Obituaries by LocationApril 21, 1997
Peter Toth
Peter Toth, 76, of 125 James Lane, Towamensing Township, Lehighton, died Sunday in his home. He was the husband of Karla (Stahn) Toth. They observed their 51st wedding anniversary last May.
He was a spot welder for the former Peerless Steel Company, Philadelphia, for 25 years before retiring in 1980.
Born in Novi Itebej, Yugoslavia, he was a son of the late Stephan and Juliana (Pal) Toth.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Trachsville.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son Steven of Philadelphia; a sister, Eva Deckert of Munich, Germany; and two grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter Gisela.
John C. Ahner
John C. Ahner, 92, of Mrs. Bush's Personal Care Home, Kunkletown, died Friday in the home. He was the husband of the late Ellen I. (Blose) Ahner.
He was an engineer in the power house of the former New Jersey Zinc Company, Palmerton, where he worked for 45 years before retiring in 1966.
Born in Lower Nazareth Township, he was a son of the late Edwin and Anna (Shupp) Ahner.
He was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Trachsville.
Surviving are two sons, Milford C. of Slatington and Dale W. of Whitehall; a daughter, Fern G., wife of Marlin Horn of Slatington; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Vincent A., and daughter Ethel.
The Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Viola C. Repp
Mrs. Viola C. Repp, 79, of Allentown, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. She was the widow of Charles E. Repp.
She was an assembly worker for the former General Cigar Company, Allentown, for several years before retiring.
Born in Lehigh Township, she was a daughter of the late William Henry and Mary (Fritz) Schaffer.
She was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Allentown.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Marvin E. Hassler
Marvin E. Hassler, 74, of Middle Smithfield Township, died Saturday in the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Ruth (Hallowell) Hassler.
He was a plastics molder for Shaw Plastics, Stroudsburg, until retiring at the age of 62, and previously had been a truck driver for Graver Trucking and other companies for many years.
Born in Coopersburg, he was a son of the late Francis and Emma (Snyder) Hassler.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served as a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division troops in Europe.
A breeder of show and commercial rabbits for the past 12 years, he was a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association; Broome County Rabbit Breeders Association, Broome County, N.Y.; the Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club Association; American Rabbit Breeders Association; and the New York State Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Hall of Fame. He also belonged to the Monroe Beagle Club, Stroud Township.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son James of Cresco; a brother Ray of Lehighton; a sister, Arlene Ritter of Coopersburg; three grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Andrew Bugdanavage Jr.
Andrew Bugdanavage Jr., 27, of Tamaqua, died suddenly on Friday evening in Hazleton.
Born in Coaldale, he was a son of Andrew Sr. and Linda (Yost) Bugdanavage of Tamaqua.
The deceased was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tamaqua.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a sister Nikki of Tamaqua; a brother Todd, at home; and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Grace Yost of Tamaqua.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
June E. Williams
June E. Williams, 69, of Walnutport, died Saturday in the Palmerton Hospital.
She last worked as a secretary and treasurer for Walnutport Borough, and previously was a business beauty consultant for Revlon for 20 years before retiring in 1964.
She was a 1949 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where she was voted "Miss Penn State."
Born in Walnutport, she was a daughter of the late Robyn and Emily (Bortz) Williams.
She was a vice president of the board and a past treasurer of the Diamond Fire Company, Walnutport.
Surviving are a daughter Elizabeth, wife of Salvadore Lazano Jr. of Hanford, Conn.; a brother, Robyn A. of Walnutport; a sister, Ruth F., wife of Clair W. Fatzinger of Palmerton; and a grandson.
Hugh A. O'Brien
Hugh A. O'Brien, 35, of Alburtis, died Friday in his home. He was the husband of Sheila M. (Hughes) O'Brien.
He was an assembler for Wing Industries, Inc., Allentown, for the past year, and previously had been a plant worker for the former Bally Engineered Structures, Inc., for 15 years.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Carl R. and Madinna M. (Fink) O'Brien of Alburtis.
The deceased was a member of the Alburtis Rod and Gun Club, the Nimrod Fish and Wildlife Association, Alburtis, and the Copeechan Fish and Game Association, Schnecksville.
Surviving in addition to his widow and parents are two brothers, Carl A. of Wescosville and Herbert F. of Maxatawny; four sisters, Cecelia D., wife of Gary Fenstermaker of Slatington, Pamela K., wife of Larry Follweiler Sr. of Mertztown, Dawn J., wife of Dale Hoffman II of Alburtis, and Kathryn M., wife of Brian Oswald of Breinigsville; and two stepsons, Chad Feist and Joel Feist, both at home.
