All Obituaries

Karen Barbara Modesto, 78, of Seltzer, passed away Tuesday, June 2nd, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville. Karen was born in Pottsville, on January 22, 1948, a daughter of the late Arlene (Smith) Wagner and Francis Smith. She was the wife of Salvatore R. Modesto. She was a former Dietary Hostess at the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic. Karen is survived by her husband, Sal, a son, Jason “J.T.”, husband of Karen Modesto. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nico ...

Michael Joseph Smith, Sr., 63, of Branch twp., passed away Friday, May 22nd, at his home. Mike was born in Pottsville, Pa. on August 4, 1962, a son of the late Dorothy (Schlitzer) Smith and Lester Smith. He was the husband of Maria Terese (Walacavage) Smith. He was employed as a truck driver and owner of Michael J Smith Trucking LLC.  A member of the Citizens Fire Co., of BranchDale, Forestville Fire Co., Big Hill Sports Club, & Muddy Creek Sportsman Club. Mike is survived by ...

Elsie P. Davis, 94, of West West Terrace, Branch twp., passed away Wednesday, May 20th, after a brief stay at The Gardens at York Terrace.. Elsie was born on October 6, 1931, a daughter of the late Anna (Tlumac) and Frank Bosack. She was the widow of Norman Davis. She was a devout member of Saint Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish. Minersville. She was a graduate of Branch Twp. High School Class of 1949. Elsie was a Seamstress in the local garment industry but was ...

Carol Ann Ryan, 84, formerly of MarLin, passed away April 16th at the Tremont Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Schoentown, a daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Lazarchick) Tomecheck. She was formerly employed as a seamstress in the local garment industry and at the Sun Ray and Jacks Sandwich Shop, Pottsville. She was a member of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville. Carol loved to do crafts. She made her own Christmas balls and ornaments. She loved working in her yard ...

Raymond E. Melnick, 71, of Minersville,  passed away on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Known lovingly as Ray, “Santa Ray,” Jaws, and Dodo, he was a man whose larger-than-life personality and unforgettable spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Born on December 30, 1954, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late John and Anna (Sema) Melnick. Ray was a devoted husband, a loving ...

Kevin James Thornburg, 70, of Norwegian Twp, formerly of Minersville, passed away peacefully Wednesday at Geisinger St Luke’s in the presence of family. Kevin was born in Pottsville, Pa. on November 21, 1955, a son of the late Constance (Adolphson) and Melvin Thornburg. He was the husband of Marie C. (McNellis) Thornburg to whom he was married to for nearly 44 years who was always by his side.  He was a 1973 graduate of Pottsville Area high School. He ran his own painting ...

Richard “Rick” Withelder, 71, of Zerbe, passed away on April 3, 2026, following a courageous and devastating battle with dementia. Through it all, Rick remained the hardworking, devoted man his family and friends will forever admire . Rick’s greatest legacy began in high school, where he met his sweetheart, Patricia (Sutton) Withelder. Theirs was a rare and beautiful bond; though married for 44 years, they shared a lifetime of 57 years side-by-side. Together, they built a ...

Beth Elaine Montgomery, 61, of Woodland Acres, Norwegian twp., passed away Wednesday, March 25th, at her home. Beth was born in Pottsville , on April 30, 1964, a daughter of the late Nancy (Meyer) and Gerald Fink. She was the wife of Kevin John Montgomery. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Minersville Beth was a Registered Nurse at LVHN Schuylkill East. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, sister, Suzan Fink. Beth is survived by her husband, Kevin, ...

Dr. Ralph Lutz, 91,  of The Villages, Florida, fell asleep in The Lord at dawn on Monday, March 23, 2026.   The son of the late Ralph Simon Lutz and Sara (Auman) Lutz, he was born in Lebanon, PA on July 5, 1934.   From his birth until his move to Florida in 2017, he lived in Schuylkill County in Reinerton and Muir and then West West Terrace, Branch Township. His love for learning took  Ralph  into the field of Education. His early learning experiences were in the ...

William L. Gallo, 79, of Minersville, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at LVHN Cedar Crest. Born October 19, 1946, he was the son of the late William and Adaline Gallo. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Pauline Gallo. William was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School. A longtime employee of Fabrical, he enjoyed spending his free time doing what he loved—hunting, fishing, and supporting local sporting events. He was also a dedicated member and former ...