Obituary: Joseph H. Wilhelm (January 10, 1934 - July 29, 2006)

Mr. Joseph H. Wilhelm, age 72, of 25 East Ridge Street Lansford, Pa., died Saturday, July 29, 2006, at St. Lukes Miners Memorial Medical Ctr. in Coaldale, Pa.

He was the husband of Jean F. (Patterson) Wilhelm and they were married for 20 years.

Mr. Wilhelm was employed by Sisters Cantina as a chef for many years.

He was the son of the late Heinrich Wilhelm and the late Angela (Geborene) Wilhelm.

Survivors:

Daughter- Sylvia wife of James Rose of Schwenksville, Pa.

Daughter-Rose Mary Wilhelm and her companion Stephen Rachfalski of Quakertown, PA

Daughter-Hedi wife of Todd Jasuta of Lansdale, PA

Step Daughter-Shelley A. Scofield of Newburg, N.Y.

One Step Son, Ronald E. Scofield of Tamaqua, Pa.

One Sister, Clair wife of Joseph Arena of California

Two Brothers, Joseph Wilhelm and his partner Jeanette of Quakertown, Pa.

Rudy Wilhelm of Conshohocken, Pa.

Nine grandchildren One great-grandchild

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a step son Gary F. Scofield and a brother Reinhold Wilhelm.

Services are private at the convenice of the family.

Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa..

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: John Glenn Weiner (May 28, 1962 - July 29, 2006)

Mr. John G. Weiner, age 44, of 324 Van Gelder Street Tamaqua, Pa., died Saturday, July 29,2006 at his home.

John was a 1981 Tamaqua High School Graduate.

A Professionally trained Chef, having graduated from the Hershey Culinary School, Hershey Pa. John worked in many restaurants from the World Class Balsams Resort & Spa in Eroh,NH., to his lastest employment at the Fair Ways in Lehighton, Pa. As and Avid outdoorsman, he appreciated nature and it's offerings, enjoying family and friends to his fullest.

He was the son of John J. Weiner with whom he resided and the late Margaret (Kupetz) Weiner.

Also survived by his Girlfriend Marie D. Zancofsky of Tamaqua, Pa.

Four Sisters: Mary Ann Schmerfeld wife of David of Barnesville, Pa.

Mrs. Susan Marie Truskey wife of Bob of Tamaqua, Pa.

Mrs.Peggy Heckman wife of Keith of Nesquehoning, Pa.

Mrs. Karen Wasserleben wife of Randy of Tamaqua. Pa.

Nieces and Nephews; Amber & David Schmerfeld, Christi & Cory Truskey, Megan & Madison Heckman, Nicole & Jacob Wasserleben.

Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa..

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday August 3, 2006 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. from the Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 o'clock A.M. St. Jerome R.C.C. West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa.

Interment will be at St. Bertha's R.C.C. Cemetery, Tuscarora, Pa.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: William J. Forster

Mr. William J. Forster, age 84, of 116 Patterson Street, Tamaqua, Pa., died Saturday, July 29, 2006, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center in Coaldale, Pa.

Bill is a member of St. Jerome R.C.C. Tamaqua, and a graduate of the St. Jerome High School Class of 1940. Upon Graduation, Bill entered the Army Air Corp serving in the Battle of Normandy during the European Air-Offensive in Europe. For his gallantry, Bill was awarded the the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, and the European/African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars. Bill is a Purple Heart recipient, and maintains membership in the I.W.S.A. WWII Club.

A lifetime member of the East End Fire Co. Bill served as a Line Captain, and he served on the Fireman's Relief Board of Control in Tamaqua, Pa..

Other affiliations include: Tamaqua Rotary Club; Carpenter's and Jointer's United Brotherhood. Bill was instrumental in organizing the Tamaqua Bi-Centennial Parade.

Bill retired from the Tamaqua Area School District as Superintendent of Maintenance in the late 1980's.

Born in Lansford, Pa., he was the son of the late William Forster and the late Anna (Moser) Forster.

He is survived by his two daughters: Mrs. Rosemary Allen of Newark, Del.; and Mrs. Susie Comisac, wife of, Bud,of Tamaqua, Pa.

