Obituaries by LocationJanuary 25, 1997
Dr. Robert Pathroff
Robert Pathroff, 67, of Rotonda West., Fla., and a Nesquehoning native, died Thursday. He was the husband of Dolores Pathroff.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a retired family practitioner for his own practice in Horsham, Pa., moving to Florida six years ago.
He was a graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, and Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia.
He belonged to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Englewood, Fla.
He was a member of the American Medical Association and also belonged to the Rotonda Golf and Country Club.
Surviving with his widow is a daughter, Jan Townsend of Saverna Park, Md.; two sons, Robert A. of Bismarck, North Dakota, and David of Northridgeville, Ohio. Also seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be today in Englewood.
Mrs. Lillie M. Hall
Mrs. Lillie M. Hall, 102, formerly of Nesquehoning, died Thursday in Melbourne, Fla. She was the widow of Robert S. Hall.
Prior to retiring, she had been employed as a salesclerk.
Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late Charles E. and Susan (Charles) Marsden.
Mrs. Hall was a member of Suntree United Methodist Church, Melbourne, Fla., and the Lansford Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by four daughters, A. Faye Bradley, Nancy H. Holmes and Margery M.H. Johnston, all of Melbourne, Fla., and Mary H. Dull of Greensburg, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Beth H. Jones.
Alverna McMichael
Alverna "Alva" McMichael, 89, of 307 E. Hazzard St., Summit Hill, died Friday in Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. She was the widow of Benjamin R. McMichael who died in 1990.
Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late William and Hattie (Straub) Dick.
She worked in garment factories in Summit Hill and Lansford.
She was a member of Summit Hill United Methodist Church.
Surviving is a son, Benjamin W., of Hamilton Square, N.J.; a sister, Winifred Meyers of Coaldale. Also five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Frantz, a brother, George R.; and two sisters, Freida Kleppinger and Ellen Orltedge.
The Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill, is in charge of arrangements.
January 27, 1997
Charles E. Zuppert
Charles E. "Chick" Zuppert, 86, of the Mahoning Valley Nursing and Convalescent Center, Mahoning Township, formerly of Slatington and Ashland, Schuylkill County, died Saturday in the Palmerton Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mary B. (Campbell) Zuppert.
He was a surgical supply salesman for Hub Surgical Supplies, Williamsport, Lycoming County, from 1952-75, and previously had owned and operated the A & S Food Store, Ashland, from 1940-52.
Zuppert was a past president and charter member of the Ashland Rotary Club, and also served as district governor of Rotary District 7370 in 1978-79. In 1979, he received the Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award given by Rotary International. From 1980-82, he was Rotary International representative of Northeast Pennsylvania.
He was a past exalted ruler of the Ashland Benevolent Paternal Order of Elks, and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Slatington.
Born in Pittston, Luzerne County, he was a son of the late Charles and Mary (Fox) Zuppert.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ashland, where he was a former lector.
The deceased was instrumental in founding the Ashland Little League in the 1930s.
Surviving are a daughter, Shirley M. Snyder of Slatington; a son, James C. of Allentown; a sister, Gladys Benninghoff of Mahanoy City; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
The Harding-Fox Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington, is in charge of the arrangements.
Richard C. Ashner
Richard C. Ashner, 63, of 438 Coal St., Lehighton, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Nancy A. (Wagner) Ashner. They observed their 39th wedding anniversary in November.
He was a physical education and driver education teacher in the Lehigh Area School District for 29 years before retiring in 1991, and previously had taught science and driver education in the Newport School District, Perry County, from 1958-62.
A 1955 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, he was a member of its swimming and soccer teams and was named All-American in soccer in 1955. He was a member of the university's Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Delta Upsilon Chapter.
Born in Packerton, he was a son of Mrs. Romane (Ritter) Ashner of Lehighton and the late Charles Ashner.
He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton, where he was a former deacon and elder.
Ashner was an Army veteran and a member of American Legion Post 314 and the AMVETS Post, both of Lehighton.
He was a past worshipful master of F. and A.M. Lodge No. 621, Lehighton, and a member of the Rajah Shrine, Reading, and the Lehigh Consistory, Allentown.
