Skook News Obituaries: July 22nd, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Douglas C. Camodeca Sr., 90, gained his Glory in Heaven with the release from the bonds of Dementia at The Memory Care Unit of Providence Place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.Born at home in Pottsville on February 26, 1934, Douglas was the son of the late Beck and Ethel (Meyers) Camodeca where he grew up on Peacock St. with his siblings. He was a lifelong resident of Pottsville, PA.
He graduated from Pottsville Area High School in 1952. He was employed at Phillips Van Heusen for 57 years as a receiving clerk from 1954 to 2011; when the company moved out of PA. Doug was an avid bowler with the company team, a Union Treasurer and Representative, as well as a faithful employee and friend to many co-workers.
Doug enjoyed attending auctions, playing cards and darts as well as bartending at his friend’s Bar. He loved hunting in his younger years. He also enjoyed planting vegetables and gardening flowers. He was a fan of Saturday night Polkas, WWE, and an avid watcher of the Jerry Springer Show.
He loved playing outside with his grandchildren and great grandchildren; teaching them how to play card games and pull weeds in his flower beds. He got a big thrill teaching the neighbor’s grandsons how to shake hands like a gentleman.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his Wife, Gail Colleen (Reed) Camodeca, his daughter, Crystal A. Camodeca; his 3 brothers; Eugene Meyers, Thomas Camodeca, Richard Camodeca, and sister Anna Mae Wingle.
Doug is survived by his children, daughter Margaret (Peggy Camodeca) Burns, her husband Robert Burns; son Douglas Camodeca Jr; all of Pottsville; his 6 Grandchildren Bob Burns Jr. (deceased significant other, Jillian), Pottsville, Valerie Burns, New York, NY, Erick Camodeca, his wife Lindsay Fitzpatrick, Baltimore, MD, Christopher Camodeca and his partner Amber Meaney, Marana AZ, Douglas Camodeca III, Tiffany Wasser her husband Kyle, both Minersville Area; 8 Great-Grandchildren, Wesleigh, Hannah, Jude, Luca, Arayla, Tripp, Keagan and Cooper; sister-in-law Barbara Seltzer and brother-in-law William Reed; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition, he leaves behind wonderful lifetime neighbors and friends, whom he deeply treasured.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday July 25 , 2024 from the Bruce T Hart Funeral Home, 100 North Second Street, St Clair Pa 17979 with Pastor Chris Rothharpt officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Burial for Douglas and his wife Gail will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Pottsville.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church 300 West Arch Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 or due to his love of birds and animals, The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd. Kempton, PA 19529 or
by visiting https://www.hawkmountain.org/give/donate-now
Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, Saint Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Paul Setlock, age 55, of Downingtown, PA, unexpectedly passed away on July 11th, 2024, while basking in the natural beauty of an active volcano while traveling with his wife in Sicily atop Mt. Etna.He was born on April 4th, 1969, in Pottsville, PA, to the late Paul J. Setlock and Catherine E. McDonald. At a young age, he discovered his love of hunting and the outdoors. He fostered this love by joining the Boy Scouts of America and then achieving the highest recognition as an Eagle Scout. He spent his childhood playing with his siblings, hunting, fishing, karate, traveling, and reading books.
He graduated from Nativity BVM in 1987, then obtained a Bachelor’s in English at Penn State University and a Master’s in Education at West Chester University. In 1995, while pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he met and married the love of his life, Yvonne. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife and three children, whom he loved fiercely. His family was his motivation and fuel for the passions he explored throughout his life. Paul’s love of literature flourished during his educational pursuits and empowered him to teach, inspiring new generations while surrounded by his growing family.
He began his career with the Downingtown Area School District in 1996, consistently encouraging his students never to fear being heard or pursuing their dreams. He loved motivating his students to join the theatre program, teaching them the value of gaining confidence on stage and in the classroom. He was recruited for his value as a highly reputable educator through the vital role that he held in the development of an English program at the Downingtown STEM Academy. He worked within the Downingtown Area School district for 28 years, teaching English as a Director of Theatre Arts, the newspaper, and the BSU, creating spaces for students to take charge and find their voice.
