Obituaries by LocationDecember 14, 1996
Mrs. Dorothy C. "Dot" Lauth
Mrs. Dorothy C. "Dot" Lauth, 83, of 14 W. Ninth Street, Jim Thorpe, died Friday morning in the emergency room of Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton.
She was last employed by the former Bright's Department Store. Prior to that, she worked as a secretary and switch board operator for the former Cohen's Department Store, Lehighton.
Born in the former East Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Cora (Fagely) Lauth.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe. In addition, she was a past president of the Jim Thorpe Memorial Park Commission.
Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Helen M. Lauth of Jim Thorpe, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Mildred Schweibinz, and two brothers, Frank E., and Charles E.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph J. Grube
Joseph J. Grube, 74, of 102 Lehigh Ave., Palmerton, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital. He was a son of the late Joseph and Violet (Ramor) Grube.
He worked as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service, Allentown.
He was born in Reading, and was an Army veteran.
Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Esther Wickel of Wyomissing and Mrs. Betty Jozwick of Reading, and Mary Stangle, a friend with whom he resided.
Marion H. Knoebel
Marion H. (Hoffman) Knoebel, 88, formerly of Tamaqua and tower City, died Friday morning in the Phoebe Home in Allentown, where she had been a resident since 1987. She was the widow of The Rev. Arthur D. Knoebel, who died in 1979.
Born in Lebanon, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Hoffman) Hoffman.
She was formerly employed as a German language teacher at Cornwall High School in Lebanon County from 1929-1935.
She was a member of Trinity UCC, Tower City, and was a Corporate member of the United Church Board for World Ministries, out of Cleveland, Ohio.
She was a 1925 graduate of Lebanon High School, and a 1929 graduate of Lebanon Valley College.
From 1933 to 1972 she and her husband served parishes consecutively in Marietta and Maytown, Lancaster County; Berwick; Tamaqua and Locust Valley; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia and Tower City and Orwin.
Surviving are two sons, The Rev. David H. Knoebel, Hometown, and Charles A. Knoebel, Philadelphia; a sister, Mrs. Louise Scheirer of Trenton, N.J., and one granddaughter.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Snyders (Rt. 309) is in charge of arrangements.
Valeria "Viola" Sniscak
Valeria "Viola" Sniscak, 78, of 35 W. Vernon St., Summit Hill, died Friday in the Hazleton General Hospital. She was the wife of Paul "Casey" Sniscak. They were married 58 years in October.
Born in Summit Hill, she was a daughter of the late John and Sophie (Nosal) O'Gurek.
She was a member of both St. Joseph Catholic Church, Summit Hill, and St. Michael Catholic Church, Lansford.
She was also a member of the Summit Hill American Legion Auxiliary.
Surviving with her husband are four daughters, Joan, wife of Paul Yuricheck of Summit Hill, Mary, wife of Joseph Novak, Allentown, Paulette, wife of Joseph Weber of Bath, and Barbara, wife of Perry Shelton of Summit Hill; one brother, Joseph O'Gurek of Summit Hill; a step-brother, Adolph Nowacki, Summit Hill; a sister, Julie Goresh of East Orange, N.J.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, is in charge of arrangements.
December 16, 1996
Clinton F. Bruch
Clinton F. Bruch, 81, of Kunkletown R.1, died Sunday at the Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Allentown. He was the husband of Viola (Strohl) Bruch. They had been married 46 years.
He was owner and operator of Shiffer Bituminous Service Company, Kunkletown R.1, and Stroudsburg, from 1962 until his retirement in 1994.
Born in Dotters Corner, Polk Township, he was the son of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Seipler) Bruch.
He had been elected to three consecutive six-year terms as Polk Township supervisor in 1951, 57 and 63, where he had also served as Road Master.
He was a member of the Salem St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kresgeville.
