will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery in Mahanoy Township.
Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning beginning at 9 AM. Contributions in his name to STOC-Food Pantry would be appreciated and will be accepted at the visitation.
David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas J. “Chink” Kochinsky, 78, McAdoo
Thomas J. “Chink” Kochinsky, 78, of McAdoo, passed away Thursday morning at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Edward and Helen (Bolawender) Kochinsky.
He was a graduate of Hazleton High School and a proud veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Vietnam War era. He was a member of the McAdoo VFW Post 6708.
Prior to retiring, he was employed as an industrial mechanic at local manufacturing plants, a trade he learned during his military time as a machine specialist.
Thomas had a passionate interest in Native American culture and traditions. He was a devoted member of the local tribe, Lenape Nation.
Thomas especially cherished the time spent mentoring his grandsons, sharing his love of hunting and fishing while creating lasting memories together. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he also took great pride and joy in watching his grandsons play sports and cheering them on from the sidelines.
Preceding him in death was a sister Barbara Mariano.
Surviving are his daughter, Kristy Guzman and husband Santo of Hazleton; grandsons, Kevin and Samuell Guzman; sister, Maryann Oakes of McAdoo; brother-in-law, Pasco Mariano, Hazleton; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, from 3 to 5 pm. A Farewell Service will begin at 5 p.m.
Interment will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Rita R. Stramara, 86
Rita R. Stramara, 86, a resident of Orwigsburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, passed away on November 7, 2026.
Born in Minersville on June 25, 1940, she was the daughter of the late John and Eva (Halob) Whiteash. She was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School.
Rita shared nearly 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, John, who preceded her in death. This November would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone that speaks to a lifetime of shared memories, family, and love.
In her earlier years, Rita was employed by Van Heusen Company. She later devoted herself to being a homemaker while also helping support her husband, John, in his entrepreneurial ventures. Among the most notable were Samson Beverage Company on Route 61 and Sam’s Place Lottery (the OG) at Cressona Mall.
Raised in the Catholic faith, Rita was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven.
In her younger years, Rita was an active bowler, participating in league play and was quite a talented bowler. She also enjoyed line dancing and the friendships and fun that came with it.
It was Rita’s personality and the little things that made her truly unforgettable. She never had a bad hair day, thanks to her beloved weekly hair appointments. Rarely would you see her without lipstick or wearing her favorite color, purple. She had a love of purses, and you best not try getting into hers! She firmly believed that aluminum foil was essential for covering all leftovers and may very well have contributed to the success of Reynolds Wrap.
One of her favorite sayings was, “Now wait a minute,” a phrase she may even have used when the Lord came to take her home.
We will miss her unmistakable style, her daily trips to the IGA, her pumpkin pie, and her unwavering love of the Washington Redskins — yes, the Redskins! We will also miss her spaghetti pie and her remarkable ability to pack a refrigerator like a game of Tetris.
These little quirks, familiar sayings, and everyday traditions were what made Rita uniquely Rita. They brought laughter, warmth, and countless memories to those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband, John, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond, Carl, Francis, Joseph, Junior, Cyril Whiteash, and her sister, Marian Lipshaw.
She is survived by her brother, Bernard Whiteash; her son, Sam Stramara and his wife, Candy; her daughter, Lisa Quinter; six grandchildren, Laken (Mitch) Faccio, Olivia Stramara, Drake Stramara, Graham Stramara, Aaron Quinter, and Easton Quinter (Jackie Bouchard); and two great-grandsons, Carmine Faccio and Jettson Quinter.
Services will be announced in the Spring of 2027. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven is entrusted with services.
Raymond H Bowman, 101, Valley View
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Raymond H Bowman, age 101 of Valley View, Pennsylvania, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on September 3, 1925, in Rough and Ready, PA, a son of the late Neil Bowman and the late Bessie (Schadel) Bowman. He graduated from Hegins Township High School in 1942.
He was a devoted member of Calvary Chapel Church, where his faith was an important part of his life. He enjoyed following professional baseball and cheering on the Hershey Bears hockey team. An avid reader, he also took pleasure in challenging himself with crossword puzzles, always completing them in pen. He generously gave his time volunteering with Meals on Wheels through the Tri-Valley Lions Club.
He was a farmer for many years before driving trucks and charter buses for 20 years. Ray along with his wife Marion started their own ceramic business called the Back Door.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil Bowman and Bessie Bowman, his first wife, Esther (Klinger) Bowman; his son-in-law, Adam Patino and his grandson, Aaron Patino.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marion (Dietrich) Bowman; his two sons, Joseph Toomey and his wife, Robin and Dennis Toomey and his wife, Diane; his two daughters, Robyn Patino and Brenda Stutzman and her husband, Dale; his thirteen grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, Valley View, PA 17983 on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11:00 am, with Rev. Jonathan Hikes officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, Valley View, PA 17983.
Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions can be made in Bud's name to the Tri-Valley Lions Club, 535 E Main Street, Hegins PA 17938.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View is honored to serve the Bowman family with arrangements; condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.