Three Sons: Mr. William "Bill" M. Forster and his wife, Maryann, of Casselberry, Fla.; Mr. Joseph J. Forster and his wife, Patty, of Tamaqua, Pa. and Mr. George P. Forster and his wife, Patricia, of Auburn, Pa.

Bill is survived by twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Honus) Forster and a son, Jimmy; two brothers, Albert and Carl; and three sisters, Mrs. Terry Beddall, Ursula Galic, and Katherine Schaeffer.

Arrangements are being handled by: E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa., where his family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, August 1, 2006; and Wednesday morning from 8:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.. Prayer Services are at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday evening.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2006, at 10 o'clock A.M. at St. Jerome R.C.C. West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa.

Interment will be at St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery in Tamaqua, Pa. Graveside military honors will be presented.

Memorials may be made to the WWII Disabled War Veterans or your Local Toy's for Tot's Drive.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: David Bruce Hartman (November 6, 1953 - July 27, 2006)

David Bruce Hartman, 52, of 120 Clay St., Tamaqua, died Thursday in his home.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of Elizabeth "Ida" (Zimmerman) Hartman of Tamaqua and the late Bruce F. Hartman.

He had attended the Avenues School for the Disabled, Pottsville, for 31 years.

Hartman was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Tamaqua.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are two sisters, Barbara R. Hartman and Alice K. Hartman, both of Tamaqua; one aunt, Louise McKeon of Harrisburg; four nieces and one nephew.

Calling Hours: Tuesday August 1, 2006 from 9:30am-11:00 am at the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home Inc.

Funeral Service: Tuesday August 1, 2006 at 11 am from the Funeral Home with the Rev. David W. Grant officiating.

Interment: Sky View Memorial Park

The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Robert E. Beers. Jr. (September 21, 1947 - July 23, 2006)

Mr. Robert E. Beers, Jr., age 58, of Mary D, Pa., died Sunday, July 23, 2006, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Pottsville, Pa.

Bob was a Lehighton High School class of 1966 graduate. Upon graduating he entered the United States Army Serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He spent his working life as a Truck Driver last working for Metropolitan Trucking. He was a devoted Father, Husband, Son, Brother and Friend. His sense of humor and quick witt was enjoyed by all. Bob worked hard to provide for his family, he enjoyed all his childrens accomplishments and was so appreciative of his wife Cheryls care for him during his time of illness.

As a honorably discharged veteran he maintained membership in the Lehighton Amercian Legion.

Born in Palmerton the son of the late Robert Beers, Sr. and Ethel (Koch) Beers who resides in Lehighton, Pa..

He is also survived by his wife of 18 yrs, Cheryl A. (Inama) Beers of Mary-D, Pa.

Two Daughters, Miss Nicole L Beers of Lehighton, Pa.

Miss Danielle H. Beers of Mary D, Pa.

Two Sons, Mr. Travis R. Beers & wife Amy of Lehighton, Pa.

Mr. Jared R. Beers of Mary D, Pa.

Sisters, Sister-Carol A Kuhns wife of Jerry of Bowmanstwon , and Sharon L. wife of Matt Frantz of Lehighton, Pa.

Grandchildren: Ashley & Ava Beers, Devin & Nathan Greene

Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa.

All services will be Private.

Memorials in Bob's honor maybe made to the Hillside S.P.C.A of Pottsville, Pa. 17901 or the Ruth Steinert S.P.C.A. of minersville, Pa.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Michael A. Meck (July 11, 1926 - July 21, 2006)

Mr. Michael A. "Mitch" Meck, age 80, of 290 3rd. Street Coaldale, Pa., died Friday, July 21, 2006, at Mahoning Valley Nursing Home in Lehighton, Pa.

He was a Catholic by faith. Michael retired from the United State Military Academy of West Point were he worked in a civilian capacity, and werved during WII in the Army.

Born in Coaldale the son of the late Andrew Meck and the late Tille (Curdilla) Meck.

He is also survived by his

Two Sisters, Francie Ehlers of Kenosha, Wis., and Mrs. Ann Callahan of Long Island, N.Y.

One Brother, Brother-Mr. Casper Meck of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Brothers Andrew J. and Frank preceded Micahel in death.

Miss Eva Flowers of Coaldale, Pa. has been his longtime Companion. Nieces & Nephews also survive Michael.