Paul’s presence had the extraordinary ability to light up a room with his radiant smile and profound insights with the power to touch hearts and challenge mindsets. His philosophical musings and words of wisdom were a guiding light for those fortunate enough to know him. He was a constant contributing member of his hometown as a charter member of the Lone Pine Sportsman Club. He spent his time writing poetry, loving his family, becoming a black belt in Taijutsu, traveling the world, molding the minds of the future, and so much more.
Paul is survived by his wife of 29 years, Yvonne Setlock; children Hadiya, Michael with wife Melanie, and Sophia; siblings Cathy Setlock Cruz, Michael John Setlock, and Tracey Ann Hoffman; a plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to Paul’s Celebration of Life Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Robert A Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon, PA, on Friday, July 26th, with visitation from 3-5 pm. Officiated by Deacon John Setlock at 5 pm.
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Brandon “Boo” M. Harris, 24, of Gordon passed away Friday July 19, 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center-Danville.Born on January 13, 2000 in Pottsville he was the son of Julia (Lopez) Harris and the late Robert J. Harris Jr.
Brandon graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 2018. He played bass drum for the North Schuylkill Marching Band. Recently he graduated from Penn State University earning a degree in Corporate Communication with a minor in Sports Management.
Brandon was the announcer for the North Schuylkill Boys and Girls Basketball Teams since 2021. He was also the manager for North Schuylkill Boys Baseball Team. Brandon was a member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and was a MDA Ambassador for Schaeffer’s Harley Davidson. He was a huge fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, playing video games, collecting sports memorabilia, and riding in the sidecars on the Harleys.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert J. Harris Jr. (2021) and his paternal grandparents Edith and Robert Harris Sr.
Brandon is survived by; mother Julia Harris, Gordon; sister Nicolette and her wife Jodie Harris, Germanville; maternal grandparents Edna and Robert Lopez Sr, Henrico NC; many aunts, uncles, & cousins; “The Boys” Will Ploxa, Nick Kowalishen, Holden Meyers, Zack VanPelt, Kyle Roeder & Linda Hass.
A memorial service will be held on Friday July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Christ United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland PA 17921 with Pastor Dana Beil officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00-11:00 AM Friday morning prior to services at the church. Interment will be private at the family’s convenience.
Contributions can be made in Brandon’s memory to Ride for Life (MDA), 1123 Brick Hill Rd, Orwigsburg PA 17961.
For more information or to extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Gregory R. Lawson, 60, of Shenandoah, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his residence.Born in Shenandoah on March 9, 1964, he was the son of the late Robert B. Lawson and Helene C. (Compbell) Bitting.
Besides his parents, Greg was preceded by brothers - Paul R. Lawson and Christopher M. Lawson, along with his paternal grandparents- Benjamin and Rose, and maternal grandparents- John and Tillie.
The surviving family includes his stepmother- Karen L. Krammes of Shenandoah, his siblings, David C. Lawson – Frackville, Robert M. Lawson – Ringtown, Bonnie Gregory (Eric)- White Haven, Sheri Boyer (Brian) – Ringtown, Rosanne Trimmer (Mac)- Lebanon, Shane B. Lawson- Girardville, Heather M. Kankowski (Anthony)- Raven Run, Randy L. Lawson (Melissa)- Shenandoah, Shannon M. Lawson (Michael Snyder)- Girardville, and Holly M. Mummey (Robert) – Shenandoah. Also surviving are his Goddaughter, Kristen Lawson- Ringtown, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Greg attended Sheppton Elementary and West Hazleton Area High School. He worked for the Laborer’s Union Local #1174. Over the years, he was a member of the Shenandoah East End Field and Stream Club and the Frackville Elks Lodge #1533. Greg also spent time working on his jeep, walking the mountains to search for crystals, or simply helping anyone in need, as he was a jack of all trades. He especially enjoyed eating at the Lyric Restaurant in Shenandoah.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 27th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Burial will immediately follow in the United Methodist Cemetery in Ringtown.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be offered to assist them with Greg’s funeral arrangements.
