Obituaries by LocationNovember 18, 1996
Joseph W. McLaughlin
Joseph W. McLaughlin, 75, of Macungie R.1, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.
He was a self-employed farmer in Macungie for 25 years before retiring in 1993, and also had worked on the assembly line of Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown.
Born in Summit Hill, he was a son of the late James and Catherine (Gatens) McLaughlin.
He was a former First Ward Allentown constable and a member of the former Allen Fire Company in the Second Ward of the city.
McLaughlin was a Navy veteran of World War II.
Surviving are two half-sisters, Theresa A., wife of Ernest J. Hahn of Whitehall Township, and Rosemary, wife of Eugene Sweeney of Allentown.
Clair Arner
Clair Arner, 65, of Coopersburg, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Joan T. (Pitta) Arner. They observed their ninth wedding anniversary in September.
He was a mechanic for Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown, for 37-1/2 years before retiring in 1991.
Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Katie Arner.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Dorothy Ann, wife of John V. Presley Jr., and Teresa Washitzko, both of Whitehall Township; and two grandsons.
Romig infant
Cali Amber Romig, daughter of Wallace and Catherine (Klein) Romig of New Ringgold R.1, was stillborn Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.
Surviving in addition to her parents are three sisters, Fallon Burns, Heather Burns and Candice Burns, all at home; maternal grandmother, Grace Klein of Tamaqua R.3; and paternal grandparents, Dolores King of Macungie and Wallace and Mary Lou Romig of Lebanon.
She was also preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John Klein.
The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Evelyn J. Weidner
Mrs. Evelyn J. Weidner, 80, of 5054 Spring Drive, Center Valley, died Sunday in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Connie C. and Lee Pospischil of 1592 Spring Drive, Center Valley.
The deceased was the widow of Robert B. Weidner.
She was a meat packer for the former Zimmerman's Market, Whitehall Township, for 15 years before retiring in 1977, and later did sewing alterations in her home.
Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Lyle (Koch) Cope and a stepdaughter of the late Verna (Shellhammer) Cope.
Surviving in addition to her daughter are another, Judith C., wife of Frank Wunderler of Coopersburg; a son, Robert C. of East Stroudsburg; two brothers, Robert of Spokane, Wash., and Nevin of Fogelsville; two sisters, Janice, wife of Barry Yorgey of Allentown, and Betty, wife of Hank Brandt of New Tripoli; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a companion, Theodore Weaver, with whom she resided.
Mrs. Theresa Zartler
Mrs. Theresa Zartler, 90, formerly of 401 N. Oswego St., Allentown, died Saturday in the Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Charles Frank Zartler.
Born in Neumarkt, Austria, she was a daughter of the late Alois and Franciska (Trenker) Orschek.
She was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Allentown, where she was a past president of the Altar and Rosary Society.
Surviving are four sons, James A. of Bath, Karl of Trexlertown, Robert of Brodheadsville and Joseph of Lake Charles, La.; a daughter Barbara, wife of William K. Horne Sr. of Bethlehem; a brother Joseph of Neumarkt; a sister Irma of Zurich, Switzerland; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Martha J. O'Donnell
Martha J. O'Donnell, 92, of 28 Walnut St., Summit Hill, died Friday in the Gnaden Huetten Nursing and Convalescent Center, Lehighton.
She was the last family owner of the former O'Donnell Brothers Bottling Works and Beverage Distributing Company, Summit Hill, which she operated until retiring in 1963.
She also worked for the former Carbon Telephone Company; St. Joseph Rectory, Summit Hill, as a housekeeper; and the dietary department of the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale, where she later was a volunteer.
Born in Summit Hill, she was a daughter of the late Patrick J. and Mary (Tee) O'Donnell.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Summit Hill.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held today from the Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Church and interment
in the parish Cemetery , White Bear.
Clark A. Ziegenfus
Clark A. Ziegenfus, 67, of 150 Princeton Pines, Palmerton, died Saturday in his home.