Calling Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Friday, July 28, 2006, from the E. FRANKLIN GRIFFITHS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa. Rev. John Pavlosky officiating

Funeral service will be at 12 Noon on Friday July 28, 2006

Interment will be at Sky-View Memorial Park in Tamaqua, Pa. Graveside Military honors will be bestowed by the Panther Valley Jr. R.O.T.C.

Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., Lansford, Pa.,

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Sara A. Donald (April 18, 1914 - July 21, 2006)

Mrs. Sara A. (Cunning) Donald, age 92, formerly of Lansford, Pa., died Friday, July 21, 2006, at St. Lukes Miners Memorial Medical Ctr. in Coaldale, Pa.

Sara was a member of the English Congregational Church of Lansford. She worked as a sewer for the former Ned Pollock Textile of Lansford, Pa.. .

Born in Lansford she was the daughter of the late William Cunning and the late Sally (Griffiths) Cunning.

She is survived by her

Son-Mr. Edward W. Donald and his wife Young Mi of Aberdine, Md.

Six grandchildren Two great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by her Husband George P. Donald July 8, 1970, Son William B. Donald December of 2005, Brothers; William and Joseph, Deceased Sisters; Berth Stickler, Beatrice Job, Winniafred Price, Isabella Main, Emma Donalin, Florence Malkin, Earlomond Davis, Margaret Mackleroy, Fannie Cattivera, and Louise Cerasso.

Calling hours wil be held on Tuesday morning from the funeral home 10:00 AM until time of services at 11 o'clock AM. Rev. Marjorie Keiter will be the officiant.

Interment will be at Sky-View Memorial Park in Tamaqua, Pa.

Memorials to a charity of ones choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa..

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Robert Tarlton Flower Tribute Available

The Flower Tribute for Robert Tarlton is now available. You can view the entire tribute by going to our homepage at http://www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com, clicking on the Robert Tarlton obituary located on the panel on the right side of the screen, and clicking on the link to the flower tribute at the bottom of the obituary.

Marie A. Ostrowski Flower Tribute Available

The Flower Tribute for Marie A. Ostrowski is now available. You can view the entire tribute by going to our homepage at http://www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com, clicking on the Marie A. Ostrowski obituary located on the panel on the right side of the screen, and clicking on the link to the flower tribute at the bottom of the obituary.

Rev. Rick L. Hartung (Died July 14, 2006)

Rev. Rick L. Hartung, age 48, of 454 Laurel Drive, Canton, NC went home to his lord and savior on Friday, July 14, 2006, in his home after an extended illness.

A native of Tamaqua, he has lived in the Canton area for the past 12 years. He was the son of Mearl E. Kistler Hartung of Tamaqua, and the late Paul Robert Hartung. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Paul Hartung.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his beloved wife and best friend, Deborah Yates Hartung of Canton, NC.

Five sisters:

Renee Hartung Frederick, wife of Ronald Frederick, Blue Ball, PA, April Hartung Hartranft, wife of Kerry Hartranft, New Ringgold, PA; Linda Hartung Kane, wife of Michael Kane, and Lizbeth Hartung Domday, wife of the late Anthony F Domday; and Paula Hartung Weinert, wife of Thomas Weinert, all living in Tamaqua.

Five brothers:

Charles “Butch” Hartung and wife Cindy, Ernie Hartung and wife Christine, and Daniel Hartung, all living in Tamaqua. Raymond Hartung, Summit Hill and Keith Hartung and wife Vidya, Shippensburg, PA.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home, Asheville, NC. Burial was in Green Hill cemetery in Waynesville, NC.

Memorial can be sent to HRMC Hospice 560 LeRoy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721 or All Christian Church c/o Tony Gibson 555 Laurel Drive, Canton, NC 28716

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Memorial Service Friday, July 21, 2006 at 7:00 PM from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad St., Tamaqua, PA. Call 6:30 PM until time of service.

John B. Stanalis (April 9, 1914 - July 19, 2006)

Mr. John B. Stanalis, age 92, of 230 West Howard Ave. Coaldale, Pa., died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at St. Lukes Miners Memorial Medical Ctr. in Coaldale, Pa.