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Regina L. Brennan, 97, of Pottsville, passed away on Tuesday, July 9th, at Providence Place Retirement Community, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville on May 1, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Brennan) and James Trabosh.
Regina was the widow of James F. Brennan.
She was a 1945 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
Regina was employed as a sales associate for Pomeroy's and the housekeeping supervisor at Rest Haven for 17 years.
She was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville and their Senior Citizens Committee, Pottsville City Women's Democratic Committee, Schuylkill County Retirement Association, and volunteered at the soup kitchen for over 20 years.
Regina is survived by children, James F. Brennan, Jr. (Jean), Mary Ann Mattern, Michael P. Brennan, and Kathleen Spector (Irwin). She is also survived by grandchildren, Bridgette, Megan, James, Denise, Christina, Kelly, Sean, and Patrick; 9 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her cat, Zoe.
In addition to her husband and parents, Regina is preceded in death by granddaughter, Sarah Emily Spector; brother, James Trabosh; sister, Rose Harnett; daughter in law, Bonnie Brennan; and son in law, Bill Mattern.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 26th. A visitation will be held at 10:30 AM until the start of the service.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
In honor of Regina's memory, the family asks that you light a candle to celebrate her life.
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Vella Kathryne Wodack, 86, Madison Township, formerly of Frackville, died Saturday July 20, 2024 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore.Born in Bronx, NY September 3, 1937, She was a daughter of the late Elvin Stacy and Catherine (Andercavage) Stanchouski.
She was a 1955 graduate of Immaculate Heart High School, Ashland & 1955 Graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing, Philadelphia.
Vella worked as a Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, and later Brookmont Nursing and Rehab, Effort, PA.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Albert J. Wodack in 2002; a brother John “Jack” Stacy; a sister Marilyn Bant.
Surviving are son Thomas Wodack Sr. and his wife Kathleen of Madison Twp.; Grandchildren Thomas Wodack Jr. and his wife Vanessa; Daniel Wodack and his wife Sarah; Bryanna Wodack; Justin Wodack; Great Grandchildren Lillianna Wodack; Logan Wodack and Zachary Wodack; Sisters Evelyn Mastella of OH; Carolyn Frances Martofel of Frackville; Ann Lynn Jordan of Selinsgrove; Brother Charles Stanchouski of Gordon; Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday July 24, 2024 from Nice- Hart Funeral Home, Inc, 9 North Lehigh Avenue Frackville, PA 17931. Friends may call from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to beholdisrael.org/payment-options-us Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
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Maryann McCormick, née Corrigan, passed away in her home on Friday, July 19th. Born in Ashland on June 21, 1937, Maryann was the daughter of the late John and Margaret Gallagher Corrigan. She has been married to Jack McCormick for 63 years.Maryann attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and St. Joseph's High School in Ashland, graduating in 1955. She continued her education at the Ashland Hospital School of Nursing earning her RN in 1958. Her nursing career included employment at the Ashland State Hospital, private duty nursing and clinical nursing. She also returned to the Ashland Hospital School of Nursing for a period of time to teach Cardiopulmonary and Cardiovascular evaluation and treatment.
Maryann was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ashland which later became St. Charles Borremeo Parish. She was active in the Parish and especially active with the Immaculate Heart Elementary School in the 1970's as well as with Cardinal Brennan High School into the early 2000's. Maryann is widely known for her culinary prowess, feeding many a hungry heart over the years. Her Christmas cookies are world renowned; her chocolate cake is widely celebrated, and her Easter eggs are legendary.
