Obituaries by LocationMay 2, 1997
Mrs. Ronald T. Haney
Mrs. Martha Haney, 48, of Bethlehem, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, died Wednesday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the Rev. Ronald T. Haney. They observed their 26th wedding anniversary last August.
A 1970 graduate of Kutztown University, she was an English teacher in the Penns Valley and Lehighton Area school districts for many years. Later, she was a photographer for the PCA International Corporation.
She also had poetry published in high school and college anthologies.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of Mrs. Elsie (Meredith) Deobold of Wilkes-Barre and the late Ralph J. Deobold Jr.
The deceased was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Pleasant Valley, where she wrote the lyrics to hymns for her husband's installation services.
Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are two sons, Matthew and David, and a daughter Meredith, all of Bethlehem; a sister Beth, wife of William Landmasser of Wilkes-Barre; a grandson and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Theresa Staskiel Philips
Mrs. Theresa Staskiel Philips, 85, of 550 Main St., Slatington, died Wednesday in ManorCare Health Services, Salisbury Township. She was the widow of Phil Philips and Edward Staskiel.
Born in Shamokin, Northumberland County, she was a secretary for Sterns Department Store, New York, N.Y., before retiring.
She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Slatington.
Surviving is a granddaughter.
Mrs. Althea C. Roth
Mrs. Althea C. 'Dolly' Roth, 70, of 1901 Linden St., Allentown, formerly of Slatington, died Wednesday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
Born in Slatington, she was a daughter of the late George F. Elena (Neff) Roth.
She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Slatington.
Surviving are two brothers, Milton R. of Slatington and Wade N. of Annandale, Va.
Mrs. Lovdy E. Fekula
Mrs. Lovdy E. Fekula, 82, of Coplay, died Thursday in her home. She was the widow of John Fekula.
She was a machine operator for the former Clyde Shirt Company, Northampton, for 28 years before retiring in 1977, and previously was a welder for Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown, for five years.
Born in Coplay, she was a daughter of the late George and Anna (Dute) Proctor.
She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Coplay, and the Coplay Senior Citizens, and was a kitchen volunteer at the Allen Township Fire Company.
Surviving are a daughter Sylvia, wife of Larry Klinger of Catasauqua; two sons, John of Wescosville and David of Danielsville; two stepdaughters, Loretta, wife of Charles Evans of Bethlehem Township, and Mrs. Elsie Repache of Bethlehem; a sister, Mrs. Anna Amberale of Coplay; and eight grandchildren.
Mrs. Gladys D. Fritz Barthel
Mrs. Gladys D. Fritz Barthel, 85, of 215 Green St., Brockton, died Thursday in the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic, Pottsville. She was the widow of Vincent P. Barthel, who died in 1974.
Prior to retiring in 1977, she had been employed by State Manufacturing, New Philadelphia. She had previously been employed by the former Mantzville Telephone Company, Mantzville.
Born in Normal Square, Mahoning Valley, she was a daughter of the late Ira Sr. and Elsa (Sittler) Fritz.
She was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Middleport, where she served on the congregational council. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Americas; Order of the Eastern Star, Pilgrim Chapter 137; Brockton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary; Schuylkill Township Senior Citizens; Local 136A Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America; and American Legion Post 144, Middleport.
Surviving are a son, Jay O. of Lehighton; two sisters, Naomi A. Steigerwalt of Mahoning Valley and Minnie A. Kershner of Snyders; five brothers, Thomas M. Fritz of Andreas, Charles W. of Mahoning Valley, Ira Fritz Jr. of West Penn Township, Milo J. of Hazleton and Neal W. of New Tripoli; and two grandsons.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
May 5, 1997
John M. Barry
John M. Barry, 84, of Lehighton, formerly of Indian Hill Road, died Friday in the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Fisher) Barry, who died two weeks ago, on April 18. They were married 64 years.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Henry and Harriet (Sauerwine) Barry.
