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Thomas was born in Shenandoah, PA on June 5, 1936, the son of the late Veronica (Lehigh) and Thomas Flaherty.
He attended local schools.
Thomas was of the catholic faith and was a member of the former St. Canicus Church, Mahanoy City.
Tom had worked as an appliance repairman at Troyanoski Electric before retiring. After which enjoyed spending time with his family and tinkering around in his garage as well as daily visits to the Frackville McDonald’s for his morning coffee and going to the Black Diamond or M&M Redzone for the daily lottery numbers and his evening beverage.
He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Krolick) Flaherty and is preceded in death by two sons SSGT Robert and John Flaherty and a grandson Daniel G. Sleva, Jr.
Thomas is survived by four daughters, Veronica, wife of Russell Williams, of Mahanoy City; Patricia, wife of Daniel Sleva Sr., of Morea; Susan, wife of Gustavo Suglia, of Middletown DE; Kathleen, wife of Rodney Donmoyer, of Tower City. Four sons Thomas, husband of Judy Flaherty, of Delano; Michael Flaherty, of McAdoo; William Flaherty companion of Valerie Nagle of Tremont; Stephen, husband of Stacey Flaherty, of Mayfield.
He is also survived by 15 Grandchildren, Tom Jr., Edward, Amber, Russell Jr., Kristen, Allishia, Tiffany, Shauna, Marissa, Dante, Gaetano, Jonathan, Kelly, Cordell, Todd and 3 Great Grandchilren Chloe, Lillianna, and Peyton.
Religious Service at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, at 11 AM on Monday, August 10th, with Fr. Joseph Whalen and Deacon John Setlock officiating.
Friends and family may call for visitation on Sunday from 5 to 8 PM and Monday 9 to 11 AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.
Family prefers donations to: Daniel G Sleva Jr., Memorial Foundation, St Judes or Hillside SPCA.
Interment at Skyview Memorial Park Tamaqua, PA
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements.
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Joan Coleman-Forys, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, died peacefully at her home in Tuscarora on Friday, August 7, 2020 at the age of 62 after a short battle with leukemia.
Born July 18, 1958 in Coaldale, PA, Joan was the daughter of the late Tom and Eileen (Weingart) Coleman.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years John “Minerve” Forys, children Patrick Coleman of Tuscarora, Bridget Forys and her partner Josh Warne of New Ringgold, Melanna Forys of Leesburg, VA, and granddaughters Alexus and Evelyn Warne. Joan is survived by siblings Kathie Krell and her husband Dennis of New Ringgold, Thad Coleman and his wife Maryann of Frackville, Bridget Rudy and her husband Larry of Tuscarora, Leenie Burnett of East Sandwich, MA, Sarah Cool and her husband John “Green” of Hometown, Tom Coleman and his wife Kim of Coaldale, John Coleman and his wife Patty of Zion Grove, Hannah Coleman and her partner Marc Renn of Quakake, Jamie Coleman of Tuscarora, Moira McHale and her husband Michael of Jim Thorpe, many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by sisters Patty Dowling and Judi Coleman, brother Eddie Coleman, nephews Dennis Krell and Tommy Coleman, and brothers-in-law William “Burn” Burnett and John “Dizzy” Dowling.
Joan was a 1976 graduate of Marian Catholic High School and attended Bloomsburg University. She worked as an ultrasound technician for over 40 years and spent the last twelve of these years fulfilling various short-term sonography assignments around the United States, enjoying countless sites throughout the country and making friends everywhere she went. In addition to her career, Joan spent many years volunteering with the Tuscarora Fire Company and St. Jerome Regional School CYO. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a member of the former St. Bertha parish in Tuscarora, and a member of St. John XXIII parish in Tamaqua. Joan was greatly loved by many and will be profoundly missed by family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua. Interment in St. Bertha Cemetery, Tuscarora, PA. Calling hours will take place 6-8 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tuscarora Fire Company, 301 Mulberry Street, Tuscarora, PA 17982 or The Parish of St. John XXIII, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Attendees are reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and are kindly asked to wear a mask and observe physical distancing.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Born in Coaldale on September 17, 1936, Tom was a son of the late Thomas F. and Agnes (Marcin) Murphy. Tears flow as the mind races with memories of someone who was simply a good and decent man, who worked his entire life at taking care of his family…when being a “Good Man” was the highest compliment you could receive, Tom earned it in every way possible and then some!!! He was honest as the day is long; he was an altar boy; he played football and basketball in high school; he worked jobs such as delivering milk before school (when he was 13 years old) to help his parents; he worked at being the best construction manager he could be at PP&L; he was an avid golfer, a member of the Senior League at Mountain Valley Golf Course and golfed at the White Birch Golf Course; he was extremely interested in genealogy, local historical happenings and artifacts, and became active in the Tamaqua Historical Society; he served as a member of the Rush Township planning commission and currently was a member of The Parish of St. John XXIII, Tamaqua; he was affectionately called the “Chairman of the Board” by his brothers and sisters for all he did for them; he worked to provide for the love of his life “Pudge” and their three children; he worked at being the best “Grandpa Murphy” he could be to his three grandchildren and his six great grandchildren…He stood tall for all of us, when we lost Pop Pop & Nana and even when we lost Tommy, the single greatest loss a parent could suffer, Big Tom was still there!!! Through it all, for over 70 years, he never left Pudge’s side…proof is in our family pictures, all you need to do is look at the smiles on their faces to know they were meant to be together…Rest easy Tom, you worked to be the best person you could be and succeeded, we will love and miss you more than you could imagine but we will carry on, because you were a “Good Man”!!!
