Miscellaneous Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Obituaries - 1997

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March 1, 1997

John "Teeler" Jabbo
John "Teeler" Jabbo, 76, a Coaldale native and former star athlete in that community, died Friday in Ashland Regional Medical Center, Ashland. He was the husband of Anne (Luta) Jabbo. At the time of his death they resided at 228 W. Mount Vernon St., Shenandoah.
Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Michael and Tillie Jabbo.
In 1941 he graduated from the former Coaldale High School after earning a reputation as one of the fastest athletes ever to emerge from the Coal Regions.
"Teeler" played football his last three years in high school under the late Coach Tom "Doc" Raymer where his forte was open-field running.
His greatest athletic triumph, however, may have come in track and field competition.
He was unbeatable int he 100-yard dash on a team regarded as one of the best in the area.
He held the District XI 100-yard dash mark for more than 25 years with a time of 10.1 seconds. He was also a member of some record-breaking relay teams at Coaldale.
Following graduation, "Teeler" entered the military as a Coast guardsman, serving from 1942-1946. He later worked for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. until it ceased operations. During this time he became affiliated with the Lansford Blue Devils, a semi-professional football team. He later worked road construction before securing wmployment with the Silberline Manufacturing Co. He retired in 1983.
He was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Coaldale, and was a 50-year member of the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and this year he was a candidate to be inducted into the Carbon County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Surviving with his widow are two sisters, Rose Stricek and Mildred Barrett, both of Coaldale. Also, nieces and nephews.
The Oravitz Home For Funerals, Inc., Shenandoah, is in charge of arrangements.

John G. Sarge
John G. "Jack" Sarge, 71, of Pine Grove, died Sunday at York Hospital, York. He lived at ManorCare Health Services East, York, since January. He was the husband of the late Myrna Sarge.
Born in Pine Grove, he was a son of the late Homer D. and Naomi P. (Smith) Sarge. He was a 1943 graduate of Pine Grove High School and attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II.
Prior to retiring, he worked all of his life in sales/purchasing, most recently for Hanh Motor Co., Hamburg.
He was a member of Pine Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3432, Pine Grove American Legion Post 374, Rotary Club, Sodbusters and served on the Pine Grove Ambulance Association as a vlunteer driver.
In the 1980s, he was an announcer for Pine Grove High School football games and was a sports writer for the Pine Grove Press-Herald newspaper.
Surviving is a daughter, Jill Dietrich of York; a son, John M. Sarge of Andreas; a sister, Lucille Valibus, Pine Grove; two brothers, Richard, Spring Hill, Fla., and David, Pine Grove. Also five grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. today in St. John's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.

Stocus survivors
Among the survivors of William Stocus, 67, of 103 Brentwood Road, Raritan, N.J., who died Wednesday in the Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, N.J., is a brother Joseph, and a sister, Theresa, wife of Frank Andruscavage, both of Mahanoy City.

Lewis Paules
Lewis L. Paules, 98, of 255 Fireline Road, Bowmanstown, died Friday in the lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Chew Street, Allentown. He was the husband of Verna V. (Long) Paules.
Born in Slatedale, he was a son of the late Amandus and Ellen (Walters) Paules.
He retired in 1961 after 25 years as a quarryman for several local slate quarries.
Surviving with his widow are two daughters, Mrs. Ann DeLong and Ellen Paules, both of Bowmanstown; four sons, Lewis R. of Ashfield, Dale D. of Bath, Roger D. and Kerry J., both of Palmerton. Also 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The T.K. Thomas Funeral Home, Inc., 145 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of arrangements.

Elva E. Simmons
Elva E. Simmons, 67, of Highstown, and a Tamaqua native, died Thursday in the Merwick Rehabilitation Unit at the Medical Center in Princeton, N.J. She was the wife of George R. Simmons Sr.
Born in Tamaqua, she resided in Highstown since 1962.
She was formerly employed with Jamesway, and also worked with the Peddie School and McGraw Hill, all of Hightstown.
She was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church of Tamaqua, and spent much of her time enjoying music.
Surviving with her husband are two sons, The Rev. George R. Simmons Jr. of Hightstown, and Gary L. of Cornell, Wisc.; a brother, Joseph C. Fero of Hightstown; five grandchildren, two great-grrandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The Glacking/Saul Funeral Home, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, N.J., is in charge of arrangements.