He was a member of St. John's Lithuanian Catholic Church of Coaldale, Pa. / 1931 Coaldale High School Grad. / WWII Army Medic/ Employed as a machinist for 29 yrs at the former Bundy Tubing of Tamaqua, Pa.

Memberships included the Coaldale Legion and Coaldale Lithuanian Club. John was and avid outdoorsmen, who loved fishing and hunting.

He was the son of the late George Stanalis and the late Elizabeth (Galanis) Stanalis.

Survived by his wife of 64 years Mrs. Anna (Hudasky) Stanalis;

Two Daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann wife of Michael J. Panchura of Sterling, Va., and Mrs. Susan Ann wife of Frank J. Bydlon of North Conway, N.H.

One Sister, Sister-Mrs. Julianna Wells of Los Angeles, Calif.

Three grandchildren

Preceded in death by a sister Mrs. Anita Yescavage

Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. John Lithuanian Catholic Church of 229 West Phillip Street Coaldale, Pa. 18218at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2006 . Rev. John Pavlosky to Officiate.

Friends will be received after the Mass.

A Private family committall to follow.

Mass cards or Memorials may be made to St. John Lithuanian Catholic Church or St. John SLovak Lutheran of 1 East Abbott Street Lansford, Pa. 18232

Online Obituaries maybe made to www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Robert Tarlton (August 8, 1914 - July 17, 2006)

Mr. Robert Tarlton, age 91, of Cockysville, Md., died Monday, July 17, 2006, at Warren Place in Cockysville, Md. Preceded in death by his wife Florence (Reese) Tarlton November 15, 1994 they resided in Lansford until he moved to Maryland after her death.

He was a member of Former English Congregational Church of Lansford, Pa. / WWII Army Veteran/ Member of Lansford AMVETS, Lansford Rotary, former Mahoning Valley Country Club. Served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Cable Assoc. / Board of Directors of National Cable Museum in Denver, Co.

While working with his father in the Lansford Appliance store, Bob introduced the sale of TV's. Because of a weak Signal he erected a Tower in Summit Hill to transmit a signal to TV's in the Panther Valley Area. He and other local TV merchants formed the Lansford Cable Co. to transmit TV signal to customers in the Panther Valley. Not satisfied with the signal strength Bob contracted with Jerrold Electronics of Philadelphia. Pa., owned by Milton Shapp to modify and amplifier they produced to enhance cable strength to the Panther Valley Cable Co. customers. Succesfully altering the amplifier led to a job with Jerrold Electronics and consulting contracts that evolved into helping Milton Shapp and his Company build two of the largest cable systems nationally in Williamsport, Pa & Clarksburg, VA. Bob's feats have been lauded in national newapaper articles in NEWSWEEK. the NEW YORK TIMES and the WALL STREET JOURNAL. For many years he consulted with many entrepreneurs around the country establishing of cable franchises.

Born in Lansford, Pa. the son of the late William Tarlton and the late Mary Edith (Bitner) Tarlton.

Survived by his son William R. and his wife Katherine of Phoenix, MD, Two Grandsons W. Fuller and R. Brett and Four Great Grandchildren

Bob was also preceded in death by a sister, Miss Margaret Tarlton.

Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, July 20, 2006.

Funeral service will be at 11 o'clock AM Friday from the Funeral Home with the Rev., Dr. Wayne Benack officiating.

Interment will be at Grand Army Cemetery in Summit Hill, Pa.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Harry Schaefer Flower Tribute Available

The Flower Tribute for Harry Schaefer is now available. You can view the entire tribute by going to our homepage at http://www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com, clicking on the Harry Schaefer obituary located on the panel on the right side of the screen, and clicking on the link to the flower tribute at the bottom of the obituary.

Obituary: Marie A. Ostrowski (January 5, 1950 - July 15, 2006)

Mrs. Marie A. (Koreyva) Ostrowski, age 56, of 175 Orwigsburg Street Tamaqua, Pa., died Saturday, July 15, 2006, at her home in Tamaqua, Pa. She was the wife of Edward F. Ostrowski and they were married for 37 years.

Born in Trenton , NJ she was the Daughter of the late John J. & Elizabeth (Blowers) Koreyva.