A decorated World War II Army veteran, he served in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Kunkletown Memorial Post 5588 and the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert; charter member and served as the first treasurer of the Polk Township Volunteer Fire company; a charter member of the Indian Mountain Rod & Gun Club, Kresgeville; served as treasurer of the Dotter's Corner Cemetery for over 40 years.
He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Asphalt and Material Applicators, Aluta Lodge 488; International Order of Odd Fellows, Nazareth; Groundhog Lodge 6, Trachsville; Pennsylvania State Sheriff's Association; Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association; the National Rifle Association; Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 1106, Stroudsburg.
Surviving with his wife are five daughters, Carolyn Meinhart, Kathleen, wife of James Rovinski, both of Kunkletown R.1, Phyllis, wife of Henry Sheib of Effort R.1, Darlene, wife of James Smith of Kunkletown R.3, and Connie, wife of John Abercrombie of Fogelsville; a son, Clinton E. of Kunkletown R.1; three sisters, Pauline Bruch of Palmerton, Clara Sterner and Addie Serfass, both of Kunkletown R.1; 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Donald N. Gower Funeral Home Inc., Rte. 209, Gilbert, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Amelia A. Schmitt
Mrs. Amelia A. Schmitt, 85, of Bethlehem, died Sunday in the Muhlenberg Hospital Center, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Christian Schmitt.
She was a telephone operator and chief usher for the 46th Street Theater, New York City, N.Y.
Born in Summit Hill, she was a daughter of the late Isadore and Anna (Balazik) Porubsky.
She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Surviving are three sons, Francis J. of Charlotte, N.C., John H. of Bethlehem and Christian Jr. of Ottawa, Ill.; two sisters, Cecilia Boyle of Bethlehem and Mary, wife of Walter Parambo of Summit Hill; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Rev. Joseph J. Morrell
The Rev. Joseph J. Morrell, 67, of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Allentown, died Saturday in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown.
He was a former vice principal of Central Catholic High School, Allentown, and pastor emeritus of St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church, North Catasauqua. He was pastor of the latter church from 1978 until 1989, when he was named pastor emeritus.
He was a former professor at Nativity B.V.M. High School, Pottsville, a former vice principal at Central Catholic Pottsville, and a former principal at Reading Central Catholic High School.
Mrs. John Day
Mrs. Irene May Day, 57, of 47 Amos Land Road, Norwood, Delaware County, formerly of North Bangor, died Saturday in her home. She was the wife of John Day. They observed their fifth wedding anniversary in August.
She was a housekeeper for the Little Flower Nursing Home, Darby, Delaware County, before retiring last year, and previously was employed by blouse mills in the Slate Belt area.
Born in North Bangor, she was a daughter of Mrs. Mabel (Riley) Kasebier of North Bangor and the late William Kasebier.
She was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Norwood.
Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are a son, James A. Serfass of Effort; three daughters, Carol Ann Cope of Easton and Jean Marie Baumgartner and Linda May Serfass, both of East Stroudsburg; five brothers, William, Virgil, Richard and Peter, all of North Bangor, and Robert of Mt. Bethel; two sisters, Shirley Hummel of Kunkletown and Pear; Bowen in Washington State; and 12 grandchildren.
Walter J. Chroust
Walter J. Chroust, 74, of Ashfield, died Tuesday in the Alachua Hospital, Gainesville, Fla., while working as an over-the-road driver for East Penn Trucking, Orefield.
Born in Moore Township, he was a son of the late Anton N. and Anna C. (Bittenbinder) Chroust.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving are two brothers, Steve of Bethlehem and Conrad of Bath.
Mrs. Julian R. Jeglinski
Mrs. Rita E. Jeglinski, 64, of Mountainview Mobile Park, Walnutport, Lehigh Township, died Saturday in her home. She was the wife of Julian R. Jeglinski. They observed their 43rd wedding anniversary last month.