Barnisky services
Funeral services for Joseph P. Barnisky, 92, of 16 Mauch Chunk St., Tamaqua, who died suddenly Friday, Feb. 28, 1997 in the Miners Memorial Medical Center, Coaldale, will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. from the Roche Funeral Home, 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, followed by Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. from Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Tamaqua. Interment in the Parish Cemetery, Owl Creek, Tamaqua. Call Monday, 10 to 10:40 a.m. Memorials to Ss. Peter and Paul Church Memorial Fund, 307 Pine St., Tamaqua 18252. 
Mr. Barnisky was the husband of the late Kathryn (Cunningham) Barnisky, who died in 1972.
Among family members not listed in Friday's TIMES NEWS Obituary were a sister, Mary Kuryloski of Narberth.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, George Peter and Albin Barnisky and two sister, Anna Valesek and Helen Linn.
The Roche Funeral Home, Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth E. "Betty" Fried
Elizabeth E. "Betty" Fried, 72, of 22 E. Oak St., Tresckow, the Spring House Personal Care Home, and formerly of Palmerton and Bowmanstown, died Thursday in Hazleton St. Joseph's Hospital.
Born in Palmerton, she was a daughter of the late Alfred E. Sr. and Agnes (Rehrig) Fried.
She worked as a cutter for the former Helmer Manufacturing Co.
She is survived by a brother, Alfred E. Fried, Jr., of Greeley, Co.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth A. Fried.
The Campton Funeral Home, Inc., 525 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, is in charge of arrangements.

March 3, 1997

Florence Gallagher
Florence Gallagher, 74, of 343 W. Bertsch St., Lansford, died Sunday evening in the Hometown Nursing Home, Tamaqua R.2, following a lengthy illness.
Prior to retiring, she worked for the former Kiddie Kloes, Lansford.
Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late John L. and Elizabeth (Neyer) Gallagher.
She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Lansford, the Blue Army of the church and the Panther Valley Golden Age Club, also of Lansford.
Surviving are an aunt and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and George.
The Roche Funeral Home-McNamara Chapel, 3 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of the arrangements.

Sister M. Paulita Radocha
Sister M. Paulita Radocha, 76, of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, died Friday evening in the Villa Sacred Heart, Danville.
Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Veronica (Matula) Radocha.
She attended the former St. Mary and SS. Cyril and Methodius grade schools in Coaldale and the former St. Mary High School, Coaldale, and entered the religious congregation in 1937. She professed her vows in 1940 at Villa Sacred Heart.
Sr. Paulita received her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Marywood College and a masters degree in business education from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. She also studied at Charleston University, New York University and Misericordia College.
She taught in elementary and junior high schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, South Carolina and Connecticut, and also taught at Lourdes High School in Shamokin.
In 1970, she was elected to a six-year term in the central administration of her religious congregation. In other leadership roles, she served as principal and local superior at St. Michael's, Jessup, and as local superior at St. Joseph Convent, Hazleton.
After 50 years of full time active ministry, she transferred to St. Methodius Convent, Danville, where her ministry included library aide and general duties.
Surviving are a sister-in-law, a nephew and several nieces.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Rev. Joseph P., Stephen and Paul; and a sister Ann.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Motherhouse, with the Rev. Stephen Radocha officiating. Transfer of the body to the Motherhouse was this afternoon, followed by a wake service tonight at 6:30.

Mrs. Roy W. Hutchinson
Mrs. Grace Irene Hutchinson, 83, of 122 N. Walnut St., Macungie, formerly of Upper Milford Township, died Saturday in the Lehigh Manor, Lower Macungie Township. She was the wife of Roy W. Hutchinson. They observed their 50th wedding anniversary last July.
She was a cafeteria worker for the East Penn School District for eight years before retiring in 1977.
Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of the late William C. and Belle (Downing) Mitchell.
She attended Faith Evangelical Free Church, Trexlertown.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Gregory of Macungie and Ramon K. of Lititz, Lancaster County; a brother, William C. of Walnutport; a sister, Louise Kramer of Schnecksville; and five grandchildren.

