Obituaries by LocationMarch 8, 1997
John M. Perchik Sr.
John M. Perchik Sr., 82, of 223 W. Howard Ave., Coaldale, died Friday in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of the late Ann (Trynosky) Perchik, who died in 1979.
Prior to retiring, he had been employed by Bundy Tubing Co., Hometown. He had previously been employed at the Lehigh Coal and Navigation No. 10 Mine and Tom Schilling Plumbing, Coaldale.
Born in the 'Skintown' section of Lansford, he was a son of the late Evan and Rose (Fuller) Perchik.
He was a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Coaldale, the Croatian Fraternal Union and the East End Athletic Club of Lansford.
He is survived by a son, John M. Perchik Jr. of Grapevine, Texas; a daughter, Jean Ann, at home; a brother, Frank of Vincentown, N.J; a sister, Margaret Sekella of Holiday, Fla.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Todorovich and Anna Godanis.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, will be in charge of arrangements from the Jon. M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.
John E. Gazdick
John E. Gazdick, 81, of 544 E. Railroad St., Nesquehoning, died Friday in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Anna (Haluta) Gazdick. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on Jan. 6.
Born in Hauto, he was a son of the late Stephen and Mary (Stianche) Gazdick.
He worked for Durkee Foods, Allentown, for 15 years until retiring in 1980. Before that he was a coal miner for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co., working in the Nesquehoning Colliery.
He was a Staff Sergeant in the Army during World War II, with the 3873rd Quartermaster Gas Supply Co., in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
A life-long resident of Nesquehoning, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and the Nesquehoning V.F.W. Post 8008.
Surviving with his widow is a brother Michael in Florida; three sisters, Pauline Belovich of Nesquehoning, and Margaret Zabo and Anna Rusnak, both of Lansford; also nephews and nieces and great nephews and great nieces.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Stephen, Joseph and George; and three sisters, Helen, Agnes and Mary.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of arrangements.
Percy M. Frable
Percy M. Frable, 94, of 2855 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, died Friday in Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. He was the husband of the late Eva L. (Kuntz) Frable.
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Lovean and Beatrice (Tovell) Frable. He retired in 1967 as a laborer for the New Jersey Zinc Co. of Palmerton, after 39 years of service.
He was past vice-president of the United Steel Workers of America Local 3317 of Palmerton.
Surviving is a daughter, Eleanor, wife of William Frederick of Bethlehem.
The T.K. Thomas Funeral Home, Inc. 145 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of arrangements.
Marvin E. Miller
Marvin E. Miller, 83, formerly of 628 Coal St., Lehighton, died Thursday, in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of the late Beatrice K. (Gilbert) Miller, who died in 1990.
Born in Lehighton, he was a carpenter, last employed by Donald Gilbert Building Contractor of Lehighton until retiring in 1980.
He was the son of the late Milton and Lucy (Steigerwalt) Miller.
He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lehighton.
Surviving are two sons, Marvin J. Miller and Edward M. Miller, both of Lehighton; a daughter, Sandy Sue, wife of James E. Gallagher of Jim Thorpe; also seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron Streets, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
March 10, 1997
Randall R. McGee
Randall R. McGee, 69, of Jim Thorpe, died Sunday in his home. He was the husband of Maria (Zaccaria) McGee. They were married for 39 years.
He was a salesman for the Atlas Carbide Tool Company, Brooklyn, N.Y., until retiring.
Born in New York City, N.Y., he was a son of the late Rufus and Constance (Hines) McGee.
He was a graduate of Harren High School in New York and attended Long Island University.
McGee was a sergeant in the Army during World War II.
He was a member of the Carbon County Sheriff's Association.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter, Brenda Castoro of Long Island, N.Y.; a brother James of Jim Thorpe; and two grandchildren.
The David J. Stianche Funeral Home, 123 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Stanley H. Saylor
Stanley H. Saylor, 68, of 4899 Cherryville Road, Allen Township, died Saturday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Janet M. (DeBleyker) Saylor. They were married for 47 years.
He was a mechanic and later a crane operator for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 24 years, retiring in 1988. He also farmed in Bethlehem Township and then in McVeytown, Mifflin County.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Nancy M. Causbrook of Allentown and Arlinda L. Krock of Walnutport; three sons, Robert S. of Easton, Donald K. of Nazareth and William J. of Bethlehem; two sisters, Grace Lieberman of Plainfield Township and Helen Nicholas of Muncy, Lycoming Township; and seven grandchildren.