James A. Shuman
James A. Shuman, 79, of 6289 Front St., Martins Creek, died Saturday in the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Gladys (Pysher) Shuman. They observed their 55th wedding anniversary in December.
A self-employed farmer at the Shuman Farm, Martins Creek, for many years, he was also a carpenter for various small contractors in the area.
Born in Ackermanville, he was a son of the late Roy and Mary (Brinker) Shuman.
He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Plainfield Township.
He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Plainfield Township.
Shuman was a founder of the Lower Mount Bethel Ambulance Corps, Martins Creek, and a member of the Blue Mountain Gas and Engine Association, Jacktown.
Surviving in addition to his widow are three sons, James A. Jr. and Wayne, both of Bangor, and Roy of Bushkill Township; three daughters, Anna Kohler and Linda Miller, both of Easton, and Carol Stocker of Moris Hill, N.C.; two brothers, Paul of Ackermanville and Walter of Flicksville; four sisters, Gladys Burden and Mae Frable, both of Brodheadsville, Fae Randell of Ackermanville and Ruth Achenbach of Pen Argyl; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Charles E. Smull
Charles E. Smull, 77, of Frantz-Rodenbach Lane, Brodheadsville, died Friday in the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Barbara J. (O'Connell) Smull.
He was employed at the Phillipsburg Post Office, Phillipsburg, N.J., before retiring in 1979, and previously was a custodian at the Phillipsburg High School.
Born in Easton, he was a son of the late Elmer and Florence (Todd) Smull.
He was a member of St. Luke Episcopal Church, Phillipsburg.
An Army veteran of World War II, he was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter No. 28, of New Jersey, and V.F.W. Post 5382, Sciota, and a member of the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert.
Smull was a past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge No. 395, Phillipsburg.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, William E. of Alpha, N.J.; two brothers, Elmer of Easton and Kenneth of Bethlehem; and eight grandchildren.
Helen M. McNeal
Helen M. McNeal, 78, a guest at the St. Luke Manor, Hazleton, formerly of the Center City Apartments, Hazleton, died Sunday in the Hazleton General Hospital.
For many years, she was employed at Hazle Drug Store, Hazleton, and later was a bookkeeper at Miners Bank, West Hazleton, until retiring.
Born in Hazleton, she was a daughter of the late Norman and Martha (Ziegler) McNeal.
She was a member of St. John Primitive Methodist Church, Hazleton.
Surviving are three brothers, William of Saylorsburg and Norman and John, both of Hazleton; and nieces and nephews.
James J. Higgins Sr.
James J. Higgins Sr., 39, of 1025 Brock St., Ashland, died Friday in his home. He was the husband of Deborah (Ludwig) Higgins.
He was employed at Bear Ridge Shops, Gilberton.
Born in Norristown, he was a son of Rose Mary (Shuler) Higgins of Ashland and the late Martin F. Higgins.
He attended North Schuylkill High School.
Surviving in addition to his mother and widow are a son, James Jr., and two daughters, Jamie A. Ludwig and Katrina J. Higgins, all at home; two brothers, Martin of Barnesville and Robert of Ashland; a sister, Rose Marie Dempsey of Fountain Springs; and nieces and nephews.
Richard Shigo
Richard Shigo of Tannersville, formerly of McAdoo, died Sunday in the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg.
Born in McAdoo, he was the son of John and Theresa (Derendal) Shigo.
He was a member of St. Kunegunda Catholic Church, McAdoo.
Surviving in addition to his parents are two daughters, Gina and Tara, and a brother John, all of McAdoo; a sister, Janet Gerhard of Weatherly; and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Anna Machesko
Mrs. Anna Machesko, 90, formerly of 70 S. Pine St., Hazleton, died Sunday morning in the Hazleton General Hospital. She was the widow of John Machesko, who died in 1984.
Born in Austria-Hungary, she was a daughter of the late John and Anna (Swetz) Mikitka.
She was a member of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton.
Surviving are a son John of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a daughter Carol, wife of Peter King of St. Augustine, Fla.; four sisters, Mary Hzivda, Helen Ondeck and Irene Sahaida, all of Hazleton, and Margaret Craig of Hometown, Tamaqua R.2; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a brother Michael.