John E. Messics Sr.
John E. Messics Sr., 69, of 1142 Woodlawn St., Allentown, died Saturday in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Emma D. (Frankenfield) McDonnell Messics and the late Constance V. (Capwell) Messics. He and his second wife observed their 12th wedding anniversary last April.
He worked in the electrical department of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 37 years before retiring in 1990.
Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Francis and Theresa (Makos) Messics.
Surviving are four sons, Dewey F., Thomas and William J. Sr., all of Bethlehem, and John E. Jr. of Walnutport; five daughters, Virginia L. Juder, Tina M., wife of Franklin Woodell, Joy L. and Donna R., all of Bethlehem, and Patricia B., wife of Joseph Arnold of Bath; a sister, Mary Jacoby of Allentown; two brothers, Louis of Lower Saucon Township and Joseph of Emmaus; two stepsons, Frank McConnell of Allentown and Sean McConnell of Boulder, Colo.; four stepdaughters, Peggy, wife of Rock Hodapp of Crockett, Calif., Donna Couch of Allentown, Theresa, wife of Robert Schmoyer of Emerald, and Michelle McDonnell of Darby, Delaware County; 30 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Mrs. Jane Kulick
Mrs. Jane "Jennie" Kulick, 84, of 312 Coal St., Nesquehoning, died Saturday in the Mountain City Convalescent Center, Hazleton. She was the widow of Andrew Kulick.
She was a cafeteria worker in the Panther Valley School District for about 13 years before retiring in 1977.
Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Jennie (Bonner) Richards.
She was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Nesquehoning.
Surviving are a son, Daniel F. of Nesquehoning; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a son, John Richards; a brother Howard; and a sister, Elizabeth Lutz.
The Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning, is in charge of the arrangements.

Ricky L. Kotsch
Ricky L. Kotsch, 39, of 3619 Bayberry Drive, Danielsville, died Saturday in his home.
Born in Allentown, he was a son of Alfred Kotsch Sr. of Allentown and Betty L. (Ritter) Wertzberger of Danielsville.
Surviving in addition to his parents are his stepfather, Robert A. Wertzberger of Danielsville; a brother, Alfred Jr. of Wrightstown, N.J.; a sister, Christine Schuebel of Perkasie; a daughter Shannon of Lehighton; a son Eric of Zions Grove; and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Anna Kotsch of Whitehall Township.

Lizzie A. Billig
Lizzie A. Billig, 74, of 2998 Windy Road, Orefield, died Friday in the Allentown Osteopathic Medical Center.
She was a farmer in Lowhill Township for most of her life.
Born in Heidelberg Township, she was a daughter of the late Earling A. and Annie (Frey) Billig.
She was a member of Morgenland Lutheran Church, Orefield.
Surviving are a sister, Lillian V. Boger, at home; two brothers, Carl A. and Clarence G., both of Fogelsville; and nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Florence E. Englehart
Mrs. Florence E. Englehart, 93, of Somerville, N.J., formerly of Weatherly, died Thursday in the Somerset Medical Center. She was the widow of Adam S. Englehart, who died in 1978.
Prior to retiring in 1978, she worked as a clerk in the Somerset County surrogate's office. Prior to that, she was a sales clerk at The Gaston Store, Somerville, for 20 years.
Born in Weatherly, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Somerville and the church's choir. She was a Sunday school teacher.
She was a member of the Civic League of Somerville; a 25-year member of the Raritan Valley Grange, South Branch, N.J.; and the Legal Secretaries Association of Somerset County.
Surviving are a son, Samuel L. of Bridgewater, N.J.; a daughter, Jane E. Coleman of Branchburg Township, N.J.; three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Irene Wasley, who died in 1996.

Edward M. Lupcho
Edward M. Lupcho, 57, of Mountain St., Weston, Luzerne County, died Sunday at the Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center.
He was owner and operator of Lupcho's Hauling and Sanitation, Weston.
Born in Weston, he was a son of the late Joseph and Hilda (Logar) Lupcho.
He was a lifetime resident of Weston and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Weston.
Surviving are a son, Edward M. of Damascus, Md.; two daughters, Jean Ann, wife of George Herndon of Mount Airy, Md., and Laura, wife of Joseph Lemley of Damascus; two brothers, Joseph G. of Tamaqua and Eugene J. of Weston; six grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Irma S. Hamsher
Mrs. Irma S. Hamsher, 80, of Lenhartsville, died Friday in the Kutztown Manor. She was the widow of Kermit O. Hamsher.
She was a cafeteria worker in the Greenwich Township Elementary School for 17 years before retiring in 1974.
Born in Greenwich Township, she was a daughter of the late Samuel G. and Lizzie F. (Reinhart) Gruber.
She was a member of Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Krumsville, where she formerly sang in the choir.
Mrs. Hamsher was also a member of the Kutztown American Legion Auxiliary.
Surviving are a son Ronald of Lenhartsville; a sister, Mrs. Arlene Dietrich of New Tripoli; and a grandson.


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