Maryann and Jack raised three sons and were active and supportive in every aspect of their lives. Maryann never forgot the humble beginnings of her family in Ireland and here in America. As her family expanded, she continued to promote the Irish culture by supporting her granddaughters in Irish Dancing. She and Jack would travel extensively, including to Belfast and Dublin, to champion their grandchildren in the dance and embrace their heritage. They would also travel extensively to baseball, football and basketball games, plays, exhibitions, recitals, school events.... in unfettered support of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack and Maryann embody the strongest sense of Family.
Most importantly, Maryann was best known for her kindness. A decent, humble, warmhearted person who genuinely cared for others. Their home was always open to everyone and anyone and many were uplifted by her decency, affection and goodwill. She was always able to find the good in a person. Maryann leaves her family knowing how much she loved them and knowing that you can never give up, even during the most difficult of times.
In addition to her parents, Maryann was preceded in death by her son Patrick, her brother John Corrigan and her nephew Michael Corrigan.
Maryann is survived by her husband of 63 years, John "Jack" McCormick, her sons: John and wife Kim of Walkersville, MD; Dan and wife Pam of Butler, PA; daughter-in-law Millie, St. Clair, PA; her grandchildren Caitlin (Jay) Albon, Kelly McCormick, Kieran McCormick, Daniel (Amber) McCormick, Megan McCormick, Gráinne McCormick, Tiarnán McCormick, Deirdré McCormick; her great grandchildren Liam and Brody Albon. Many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27th at St. Charles Borromeo in Ashland with Rev. Giuseppe Esposito as the celebrant. Friends and family are invited to her viewing at the church on Saturday morning from 8:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Interment will be at St Josephs Catholic Cemetery in Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Maryann's name to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Thomas J Romberger Sr, age 76, formerly of Lykens Twp, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.He was born on Tuesday, October 21, 1947, in Gratz, a son of the late Lloyd J Romberger and the late Bessie M (Miller) Romberger.
He was a retired truck driver and farmer.
Tom enjoyed working on the farm and tinkering with his Ford tractors.
He was preceded in death his parents; and by his step mother, Laura Romberger, brother, James L Romberger, and a sister, Mary Chioli.
He is survived by a daughter, Penny Romberger; four sons, Thomas Romberger, Jr., Daniel Romberger, Christopher Romberger, and William Romberger; several grandchildren; a sister, Helen Barger; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, Gratz, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 10:00 am, with Rev. Eric Going officiating.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Donald “Don” Clamser, 79, of Gordon passed away Sunday evening July 21, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill East.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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David W. Bickleman, 67, of Tamaqua, died Friday, July 19, 2024, in Bethlehem. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late John, Jr. and Lorraine (Zimmerman) Bickleman. A 1975 graduate of Marian High School, David served honorably in the U.S. Army, having received numerous citations for his abilities as a mechanic. David worked as a laborer for the Tamaqua Transfer Station, was a member of the Tamaqua America Legion Post # 173, and the former St. Jerome’s Church, Tamaqua. Known for his infectious smile, he would help anyone, was a jack of all trades, and loved listening to music. David could often be found fishing, drawing, and shooting.
He is survived by his brothers, Joseph and his wife Marlene of Tamaqua, and his twin brother Eugene and wife Linda of Winnipeg, Canada; sisters, Mary and Sterling Koch of Schuylkill Haven, Ruth Whitley of Tamaqua, and Shirley Bickleman of Saint Clair; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his brother John Henry Bickleman, III.
Memorial donations can be made to the Tamaqua Legion Color Guard, c/o the Tamaqua Legion, 206 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Graveside memorial service will be held 11 AM on Saturday, August 3, at St. Jerome’s Cemetery, Lombard Street, Tamaqua. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation services, Inc., Tamaqua
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Priscilla H. Rzeplinski, 91, of Mahanoy City, Pa, passed away on Wednesday, July 10th, at Lehigh Valley East Norwegian Hospital in Pottsville, Pa. It also happened to be the same date her late Mother was born on.Priscilla was born in Frackville, Pa on January 19th, 1933, the daughter of late Anna Pauzus and William Peel.