In addition to his wife, Darlene, Tom is survived by a daughter, Debbie Natitus and her husband Frank of Trucksville, PA; a son, Joseph Murphy; grandchildren, Frank Natitus and his wife, Liza of Perkasie, PA, Daniel Natitus and his wife, Kim of Dallas, PA, and Katie Natitus and companion Chris Oxenrider of Trucksville; great grandchildren, Dillan, Emily, Grace, Julia, Madelynn, and Carter; brothers, Michael Murphy and his wife, Sharon of Tamaqua, Joseph Murphy and his wife, Adele of Pottstown, PA, Eugene Murphy and his wife, Michele of West Penn, PA, and James Murphy and his wife, Linda of Tamaqua; sisters, Mary Louise Bittle and her husband, Bill of Ohio and Joan Marie DeLay and her husband, Tom of West Penn; and numerous nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Thomas J. Murphy in 2016.
Services are private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in his name be made to either the Tamaqua Historical Society, 118 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 or the Nesquehoning Historical Society (payable to Nesquehoning Memorial Society), sent c/o William Gardiner, 180 Coal Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Nelson J. Pauly, 91, of Branchdale, Reilly Township, died Monday at his home.
Born in Branch Township on March 4, 1929, he was a son of the late Frank and Elizabeth Secula Pauly. He was a graduate of Reilly Township High School. After serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict, he worked as an electronics technician at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation and at the former Olmstead Air Force Base, Middletown. He later worked in the service department for Sears.
He was a member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Branchdale
Preceding him in death was a son, Richard J. Pauly, in 2019. The last of seven children, he was also predeceased by four brothers, Lawrence Pauly, Louis Pauly, Francis Pauly, and Lambert Pauly; two sisters, Virginia Burgess and Mary Grieff.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Geraldine Smith; ten children, Marie Weikel (spouse, James), Pottsville, Gregory Pauly, Branchdale, Francis Pauly, Branchdale, Edward Pauly, Branchdale, Edwin Pauly, Minersville, Christopher Pauly (spouse, Mandy), Branchdale, Christine Neiswender (spouse, Joseph), Minersville, Eloise Hinkle (spouse, Gary), Minersville, Frederick Pauly, Minersville, and Philip Pauly, Branchdale; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Committal with military honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township, at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, August 17.
Nelson J. Pauly, 91, of Branchdale, Reilly Township, died Monday at his home.
Born in Branch Township on March 4, 1929, he was a son of the late Frank and Elizabeth Secula Pauly. He was a graduate of Reilly Township High School. After serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict, he worked as an electronics technician at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation and at the former Olmstead Air Force Base, Middletown. He later worked in the service department for Sears.
He was a member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Branchdale
Preceding him in death was a son, Richard J. Pauly, in 2019. The last of seven children, he was also predeceased by four brothers, Lawrence Pauly, Louis Pauly, Francis Pauly, and Lambert Pauly; two sisters, Virginia Burgess and Mary Grieff.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Geraldine Smith; ten children, Marie Weikel (spouse, James), Pottsville, Gregory Pauly, Branchdale, Francis Pauly, Branchdale, Edward Pauly, Branchdale, Edwin Pauly, Minersville, Christopher Pauly (spouse, Mandy), Branchdale, Christine Neiswender (spouse, Joseph), Minersville, Eloise Hinkle (spouse, Gary), Minersville, Frederick Pauly, Minersville, and Philip Pauly, Branchdale; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Committal with military honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, East Hanover Township, at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, August 17.
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Jim was born in Germantown, MD on April 15, 1968, a son of the late Judith (Black) and John Joseph McKivigan.
He was the husband of Stephanie (Spade) McKivigan. They were married September 17, 1994.
He attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg.
Jim graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1986. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Lock Haven University in 1991 and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
He recently retired from the Federal Correction Institution Schuylkill in Minersville after 25 years, where he was employed as the Recreational Supervisor.
In addition to his wife, Stephanie, James is survived by his son, John "Jack" McKivigan and daughter, Erin McKivigan.
He is survived by his sister, Maureen, wife of Mitch Crawford and a brother, Joseph McKivigan. He also had several nieces & nephews Michael & Rachel McKivigan; MyKyla& Luke Crawford; Andrew, Emma & Will Spade. Father and Mother in law Bill and Miriam Spade, Brother in law Matthew Spade, husband of Jennifer, sister in law Lori McKivigan. He will be missed tremendously by his loving and faithful dog, Piper.
He was preceded in death by his brother Patrick McKivigan.
