Obituaries by LocationJuly 8, 1997
James L. Boyle
James L. "J" Boyle, 81, of 135 Penn St., Tamaqua, died suddenly on Monday in the Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster. He was the husband of the late Ruth E. (Sell) Boyle, who died Jan. 6, 1995.
Prior to retiring, he was the co-owner of Boyle Amusements, Tamaqua.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late John J. and Annie (Higgins) Boyle.
He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Tamaqua, where he was an usher.
Boyle was an Army veteran of World War II, having participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
He also belonged to the South Ward Fire Company, Tamaqua.
Surviving are two sons, James L. Jr. of Columbia, Md., and Daniel F. of Lancaster; two daughters, Beth, wife of Dennis Harris of Tuscarora, and Louise, wife of John Steel of Tamaqua; a brother, John "Hinkey," and a sister, Anna Gigli, both of Tamaqua; and five grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Matrician, Margaret Yelito and Rose Scheidigger; and two brothers, Thomas and Daniel.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Sophia E. Dragelis
Sophia E. Dragelis, 79, of 443 E. Union St., Tamaqua, died Monday in her home.
Prior to retiring, she was a line person for the Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds.
Born in Hamtramck, Mich., she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Stella (Burke) Dragelis.
She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Tamaqua, where she was a member and past secretary of its auxiliary.
The deceased was a 1938 graduate of Tamaqua High School.
Surviving are a daughter, Lois C., wife of Anthony Fredicine of Oley, Berks County; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a brother Joseph.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
August A. Erschen
August A. Erschen, 80, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Slatington, died June 18 in his home. He was the husband of Theresa (Zamadics) Erschen.
A graduate of the University if Miami, he was a naval contract negotiator at the Lockheed Corporation in California for many years before retiring.
Born in Berlinsville, he was a son of the late Edward and Mary Ann (Yeck) Erschen.
He was of the Catholic faith.
Erschen was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a sister, Martha Eisenhard of Walnutport; a brother Herman of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Allan J. Fusco
Mrs. Norma Jean Fusco, 55, of Brodheadsville, died Sunday in her home. She was the wife of Allan J. Fusco. They observed their 26th wedding anniversary last December.
She was a bookkeeper for the Heberling Agency, Stroudsburg, for 16 years.
Born in West Virginia, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Eleanor (Arnold) Jennings.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Larry Heckler of Brodheadsville; three sisters, Barbara Barnes of Davis, Anna Ruth Harper of Elkins and Della Lee Kibert of Morgantown, all in West Virginia; and a granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held in Davis. The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of local arrangements.
Mrs. John H. Miller
Mrs. Mary H. (Hecanchik) Miller, 72, of Allentown, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was the wife of John H. Miller. They would have observed their 47th wedding anniversary this month.
She was born in Palmerton.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Jane M., at home, and Barbara J. Miller of Allentown; a sister Jenny, wife of Stanford Frantz of Palmerton; and two grandchildren.
Mrs. Merle D. Taylor
Mrs. Merle D. Taylor, 84, of 131 Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua, died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anthony (Joanne) Mazzarella of West Lake, Ohio. She was the widow of Robert Edgar Taylor, who died in 1947.
Prior to retiring, she had been employed as an elementary school teacher in the Tamaqua School District from 1938 to 1975.
Born in Frackville, she was a daughter of the late Charles W. and Josephine D. (Dunn) Caton.
She was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Tamaqua. A 1929 graduate of Frackville High School, she earned a bachelor of science degree from Kutztown Normal School in 1931. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Surviving, in addition to her daughter, are three brothers, Claire Caton of Linden, N.J., Vaughn Caton of Upland, Delaware County, and H. Gene Caton of Media, Delaware County; two sisters, Mrs. Wilda McCormick of Avondale, Chester County, and Mrs. Elva McCoy of Lake Wales, Fla.; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Starck.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Gombert addition
James E. Gombert, Sr., 77, of 1002 Mill Road, Lehighton, who died Saturday in Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, was a Justice of the Peace for many years in Mahoning Township.
Gombert was also preceded in death by two brothers, Clair and Leon.
