Bernadine Elko, 92, formerly of McAdoo, passed away Saturday morning at St. Luke’s Nursing Center, Coaldale.  Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Suhena) Yursha. She was a member of St. Mary’s U.C. Church, McAdoo, and also enjoyed attending services at the Franciscan Monastery, Sugarloaf. Prior to retiring, Bernie was employed in the area garment industry, and later for the Hazleton Area School District. Preceding her in death, in addition...

Elizabeth Benko, 91, formerly of Hazleton, passed away Thursday morning at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums. Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Holic) Benko. She was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, Hazle Twp. Prior to retiring, Elizabeth was a dietary aide at Hazleton General Hospital. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were brothers Bernard, Clarence, John and George Benko; and sister Margaret Benko. Surviving, are...

Cletus J. Carey, Sr., 77, of Hazleton, passed away Sunday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton.  Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Francis and Anne (McNelis) Carey. Clete was a U.S. Army veteran. He was of the Roman Catholic faith. Clete was a 'jack of all trades', he was an accountant and silver extraction plant owner and also prior to retiring, he was a time-share manager. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his beloved...

Joseph M. ‘Zeke’ Puza, 49, of Freeland and formerly of Beaver Brook, passed away Tuesday, October 12, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton.  Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Celeste (Smith) Mahuiztl of Freeland and the late Joseph Puza. He was of the Roman Catholic faith. Joey enjoyed helping out at the family garage in Beaver Brook. He loved talking and spending time with everyone. Joey also enjoyed going to USA boxing matches. He was always very patriotic and respected...

James G. Sabatella, 87, of Hazle Twp., passed away peacefully Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hazleton on May 10, 1934, James was the son of the late Adam and Angeline (Longo) Sabatella and lived most of his life in Kelayres. He was married to the love of his life, the former Joan Petruncio, for over 63 years on this past August 2nd. James greatest joy was being with his family. He was a kind, caring and a...

Mary Jane Leshko, 69, of Hazle Twp., passed away Thursday evening at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Jennie (Manna) Havrilla. She was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton. Mary Jane was a graduate of Wilkes University with a B.S in Business and was employed in the manufacturing industry in Human Resources and Accounting.  She was also the parish secretary at St....

Mark E. Zapotosky, 60, of Bloomsburg, passed away on September 26th at St. Luke’s Pavilion, Hazleton.  Born on August 12, 1961, the son of Dolores M. (Kodak) Zapotosky, of McAdoo and the late Emil J. Zapotosky.  He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Michael & Anna (Yansura) Kodak, as well as his paternal grandparents Michael & Sue (Timko) Zapotosky. Surviving him in addition to his mother, are his sister, Mary Beth Higgins and...

Edward S. “Ciggy” Ciglar, Jr., 59, of McAdoo, passed away early Monday morning after a brief illness. Born in McAdoo, he is the son of Edward and Lillian (Marinock) Ciglar. Ciggy was a 1980 graduate of Marian Catholic High School. He was a member of the McAdoo Fire Co., the McAdoo VFW and the Tresckow Hosey. Ciggy loved fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his many friends. Preceding him death were his siblings, infant Laurie and brother Scott; paternal grandparents,...

Michael A. “Mikey” Burk, 20, of Hazleton, passed away suddenly on October 6, 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton. Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Timothy R. Burk and the Late Cecile (Bloom) Burk. Mikey enjoyed spending time and goofing around with his cousins. He was always making people smile and laugh, and always willing to lend a helping hand.  He will be sadly missed by all. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his maternal...

Rita A. Kuritz, 92, of Hazleton, passed away peacefully Saturday morning at the Manor of St. Luke Village, where she had been a resident.  Born in Tresckow on July 26, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Genevieve (Thomashefsky) Durishin, Sr. Rita was a member of Annunciation Parish at St. Gabriel’s Church, Hazleton. She worked at several dress factories during her life and was employed at Honig Corp. prior to retiring. Rita was an avid gardener who enjoyed...