Jim loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed being on the ball field with his children. He was a dedicated youth baseball and softball coach for Orwigsburg Area, as well as, the founder of Southern Area Jr. Legion Baseball. He was honored to coach this team for the last two years. One of his favorite past times was taking care of the ball fields at the “AMP”. He was a statistician for the Blue Mountain High School football team.
Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a member of the Coal Creek Ranch hunting club. He cherished his time at the beach with his family. He especially enjoyedthe family vacations to Crescent Beach, Florida.
Jim was a dutiful friend and coworker and was always willing to help wherever help was needed. As an employeeat FCI Schuylkill, he was an honor graduate from the Federal Law Enforcement training academy at Glynco, GA. He was a member and instructor for the FCI Disturbance Control Team.Jim touched many lives andcherished all friendships, old and new.
A Celebration of Life Service, for Jim, will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, August 16th at The Auburn Memorial Park Baseball Field (“AMP”) with Rev. Michael Petresky officiating. Friends and Family will gather from 12 noon until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children online (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate) or by mail: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.
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She was born on May 16, 1940, a daughter of the late David Rittle and Aletha Ensor
Joanne loved her pet birds and cats. She liked doing word searches. She was a fan of Elvis Presley. She enjoyed spending time with family.
She is survived by her five children, Mary Hrestak, Bill Hrestak, Belinda Hrestak, Gloria Hrestak and Ruth Binder. 15 Grandchildren, 16 Great Grandchildren, 7 Great Great Grandchildren.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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at St. Luke's Hospice House, Bethlehem,PA.
Born in Ashland Sept. 4,1937 the daughter of the late Herbert and Grace (Young) Schue. She attended Ashland Schools and was of the Methodist Faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Guinther in 1987.
Surviving are two daughters, three sons: Grace Wentworth, Shenandoah; Connie Budravage, Pottsville; Robert Guinther, Souderton,PA; Ronald Guinther, Shenandoah,PA and Gary Guinther of Kulpmont, PA. Two sisters survive: Marion Lorraine, California and Helen McManus of Iowa. Thirteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at a later date in Brock Cemetery, Ashland. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association by logging on to www.heart.org.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland is in charge of arrangements. Charles Heizenroth III, Supervisor.
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Lorraine M. Schwalm, age 79 of Valley View, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Hershey Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
She was born on January 2, 1941, in Hegins, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Elsie (Sweinhart) Kessler.
Lorraine was a graduate of the former Hegins-Hubley High School. After raising her children, Lorraine furthered her education and graduated from McCann's School of Business with an associates degree in Accounting.
She worked in the Accounting/Bookkeeping department for Quandel Construction, Minersville, and later for Metal Industries, Gratz, until her retirement.
Lorraine was a very active member, participating in various leadership positions and committees within St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
She was also a member of Red Hat Society.
In addition to her parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Schwalm, in 2016; husband Bruce Wiest; and husband Charles Witmer; a step son, Terry Schwalm, grandson Chase Witmer; and brothers Leonard and Charles Kessler Jr.
She is survived by three sons, David Witmer and wife Julie; Robert Witmer and wife DeLana; Ronald Wiest and wife Kimberly, all of Virginia; a daughter, Michele Pigott and husband Jeffrey of Harrisburg; 3 step sons, Scott Schwalm and wife Gretchen of Dauphin; Dennis Schwalm and wife Christine; Jason Schwalm and wife Amanda; and daughter in law, Amy Schwalm, all of Hegins; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; one sister, Betty Klinger, FL.
Services will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Monday, August 10, 2020, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Duane Bardo officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service Monday at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church.
Burial will be made in Barry Salem United Methodist Cemetery, Weisample.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist People Fund.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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She was born on January 2, 1941, in Hegins, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Elsie (Sweinhart) Kessler.
Lorraine was a graduate of the former Hegins-Hubley High School. After raising her children, Lorraine furthered her education and graduated from McCann's School of Business with an associates degree in Accounting.
She worked in the Accounting/Bookkeeping department for Quandel Construction, Minersville, and later for Metal Industries, Gratz, until her retirement.
Lorraine was a very active member, participating in various leadership positions and committees within St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
She was also a member of Red Hat Society.
In addition to her parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Schwalm, in 2016; husband Bruce Wiest; and husband Charles Witmer; a step son, Terry Schwalm, grandson Chase Witmer; and brothers Leonard and Charles Kessler Jr.
She is survived by three sons, David Witmer and wife Julie; Robert Witmer and wife DeLana; Ronald Wiest and wife Kimberly, all of Virginia; a daughter, Michele Pigott and husband Jeffrey of Harrisburg; 3 step sons, Scott Schwalm and wife Gretchen of Dauphin; Dennis Schwalm and wife Christine; Jason Schwalm and wife Amanda; and daughter in law, Amy Schwalm, all of Hegins; several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; one sister, Betty Klinger, FL.
Services will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Monday, August 10, 2020, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Duane Bardo officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service Monday at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church.
Burial will be made in Barry Salem United Methodist Cemetery, Weisample.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist People Fund.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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