Mrs. Ostrowski was employed as a manager by Turkey Hill in Tamaqua, PA, for 15 years. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church, Tamaqua and was a 1968 graduate of Trenton High School.

She is survived by her husband Mr. Edward F. Ostrowski

Two Daughters, Elizabeth J. Ostrowski of Tamaqua, Pa.

Angela M. & wife of Tim Heckman of Tamaqua, Pa.

One Son, Edward F. Ostrowski of Tamaqua, Pa.

Two Sisters, Helen V. wife of Ray Mandrgoc of Tamaqua, Pa.

Edna Ann Langer of Morrisville, Pa.

One Brother George and wife Diane Koreyva of Bangor, Pa.

Seven grandchildren Kacie, Blair, Victoria, Jonathan, James, Christopher, Abbie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Irene Ruggerio and a Brother John Koreyva.

Calling Hours: Tuesday Evening from 6:30- 8 pm at the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home Inc. 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua.

Funeral Service: Tuesday (7-18-2006) at 8 pm from the funeral home with Chaplian Joseph Galko officiating.

Interment: Private at the convenience of the family.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements: E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home Inc. 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Obituary: Harry Beyrent Schaefer (May 31, 1917 - July 12, 2006)

Mr. Harry Beyrent Schaefer, 89, of 24 West Phillip Street, Coaldale, PA died Wednesday July 12, 2006, at Colonial Park Care Center in Harrisburg, Pa. He was the husband of the late Grace (McHugh) Schaefer who died on November 2, 1994.

Born in Lansford he was the son of the late Harry & Agnes (Beyrent) Schaefer.

Mr. Schaefer was employed Lehigh Valley Electronics in Foglesville as an electrical technician.

He was a member of St. Mary's the Assumption Catholic Church in Coaldale, PA, he served with the Army Air Corp in the Southern Philippines during WWII as an M/SGT. He was a graduate of Lansford High School class of 1937.

He was also a member of the Men of Marian, Holy Name Society, Lithuanian Club, past Exalted Ruler of the Lansford Elks, Member of the Amature Radio club, Avid Ham Radio Operator #W3IGH and a Hugh Notre Dame Fan.

Surviving: Daughters: Mary wife of John Kennedy of Bloomington, IN.

Ann Schaefer & Her her husband Joseph Sverchek of Stamford, CT.

Son: Daniel & wife Judy Schaefer of Harrisburg, PA.

Grandchildren: Maureen, James, Jill.

Great Grandchildren: Cailin, Brian, Conor and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife and a Brother Edward Schaeffer.

Calling Hours: Saturday from 9-11 in St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church 225 Second Street, Coaldale.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday at 11 am (7/15/2006) at St. Mary's the Assumption Catholic Church in Coaldale, PA with the Rev. John Pavlosky officiating.

Interment: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery in Summit Hill, PA with full military honors.

Contributions: May be made to the Men of Marian.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa. Melissa Ann Sommers F.D./Supervisor

Obituary: Mary A. Sirois (January 16, 1919 - July 1, 2006)

Mrs. Mary A (Gehlbach) Sirois, age 87, of Ben Titus Road Tamaqua, Pa., died Saturday, July 1, 2006, at Maple Shade Assisted Living Center in Nesquehoning, Pa.

She was Cathoic by faith. Mary worked 14 yrs as a Nursing Assistant at the Veteran's Hospital in Castle Point, Wappinger Falls, NY.. .

The daughter of the late Joseph Gehlbach and the late Helen (Losey) Gehlbach.

She is also survived by her

Three Sons, Edward Sirois & wife Kathy of Tamaqua, Pa. Mr. Arthur J. Sirois & wife Beverly of Pleassant Valley, N.Y. Mr. Joseph Sirois & wife Kathy of Bridge Water, N.J.

One Brother, Brother-Mr. Joseph Gehlbach of Las Vegas, Nev.

Six grandchildren Three great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by her Husband Arthur Joseph Edward Sirois who died August 2003, and two Sisters; Margaret McGrath & Helen Terry.

Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa.,

Funeral Services will be at 11 o'clock AM Friday July 7, 2006 from the funeral home with Father William Linkchorst officiating.

Friends my call from 9:30 Am until time of services.

Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pa.

Online Condolences and Registry Book maybe signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com