The deceased was a charter member of the Lehighton Area Soccer Club, a life member of the Lehighton Fire Company No. 1 and an Eagle Scout.
He belonged to the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Festival Corporation; Mahoning Valley Golden Agers; Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, Lehighton; and the Elks Lodge No. 1284, Lehighton.
Surviving in addition to his widow and mother are a son, Richard A. of Coraopolis, Allegheny County; two daughters, Tracy, wife of Thomas Newton of Lehighton, and Deborah, wife of Dr. Michael Soltysian of Tunkhannock, Pa.; and eight grandchildren.
The Kenneth N. Phifer Funeral Home, Third and Alum streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Marie A. Fitzgerald
Mrs. Marie A. Fitzgerald, 79, of Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, died Friday in the Pleasant Valley Manor, Snydersville. She was the widow of James T. Fitzgerald.
A graduate of Lackawanna Business School, she was a computer supervisor for DATA, Inc., Orange, N.J., from 1953 until retiring in 1973, and previously had been a legal assistant in Orange.
Born in Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Maria E. (White) Comerota.
She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Marshalls Creek, where she was a former member of the Altar and Rosary Society.
Surviving are a daughter, Marie A. Fitzgerald-Meade of Middle Smithfield Township; a brother, Anthony J. Jr. in Connecticut; three grandchildren and a great-grandson.
She was also preceded in death by a son, James Thomas Jr.
Mrs. Margaret Ensley
Mrs. Margaret Ensley, 83, of Hamilton Township, Monroe County, died Friday in the Pleasant Valley Manor, Snydersville. She was the widow of Chester Ensley Sr.
Born in Millersburg, Dauphin County, she was a daughter of the late George and Susan (Weetz) Mace.
Surviving are a son, Chester Jr. of East Stroudsburg; a brother George of Penns Park, Bucks County; two grandsons and nieces and nephews.
Albert L. Mazzacco Sr.
Albert L. Mazzacco Sr., 72, of 286-108 Lower Nis Hollow Drive, Lehighton, died Friday in the Palmerton Hospital. He was the husband of the late Joyce (Scribner) Mazzacco, who died in 1994.
He was a still operator for Union Carbide in New Jersey for many years before retiring.
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Florindo and Fortuna (Christon) Mazzacco.
He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lehighton.
Surviving are a son, Albert Jr. of Middlesex, N.J.; a daughter, Eileen Thomas of Lehighton; a sister, Aurelia Pazzaglia of Peckville, Lackawanna County; and three grandchildren.
The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, Fourth and Iron streets, Lehighton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Russell Zoch
Mrs. Christine M.D. Zoch, 54, of 58 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem, died Saturday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. She was the wife of Russell Zoch.
She was a nurse's aide at the Pleasant Manor, Point Pleasant, Bucks County.
Born in Germansville, she was a daughter of the late John and Verna (Raider) Dengler.
She was of the Lutheran faith.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Daniel of Allentown and Russell of Bethlehem; two daughters, Francine in West Virginia and Stacie of Bethlehem; a brother Nevin of Slatington; a sister, Ruth Ann Siebert of Heidelberg Township; two stepbrothers, William and Ronald A., both of Phillipsburg, N.J.; a stepsister, Wilma Spink of Easton; and eight grandchildren.
Charles Santly
Charles Santly, 92, formerly of Chaucer Lane, Hanover Township, Northampton County, died Saturday in the Muhlenberg Rehabilitation Center, Bethlehem. He was the husband of the late Margaret (Nemeth) Santly, who died in 1994.
He worked for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for many years before retiring and also had owned and operated the former Santly Studio for photography, Bethlehem, until retiring in 1957. He also built and repaired guitars and banjos until 1995, and played with the Jivenaires for many years.
Born in Hungary, he was a son of the late Charles and Sophia (Kereceni) Santly.
Surviving are a daughter, Margaret Woynovich of Bethlehem; three sons, Charles R. of Walnutport, Ronald H. of Bethlehem and Randy lee of Easton; two sisters, Edith Kaslik of Eustis, Fla., and Elizabeth Licsko of Bethlehem; and 12 grandchildren.
