Richard John Karlaza

Richard John Karlaza, 60, of Mount Carmel Township, and Buck Run, PA, passed away at home on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Born in Ashland on September 30, 1960, he was the son of the late John Karlaza, Jr. and the late Arlene Julia (Horan) Tobias. Rich attended Minersville Area High School before enlisting in the US Marine Corps. He worked in maintenance at the Fort Indiantown Gap and then as an operator at Tredegar, Marlin. Rich was a mild-mannered man with a quick smile and joke to lighten your spirits. He was family-oriented and worked tirelessly to provide. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was kind, smart and good with tools and home repairs. He was a friend to neighbors and stayed busy. Rich enjoyed cooking and baking and could be counted on to make a giant batch of homemade pumpkins pies for the family every season. He was kind to pets who gravitated to him even if they were not his. He is survived by a son, Nicholas John Karlaza, husband of Stephanie, Mohnton; daughter, Jessica Craig, life partner of Donald Frantz, Pottsville; sister, Sylvia Nelson-Brewer, Fair Lawn, NJ and Buck Run, PA; and sister, Marcia Long, wife of Robert Long, Buck Run; Nieces and Nephews, Eric Nelson, Olyvia and Alexys Long; grandchildren, Zachary and Tabitha Frantz; and great grandson, Wyatt Frantz. A visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, July 12 at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. Interment 10:00 am Friday, July 16 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery with Reverend Mark Fesniak officiating. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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