Born in Vandling, Lackawanna County, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Julia (Fritz) Vavro.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Berlinsville.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Robert of Marshall's Creek and John of South Plainfield, N.J.; a daughter Juliann, wife of Paul Ambrasas of Port Reading, N.J.; two brothers, Joseph of Binghamton, N.Y., and Stanley in New Jersey; four sisters, Mrs. Ann Tutics of Union, N.J., Mrs. Stella Nelson of Hamilton Beach, N.Y., Mrs. Rose Filipski of Somerville, N.J., and Mrs. Julia Murnin of Vandling; and five grandchildren.
Albert J. Gergel
Albert J. Gergel, 84, of 151 W. Columbus Ave., Nesquehoning, died Sunday afternoon in the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of the late Anna (Poluka) Gergel, who died June 19, 1988.
Prior to retiring in 1979, he was a bartender for 25 years for Treanor's, Long Island, N.Y.
Born in Passaic, N.J., he was a son of the late Andrew and Susan (Lawrence) Gergel.
Formerly of Astoria, Queens, N.Y., he lived in Nesquehoning for the past 17 years.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nesquehoning, the Lincoln Council Knights of Columbus, Queens, the Summit Hill Senior Citizens and Nesquehoning Meals on Wheels.
Surviving are a son Andrew of Patchogue, N.Y.; two daughters, Arlene, wife of Terrence Philbin of Valley Stream, Long Island, N.Y., and Annette Neyer of Lansford; two brothers, Jack and Michael, both of Passaic; two sisters, Dorothy, wife of John Otto of Deland, Fla., and Florence, wife of George Davis of Mesa, Ariz.; and 10 grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Rudolph.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Thomas Q. Bevan
Thomas Q. Bevan, 75, of 11143 Old Trail Road, North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, died Saturday in the Briarcliff Medical Pavilion, Irwin, Westmoreland County. He was the husband of Lorraine (Burroughs) Bevan.
He was an interviewer with the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation, Greensburg, Westmoreland County, until retiring.
Born in Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late William and Helen (Isaac) Bevan.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Jeannette, Westmoreland County.
Bevan was a lieutenant in the Navy Air Force during World War II, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for the bombing of an enemy ship in the Asiatic Theater. He also served during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 344, Jeannette, and Shidle Lodge No. 601, Irwin.
Surviving in addition to his widow two daughters, Lorraine M. Deininger of Ocean View, N.J., and Deborah J. Jeroski of North Huntingdon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas George, who died in 1963; and two brothers, James and William.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Martha V. Aikens
Mrs. Martha V. Aikens, 87, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Dallas, Luzerne County, died Friday in the Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, Fla. She was the widow of James K. Aikens, who died in 1987.
A graduate of West Chester State Teachers College, she taught at Wyoming Seminary, Wilkes-Barre, until retiring.
Born in Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Mame (Stermer) Henry.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Dallas.
Surviving are a daughter Ann, wife of Daniel J. Kenney of Bradenton; two sisters, Mildred Henry and Marion Smith, both of Richmond, Va.; and two grandchildren.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
Daniel Buglio
Daniel 'Rocco' Buglio, 60, of Main St., Lattimer, died Friday evening in the Hazleton General Hospital.
He was a Pinkerton guard at Barrett-Haentjens, Hazleton, before retiring.
Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Cipriano) Buglio.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Lattimer.
Surviving are two sons, Daniel A. of Beaver Meadows and Brian of Weatherly, both Weatherly police officers; two daughters, Jennifer, wife of Tim Harkins of Weatherly, and Candace, wife of Aaron Hoppes of Reading; a brother, Michael J. of Livingston, N.J.; three sisters, Mrs. Charles (Elizabeth) Dulcey of Moscow, Marie Frask of Schnecksville and Mrs. Joseph (Margaret) Generose of Lattimer; a grandson and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Venessa V. Jenkins
Mrs. Venessa V. Jenkins, 101, of Barnesville, Ryan Township, died Saturday in her home. She was the widow of David R. Jenkins, who died in 1960.