Mrs. Agnes Armon
Mrs. Agnes Armon, 83, of 128 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. She was the widow of Jerome Armon.
She worked for the former Wargo Garment Factory, Coaldale, for 20 years before retiring.
Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late John and Agnes Wasilko.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Summit Hill.
Surviving are two daughters, Rosemarie, with whom she resided, and Agnes, wife of Elbert Neal of Erie; a brother John of Cleveland, Ohio; and two grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Anna Duda, Mary Navitsky and Helen Balogach; and a grandson, Willis Arthur.
The Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, is in charge of the arrangements.
Harold T. Bunk
Harold T. "Bunkie" Bunk, 72, of 3324 Howertown Road, Northampton, died Saturday in his home. He was the husband of Mabel M. (Sterner) Bunk. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary last month.
He was a conductor for the Philadelphia, Bethlehem and New England Railroad, a subsidiary of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, for 34 years before retiring in 1984. He was also a co-owner of Harold's Roofing Company, Northampton.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Mrs. Hattie (Leopold) Bunk-Kerr of Trexlertown and the late Anthony Bunk.
He was of the Protestant faith.
Bunk was an Army veteran of World War II, having served with the 89th Battery Division. He was a member of the Vernon G. Kern V.F.W. Post 8344, Schnecksville.
The deceased was a life member of the MORA Club of Bethlehem.
Among his survivors is a daughter Rita, wife of Ronald Woroniak of Danielsville.
Mrs. Rita L. Dever
Mrs. Rita L. Dever, 79, formerly of Center Avenue, Jim Thorpe, died Sunday morning in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Rita and John Engler, 2 Pletcher Place, Morristown, N.J., with whom she resided.
The deceased was the widow of John "Jack" Dever, who died Oct. 22, 1979.
She and her husband owned and operated the former Dever's Bar and Grill on Center Avenue in Jim Thorpe, where she was well-known for her culinary expertise.
Born in Upper Mauch Chunk, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Farrell) Love.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe.
Surviving in addition to her daughter are another daughter Jane, wife of Charles McHugh of Andreas; a son John of Jim Thorpe; a sister, Mrs. Eleanor Stoneback of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a grandson, John H. Dever, who died in 1980.
The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe, is in charge of the arrangements.
J. Scott Brill Sr.
J. Scott Brill Sr., 52, of Quakake, died Saturday in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. He was the husband of Lorraine "Sissy" (Argust) Brill.
He worked in maintenance for Fabri-Kal at the Valmont Park, Hazleton, and was also a well-known musician, playing keyboards in area bands, starting with the Falcons in 1960 and continuing up to the present with other bands and also playing solo.
Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late John W. and Ella (Butkus) Brill.
He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Weatherly R.1.
Brill was president of the Quakake Fire Company and also served as emergency management coordinator for Rush Township.
He was a social member of the Citizens Fire Company, Weatherly, and a former scoutmaster of the Quakake Boy Scouts.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son, J. Scott Jr. of Quakake; a sister, Mrs. Geraldine Leighty of Galeton, Pa.; and two grandchildren.
The Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown, is in charge of the arrangements.
Joseph Chelak
Joseph "Barney" Chelak, 66, of 102 Park Place, Mahanoy City, died Sunday morning in the Reading Hospital, West Reading. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Zukus) Chelak.
Before retiring, he was employed by Robinson and Clay of Pottstown.
Born in Park Place, Mahanoy Township, he was a son of the late Wassil and Pearl (Falatovich) Chelak.
A 1948 graduate of the former Mahanoy Township High School, he was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, and the American Legion Post 74, both of Mahanoy City.
Chelak was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a son Joseph of New Boston, Mahanoy Township; a daughter, Jacqueline Lord of Frackville; four brothers, Stephen of Buck Run, Mahanoy Township, Michael of Jersey City, N.J., John of Mahanoy City and Wassil of Pottstown; three sisters, Anna Homa of Middletown, Peal Donchak of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Nancy Hill of Harrisburg; and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Kabilko and Gregory Chelak; and a sister, Mary Maietti.
Mrs. John A. Sweeney Jr.