He worked for the Lehighton School District delivering cafeteria food to schools. Prior to that he operated a mile route for Bear Creek Dairy, and for 30 years was a rural route salesman for Freihofer's Bakery.
He was a member of St. Peter's EC Church, Weissport.
He also belonged to the Franklin Township Fire Company, was a life member in the Lehighton Fire Company and the East Penn Sporting Club.
Surviving is a daughter, Esther, wife of Ronald Solt of Lehighton; a brother, William Barry, Lehighton, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Richard M. Miller Funeral Home, 137 Fairview St., Union Hill, Lehighton, Dmitrios J. Herron, supervisor, is in charge of arrangements.
George E. Graver
George E. Graver, 81, of 50 Jordan Dr., Whitehall, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late David R. Graver and Edna (Phillips) Graver Noll.
He was a laborer at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Bethlehem for eight years until his retirement in 1984. Prior to this, he worked as a clothing manufacturer in Quakertown for 10 years, and was a bingo operator for various carnivals for 10 years.
He was a member of the Bethany E. C. Church in Lehighton.
Surviving are a sister, Margaret Howell of Lehighton.
The Kenneth N. Phifer Funeral Home, Third and Alum St., Lehighton, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Joseph L. Gill
Joseph L. Gill, 70, of Walnutport, died Sunday in the Patrician Manor Personal Care Home, Walnutport.
He was a display artist for the Lehigh Valley Dairy, later Bernice Cheese, Whitehall Township, for 50 years before retiring last year.
Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Lucien and Theresa (Fellin) Gill.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the National Audubon Society.
Surviving are two brothers, Gerald of Kunkletown and Frederick of Drums, Luzerne County.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Richard A. Christofretti
Richard A. Christofretti, 56, of 211 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, died Sunday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Theresa (Wychulis) Christofretti.
He worked in the bleachery of the Morgan Knitting Mill, Hometown, until retiring in 1993 due to disability.
Born in Coaldale, he was a son of Mrs. Mary (Bacher) Christofretti of Lansford and the late Richard Christofretti.
He was a member of the Assembly of God, Tamaqua.
Christofretti was a 1958 graduate of Marian High School and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
He belonged to the Lansford American Legion Post.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a daughter, Mrs. Lisa Sangerman of Christiana, Lancaster County; and a brother Robert of Lansford.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou.
The Holmes-Griffiths Funeral Home, 200 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Josephine Cusanelli
Mrs. Josephine "Josie" Cusanelli, 93, of 27 W. Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning, died Saturday in Weatherwood, Weatherly. She was the widow of Samuel Cusanelli, who died in May 1981.
Born in New York City, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Tony and Ursula (Orlando) Graziano.
She was a lifetime resident of the community and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Nesquehoning.
Surviving are two sons, Anthony of Nesquehoning and Patrick of Lehighton; three daughters, Laura, Ursula McAvoy and Victoria, wife of Frank Santore, all of Nesquehoning; a brother Russ of Springfield, N.J.; two sisters, Mary DiMiceli and Anna Bochicchio, both of Nesquehoning; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Matthew, Frank and Peter.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Howard W. Knepper
Howard W. Knepper, 88, of 14 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of the late Nolie (Mills) Saunders Knepper.
He worked at the former No. 14 Colliery, Tamaqua, until it closed, and, before retiring, had worked for the former Keystone Lamp Factory, Slatington.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Annie V. (Henry) Knepper.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving are a stepdaughter, Mrs. Barbara Deem of New Ringgold R.2; a brother Robert of Tamaqua; a step-granddaughter, a nephew and nieces.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Paul and Earl.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Hugh E. Gallagher
Mrs. Mildred L. Gallagher, 71, of 338 Washington St., Tamaqua, died Saturday in her home. She was the wife of Hugh E. "Pete" Gallagher.
She was a pre-school assistant at the Tamaqua Head Start.
Born in Tamaqua, she was a daughter of the late Claud Pius and Della E. (Fink) Heisler.
She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua, and the Tamaqua Crime Watch.
The deceased was a 1943 graduate of Tamaqua High School.
