Obituaries by LocationNovember 20, 1996
Former Nesquehoning mayor, John Nalesnik, 86, dies at his residence
John 'Johnnie' Nalesnik, 86, of Nature Haven, 236 Mussmano Ave., Nesquehoning, a former mayor in the community, died Monday in his home. He was the husband of the late Peggy (Bernatovich) Nalesnik.
He worked in local mines and later for the former Bundy Tubing Company, Hometown, until retiring.
Nalesnik was mayor from 1966-70 and was later an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Carbon County treasurer, commissioner and state representative.
He was also a former president and vice president of the former Mauch Chunk Township School Board and a former member of the Nesquehoning Water Authority.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late Peter and Julia (Fuchilla) Nalesnik and was a lifelong resident of the borough, being educated in Nesquehoning schools.
He was chairman of the Nesquehoning Boy Scout fund drives, 1964-67; a charter member, former chief umpire, manager and safety officer of the Nesquehoning Little League Baseball Association; a former umpire for the Little League's District 18 and Panther Valley tournaments for many years; seven-term recording secretary of the Nesquehoning Sportsmen's Association; and a founder and former president of the former Nesquehoning Progressive Democratic Club.
In 1966, he was honored by the community for his work as a humanitarian and civic leader. He also received the Carbon County Fire Police Association Merit Achievement Award in 1968.
Nalesnik was a former member of the Hose Company No. 1 and New Columbus Fire Company, both of Nesquehoning, and the Hauto Fire Company. He also formerly belonged to the Pennsylvania and Carbon County Fire Police associations.
He was a life member of the Foresters of America, New Columbus, and a social member of the V.F.W. and American Legion posts, both of Nesquehoning.
Nalesnik was a former financial secretary and chairman of the grievance committee of the former Hauto Local of the United Mine Workers of America and served two terms as steward of the Bundy Tubing Local of the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
Surviving are a daughter Patricia, wife of Leon Frohnheiser of Lehighton; four brothers, Michael, Paul and Steve, all of Nesquehoning, and Joseph of Jim Thorpe; a sister, Mrs. Mary Pitlanish of Livonia, Mich.; and two grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Peter and William.
The Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Thomas O. Strohl
Thomas O. Strohl, 82, of 198 W. Coal St., Nesquehoning, died Tuesday in his home. He was the husband of Ella (Pavlik) Strohl. They observed their 56th wedding anniversary in September.
He was a miner for the Nesquehoning Colliery of the former Lehigh Navigation and Coal Company for 25 years before retiring.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late William T. and Mary Ann (Jenkins) Strohl, and was a lifelong resident of the community.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Nesquehoning.
Strohl was an avid fisherman and hunter for his entire life.
He was a former officer in the United Mine Workers Union, having served on many committees.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, Sandy, wife of Ken Artz of Lehighton, and Ruth, wife of Ken Ansback of Nesquehoning; and four grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother William and and sister Ethel.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Shirley M. Kincher
Mrs. Shirley M. Kincher, 64, of 122 Fifth St., Slatington, died Tuesday in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Rick D. Nichol, with whom she resided.
The deceased was the widow of George P. Kincher.
She was a secretary for the Northern Lehigh School District for three years before retiring in 1991, and previously was a secretary for the Nationwide Insurance Company, Allentown, for many years.
Born in Slatington, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Hattie (Jones) Daubenspeck.
She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Slatington.
Mrs. Kincher was a secretary of the Palmerton Bowling Association for 18 years.
Surviving in addition to her daughter is a grandson.
William Grason Sr.
William Grason Sr., 88, of the Devon House, Catasauqua, died Tuesday in the home. He was the husband of the late Sue (Stempak) Grason.
He was a cutter for the William Atkins Shirt Company, Allentown, for more than 50 years before retiring.
Born in Lansford, he was a son of the late Stephen and Anna (Yurchak) Grason.
He was a member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Bethlehem, where he was the oldest choir member. He was also a member of the choir at Trinity Orthodox Church, Catasauqua.
Surviving are three sons, William Jr. of Rochester, N.Y., John of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., and David of Columbia, Md.; a daughter Vera, wife of Graydon Toulmin of Roswell, Ga.; three brothers, Michael of Macungie, Theodore of Whitehall Township and Peter Gratzon of Catasauqua; a sister, Olga Salivonchik of Catasauqua; and nine grandchildren.
Mrs. John Fedorinec
Mrs. Dorothy J. Fedorinec, 65, of 452 N. Jordan St., Allentown, died Tuesday in her home. She was the wifeof John Fedorinec.
She was last employed as a clerk at Food Lane, Dorneyville, for 13 years before retiring in 1986.
Born in Hellertown, she was a daughter of the late Wallace and Addie (Harris) Lerch.
She was a member of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Allentown.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Catherine Hess of Allentown; two brothers, Sterling of Bethlehem and William of Danielsville; a sister, Mae Chrobocinski of Bethlehem; and a grandson.
Ronald P. Gernert
Ronald P. Gernert, 58, of Clamtown, Tamaqua R.3, died Wednesday morning in his home. He was the husband of Lillian B. (Hamm) Gernert.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Rt. 309, Snyders, is in charge of the arrangements.
Msgr. Francis J. Gaughan
Msgr. Francis J. Gaughan, 86, pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Philadelphia, for 19 years, died following a cancer operation Tuesday in the Allegheny University Hospital, Philadelphia.
A native of Girardville, he studied for the priesthood at Mt. St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and was ordained on May 30, 1936.
He served as pastor of St. Canicus Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Coaldale, and churches in Philadelphia, and was named a monsignor in 1976.
Surviving are two nephews.
Mrs. Marguerite A. Ahner
Mrs. Marguerite A. Ahner, 82, of 88 Walnut St., Franklin Township, Lehighton, died Tuesday eveing at the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. She was the widow of Stanley Ahner, who died in 1979.
Born in Franklin Township, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Sarah (Ziefenfus) Keiser.
She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Franklin Township, and a life member of the Franklin Township Fire Company auxiliary and a member of the East Penn Sporting Club.
Surviving are a daughter, Martha, wife of Erwin Wentz of Franklin Township; three brothers, Clarence of Beltzville, Wayland of White Bear, and Maurice of Walnutport; a sister, Charlotte, wife of John Kashlak of Summit Hill; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
The Mayes-Melber Funeral Home, 200 Franklin St., Weissport, is in charge of arrangements.
Richard L. Young
Richard L. Young, 73, of Box 695, Coal Township R.1, died Monday in Shamokin. He was the husband of E. Kay (Griffiths) Young.
Prior to retiring in 1983, he had been employed as an industrial arts teacher at the Shamokin Junior and Senior High Schools.
Born in Shamokin, he was a son of the late H. Dana and Sarah (Cook) Young.
A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Young was an avid outdoorsman, champion trapshooter, aviation enthusiast and model plane builder and flyer. He graduated from Laguardia Aeronautical School in 1942 and taught aeronautical mechanics.
A 1940 graduate of Shamokin High School, he also graduated from the former Millersville State Teacher's College and earned a master's degree from Penn State University. He attended Tulane University and was a member of the PSEA and various flying clubs.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Mrs. Lee Y. Fulton of Jacksonville, Fla., and Mrs. Lin Y. Muilenberg of Ellicott City, Md.; a brother, Dana Young of Lake Placid, Fla.; and two grandchildren.
The E. FranklinGriffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
