Obituaries by LocationJanuary 18, 1997
Elizabeth Spicer
Elizabeth (Gearhart) Spicer, 82, a Palmerton native, died Thursday evening at the Hanover Terrace Healthcare in Hanover, N.H., following a long illness. She was the widow of Capt. Emmet Robinson Spicer, M.D., who died in World War II.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Franklin B. and Helen (Foster) Gearhart.
She was a graduate of the S.S. Palmer High School in Palmerton, and she attended Colby Junior College in New London, N.H., Connecticut College for Women in New London, Ct., and in 1936, graduated with "Distinction" in voice pedagogy from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.
In 1942, she received her Master of Music in music literature, also from the University of Rochester. From 1939-1942, Mrs. Spicer, a noted singer, has a live weekly 15-minute radio program over WCBA in Allentown.
She was a glee club and choir director and taught voice and music appreciation at the Grier School for Girls, Peace Junior College, the Goldsboro Public Schools, the Moorestown Friends School, the Springside School (1952-1968) in Chestnut Hill, and the Swain School (1968-1976) in Allentown. Following her retirement in 1976, she moved to Burlington, Vt. In 1991, she moved to Hanover to be near her daughter.
Surviving with her daughter, Margaret E. Spicer of Norwich, Vt., is a brother, The Rev. David F. Gearhart of Centreville, Md.; nieces and nephews and a cousin.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Foster L. Gearhart and Thomas A. Gearhart; an infant daughter, Barbara Elizabeth.
A graveside service will be held in Palmerton at a later date.
Pauline Macik
Pauline Macik, 87, formerly of Lansford, died Friday in the Miners Geriatric Center, Coaldale.
Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late John and Susanna (Puskar) Macik.
She worked in the garment industry for many years prior to her retirement. She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association of Lansford.
She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Lansford.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
The Roche Funeral Home-McNamara Chapel, Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
Robert A. Carpenter
Robert A. Carpenter, 35, of Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey, died Thursday of natural causes. He was a technical sergeant with the Air Force.
He has been living in Turkey for the past two years.
His ex-wife is the former Kathy Leiby of Lehighton. They have one son, Chase, age 6, of Lehighton.
Funeral arrangements are pending from the Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth & Iron St., Lehighton.
Barbara Harmonosky
Barbara Harmonosky, 83, of 300 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, died Friday in the Gnaden Huetten Hospital, Lehighton. She was the widow of Andrew Harmonosky who died in 1978.
Born in Czechoslovakia, she was a daughter of the late John and Barbara (Alzo) Petrovich.
She worked for the former Kiddie Klothes in Lansford for 42 years, retiring in 1976.
She was a member of St. Michael's Church, Lansford, and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Union.
Surviving is a son, Joseph, of Lansford; a daughter, Barbara, wife of John Skrapits of Jim Thorpe; a brother, Joseph of Jim Thorpe; a sister Mary, wife of John Wargo of Jim Thorpe; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Skrabak-Parambo Funeral Home, 210 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
M. Josephine Rudelitsch
M. Josephine Rudelitsch, 68, formerly of 476 Mahoning Drive East, Lehighton, died Friday at the home of her daughter in Ringtown R.2. She was the widow of Arthur E. Rudelitsch, who died in 1994.
Born in Mahoning Valley, she was a daughter of the late Howard W. and Mary P. (Zehner) Fritz.
She worked as a bookeeper for the Lehigh Portland Cement Co., and formerly worked for the Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. in the same capacity.
She was a graduate of Bethlehem Business College.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Mahoning Valley, and was active in the church choir.
She also belonged to the Eastern Star; the Mahoning Valley Golden Agers, and the Ringtown Valley Grange.
