Obituaries

April 20, 2024

Mary  Helen “Mimi”Mettam, 60, of St. Clair, passed away Saturday April 20, 2024 at LVHN-Schuylkill East.

Born in Pottsville, June 25, 1963, She was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Isabelle (Ross) Mettam.

She was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School and Mercyhurst University.

Mimi was the owner of Mettam Brothers Lumber Company, St. Clair.

She was a Vice President of St. Clair Women’s Club, and Past President of St. Clair Little League and was involved in many other community events.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Sean Mettam in 2014

Surviving are her husband Michael E. Bulino; sons Justin Dutcavich and his wife Megan of St. Clair; Ian Bulino of St. Clair; Luke Bulino and his wife Laura of Concord, MA; daughters Rochelle Bulino of St. Clair; Taryn Johnson of Allison Park; brother Kenneth Mettam and his wife Melissa of Palo Alto; 5 Grandchildren Owen, Liam, Brady, Zoey, Emerson. Niece Isabelle Mettam.

Memorial Services will be held at 7:30 PM Thursday from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA 17970 with Msgr. William Glosser Officiating. Friends may call from  5:30-7:30PM Thursday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Clair Women’s Club, c/o Michelle Price 18 S. Nichols St. St. Clair, PA 17970.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

April 19, 2024

Arthur James Felty, 96, former resident of Pine Grove, passed away peacefully April 19, 2024, at his home in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania with family at his side. He was a loving husband to Faye Elizabeth (Geier) Felty for 72 years. 

Arthur was born on June 30, 1927, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Adam and Florence (Newcomer) Felty. He was a graduate of Pine Grove High School, class of 1945. Arthur was an Eagle Scout, earning two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Order of the Arrow. He served in the Army Air Corps during 1945 and 1946, training as a weather observer at Sheppard Field, Texas and Chanute Field, Illinois. He achieved the rank of Sergeant prior to discharge from Maxwell Field, Alabama.

Arthur worked at Alcoa Aluminum, Cressona as a Laboratory Analyst until the company closed operations in Cressona. He continued to work in the Lab at the former Cressona Aluminum Company until he took over operations of the Cressona Aluminum Employees Federal Credit Union, which he managed for 13 years.  

Arthur was President of the Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League from 1993 to 1998. He volunteered for AARP as an income tax preparer for over 25 years and was a 70 plus year member of the Pine Grove American Legion.

Faith in God was an important aspect of Arthur’s life. He was a Christian, a man of faith and grace.  As an active member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Pine Grove he served many roles, which included adult Sunday school teacher, superintendent, church treasurer (18 years), lay leader for over 40 years and chairman of the administrative council. He also served as a lay speaker at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Pine Grove, at United Presbyterian Church in St. Clair and at Donaldson United Methodist Church in Donaldson.

Singing was a passion for Arthur and it brought great joy to his life to share his talent with others.  During his time at Penn State Schuylkill Campus, he sang 1st tenor under Jimmy Beach with the Men’s Quartet and Chorus.  In church, he sang in the Senior Choir.  He sang solos for many special occasions, including performing “Oh Holy Night” at Christmas Eve services for 50+ years. His musical talents extended to playing both the piano and organ for much of his life.

Arthur enjoyed learning, was creative and had a phenomenal talent for handicrafts and mastering new skills.  He built and maintained his house, assembled two organs and a grandfather clock from kits.  He loved to sew and was a tailor- quality seamster, making robes for the Church Choir and clothing for special occasions for family members. He crocheted scores of afghans and countless washcloths as a hobby over the years, which have become treasured keepsakes among family and friends.

Most of all, Arthur loved his family. He was a man of great character and integrity, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His consideration and generosity for others will remain in his legacy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. Laura (infant), Ada (Zechman), Adam, Alma (Gibson), Alberta (Wolfe), Alda (Eichert), and Allen.

In addition to his wife, Arthur is survived by a sister, Alice (Ohlemacher); sister-in-law Fay (Cox) Felty; daughter Susan Shappell and her husband Andrew, Saint Clair, Pennsylvania; son, Rodney Felty and his wife Donna (Blevins) of Ripley, West Virginia; grandchildren Monica (Ryan) Kent, Ryan (Amanda) Felty, and Ross (Leigh) Felty; great grandchildren, Jude, Adelynn, Leo, Finn, Asher, Luna, Emersynn, and Lyla; many nieces and nephews.

    Special thanks are extended to the staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill, All Care Home Care and Hospice for the care and concern shown to him.

    Memorial services and interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be scheduled at a future date at the convenience of the family.

Bruce Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.brucethartfuneralhome.com.