Mrs. Kathleen K. "Kay" Sweeney, 71, of Stroudsburg, formerly of Hazleton, died Thursday in the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. She was the wife of Dr. John A. Sweeney Jr. They were married for 49 years.
Born in Hazleton, she was a daughter of the late George and Nora (McHugh) Kellner.
She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, East Stroudsburg, and its Altar and Rosary Society, and was a missionary with the Lay Missionaries of Charity.
Mrs. Sweeney was a member of the Pocono Irish-American Club. In 1977, she received its Tommy Cullen Shamrock Award, which recognized her many years of community service.
Surviving in addition to her husband are seven daughters, Margaret M. Pugh, Joan M. and Susan M. Taylor, all of Stroudsburg, Noreen M. of East Stroudsburg, Anne S., wife of Lawrence O'Donnell of Summit Hill, Mary C. of Delaware Water Gap and Kathleen M. Warner of Canadensis; four sons, John A. III of Stroudsburg, Timothy T. of Coopersburg, Bernard R. of York and Paul R. of Stroud Township; two brothers, George of Lansdale and Robert of Dundalk, Md.; a sister, Elnora Tyson of Freeland; 12 grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Edward S. Lehrman Sr.
Edward S. Lehrman Sr., 70, of Coplay, died Friday in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Janet E. (Andrews) Lehrman.
He was a mechanic for Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown and Macungie, for many years before retiring in 1986.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Tillie (Sinclair) Lehrman.
An Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was a member of American Legion Post 16, Allentown, Post 899, Lehigh Township, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7293, Egypt, and Post 4714, Northampton.
Surviving in addition to his widow are two sons, Edward S. Jr. and Thomas M., both of Allentown; four daughters, Robyn L., wife of Brian D. Simmons of Catasauqua, Leane M., wife of Jay Miller of Bowie, Md., Michele L., wife of Bernard Krajcir of Allentown, and Debra L., wife of John M. Kraus of Walnutport; a brother, Charles Jr., and three sisters, Lois, wife of Phillip Majerich, Mary Strauss and June Vogel, all of Allentown; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Paul H. Ruth
Paul H. Ruth, 64, of 3120 W. Scenic Dr., Danielsville, died Wednesday in his home.
He was a welder for Albright Metal.
Born in Easton, he was a son of the late Howard and Irene (Ritter) Ruth.
Surviving are two sons, Charles R. in California and Karl of Luzerne; a daughter, Pamela Wawryk of Mertztown; a brother Melvin of Danielsville; a sister, Marian Hilbert, with whom she resided; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Michael E. Kravelick Sr.
Michael E. Kravelick Sr., 86, of ManorCare Health Services, Salisbury Township, died Friday in the home. He was the husband of the late Esther (Flood) Kravelick.
He was a construction finisher for the Seilcote Company in New Jersey for 15 years before retiring in 1981.
Born in Nesquehoning, he was a son of the late Metro and Anna Kravelick.
Surviving are a son, Robert Hertzog of Allentown; a brother Metro of Nesquehoning; two sisters, Tessie Kortvely and Anna Carl, both of Allentown; eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two sons, Richard and Michael E. Jr.
Leon F. Smith
Leon F. Smith, 95, of 5713 Route 873, Neffs, died Thursday in the Phoebe Nursing Home, Allentown. He was the husband of the late Catherine G. (Gilbert) Smith.
He was a shipping and loading supervisor for the former Universal Atlas Cement, Northampton, for 43 years before retiring in 1966.
Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Peter A. and Rosa A. (Moyer) Smith.
He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, Northampton.
Smith was a member of various Masonic lodges, including Chapman Lodge No. 637, Northampton. He was a former member of the Northampton Rotary Club.
Surviving is a companion, Mabel S. Semmel, with whom he resided.
Mrs. Gisella Karol
Mrs. Gisella "Stella" Karol, 85, formerly of 630 N. Fourth St., Allentown, died Thursday in Cedarbrook's Fountain Hill Annex, Bethlehem. She was the widow of Michael Karol.
She worked in the maintenance department of the former Quaker Shoe Company, Allentown.