Priscilla attended Mahanoy City High School (Lithuanian School) and was a devoted Catholic and member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish also in Mahanoy City.
To her friends and family she was known as Helen. She was a very loving and sweet Wife, Sister, Aunt and friend.
After a long courtship of almost 10 years, Helen married Joseph V. Rzeplinski on April 18th, 1953 in Mahanoy City, Pa, where they continued to reside for most of their lives.
Helen worked in the textile industry for about 20 years at the Mahanoy City Shirt Factory. After becoming disabled, Helen was a homemaker who cared for her loving husband and family.
Helen did not have any children of her own but she was a huge influence in the upbringing of her Sister Joann's son, Mark Schropp as he grew up. She helped him with almost all of his homework, played board games and taught him how use a typewriter and how to play Silent Night on her electric piano.
Priscilla is survived by her Husband, Joseph Rzeplinski, who is currently in the Pottsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Home Center of Pottsville, Pa and her two brothers, Albert, husband of Toni Peel of Holly Michigan and Bill Peel, of Mount Pleasant North Carolina, husband of late Leona Peel, as well as other nieces and nephews.
Priscilla is preceded in death by her Sister, Joann L. Schropp.
Services where private at the convenience of the family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City was in charge of the arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sing a guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Herman B. Snyder, 89, of Lehighton, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning.
Prior to retiring, he owned and operated Herman Snyder Plumbing and Heating. Born in Ashfield, he was the son of the late Harvey and Gertrude (Breiner) Snyder. He was a member of Ben Salem UCC, Lehighton, and a charter member of Mahoning Valley Fire Co. He was also a member of Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, Lehighton, Lehighton Orioles #183, Andreas Sporting Club, and East Penn Sporting Club. Herman was a life-long farmer and raised hogs and steers on his family farm. He was also an avid hunter. When he was younger, he enjoyed driving stock cars and roller skating.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Herman Jr., daughter, Bonnie, three brothers, Leon, Paul, and Earl, and two great-grandchildren, Dillion Murphy and Page Murphy.
Surviving are five daughters, Barbara Moser, of Tamaqua, Cathy, wife of Terry Abrachinsky, of Lehighton, Vicky, wife of Jeff Newlon, of Hugoton, KS, Patricia Williams, of Slatington, and Annette, wife of Jim Shupp, of Nazareth; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Peter’s Church Cemetery, with Rev. Randy Lentz officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, 184 St. Peter’s Rd, Tamaqua, PA 18252 or Ben Salem UCC, PO 128, Andreas, PA 18211.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold. O
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Frederick T. Stripe, (Fritz) 84, of Orwigsburg passed away Friday July 19th at his home.
Born in Orwigsburg on May 20, 1940, he was the son of the late Mary (Sterner) and Norman Stripe. Fritz was employed by Pennsylvania Steel Foundry, Hamburg, and was a member of United Steelworkers Local #6541, serving as president for 12 years until retiring in 2000.
Fritz enjoyed hunting and was the PA state champion in archery in 1984. He also raised pigeons and was young bird champion at the Tamaqua FLying Club in 2007.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Yvonne Pritiskutch, brothers Norman and Scott Stripe; grandchildren Samantha Stripe and Michael Pritiskutch.
Frederick is survived by his wife Joyce; 5 daughters Kathy, wife of Ricky Jones, Bradenton, FL; Patricia Stripe, Schuylkill Haven; Ruby, wife of Scott Willinsky, Charlotte, NC; Melanie, wife of Matthew Falgout, Conestoga, PA; Angela, wife of Rick Berdanier, Port Carbon; 2 Sons Stephen Stripe, Orwigsburg; William A., husband of April East, Myerstown; He is also survived by a sister Margaret, wife of Harry Kolbe, Schuylkill Haven; Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at the Lighthouse Church, Rt 61, Orwigsburg beginning at 10AM, with service to follow at 11AM with pastor William Orf, officiating. Albert L. Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville has charge.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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