He was a realtor for Koehler-Marvin Realty Association, Inc., Palmerton, for 16 years before retiring in 1993.
Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Alex and Helen M. (Stroup) Ziegenfus.
He was a member of St. John Towamensing Lutheran Church, Palmerton, and a past president of the Palmerton Lios Club.
Surviving are a son, Scott A. of Palmerton; five brothers, Earl H. of Aquashicola, Thomas A. of Palmerton, George L. in Virginia, Martin L. of Saylorsburg and Ammon F. of Bernville, Berks County; a companion, Dottie Zelinsky, with whom he resided; and two grandchildren.
The Thomas K. Thomas Funeral Home, 145 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Mildred I. Gower
Mrs. Mildred I. Gower, 87, of Clearfield, Bushkill Township, died Saturday in her home. She was the widow of Albert W. Gower.
She was a floor worker at Valerie Fashions, Wind Gap, for four years before retiring in 1973, and previously was a cleaning lady at Bonser's Restaurant, Wind Gap, for five years.
Born in Saylorsburg, she was a daughter of the late Linford and Louise (Barlieb) Smith.
She was a member of Mt. Eaton Church, Saylorsburg, and the Bushkill Township Fire Company Auxiliary.
Surviving are two daughters, Evelyn E., wife of Louis Czor of Allentown, and Betty A., wife of Robert A. Wambold, with whom she resided; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Ralph E. Snyder Sr.
Ralph E. Snyder Sr., 75, of 1924 Ruth St., Allentown, died Saturday in the home of his companion, Betty Vorman of Walnutport. He was the husband of the late Miriam M. (Ruth) Snyder.
He was a heavy equipment operator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 37 years before retiring in 1985.
Born in Cherryville, he was a son of the late Stanley J. and Elma (Derr) Snyder.
He was a member of Greenawalds United Church of Christ, Allentown.
Snyder was an Army veteran of World War II and a Bronze Star recipient.
He also belonged to the Fogelsville Senior Citizens and was a Peanut Day volunteer for the Emmaus Moravian Church.
Surviving in addition to his companion are five daughters, Karen, wife of Barry Hunsicker of Orefield, Darlene, wife of Harold Heintzelman of Fogelsville, and Kathy, wife of Paul Vaughn, Faye, wife of Lynn Armbruster, and Eileen Casper, all of Slatington; two sons, Stanley, at home, and Ralph Jr. of Allentown; two sisters, Helen Zettlemoyer of New Tripoli and Florence, wife of Graydon Woods of Allentown; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
William W. Rivello
William W. Rivello, 66, of 920 Center St., Bethlehem, died Saturday in the St. Luke Hospital, Fountain Hill, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Vivian C. (Miley) Rivello. They observed their 47th wedding anniversary in August.
He was an instructor for the Kurtz Training Center, Bethlehem, for two years before retiring in 1988, and previously was employed by the United Engineers Construction Company, Philadelphia.
Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Louis J. and Florence (Crusian) Rivello.
He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving in addition to his widow are three daughters, Cindy, wife of Eugene Lippincott of Riegelsville, Ginger, at home, and Holly of Bethlehem; four sons, William C. of Lehighton, Ricky of Bethlehem, Rocky of Allentown and Nicky, at home; a sister, Mrs. Mildred Rivello, and a brother James, both in New Jersey; and 10 grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter Donna, who died in January.
Charles L. Reis
Charles L. Reis, 77, of 302 North St., Jim Thorpe, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Marie (Kanieck) Reis, who died Feb. 5, 1990.
Prior to retiring, he worked at the Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Born in East Mauch Chunk, he was a son of the late Charles and Ethel (Potton) Reis.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Sixth and North streets, Jim Thorpe.
Reis was an Army private first class during World War II, having served with the 261st Field Artillery in the European Theater of Operations.
He also belonged to the Dolon-Jones-Martino American Legion Post 304 and the Fairview Hose Company No. 1, both of Jim Thorpe.