Born in Rabafurzest, Hungary, she was a daughter of the late John and Rozina (Schmidt) Frisch.
She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Allentown.
Surviving are four sisters, Mary Deutsch of Bethlehem, Christine Smith of Lackawanna, N.Y., Elsie, wife of Adam Kohler of Walnutport, and Hilda McFadden of Waterloo, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Elizabeth A. Blum
Mrs. Elizabeth A. "Betty" Blum, 82, of Hendersonville, N.C., formerly of Mahanoy City and Park Crest, died Friday in the Life Care Center of Hendersonville. She was the widow of Nathan Blum.
Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Leshko) Sofranko.
Surviving are a daughter, Patricia A., wife of Dr. John Y. Modarress, with whom she resided; two sisters, Gertrude Gift in Hawaii and Marie Mickel of Allentown; two brothers, Thomas of Bethlehem and Andrew of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Helen R. Whetstone
Mrs. Helen R. "Nellie" Whetstone, 91, formerly of Tamaqua and Hometown, died Sunday in the Geriatric Center of Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale. She was the widow of Thomas W. Whetstone, who died in 1975.
Born in Lost Creek, Schuylkill County, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Anna M. (Coyle) McAndrew.
Mrs. Whetstone was a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church, Tamaqua.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Anna Marie Cardillo and Mrs. Rita Breslin, both of Hometown, Tamaqua R.2; a son, Thomas J. of Bristol; five grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by five sisters, Mary Gallagher, Catherine McAndrew, Margaret Mims, Anna McAndrew and Bridget McAndrew; and a brother, Michael McAndrew.
The Jon M. Zizelmann Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.
Howard A. Ehrich
Howard Allen "Rick" Ehrich, 80, of 520 Morrison Campground Rd., Rome, Ga., died Friday in Rome. He was the husband of Imogene Whaley Hall Emerich.
Prior to retiring, he had been employed by the Georgia Power Company as senior garage superintendent. Following retirement, he served as a consultant. Former Georgia Gov. George Busbee named Ehrich as his Lt. Col. Aide de Camp in 1975 and 1980.
Born in Lansford, he was a son of the late Lloyd E. and Myra O. (Wittig) Ehrich.
A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army in the European and Pacific Campaigns.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are several step-children, step-grandchildren, step great grandchildren and step nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Lucy Holt
Mrs. Lucy "Betty" Holt, 75, of 10 W. Center St., Mahanoy City, and formerly of Locust Valley, Barnesville, died Saturday in the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic, Pottsville. She was the widow of Thomas "Tucker" Holt, who died in 1978.
Born in Mahanoy City, she was a daughter of the late Elmer G. and Mae F. (Shirey) Cope.
Mrs. Holt was a member of St. Peter United Church of Christ, Barnesville, and the Mahanoy Area Senior Citizens. She graduated from the former Mahanoy City High School.
She is survived by two sons, Thomas and Robert Holt, both of Barnesville; two daughters, Carolyn Koback and Judy Hutera, both of Barnesville; two brothers, Edward "Ted" Cope of Florida and George Cope of Tamaqua; two sisters, Evelyn Lukash of Florida and Lois Dombrowski of Breiningsville; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
The Jane Clifford Ritz Funeral Home, 19 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, is in charge of arrangements.
Michael N. Mikulka
Michael N. Mikulka, 71, of 408 Bridge St., Weissport, died Sunday in Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton. He was the husband of the late Joan (Outlaw) Mikulka, who died in 1994.
Born in Lansford, he was a son of the late Michael and Rose (Sharabach) Mikulka.
He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton.
He is survived by a son, Robert of Cherry Hill; four brothers, Stephen of New York, N.Y., John and Paul, both of the Bronx, N.Y. and Robert of Lansford; six sisters, Catherine Pavlick of Lansford, Helen Maredeo of Nesquehoning, Anna Mikulka of Richfield, N.J., Margaret Lannie of the Bronx, N.Y., Mary Gaza of Lansford and Ann Bennett of Tamaqua; and two grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Bertha Johnson Seldon and Julia Gavoin.
The Holmes-Griffiths Funeral Home, 200 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.