Surviving is a daughter, Louise F., wife of Joseph D. Tomtishen, with whom she resided; a son, Arthur E. II of Lehighton; two sisters, Olive E. Frey, Mahoning Valley, and Helen M. Beers of Palmerton R.2; also two grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron Streets, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Rudelitsch services
Funeral services for Mrs. M. Josephine Rudelitsch, 68, formerly of 476 Mahoning Drive, Lehighton, who died Friday in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Louise F. and Joseph D. Tomtishen of Ringtown, Schuylkill County, will be held at 7:30 tonight in St. John Lutheran Church, Mahoning Valley, with the Rev. Richard R. Boyer officiating. Interment
will be in church Cemetery . Contributions may be made to the church, 1826 Mahoning Drive West or Holy Family Home Health Care, 900 W. Market St., Orwigsburg 17961-1006.
Calling hours are scheduled from 5:30-7:30 tonight in the church.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
January 20, 1997
Kostro services
Funeral services for William S. Kostro, 24, of 125 S. Seventh St., Lehighton, who was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident on Friday on SR222 in Maidencreek Township, Berks County, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Andrea P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 o'clock in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, and interment
in the in parish Cemetery . calling hours are scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.
Olive J. Hauser
Olive J. Hauser, 71, of 700 County Ave., Secaucus, N.J., formerly of the Lehighton area, died Thursday in the Palisades General Hospital, North Bergen, N.J.
She was a packer for a coffee company in New Jersey.
Born in Jersey City, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Garrett and Mabel (Shellhammer) Hauser.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held this afternoon from the Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, followed by interment
in the Dinkey Memorial Cemetery , Ashfield, with Rev. Paul Fisher officiating.
Mrs. Ethel J. Reiss
Mrs. Ethel J. Reiss, 80, of 124 S. Sixth St., Allentown, died Saturday in her home. She was the widow of George O. Reiss.
She was a past president and pianist for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 13 Auxiliary, Allentown, and a past president of the V.F.W. District 8 Auxiliary.
She was formerly employed in the accounting department of the Service Loan Corporation, Northampton, and previously had been a legal secretary for Attorney Irving W. Coleman, Northampton. Many years ago, she played the trombone for a local all-girl band.
Born in Lower Macungie Township, she was a daughter of the late Charles Erich and Katie (Lewis) Erich Dries.
Surviving are two brothers, Glen of Lansford and Emory of Emmaus; and three sisters, June, wife of Andrew Nicholson of Quakertown, and Mrs. Jeanette Buss and Alma, wife of Frank Koch, both of Emmaus.
Mrs. Albert R. Sandel
Mrs. Marion C. Sandel, 93, of 1400 Scott St., Reading, formerly of Laureldale, Berks County, died Friday in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading, where she was a patient since Jan. 8. She was the wife of Albert R. Sandel, a guest at Manor Care Health Services, Laureldale.
She was employed in the cafeteria of the former Western Electric Company, Allentown, and by the former Reading Clothes Company before retiring.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Clara (Becker) Dunkle, and had resided in Laureldale for 50 years.
Since 1943, she was a member of the Rosedale United Church of Christ, Lenhartsville, where she belonged to the Ladies Guild.
Surviving in addition to her husband are nieces and nephews.
The Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Helen Yurchak
Mrs. Helen Yurchak, 70, of 105 E. Railroad St., Nesquehoning, died Saturday in the home of her daughter Lynn of Swedesboro, N.J.
The deceased was the widow of Andrew Yurchak.
She worked in the garment industry for 18 years.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Julia (Julonich) Harduby.
She was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Nesquehoning.
Surviving in addition to her daughter are two sons, Andrew of Jim Thorpe and Thomas of Allentown; a brother John of Skytop, Monroe County; a sister, Mary Snyder of Bethlehem; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
The Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Verna C. Brotzman
Mrs. Verna C. Brotzman, 93, of Kunkletown R.5, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital. She was the widow of Vian Brotzman.
Born in Saylorsburg, she was a daughter of the late Monroe and Alice (Switzgabel) Balliet.
She was a member of St. Matthew United Church of Christ, Kunkletown, the Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company and its Ladies Auxiliary.