Mrs. Robert J. McGavren
Mrs. Edith E. McGavren, 81, of 1132 Main St., Bethlehem, died Saturday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Robert J. McGavren. They observed their 52nd wedding anniversary last August.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late John and Hannah (Mantz) Miller.
She was a graduate of Palmerton High School.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Bethlehem.
Surviving are a son, Roger E. Grube, and a daughter, Sandra E. Simpson, both of Bethlehem; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold F.
John K. Roberts
John K. "Whittle John" Roberts, 58, of Hometown, Tamaqua R.2, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Nance (Snarski) Roberts.
Before retiring, he owned a wood-carving shop in Jim Thorpe, specializing in hand-carved signs and original signature pieces. Previously, he was the resident woodcarver at Magic Valley, Fernwood in the Poconos and Dorney Park, Allentown.
He was an active member of the Delaware Valley Woodcarvers Association, where he exhibited his talent yearly. He was also a retail store manager for the McCrory Corporation for 20 years and a representative for the Prudential Insurance Company for several years.
Roberts served as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 367, New Hanover, Pa., where he attained the Order of the Arrow. He was also a member of the Mensa Society.
The deceased was a graduate of Kingston High School and attended Pennsylvania State University.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, John Scott of Lansdale; two daughters, Robin, wife of Damian Davison, and Hollianne, both of Hometown; a half-sister, Susan Lavery of Wilkes-Barre; two stepsisters, Megan Roberts and Cindy (Roberts) Morgan; his stepmother, Dorothy Roberts of Jermyn, Pa.; and three grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Harriette Lavery Okrasinski; and a son-in-law, Sgt. Alex Ortega, USMC.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Josephine Anello
Mrs. Josephine Anello, 85, of Randolph, N.J., died Sunday in her home. She was the widow of Francesco Anello.
She was the owner of the Bella Palermo Pastry Shop, Newark and Elizabeth, N.J., for 50 years.
Born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, she was a daughter of the late Sebastian and Salvatore D'Arpa, and also resided in Newark, East Orange, Springfield and Elizabeth, N.J., before moving to Randolph two years ago.
She was an honorary member of the Springfield Chapter of Hadassah.
Surviving are a daughter, Rosemarie Ferrara; three sons, Salvatore, Carlo, of the Lehighton area, and Joseph; two brothers, Carlo and Russell; a sister, Antoinette Biamonte; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave., Union, N.J., is in charge of the arrangements.
Frank J. Sassaman
Frank J. Sassaman, 34, of Manatawny Street, Pottstown, died Friday evening in the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.
He was last employed by the Spring City Knitting Company, Spring City, Chester County.
Born in Pottstown, he was a son of the late James L. and Marian L. (Boyle) Sassaman.
He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Pottstown.
Sassaman was a 1981 graduate of Pius X High School, Pottstown, where he was a member of the football team. He was a former football coach for the Pottstown Police Athletic League and had been an assistant coach at Pius high in 1989.
Surviving are two brothers, James F. and John R., both of Pottstown.
Mrs. Anna Smith
Mrs. Anna Smith, 90, of Kunkletown R.1, died Friday in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton. She was the widow of William Smith, who died in 1962.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Sara Simpson.
She was a member of Trachsville Lutheran Church.
Surviving are a daughter Pauline, wife of Walter Heckman, and two sons, Gerald and Richard, all of Kunkletown R.1; and a sister, Rachael Hoffman, and a brother William, both of Palmerton.
Funeral services were held this morning from the Donald N. Gower Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Gilbert, with the Rev. Deborah K. Scheffey officiating, followed by interment
in the Jerusalem Union Church Cemetery , Trachsville.
Robert M. Billig
Robert M. Billig, 86, of 9036 Perry Long Court, Kempton, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of the late Olive O. (Osterhout) Billig, who died in 1990.
He was a self-employed farmer in Lynn Township, and the township's tax collector for 14 years, retiring in 1974. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was a part-time attendant for the Robert S. Nester Funeral Homes, Jacksonville and Snyders.
Born in Lynn Township, he was a son of the late George A. and Estella C. (Long) Billig.
He was a member of Jacob's United Church of Christ, New Tripoli, where he was a former deacon and current president of its Cemetery board.
Billig attended Muhlenberg University and graduated in 1934 from Kutztown University.
A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Huguenot Lodge No. 377, F. & A.M., Kutztown, and the Rajah Temple, Reading.
