All Obituaries

Stephen M. Smolar, 48, of New Ringgold PA, entered into eternal rest on Sunday June 6, 2021 at his residence.  Born in Coaldale, he was a son Denise “Cookie” (Nalesnik) Smolar and the late Stephen H. Smolar.  He was self-employed as a plumber and was a 1990 graduate of Tamaqua High School.    Surviving in addition to his mother is a companion Kim Focht,  sons Stephen H. Smolar of Lebanon PA and Dylan Smolar of Tamaqua PA, sisters Stacey Hill and husband...

Lenwood L. “Lenny or Skip” Hinkle, 76, of Nesquehoning went home to be with his lord and savior on Thursday, June 3, 2021.  He was the loving husband of Peggy (Nothstein) Hinkle and they would have been married for 56 years in July.   Born in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Harold and Alice (Drasher) of Freeland.  Lenny had an extremely deep love for his family.  He loved being with them.  He was a member of Meed’s Memorial United Methodist...

Beatrice M. Nester, 76, formerly of Nesquehoning and Lansford, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 27th at Seton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Orwigsburg PA.  She was the wife of the late Peter L. Nester, who died in 2011.  Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Elizabeth (Blazek) Skrabak.  She lived married adult life in Nesquehoning with her husband Peter, raising their three daughters.  She then lived in Lansford following her...

Edward Thomas Kochaba, 87, of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, passed into eternal life on February 11, 2021. Ed was husband of 63 years to his dear, late wife Frances (Brinkos) and the son of the late Michael and Susanne Kochaba of Nesquehoning. He was preceded in death by siblings Michael, Margaret, and the Rev. Fr. Myron and is survived by brother John and wife Helen of Camden, Delaware. Ed attended Nesquehoning High School where he was a District 11 gymnastics champion. Following graduation,...

Helen Homcha, 93, of Nesquehoning, entered into her eternal rest on Saturday, January 23rd in her home surrounded by the love of her entire family.  She was the wife of the late Frank Homcha, who passed away in 2013.  Born in Nesquehoning in June of 1927, she was the daughter of the late John Sr. and Anna (Yacapsin) Kovatch. Helen will forever be remembered for her positive outlook on life and the loving care she provided to everyone she came in contact with.  Her greatest...

Kathryn A. Yurchak, 93, of Paulsboro NJ, formerly of Coaldale PA, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family in Franklinville NJ.  She was the wife of the late Stephan Yurchak, who preceded her in death in 1978.  Born in Coaldale PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Horochak) Haraheuss.  Kathryn grew up in Coaldale, and moved to Paulsboro NJ in 1956 where she lived the rest of her life.  While in Coaldale she was a member of ST....

Donna R. Nalesnik, 81, of Nesquehoning, formerly of Lansford, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Maple Shade Meadows in Nesquehoning.  She was the wife of the late Steve Nalesnik, who passed away in 1999.  Born in Summit Hill, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Eleanor (Christman) Derby. Donna worked for many years as a sewer in various garment factories in the area.  She was an active member of Meed’s Memorial United Methodist Church...

Thomas E. Wazny, 72, of Somerville NJ, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 13, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Somerset. Born in New York City, he was a son of the late John H. Wazny and Mary (Mermon) Wazny.  He worked in the Banking industry as a bank clerk and was a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  He was of the Roman Catholic Faith.  Surviving is a brother John Wazny and wife Eva of Yonkers NY, a niece Suzanne Wazny Knowlton, a nephew John...

Rasami Nester, 73, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 12th in her residence surrounded by her loving family.  She was the wife of the late Joseph Nester who had died in 2006.  Born in Thailand, she emigrated to the United States with her husband Joseph and daughter Mary and they settled in Nesquehoning.   She was of the Roman Catholic Faith and was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Jim Thorpe PA.  Prior to that she...

James M. Hydro, 64, of Easton, formerly of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 8th at his residence.  Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Vincent and Joan (Ulshafer) Hydro.  He was a 1974 graduate of Marian High School and also graduated from the Carbon County Vocational-Technical High School in Jim Thorpe, specializing in Automotive Repair.  Jim’s passion continued to be cars of all types and especially racing cars, highlighted by...