All Obituaries

Joyce A. Pecha, 93, of Nesquehoning died September 7, 2022 . Joyce was the loving wife of the late John Pecha. They were married for 53 years before John passed.  Born on August 17, 1929, she was the daughter of the late David and Ida (Smith) Kleintop. Joyce worked over 40 years in sewing factories in Nesquehoning. She loved family, Nascar racing, gardening and baking. Surviving is a son John S. Pecha and wife Rose Ann of Nesquehoning, granddaughter Victoria McKelvie and husband James,...

Jean-Ann Minnich, 47, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 31st at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.  Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of Allen Steigerwalt Jr. and Mary Jean LaRizzio, both of Nesquehoning.  She worked as a Nurse’s Aide at various hospitals in the area over the years.  She was of the Christian Faith.  Jean-Ann enjoyed going to Kid Rock Concerts and spending time with her family.  She will be deeply...

Josephine R. Lauchnor, 89, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 17, 2022.  She was the wife of the late Leonard L. Lauchnor, and had been married for 71 years.  Born in Nesquehoning, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Anna Sparich.   She worked for 50 years for the former Kai-jay pants co.  in Nesquehoning.  Josephine was of the Roman Catholic faith and was a longtime member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic...

Leondard L. Lauchnor, 91, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 17th in Nesquehoning.  He was the husband of the late Josephine (Sparich) Lauchnor, and they had been married for 71 years.  He was born in Lehighton and raised by his grandparents Sylvester and Ida Fisher.  He graduated from Lehighton High School, Class of 1948.  He was co-owner of the former Gasper/Lauchnor New Home Construction Co., and then was owner/operator of the Standard Blind and...

Justine Polivka Kopunek, 89 of Hauto Valley Estates in Nesquehoning PA, sadly left us on July 15th 2022. Justine was the daughter of John L. and Anna (Kuba) Polivka and she was predeceased by her husband Stephen and her son Thomas. Coming from a large family, Justine was also predeceased by her siblings: Adam Polivka, Mary Coffin, Michael Polivka, John Polivka, Helen Haughton, Anna Butrie, Elizabeth Heffelfinger, Irene Boyce and Nicholas Polivka and all of their respective spouses with the...

Karen Rose Parano, of Chester County, and formerly of Nesquehoning, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, 7 July 2022 at home. She was the most beloved sister, devoted auntie, constant companion, and dearest friend to all.    She was born in Hazleton, PA, the daughter of Frank J. and Nancy Ann (Zolota) Parano, of Nesquehoning. Karen attended the Panther Valley School District before graduating from Marian Catholic High School in 1985.  Always an avid reader and writer,...

Leon W. Cook, 85, of Nesquehoning, formerly of Tamaqua, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 2, in Nesquehoning.  He was the husband of the late Lucy N. (Nardozzi) Cook, who died in 2013.  Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Howard E. Sr. and Melissa (Bobst) Cook.   A graduate of Tamaqua High School, he then attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology  in Lancaster PA, and then began working in the printing department of the Reading Eagle Times...

  Evelyn (Chuma) Malaska, 94, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 16th at Maple Shade Meadows in Nesquehoning.  She was the wife of the late Pete Malaska, who died in 1984.  Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Hydro) Chuma.  She was of the Roman Catholic faith and had attended the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning.  Evelyn enjoyed shopping,...

Ardan Liam O’Brien, 40, of Nazareth PA, was a dedicated teacher and a born entertainer. He naturally found the stage in every room and he used it to great effect. He was born and raised in Manns Choice, Pennsylvania by his loving parents Daniel Lee and Mary Jane (Gardner) O’Brien.  He graduated from Chestnut Ridge High School in 1999 and Clarion University with a degree in Music Education in 2005. At Clarion and after, Ardan greatly enjoyed performing musical theater. He...

Patricia J. Williams, 80, of Tamaqua PA, formerly of Lake Hauto, Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hometown.  She was the wife of the late John M. Williams, who passed away in 2015. Born in Lansford, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Suzanne (Hoshko) Yurick.  She was part-owner of the former Mity-Fine Bakery in Lansford and later worked in the customer service department of Elk...