Surviving are a son Sterling, two daughters, Alice Gower and Betty Kleintop, and a brother Arling, all of Kunkletown; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son Floyd and a grandson.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Floyd J. Lahr
Floyd J. Lahr, 103, formerly of Bushkill Township, died Friday in the Moravian Hall Square Skilled Care Center, Nazareth. He was the husband of the late Nellie M. (George) Lahr.
He was a farmer in Bushkill Township for many years before retiring in 1960.
Born in Bushkill Township, he was a son of the late Amazon and Mary (Kostenbader) Lahr.
He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hecktown, where he was secretary and treasurer for 48 years.
Lahr was an Army veteran of World War I, having served in France.
He was a past president and past treasurer of the Bushkill Township School Board; past secretary of the Northampton-Monroe Farmers Association; a charter member of the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company; member of the Pennsylvania Production Credit Association; and a sales clerk for Huber-Kist Auctioneers for 49 years.
Lahr was a member of Whitefield Lodge No. 622, Tatamy, Confident Lodge No. 1133, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hecktown, and the Bushkill Encampment No. 55, I.O.O.F., Bushkill Center.
Surviving are three sons, Gerald of Easton, Ernest of Dolan Springs, Ariz., and Amazon of Bushkill Township; two daughters, Eleanor Muller of Gibsonville, N.C., and Margaret Reimer of Nazareth; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Clarence F. Schmoyer
Mrs. Jennifer L. Schmoyer, 33, of Slatington, died Thursday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was the wife of Clarence F. Schmoyer. They observed their 14th wedding anniversary last February.
She was a lab technician assistant for the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, for eight years, and previously had worked in the same capacity for the Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center for a year and at Allen Lab, Allentown, for a year.
Born in Bristol, Bucks County, she was a daughter of Richard G. and Jill F. (Scheffler) Schlosser of Schnecksville.
The deceased was a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, New Tripoli, and was a volunteer with the Cetronia Ambulance Corps for the past 20 years.
Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are two sons, Randy C. and Ryan C., and a daughter, Beth A., all at home; a brother, Timothy A. of Phoenixville, Chester County; a sister, Pamela A. Seng of Slatington; and paternal grandmother, Marguerite (Loy) Schmoyer of Coplay.
Carlos R. Medellin
Carlos R. Medellin, 63, of Easton, died Thursday in his home. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Henshue) Medellin.
He was a member of the Easton Police Department for 15 years, retiring as a sergeant in 1982.
Born in Easton, he was a son of the late Ignacio and Isabel G. (Guitterez) Medellin.
He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Easton.
Medellin was a quartermaster in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.
He was a member and four-year captain of the Easton Emergency Squad and a founder of the first emergency medical technician program in Eastern Pennsylvania.
The deceased was a member of Washington Lodge No. 17, Fraternal Order of Police, serving as its president from 1979-82, and a member of the Elks Lodge No. 121, and the Order of the Fleas, Inc., both of Easton.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, Charles A. of Easton; four daughters, CindyLee Conley of Tamaqua, Marilou of Bath, Valerie Bedoya of Nazareth and Carla A., at home; three sisters, Maria Andreas of Allentown, Isabel Reighn of Nazareth and Carmen Huxel of Easton; four brothers, Ignacio in Maryland, Frank and Joseph, both of Easton, and Louis of Williams Township; and eight grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son Robert and a daughter Patti.
Mrs. Helen F. Altemose
Mrs. Helen F. Altemose, 84, of Mrs. Bush's Personal Care Home, Kunkletown, formerly of Wind Gap, died Friday in her home. She was the widow of Fred A. Altemose.
She was a seamstress at Valerie Fashions, Wind Gap, for 20 years before retiring.
Born in Smith Gap, Monroe County, she was a daughter of the late John and Cora Hahn.
She was a member of Hope United Church of Christ, Wind Gap.
Surviving are three sons, Robert L. of Mount Pocono, William H. of Saylorsburg, and James H. of Reigelsville; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Elwood R.S. Fries
Elwood R.S. Fries, 79, of 6066 Sullivan Trail, Nazareth, died Saturday in the Palmerton Hospital. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Misevicz) Kindrew Fries and the late Ruth (Rodger) Fries. He and his second wife observed their 10th wedding anniversary in April.