Surviving in addition to husband are two daughters, Mrs. Shirley A. Kane and Marlene Kunkel, and three sisters, Mrs. Marie Evans, Mrs. Eleanor Roberts and Mrs. Dorothy Zubey, all of Tamaqua; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, William and Charles Moore.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Catherine R. Engelman
Mrs. Catherine R. Engelman, 91, of Bethlehem, formerly of 131 S. Madison St., Allentown, died Saturday in the Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Nathan Engelman and Hugh Gallagher.
She was a beautician for the former Mann Duskin, Inc., Philadelphia, for many years before retiring.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of the late William J. and Emma (Isenman) Coyle.
She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Surviving are three sisters, Mary, wife of George Sherr, and Mrs. Helen English, both of Allentown, and Rose, wife of Edward Welles of Woonsocket, R.I.; and nieces and nephews.
Earl W. Fries
Earl W. Fries, 78, of New Tripoli, died Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Lois J. (Gangaway) Fries. They observed their 47th wedding anniversary in July.
He was a rural mail carrier working out of Breinigsville for 12 years before retiring in 1983.
Born in Weisenberg Township, he was a son of Mrs. Beulah M. (Smith) Fries of Allentown and the late James Fries.
He was a member of Ziegels United Church of Christ, Breinigsville, where he was a former deacon.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a son, Gene L. of New Tripoli; two daughters, Judy A., wife of Terry Hoffman of Allentown, and Lori M., wife of John Drake of Fogelsville; and six grandchildren.
Earl L. Schoenberger
Earl L. "Jack" Schoenberger, 81, of 64 Franklin Road, Franklin Township, died Saturday afternoon in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of Vera F. (Brown) Schoenberger. They observed their 57th wedding anniversary last Nov. 28.
He was a crane operator for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 32 years before retiring in 1981, and later was a bus driver for the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit 20 in the Lehighton area.
Born in Weissport, he was a son of the late Robert and Mary (Neeb) Schoenberger.
He was a member of St. Peter Evangelical Congregational Church, Lehighton.
Schoenberger was an Army veteran of World War II, having served as an artillery platoon sergeant in Europe.
He belonged to the Shoemaker-Haydt American Legion Post 314 and the Pohopoco Sportsmen's Club, both of Lehighton.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a sister, Marilyn McFarland of Stroudsburg; and nieces and nephews.
The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, 200 Franklin St., Weissport, is in charge of the arrangements.
Jo Ann R. Smith
Jo Ann R. Smith, 64, of Allentown, died Friday in her home.
A graduate of the former Allentown School of Nursing and the Knox School, Cooperstown, N.Y., she was a private duty licensed practical nurse in the Lehigh Valley area for many years before retiring in 1972. Previously, she was a nurse at what is now the Lehigh Valley Hospital and at Sacred Heart Hospital, both in Allentown.
She was also a partner in Jo-ly's Doberman Breeding and Showing, Allentown, showing dogs locally and nationally.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Donald Van Dyke Sr. and Helen Viola (Hofford) Smith.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, both of Allentown.
Surviving are a brother, Samuel E. of Allentown; and nieces and nephews.
Thomas J. Muldoon Sr.
Thomas J. Muldoon Sr., 83, of 1121 E. Center St., Mahanoy City, died Friday in the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. He was the husband of the late Alyce Tilitha (Williams) Muldoon.
He retired from ICI, the former Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds, South Tamaqua, after 38 years of service.
Born in Mahanoy City, he was a son of the late John B. and Edith (Jenkins) Muldoon.
He served in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific.
He attended the Mahanoy City and Tamaqua schools, and lived most of his life in those boroughs.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Mahanoy City Social Club, the former Moose Lodge, all of Mahanoy City; the Park Crest Fish and Game Club; and the East End Fire Company of Tamaqua.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Surviving are a son, Thomas J. Jr., with whom he resided; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Harry J.; and a brother, James B.
