Obituaries by LocationApril 7, 1997
Mrs. Sophie E. Saile
Mrs. Sophie E. Saile, 83, formerly of 514 Center St., Jim Thorpe, died Sunday morning in the Gnaden Huetten Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton. She was the widow of Anthony F. Saile, who died Jan. 15, 1984.
She operated a family grocery store at 715 Lehigh Street in Jim Thorpe until retiring in 1980, and previously had worked at the former Zales Silk Mill, Jim Thorpe.
Born in East Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Sechny) Mesaros.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe.
Surviving are a daughter Karen, wife of Robert Ruch, and a brother John, both of Jim Thorpe; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Otto and Veronica Conroy, who both died in 1996; and a brother Joseph.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Michael Natale
Michael Natale, 90, of Kunkletown R.1, died Saturday in the Blue Mountain Personal Care Home, Kunkletown. He was the husband of the late Anna (Zito) Natale.
A member of the Musicians Union Local 802, New York, he was the leader of the 22-piece Michael Natale Orchestra. He also played for more than 30 years with the big bands, including Carmen Cavallero and Xavier Cugat, and toured with the USO between World War II and the Korean Conflict.
Natale was also a former semi-professional baseball player.
Born in Roselle Park, N.J., he was a son of the late Victor and Rose (Pugliese) Natale.
He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Gilbert.
Surviving are two sons, John M. of Kunkletown R.1 and Victor of Massapequa, Long Island, N.Y.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Samuel Horowitz
Mrs. Clara Horowitz, 75, of Indian Mountain Lakes, Albrightsville, died Saturday in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. She was the wife of Samuel Horowitz. They observed their 40th wedding anniversary in January.
An advocate of children's rights, she was a social worker for the New York Jewish Child Care Association for 40 years before retiring in 1985, and, after retiring, was involved with the Indian Mountain Lakes Civic Association. She also did volunteer work as a literacy teacher at the Western Pocono Community Library.
Born in Bridgeport, Conn., she was a daughter of the late Moritz and Regina (Gross) Kohn.
She received her master's degree in social work from Columbia University.
Surviving in addition to her husband is a daughter Maureen of Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles F. Hollenbach
Charles F. Hollenbach, 92, of Box 13-E, Andreas R.1, died Saturday evening in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton, where he was a patient since March 24. He was the husband of the late Annabelle E. (Reinhart) Hollenbach, who died Jan. 17, 1972.
Prior to retiring in 1948, he was a miner for the former No. 7 Coal Mine, Summit Hill, and a railroad worker for the former Lehigh and New England Railroad.
Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Barney O. and Emma (Hartung) Hollenbach.
Surviving are a son Robert of Andreas R.1; two daughters, Mrs. Ethel L. Weaver of Andreas R.1 and Patricia, wife of David Evans of Port Carbon; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son Merlin.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Rt. 309, Snyders, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Marion A. Powell
Mrs. Marion A. Powell, a guest at ManorCare Health Services, Bethlehem, since 1991, formerly of Quakake and Tamaqua, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, where she was admitted the previous night. She was the widow of David E. Powell, who died in 1980.
Born in Phoenixville, Schuylkill Township, Chester county, she was a daughter of the late Ellis and Annie (Peiffley) Houser.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ (White Church), Tamaqua R.4.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Betty R. Shellhamer of Tamaqua R.3, Mrs. Winifred Carpenter of Coplay and Jetta, wife of Jack Rice of Quakake; a sister Mary, wife of Frank Szukics of Allentown; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son John; a daughter, Hazel Gebizer; and two grandsons.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Rt. 309, Snyders, is in charge of the arrangements.
Paul Bazules
Paul Bazules, 71, of Brodheadsville, died Sunday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Mary (Gatz) Bazules. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary last Sept. 28.
A member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 229, Scranton, he was an over-the-road driver for Roadway Express, Stroudsburg, for more than 20 years before retiring in 1988. He received the Million Mile Driver Award.
Born in Ozone Park, N.Y., he was a son of the late Hapolit and Anna (Latwat) Bazules.
He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater of Operations.
Bazules was the current commander and 1996 vice commander of American Legion Post 927, Gilbert, and chaplain of the Monroe County American Legion Council. He was also sergeant-at-arms for the 30th District of the American Legion, comprised of more than 30 posts in Monroe, Carbon and Northampton counties.
He was a life member of the National Rifle Association.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Paul Jr. of Centereach, N.Y., and George F. of Shirley, N.Y.; and a grandchild.
The Donald N. Gower Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Gilbert, is in charge of the arrangements.
Marie Lynn Albert
Marie Lynn Albert, 18, of 142 South Ave., Jim Thorpe, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, after being air-flighted following a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of Barbara Albert of Jim Thorpe and Kim Hunsicker of Franklin Township, Lehighton.
The deceased was a 1996 graduate of Jim Thorpe Area High School and was a student at Pennsylvania State University's Schuylkill Campus, Schuylkill Haven.
She was a member of St. Mark and St. John Episcopal Church, Jim Thorpe.
Surviving in addition to her parents are her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Hunsicker of Lehighton; and several uncles and aunts.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
James L. Gerlott
James L. Gerlott, 84, of 192 Main St., Conyngham, died Sunday in the Weinberg House, Hazleton. He was the husband of the late Kathryn (Lindner) Gerlott.