Mrs. Albert D'Agostino
Mrs. Mary Ann D'Agostino, 53, of 320 E. Emmaus Ave., Salisbury Township, died Thursday in the Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia. She was the wife of Albert D'Agostino. They were married for 28 years.
Born in Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Rose (Hartner) Decker.
She was a volunteer at the Miller Memorial Blood Center, Hanover Township, Northampton County.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Mary Ann Strohl-Hopper of Bethlehem Township; three sons, Albert J., David N. and Gary S., all of Allentown; two brothers, George of Allentown and Fred of Cherryville; a sister, Rose Ann, wife of Thomas D'Agostino of Bethlehem Township; and a grandchild.
Badowski memorial Mass slated
A memorial Mass for Stanley J. Badowski, 81, of 221 W. Phillips St., Coaldale, formerly of Hampton, Va., who died April 12 in the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center, Coaldale, will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lansford.
The Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Clarence Getz
Clarence Getz, 86, formerly of Groversville, N.Y., and Lehighton, died Sunday in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center, Lehighton.
The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, 200 Franklin St., Weissport, is in charge of arrangements.
Edward W. Reichelderfer
Edward W. Reichelderfer, 83, of 415 N. Warren St., Orwigsburg, died Sunday at the Orwigsburg Manor. He was the husband of Elizabeth R. (Miller) Reichelderfer.
He was a carpenter for the Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds, Tamaqua R.3, until retiring.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Levi and Gertrude (Kemner) Reichelderfer.
He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, Orwigsburg, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
Surviving with his wife is a daughter, Elaine Reichelderfer, at home.
Joseph J. Sheerin
Joseph J. Sheerin, 75. of 524 Rolling Mill Ave., Tamaqua, died this morning in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Marguerite B. Feathers
Marguerite B. Feathers, 76, of 104 W. Union St., Tamaqua, died Sunday in her residence.
Prior to retiring in 1984, she had been employed by THE TIMES NEWS, as manager of the Tamaqua Branch Office and an advertising representative. Previously, she had been employed by the Tamaqua Evening Courier and the Army Audit Agency.
Born in Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Nora (Kasper) Feathers.
Miss Feathers was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, where she also served as vice-president of the senior choir and narrator for church programs. She graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1939 and from Strayers Business College, Philadelphia, in 1942. She was also a member of the Tamaqua Business and Professional Women's Club.
The last immediate member of her family, she is survived by a cousin, Eleanor Kassander, with whom she resided.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Robert A. Kubilus
Robert A. Kubilus, 48, of Gilbertsville R.3, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Georgine (Chernesky) Kubilus.
He was employed as a Master Journeyman steam and pipe fitter for Local 420 Philadelphia.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of Anna (Clemmer) Kubilus of Cumbola and the late Frank Kubilus.
The deceased was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Pottstown.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are two daughters, Robyn, at home, and Eileen of Pottstown; three sisters, Dolores Hafey of Cleona, Eva Wesnoski of Pottsville, and Deborah Kubilus of Pottsville; a brother, John Kubilus of Stanford, Conn.; and one grandchild.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Mabel E. Zedonek
Mrs. Mabel E. Zedonek, 68, of 127 Pine St., Tamaqua, died this morning in her home. She was the widow of Andrew Zedonek, who died in 1985.
Prior to retiring, she had been employed by the Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds, for 40 years.
Born in Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late Oliver M.S. and Edna (Heisler) Reed.
He was a member of Wesleyan Church, Lehighton.
She is survived by two sons, Gary A. of Mirama, Fla., and Mark A. of Ulysses; a daughter, Joan, wife of David Goetz of Pensacola, Fla.; four brothers, Carl and Kenneth, both of Tamaqua, Paul of Fair Oaks, Cal., and Harold of North Fort Myers, Fla.; three sisters, Mrs. Vincent (Evelyn) Krause of Tamaqua, Betty M. Reed of Shenandoah and Jean F. Reed of San Gabriel, Cal; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The Robert C. Reeser Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Raynock
Anna "Baba" Raynock, 90, of Weatherly R.2, Lehigh Township, died Thursday evening at her home. She was the widow of Frank J. Raynock, who died in 1943.
Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late John and Eva (Hitchock) Hallahan.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Weatherly.
Before retiring she was employed as licensed Practical Nurse at the Carbon County Home in Laurytown.