The David D. Jarrett Funeral Home, Second and Pine streets, Mahanoy City, is in charge of the arrangements.
Alduino Montagner
Alduino "Nino" Montagner, 69, of 222 Chestnut St., Mertztown, died Thursday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Loretta J. (Lerch) Montagner. They observed their 45th wedding anniversary in February.
He was a self-employed carpenter, working primarily in Allentown for more than 40 years before retiring in 1990.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Anthony and Augusta (Antonazzi) Montagner.
He was a Navy veteran.
Among his survivors is a daughter, Brenda L., wife of Robert Koch of New Tripoli.
Thomas M. Bachman
Thomas M. Bachman, 81, formerly of Randolph, N.J., died Friday in Kirkland Village, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Catherine (Sheaffer) Bachman. They observed their 42nd wedding anniversary last May.
He was an electrician engineer at Westinghouse in New Jersey for 28-1/2 years before retiring in 1979.
Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Charles C. and Gertrude M. (McFall) Bachman.
He was a past member of Chapman Masonic Templar No. 637, Northampton, and the Northampton Lions Club.
After retiring, he was a volunteer at the Morristown, N.J., Memorial Hospital.
His widow is his only survivor.
Harry L. Hofelich Jr.
Harry L. Hofelich Jr., 67, of Whitehall Township, died Thursday in ManorCare Health Services, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Dorothy M. (Pudleiner) Hofelich. They observed their 46th wedding anniversary last September.
He was an assembly department supervisor for Stanley Storage Systems, Allentown, for 23-1/2 years before retiring in 1987.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Mrs. Pauline (Derr) Hofelich of Allentown and the late Harry L. Hofelich Sr.
He was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Whitehall, where he belonged to the Golden Agers, was a co-chairman of the 1970 building fund and a member of its Boy Scout committee.
Hofelich was a Little League coach; a life member of the Fullerton Fire Company No. 1; and a life member and past commander, 14th District deputy commander and judge advocate of the American Legion Post 367, Fullerton.
He was a corporal in the Army during the Korean Conflict, having received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars. While in the Army, he was one of 14 GIs chosen to appear in the 3-D feature film "Cease Fire!"
In 1964, he was Whitehall Junior Chamber of Commerce's first Young Man of the Year and, in 1976, he and his wife were king and queen of the Whitehall Township Bicentennial Ball.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a son, Craig L. of Slatington; a daughter Melanie of Bethlehem; four sisters, Mrs. Betty J. Soler, Gloria, wife of Louis Szuciks, Mrs. Catherine Strohl and Mrs. Joanne Zurawski, all of Allentown; and two granddaughters.
Claude A. Eike Sr.
Claude A. Eike Sr., 88, formerly of West Lincoln Street, Easton, died Thursday in Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township. He was the husband of the late Marietta (Hunter) Eike, who died in 1992.
He was retired from Steam Fitters Local Union No. 420, Philadelphia.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Herbert Eike and Mabel Eike Wharren, and a stepson of the late Milton Wharren.
He was a member of the Order of the Fleas, Citizens Hose Company and the Pioneer Athletic Association, all of Easton; the Steel City Rod and Gun Club and the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are four sons, Donald E. of Phillipsburg, N.J., and Claude A. Jr., Thomas R. and Wayne E., all of Easton; a brother, Ralph H. of Wilson; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Bertine G. Bretz
Bertine G. "Tootie" Bretz, 95, formerly of 227 North St., Jim Thorpe, died this morning at the Gnaden Huetten Nursing Center, Lehighton. He was the husband of the late Marion (Walck) Bretz, who died June 19, 1970.
He was a retired brakeman for the former Lehigh Valley Railroad.
Born in East Mauch Chunk, he was a son of the late George and Sally (Kemmerer) Bretz.
He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Jim Thorpe, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainman Lodge No. 160; and a life member of the Fairview Fire Company, Jim Thorpe.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Edward, Wilbur, Marvin and Michael; and two sisters, Mrs. Elaine West and Mrs. Ann Fink.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of arrangements.