Surviving are a daughter Linda, wife of Robert Shafer of Northampton; two sons, Donald C. of Jim Thorpe and Michael H. of Weatherly; a brother Edward of Jim Thorpe; three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Wehr of Allentown, Mrs. Margaret Schaffer of Coopersburg and Ethel, wife of Joseph Nalesnik of Jim Thorpe; and 10 grandchildren.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Helen Dubitsky
Helen Dubitsky, 82, of Tioga Street, Tuscarora, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale.
Prior to retiring, she was a seamstress for Tuscarora Sportswear.
Born in Tuscarora, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Mehock) Krynock.
She was a member of St. Bertha Catholic Church, Tuscarora.
Surviving are three sisters, Anna McDonald and Mary Talick, both of Mary D, and Irene Bisordi in New York.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Hughes, Margaret Moway and Agnes Baver.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements.
Eugene D. McCarroll
Eugene D. McCarroll, 42, of 3024 Elm Road, Reading, formerly of Summit Hill, died Friday in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was the husband of Amy (Whitenight) McCarroll. They were married for 10 years.
A 1974 graduate of Stevens Trade School, Lancaster, with a degree in auto mechanics, he was a welder for the Dana Corporation, Reading, for eight years, and previously was employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown.
Born in Palmerton, he was a son of Mrs. Margaret (Dubosky) McCarroll Henry of Summit Hill and the late Patrick E. McCarroll, and a stepson of Joseph Henry.
The deceased was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Reading.
Surviving in addition to his widow, mother and stepfather are five brothers, Patrick E. of Dallas, Tex., Michael, David and Joseph, all of Summit Hill, and John of Slatington; and four sisters, Maureen, wife of Francis McCullion of Slatington, Marianne, wife of George Berk of Bowmanstown, Jane, wife of James Davies of Emmaus, and Christine, wife of Brian Tobin of Hometown.
The Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Hattie M. Seidel
Mrs. Hattie M. Seidel, 97, formerly of Alburtis, died Thursday in the Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center. She was the widow of LeRoy M. Seidel.
Born in Salisbury Township, she was a daughter of the late William and Emma (Frey) Muth.
She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Mickleys.
Mrs. Seidel was a Gold Star mother and a member of the Macungie V.F.W. Post for many years.
Surviving are a son Richard of New Tripoli; five daughters, Mrs. Alverta Leiby of Allentown, Hilda, wife of Gerald Hiestand of Littleton, Colo., Mrs. Doris Trentalange of New Tripoli, Annette, wife of Dale Shenberger of Alburtis, and Susan Moll of Breinigsville; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two sons, Arthur and Russell.
Michael Hazuda Sr.
Michael 'Mitch' Hazuda Sr., 72, of Manette Heights, Wilmington, Del., formerly of Nesquehoning, died Thursday in his home. He was the husband of Anna M. (Bloszinsky) Hazuda. They observed their 38th wedding anniversary in July.
He was a tool and die maker for the DuPont Co., Wilmington Shops, for 33 years before retiring in 1982.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late Wassil and Mary (Babinetz) Hazuda.
He was a member of St. Philip Lutheran Church, Wilmington.
Hazuda was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served in North Africa.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Dr. Michael Jr. of Hockessin, Del., and David of Newark, Del.; a brother John of Allentown; a sister, Margaret Setar of Rahway, N.J.; and three grandchildren.
Kenneth H. Reiss
Kenneth H. Reiss, 69, of Bethlehem, died Friday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Frederick) Reiss. They observed their 39th wedding anniversary in August.
He worked in maintenance for the Philadelphia, Bethlehem and New England Railroad of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 32 years before retiring in 1987.
Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Howard and Annie (Schaffer) Reiss.
He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Reiss bowled in the Pieces of Eight and Merchant leagues at the AFL-CIO and Town and Country bowling lanes, Bethlehem.