Born in Mahanoy City, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Snyder) Cattell, and had lived in Barnesville for the past 25 years after moving from Mahanoy City.
She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, Rush Township, and an honorary member of the church's senior choir.
She was the last immediate member of her family.
Surviving are a son Robert and a daughter Carolyn, both at home; and nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a son, David C.
Ernest F. Mast
Ernest F. Mast, 71, of 901 Bridge St., Catasauqua, died Thursday in her home. He was the husband of Betty M. (James) Mast. They observed their 46th wedding anniversary in September.
He was a brake operator and helper at the Fuller Company, Catasauqua, for 10 years before retiring in 1972.
Born in Allen Township, he was a son of the late Howard and Elda (Krumanocker) Mast.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Harry R. of Bethlehem and Garry J. of Slatington; three daughters, Linda, wife of Wayne Sorin of North Brunswick, N.J., Joanne, wife of James Carwell in Virginia, and Brenda, wife of George Lahham of Bridgeport, Conn.; two brothers, Kenneth and Richard, both of Allen Township; a sister, Mrs. Helen Wirf of Portland, Ore.; and seven grandchildren.
H. Robert Boyle
H. Robert 'Bobby' Boyle, 69, of 112 Mill St., Lock Haven, died Sunday at the Jersey Shore Hospital. He was the husband of Dolores A. (O'Donnell) Boyle. They were 44 years in September.
He was employed at the former Piper aircraft plant of Lock Haven, from 1947 to 1984 in the final assembly plant. He and his wife owned the former White House Pizza Shop on Water St., Lock Haven, from 1977 to 82 and he tended bar at several taverns in Lock Haven.
Born in Summit Hill, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Schwartz) Boyle.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and served as corporal with the 11g Co. 8th Infantry Regt.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Lock Haven, and was a life member of the Lock Haven Elks Lodge No. 182; Veterans of Foreign Wars club; Sons of Italy club; and a social member of the Castane Fire Hall. He was also a charter member of the Mauch Chunk Veterans of Foreign Wars club and the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of Lock Haven.
He was a 1946 graduate of Mauch Chunk High School.
Surviving are two sons, Robert G. of San Antonia, Tex., and James P. of Sunbury; a sister, Mrs. George (Lois) Fenton of Woolrich, Clinton County; and three grandsons.
The Moriarty-Dutcavich Funeral Home, 112 E. Church St., Lock Haven, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Frances K. Dulaney
Mrs. Frances K. Dulaney, 80, of 350 N. 11th St., Lehighton, died Saturday at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. She was the widow of Donald W. Dulaney, who died in 1978.
Born in Weissport, she was a daughter of the late Charles R. and Gertrude (Hartley) Koons.
Surviving are a son, Dr. David D. of Phoenix, Ariz.; two daughters, Susan Schneider of Lehighton, and Jeanine, wife of S. William Snover of Danville; a brother, C. Paul of Lehighton; three sisters, Mrs. Henry (Helen) Grow of Lehighton, Marian Begel of Pottstown, and Grace DeLong of Clark Summit; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron sts., Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Anna Eroh
Mrs. Anna Eroh, 84, of 301 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, died Sunday evening in the Hometown Nursing Home, Tamaqua R.2. She was the widow of Lester Eroh, who died in 1961.
Prior to her retirement she was secretary at Marian High School for 28 years.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Kehoe) McKeone.
She was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Tamaqua, and a former member of the Catholic Womens Education Association and Sodality, both of the church.
Surviving are three daughters, Margaret McArdle, Patricia, wife of Edward Kulha, and Kathleen, wife of Leroy Miller, all of Tamaqua; a brother, Joseph of Schuylkill Haven; two sisters, Deborah McKeone of Schuylkill Haven, and Sister Margaret Leonore SSJ of St. Joseph's Villa of Flourtown; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene, Lawrence and John; and three sisters, Catherine Werner, Margaret Kenney and Rosemarie McDevitt.
The Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