She was a lifetime member of the L&L Fire Co. Auxiliary.
Surviving are four daughters, Martha Raynaock at home; Mary Ann, wife of C. Randy Marshall, Roseville, Ca.; Peggy Raynock, Harrisburg, and Carol, wife of Robert Karotko of Clarksville, Md.; four sons, Joseph Raynock of Lake Harmony, Frank Raynock Weatherly, R.2, John Raynock of Weatherly, and James Raynock of Emmaus; also a sister, Mary Krutsick of Lansford, 14 grandchildren 14 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brothers John and Michael Hallahan, and sisters, Esther Kotch, Ella Smell and Sue Mcguire.
The Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home, 211 First St., Weatherly, is in charge of arrangements.
Rose M. King
Rose M. King, 82, of 207 E. High St., Coaldale, died Friday in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale, following a lengthy illness. She was the widow of John King who died in 1964.
Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late John and Kathryn (Kratky) Krajkovich.
She worked as a sewing machine operator in the local garment industry until retiring.
She was a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Coaldale, where she sang in the church choir.
She was also a member of the Panther Valley Golden Agers.
Surviving is a sister, Julia Klapac of Coaldale, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Smarr.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy E. Barry
Dorothy E. Barry, 87, died Friday in the Mahoning Valley Convalescent and Nursing Center. She formerly resided on Indian Hill Road, Lehighton. She was the wife of John M. Barry. They were married 64 years in November.
Born in Walcksville, she was a daughter of the late Sylvester and Ida (Ziegenfuss) Fisher.
She was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Church, Weissport.
Surviving with her husband is a daughter, Esther, wife of Ronald Solt of Lehighton, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters.
The Richard M. Miller Funeral Home, Dmitrios J. Herron, supervisor, 137 Fairview St., Union Hill, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret A. Roth
Margaret A. "Nuddie" Roth, 81, of 325 Highland Ave., Kutztown, and formerly of Lehighton, died Friday in the Kutztown Manor. She was the widow of Thomas C. Roth, who died in 1992.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Marguerite (Stelle) Vielhauer.
She was employed at the former Cohen's Department Store, and later Bright's as a sales clerk until her retirement.
She was a member of Zion United Congregational Church, Lehighton.
Surviving are two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Dennis F. Roth, who died in 1994.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron Streets, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Lillian A. Kistler
Lillian A Kistler, 73, 7611 Richard Lane, Bath, died Friday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Harry C. Kistler.
Born in Lower Towamensing, she was a daughter of the late Claude M. and Minerva H. (Anthony) Serfass.
She worked as a presser for Ironhead Manufacturing until retiring.
She was a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitehall; and was President of Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge No. 605, Lehighton; a member of the Fraternal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 1375, Slatington, and a member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Altar guild and the AARP.
Surviving are two daughters, Patsy A., wife of Fred Walschburger of Whitehall, and Bonnie, wife of Larry Ruth of Bath; a sister, Pauline, wife of Woodrow Berger of Stroudsburg; three grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a grandson who died in 1976.
The Schisler Funeral Home, Inc., Northampton, is in charge of arrangements.
Bob Moyer
Bob Moyer, 71, of Southfield, Mich., and formerly of New Ringgold, died recently in Southfield. He was the husband of Margaret Moyer.
Born in New Ringgold, he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Raymond S. Moyer.
He was a 1943 graduate of Tamaqua High School.
While in Tamaqua, he was a standout baseball player, signing a contract with the Detroit Tigers when he was 18.
He later became an umpire until being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.
Following his baseball career, he became a mailman for more than 30 years.
Surviving with his widow is a daughter, Mary, in Michigan, a son, Robert, in Ohio, a brother, William, Northampton, and a sister, Marlene Koch in Lewistown Valley.
Vincent Sicenavage
Vincent Sicenavage, 89, of West Early Avenue, Coaldale, died Friday in the Edgement Personal Care Center, Lansford, following a lengthy illness. He was the husband of the late Agatha (Oransky) Sicenavage.
Born in Gilberton, he was a son of the late Enoch and Anna (Garmus) Sicenavage.
He was a self-employed butcher in Coaldale for 63 years until he retired, operating, with two of his brothers, a store and butcher shop on West Phillips Street.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Coaldale.
He also belonged to the Hauto Club and was a life member of the Coaldale Fire Company.
Surviving is a brother Joseph.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Leonard, Albert, Edward, and Ignatz.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