April 07, 2024

Joseph “Bowie” Swartchick, 88, passed away Sunday April, 7, 2024 at his home in St. Clair surrounded by his family.

Born in Pottsville September 12, 1935 he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Elenchin) Swartchick.

A graduate of St. Clair High School he retired as a mechanic after working for United Metal, Argo Mills and St. Clair School District. Nearing retirement age he was a proud graduate of the Electricity/Electronic program at the Schuylkill County Technology Center in Frackville.

Bowie was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, the former Immaculate Conception Church.  He was an avid bowler and softball player.  He spent many years coaching Independent for the St. Clair Little League. Above all he was a family man and enjoyed watching the Phillies with his sons.

Surviving are three sons, James Swartchick, St. Clair, Thomas Swartchick and his wife Lien,South Carolina and Daniel Swartchick, St. Clair; a daughter, Marysusan Dougherty and her husband, Joseph, Kingsport, Tenn.; a brother Michael Swartchick, nieces and nephews, including John Symons, Lavelle, Cynthia Tilinski, and Brian Symons, both of St. Clair, six grandchildren, Kerry, Stacie, Ali, Steven, Andrea and Emily and 10 great grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth “Bettylou” Swartchick in 2012 and two brothers Steve and Jack Swartchick. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM , Saturday April 13, 2024 from St. Clare of Assisi Church, 250 E Hancock Street, St Clair, PA 17970 with the Rev. Msgr. William Glosser officiating.  Friends may call from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday April 12, 2024 and 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Saturday April 13 at the Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street, St. Clair. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Clair Little League at P.O. Box 22 Saint Clair, Pennsylvania 17970 or St. Claire of Assissi/ Immaculate Conception Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund at 250 E Hancock Street, St Clair, PA 17970.  Please make check payable to St. Claire of Assisi Church and mark Perpetual Care Fund in the memo. 

Bruce Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements. 

March 28, 2024

James Allen Davis, 62, of St. Clair, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, died Thursday March 28, 2024 at his home

Born in Pottsville, November 1, 1961, He was a son of the late Edward Davis and Emilie (Martin) Davis

He attended Schuylkill Haven Schools and worked the former United Metal, Pottsville and Spec-Tec St. Clair.

James was a member of St. Clair Fish & Game Association and enjoyed shooting pool.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia (Ughes) Davis in 2023; brother Edward H. Davis Jr.

Surviving are 2 daughters Kayla Shaup of Minersville and daughter Jenna Cescon of Orwigsburg; step-son Dennis Verbosh of Pottsville, brother Michael Davis  and his wife Helen of Mahanoy City; 5 Grandchildren; Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday April 13, 2024 from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, 110 North Second Street St. Clair, PA 17970.   Friends may call from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA PO Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972                                         

March 27, 2024

Shirley Losch , 86, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Tremont Health & Rehab Center.  

Born in Muir, September 17, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Quay and Phoebe (Merkle) Hornberger.   

She was preceded in death by 2 sons Kenneth and Scott Hornberger, companion Waymeth Hatley, sister Betty Hornberger, brother Warren Hornberger and uncle Homer Merkle. 

Surviving are 3 granddaughters Angela Ream of Tremont, Heather Mordan of Dixon, and Annie Hornberger of Shenandoah.  

Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family.   

In lieu of flower the family request donations your local food pantry. 

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements. 

March 06, 2024

Lamar P. “Bud” Fisher, 81 of Woodland Acres, Pottsville, Passed away Wednesday March 6, 2024 at his home.  

Born in Pottsville, November 15, 1942, he was a son of the late Lamar O. and Mildred (Brown) Fisher.

Lamar served in the US Army and reserves attaining the rank of Corporal before his discharge in 1967.

He was the loving husband of Ellen (Petrusky) Fisher.  They were married July 31, 1965 by the late Rev S.J. Norbutas in the Annunciation BVM Church, Frackville.

He worked for Bright Berger & Sons Roofing, Kocher Coal Co. and retired from Pohl Corporation later known as Vosloh Corporation.

He was of the Lutheran Faith

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Diane Fisher and Jean Zalonka, two nephews, Vincent Zalonka and Neiko Zalonka.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a son Ronald Fisher of Minersville; daughter Joanne Miller and her Fiance, Tim Bressler of Pottsville; grandson Kevin Miller and his wife Brittany, granddaughter Katlyn Miller, sister Donna Correll, brother-in law Vince Zalonka, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday March 12, 2024 from Nice- Hart Funeral Home, Inc. 9 North Lehigh Avenue Frackville, PA 17931.  The Rev. Phillip Rodgers will be officiating.   Friends may call from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 862, Carnegie, PA 15106. Burial will be in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Frackville.  Online condolences can be sent to www.nicehartfuneralhome.com.