He was a retired employee of Emery Air Freight.
Born in Mahanoy City, he was a son of the late Charles and Caroline (Reisch) Gerlott.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, and the Masonic Lodge of Lansdowne, Pa.
Gerlott was an Army veteran of World War II.
The last member of his immediate family, he is survived by nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Harry, John, Fred, Charles and George; and four sisters, Mildred Dilcus, Emma Heeb, Edith McCabe and Bertha Perry.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Evelyn Mae Davis
Evelyn Mae Davis, 62, of Apt. 804, 222 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale.
Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Daniel and Marion (Marks) Davis.
She was of the Methodist faith.
Surviving are a brother Robert of Allentown; and a niece Evelyn, wife of Joseph Hollan of Tamaqua, with whom she lived recently.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Elva Smith
Mrs. Elva Smith, 85, formerly of Brockton, died Saturday in the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center. She was the widow of George Smith, who died in 1984.
Prior to retiring, she was a licensed practical nurse.
Born in Middleport, she was a daughter of the late Manuel and Sally J. Smith.
She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Tamaqua.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Elva Nardozzi of Hazleton; a son, Carl Reed of Mahwah, N.J.; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Grace M. Trainer Mack
Mrs. Grace M. Trainer Mack, 91, of Gypsy Gill Apts., Lehighton, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital. She was the widow of Kermit Mack and William Trainer.
She was a timekeeper for the former Keystone Lamp Factory, Slatington, for 15 years before retiring in 1970.
Born in Bowmanstown, she was a daughter of the late Ervin and Hattie (Walp) Eckert.
She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Slatington.
The deceased was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 458, Slatington.
Surviving are two sons, William Trainer of Sarasota, Fla., and Donald E. Trainer of Slatington; a daughter Lois, wife of Richard Merluzzi of Lehighton; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
The Kenneth N. Phifer Funeral Home, Third and Alum streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
John E. Anthony
John E. "Pappy" Anthony, 91, of Lower Macungie Township, formerly of Slatington, died Friday in the Lehigh Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lower Macungie Township. He was the husband of the late Mary (Wilkinson) Anthony.
He was a carpenter for B.G. Coon Construction, Kingston, Luzerne County, for 24 years before retiring in 1968.
Born in Sandy Run, Luzerne County, he was a son of the late Elmer and Cora (Moyer) Anthony, and a stepson of the late Emma (Miller) Anthony.
He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Slatington, and the Northern Lehigh School District Booster Club.
Surviving are two sons, Charles of Slatington and Edward of Pompano Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Mrs. Joan Walker of Slatington; a sister Gladys, wife of Albert Bending of Jeddo, Luzerne County; a stepsister, Mrs. Helen Young of Emmaus; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard A.
Thomas Behrle
Thomas Behrle of 67 Race St., Jim Thorpe, died Sunday in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of the late Nancy Behrle, who died in 1994.
He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Lillian A. Whetstone
Mrs. Lillian A. Whetstone, 96, of Box 371, Tamaqua R1, died Thursday in the Hometown Nursing Center. She was the widow of Samuel S. Whetstone, who died in 1991.
Prior to retiring, she was employed as a seamstress at the former Kiddie Kloes Factory, Lansford.
Born in Paris, Tex., she was a daughter of the late Simon and Elson (Assid) Coury.
She was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Tamaqua, and was a graduate of Paris High School, Paris, Texas.
Surviving are a brother Joseph of Wheaton, Md.; two sisters, Sadie and Rebecca, both of Lansford; and several nieces and nephews.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Lillian Gregory
Mrs. Lillian (Ricciardi) Gregory, 68, a guest at Weatherwood, Weatherly, formerly of Nesquehoning, died Monday morning in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Smith survivor
Mrs. Martha A. Smith, 81, of 178 Avenue A, Palmerton, who died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital, is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Smith of Weatherly; and several nieces and nephews.
It was incorrectly stated in Saturday's Early Times that Mr. Smith is deceased. The TIMES NEWS regrets the error.
Clair V. Schaeffer
Clair V. Schaeffer, 77, 1157 Semmels Hill Road, Lehighton, died Sunday in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of the late Jennie (Shellhamer) Schaeffer, who died in 1978.
Born in West Penn Township, he was a son of the late Lewis and Florence (Miller) Schaeffer.
He was a member of St. Peter's Church, Mantzville.
Surviving is a daughter Nancy, wife of David Smith of Lehighton; two brothers, Forrest and Norman, both of Allentown; a sister, Marie Dickert of Key West, Fla.; and two grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron sts., Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Idella M. Long
Mrs. Idella M. Long, 92, of 145 W. Holland St., Summit Hill, died Sunday in the Gnaden Huetten Nursing Home, Lehighton. She was the widow of Howard E. Long, who died in 1983.
Born in East Penn Township, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Sarah Jane (Haberman) Weaver.
She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Summit Hill, where she was a former Sunday School Teacher for many years and a member of the Ladies Aid at the Church.
She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Lansford Chapter 123.
Surviving are two daughters, Carol Ann wife of Ralph Redwine of Cincinnati, Ohio; DeVoe Beltz of Summit Hill; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter Marlene Ronson who died in 1992.
The Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, is in charge of arrangements.