He was employed by S & L Plastics, Inc., Nazareth, for 38 years before retiring as a supervisor in 1981.
Born in Nazareth, he was a son of the late Herbert and Alidia (Snyder) Fries.
He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Nazareth.
Fries was a Navy veteran of World War II and a 45-year member of American Legion Post 470, Bath, and its bowling squad.
He was a member of the Belfast Paint Box Art Club for several years, and was recognized for his painting of the Whitfield House Museum by the Borough of Nazareth during its 250th anniversary celebration in 1990.
The deceased was a member of the Holy Family Sick and Relief Society, Nazareth.
Surviving in addition to his widow are five sons, Roger E. and John S., both of Bushkill Township, Herbert W. of Walnutport and Calvin C. and David E., both of Upper Nazareth Township; two daughters, Joyce A., wife of Paul Kemmerer of Bushkill Township, and Joan A., wife of Dale Boyer of Bethlehem; a brother Ralph of East Allen Township; a sister Frances, wife of John Toth of Nazareth; a stepson, Michael G. Kindrew of Stuart, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Erie Neiswender
Erie Neiswender, 77, of Brandonville R.1, Schuylkill County, died Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Fernon) Neiswender.
Before retiring, he was a construction foreman with Lehigh Foundation Company, Allentown.
Born in East Union Township, he was a son of the late Michael and Pearl (Lorah) Neiswender.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church and the Citizens Fire Company, both of Brandonville.
He was a Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Joseph of Bloomsburg and Robert, at home; two daughters, Ruth Smulligan of Tamaqua and Donna Schaaf of Ringtown; two stepsons, William and Francis Layton, both of Brandonville; two brothers, Ralph of Shenandoah and Edward of Brandonville; three sisters, Elsie Kline of Bainbridge, Ida Kline of Mt. Joy and Freida Bolinsky of Stroudsburg; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy and Wallace.
Mrs. Lilias M. Talbot
Mrs. Lilias M. Talbot, 70, of North Glendale, Ariz., formerly of Palmer Township and Coventry, England, died Saturday in Thunderbird Samaritan Medical Center, Glendale. She was the widow of Robert Talbot, who died in July.
She was a bookkeeper for Binney and Smith, Forks Township, for several years and formerly a purchasing clerk for the Standard Motor Company, Coventry.
Born in Ferryville, County Durham, England, she was a daughter of the late John and Margaret Winifred (Caffrey) Brahdshaw.
Surviving are three daughters and two sons, including Robert C. of Saylorsburg.
Alan A. DeFrain
Alan A. DeFrain, 74, of 1342 N. Cottonwood Road, Danielsville, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Betty I. (Kistler) DeFrain. They were married 51 years last month.
He was a mechanic for 15 years and then a school bus driver for Leibensberger Bus Transportation, Beersville, before retiring in 1987.
Born in Slatington, he was a son of the late Rev. Oscar and Daisy (Stahley) DeFrain.
He attended Bethany Wesleyan Church, Cherryville.
He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Edgmont American Legion Post 0899, Walnutport.
Among his survivors is two sons Alan A. Jr. of Bethlehem, and Michael A. of Slatington.
Joseph Pribish Sr.
Joseph Pribish Sr., 76, of 190 Dartmouth St., Highland Park, N.J., died Sunday in St. Peter's Medical Center, New Brunswick, N.J., He was the husband of the late Barbara D. (Skillan) Pribish, who died Sept. 16, 1983.
He was a vehicle scheduler for the Ford Motor Company, Edison, N.J., for 30 years.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late Joseph Jr. and Anna (Fircv) Pribish. He was a lifelong resident of Highland Park.
Surviving are a son, Joseph of Highland Park; a brother, Stephen of Manville, N.J.; a sister, Catherine Susko of Jim Thorpe.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Michael; and a brother, John.