Surviving are a daughter, Cheryl A. Ruth of Moore Township; eight brothers, Walter and Robert, both of Bethlehem, James of Slatington, Roy of Torrington, Conn., Howard of Mena, Ark., Charles of Stewart, Fla., John of Whitehall Township and Alton of Sellersville; six sisters Ruth Schultz and Marian, wife of Harlan Breisch, both of Hellertown, Betty, wife of Orange Sterner, and Helen, wife of William Dougherty, both of Bethlehem, Agnes, wife of Frank Ortwein of Lady Lake, Fla., and Doris, wife of John Johnson of Wassergass; a stepson, Donald H. Heil of Lower Saucon Township; and three grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Dave G., who died in 1994.
Lynn M. Groegler
Lynn M. Groegler, 59, of Harrison Street, Pottsville, formerly of Quakertown, died Friday in her home.
She was a machine operator for 15 years for Fabric Development, Quakertown, and previously had worked for Spinlon Industries, Quakertown. She was also a waitress at the former Trainer's, Quakertown, for a number of years.
Born in Perkasie, she was a daughter of the late John and Helen (Ford) Crouthamel.
Surviving are three sons, John E. Verdensky of Pottsville, Timothy R. Groegler of Palmerton and Alan E. Groegler of Fountain Hill; and nine grandchildren.
Mrs. Christopher Patelis
Mrs. M. Margaret C. Patelis, 78, of Boynton Beach, Fla., formerly of Hellertown, died Nov. 5 in the Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Boynton Beach. She was the wife of Christopher Patelis.
A graduate of West Chester University, she received a master's degree from Kutztown University and was a teacher in the Bethlehem School District for 32 years before retiring.
Born in Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Naomi Cherry.
Her husband is her only survivor.
Mrs. Clyde E. Searfoss
Mrs. Clyde E. Searfoss, 55, of Berwick R.4, died Saturday afternoon at her home. She was the wife of Clyde E. Searfoss.
Born in Weatherly, he was the daughter of Florence (Silvasi-Bittner) Hinkle, of Weatherly R.1, and the late Donald Bittner. They would have been married 10 years today.
She resided in Berwick for 10 years and prior to that lived in Weatherly and Zion Grove.
She was a 1958 graduate of Weatherly High School and was an avid horsewoman.
Surviving with her husband are three daughters, Renee, wife of Scott Halozan of Arlington Heights, Ill., Melissa, wife of Terry Shellock and Josette, wife of Michael Sanute, both of Weatherly; two stepdaughters, Lisa, wife of Kenneth Staber, and Peggy Pastor of Kansas City, Mo.; stepson, Clyde Searfoss; a brother, Loren Bittner of Royersford; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Joseph J. Sylvester
Joseph J. Sylvester, 52, of 406 Fairview St., St. Clair, died Nov. 13, in the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. He was the husband of Gloria (Miller) Sylvester. They were married for 25 years.
He was employed as a custodian at Intermediate Unit 29, Mar Lin.
Born in Brockton, Schuylkill Township, he was a son of the late Dominic and Carolyn (Shaeffer) Sylvester.
He was a member of Faith Assembly of God Church, Cressona, and the National Rifle Association.
Surviving in addition to his widow are three daughters, Alicia Sylvester, at home, Gloria Hollenbach of Tamaqua and Jolynn Isamoyer in California; four brothers, Frank, Dominick and Anthony, all of St. Clair, and Peter in Maryland; four sisters, Theresa Reed of Brockton, Catherine Yeager of Pottsville, Julio Sylvester of St. Clair and Mary Rodrguez in Maryland; and two grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother John.
Mrs. Lillian Ruth Brode
Mrs. Lillian Ruth Brode, 88, of The Lutheran Home at Topton, formerly of Mount Penn, Reading, died Sunday in the home. She was the widow of Elmer Brode.
Born in Delano, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Annie Deeble.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Rush Township.
Surviving are two sons, Robert of Birdsboro and Charles of Deltona, Fla.; a daughter, Doris Dominic of Morrisville, Pa.; a brother Benjamin of Wilmington, Del.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