He was a volunteer with the Lynnport Volunteer Fire Company.
Surviving are five sisters, Erma M., wife of Amandus Stump of Kempton R.1, Mrs. Estella C. Fister of Easton, Mrs. Beulah C. Frederick of Allentown, Alice S., wife of Leroy Lauck of Reading R.2, and Irene A., wife of Arthur W. Beibleheimer of New Ringgold R.2; and nieces and nephews.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Rt. 143, Jacksonville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Arthur L. Green
Arthur L. "Art" Green, 74, of 4103 Main St., Slatedale, died Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Jane I. (Marlatt) Green.
He was a foreman for Alpo Pet Foods, Orefield, for 22 years before retiring in 1987.
Born in Washington Township, he was a son of the late James and Elizabeth (Williams) Green.
He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, Slatington.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, William J. of Orlando, Fla.; two daughters, Linda M., wife of Lee R. Christ of Slatington, and Mrs. Carol Wierzbicki of Reading; a brother Robert of Allentown; four sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Korpics and Mrs. Mae McFarland, both of Allentown, Mrs. Helen West of Graham, Tex., and Mrs. Evelyn Walters of Slatington; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son Ronald.
The Harding-Fox Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington, is in charge of the arrangements.
Walter Boandl
Walter "Boney" Boandl, 70, of South Whitehall Township, died Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Janet S. (Houser) Boandl. They observed their 30th wedding anniversary in October.
He was a self-employed truck driver, working for the former D.F. Bast Company, Allentown, for 30 years before retiring in 1984. After retiring, he was a driver for F & H Paints, Allentown, for eight years until last year.
Born in Ettendorf, Austria, he was a son of Mrs. Rosa (Mirth) Poandl of South Whitehall Township and the late August Poandl.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a daughter, Beverly A. of Ellicott City, Md.; a sister, Ella R. Poandl of Allentown; a stepson, William J. Ellingham of Slatington; and two grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey M.
William J. Badura
William J. Badura, 80, of Bethlehem, died Saturday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Jane (Young) Badura. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary last August.
He worked in the maintenance department of the Exide Corporation Allentown, for 26 years before retiring in 1978.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late John and Helen (Prelec) Badura.
He was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Badura was a Navy veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, William S., at home; a daughter Donna, wife of Gerald W. Faryniak of Allentown; two brothers, John of Novato, Calif., and Alois of Cherryville; five sisters, Mary Bruckner, Elizabeth Hall, Helen, wife of Harold Dubbs, and Bernadine, wife of Richard DeRoner, all of Allentown, and Anne Wallick of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and two grandchildren.
Stephen Harrich
Stephen Harrich, 81, of Allentown, died Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Catherine (White) Harrich. They observed their 36th wedding anniversary last July.
He was a metal lather for Duggan and Marcon, Inc., Bethlehem, for many years before retiring.
Born in Egypt, he was a son of the late Charles and Anna (Bobenich) Harrich.
He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the 80th Division Veterans Association, Reading.
Harrich was a life member of the Riverside Drum and Bugle Corps, Allentown, and the East Allentown Fire Company.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a brother Paul of Walnutport; and nieces and nephews.
Terry L. DeFrain
Terry L. DeFrain, 39, of Sweet Valley R.2, Luzerne County, formerly of Allentown, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Cheryl (Oller) DeFrain. They observed their 18th wedding anniversary last July.
He was sole proprietor of DeFrain Plastering, Sweet Valley, for six years before retiring last year because of ill health, and previously was a plasterer for Duggan and Marcon, Inc., Allentown.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Harold H. and Rose M. (Mueller) DeFrain of Freeland.
The deceased was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Wilkes-Barre.
Surviving in addition to his widow and parents are a daughter, Rebecca Joy, and sons, Brad David and Mark David, all at home; two brothers, Harold Jr. of Jim Thorpe and Steven of Barto; and five sisters, Kathleen Wright of Allentown, Debra Volpe of Houston, Pa., Lori Balak of Washington, Pa., and Sharon McCoach and Tammy Bookwalter, both of Pottstown.
Mrs. Joseph Aleksinas
Mrs. Olga Aleksinas, 82, of 27 W. Maple St., Mahanoy City, died Sunday afternoon in the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. She was the wife of Joseph Aleksinas.
Born in Buck Mountain, Barnesville, she was the daughter of the late Mike and Mary Swerha.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a brother John of Coaldale; and nieces and nephews.