The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. June L. Hahn
Mrs. June Louise Hahn, 42, of Allentown, died Sunday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. She was the wife of John Hahn. They were married four years last May.
She was a nurse's aide for Helping Hands, Allentown.
Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Richard Earl Kates and Dorothy (Moyer) Matthews.
She was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Allentown.
Surviving with her husband are three sons, Anthony Geist and Robert Dries, both of Allentown, and Joseph Fry of Slatington; a daughter, Amanda Dries of Jim Thorpe; five brothers, Richard Kates of Portland, Ore., Allen Kates of Phillipsburg, N.J., Ed Kates of Orefield, and Jeff and John Kates, both of Allentown; and a stepdaughter, Elaine Silfies of Allentown.
Mrs. Ruth M. Nunemacher
Mrs. Ruth M. Nunemacher, 69, of 135 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City,k formerly of Andreas R.1, died Sunday at home, following an illness. She was the wife of the late Russell F. Nunemacher.
She was a presser for the former Modern Universal Slack Creations Co., Allentown, from 1965 until retiring in 1987.
Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Alice (Rex) Blew.
She was a member of the West Penn Rod & Gun Club, Tamaqua R.3.
Surviving are four daughters, Barbara, wife of Kenneth Kuhns of Breinigsville, Debra, wife of John McLaughlin, with whom she resided, Daryl, wife of David Tertel of Lansford, and Elaine Hontz of San Jose, Calif.; two sons, David of Mertztown, and Alvin of Pottsville; a sister, Mrs. Robert (Alice) Nunemacher of Andreas R.1; 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Norman, who died in 1982.
The Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Route 309, Snyders, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Margaret M. Chaplinsky
Mrs. Margaret M. 'Peggy' Chaplinsky, 69, of 232B S. Sixth St., Lehighton, died Saturday in her home. She was the wife of the late Attorney Russell P. Chaplinsky.
Born in Lehighton, she was a daughter of the late Frank J. Sr. and Mary E. (Kennedy) Bayer.
She was a member of Ss. Peter and Pual Catholic Church, Lehighton, and its Altar and Rosary Society.
She was active in the Girl Scouts in Lehighton, and was a member of the American Legion Post 314 Auxiliary, Lehighton.
Surviving are two daughters, Attorney Margaret of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mary Louise of Lehighton; a brother, Frank J. Jr., and a sister, Elizabeth, both of Lehighton; four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron sts., Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Elwood Christian
Mrs. Kathryn May Christian, 80, of Saylorsburg R.5, died Sunday in her home. She was the wife of Elwood E. Christian. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in May 1996.
She worked for the former Mannoth Hosiery Mill, East Stroudsburg, retiring in 1941.
Born in Saylorsburg, she was a daughter of the late James Sr. and Clara (Newhart) Serfass.
She was a member of St. Peter's United Methodist Church, Saylorsburg, where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years and served on numerous church committees.
Surviving with her husband is a son, Larry of Converse, Tex.; a daughter, Barbara Hoffman and a brother, Russell, both of Saylorsburg; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The Kresge Funeral Home, Rte. 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Edwin Haupt
Edwin Haupt, of the Mountain City Convalescent Home, Hazleton, and formerly of the Lehighton area, died Saturday in the Hazleton General Hospital.
Born in Palmerton R.1, he was a son of the late Howard A. and Nora (Driesbach) Haupt.
Surviving are a brother, Earl J. of Lehighton; two sisters, Martha, wife of William Green of Gilbert, and Louella, wife of Leroy Shupp of Effort.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clayton and Russell.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Anna Tudy
Mrs. Anna Tudy, 95, of 268 First St., Coaldale, died Sunday in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale, after a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Isadore Tudy, who died in 1994.
Born in Czechoslovakia, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Maria Hagadish.
She was a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Coaldale.
She was the last member of her immediate family.
Surviving is a son Isadore Jr., at home; two daughters, Mildred Zweisdak of Coaldale; and Rosemarie, wife of Thomas Miklas of Bergenfield, N.J.; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of arrangements.
