Parambo Funeral Home, 54 West Fell Street, Summit Hill, PA (2026)

06/13/2026

Elizabeth A. “Liz” Brennan, 73, of Coaldale, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Fox Chase Hospital in Philadelphia. She was the wife of Robert M. Brennan of Coaldale. They had celebrated their 53rd Wedding Anniversary this past June 2nd. Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Michael B. “Kurt” Yanacek and Anna K. (Yezzi) Yanacek. She was a graduate of Panther Valley High School, Class of 1971. Liz worked in the local garment industry at the former Damico and former Kiddie Kloes Garment Factories. She then went on to work at the former Rite Aide in Lansford and last as a Bus Monitor for Kistler Transportation for the Panther Valley School District for 15 years. Liz was a member of the former Ss. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Coaldale and a current member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill. She was most affectionately known as “Mrs. Claus” by her family and close friends as she was a dedicated and committed volunteer every Christmas season dressing as Mrs. Claus for the Make a Wish Foundation at Frank Fabrizio’s, Remember When Video business in Brockton.

Surviving along with her husband are her Daughters, Michele Ingold and her husband Brian of Coaldale and Cindy Davis and her husband Brian of Ashland; Grandchildren, Jonah Michael Ingold and Kenzie Elliott Davis; Sister, Maria Ritzko of Coaldale; Niece, Annette Schweiger and her husband Jacob and Great Nephews, Peter and Vinny; her loving companion dog, Winter.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial is on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill with the Rev. Eric Gruber officiating. Calling Hours are Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St. Jude’s Research Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill. Online Condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com

Elizabeth A. Liz Brennan, 73, of Coaldale, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Fox Chase Hospital in Philadelphia. She was the wife of Robert M. Brennan of Coaldale. They had celebrated their 53rd Wedding Anniversary this past June 2nd. Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the

06/12/2026

David Andrew Wargo, 58, slipped peacefully from this mortal coil on June 8, 2026, surrounded by his dear family and friends. David was the first born son of Bernard John and Darlene Yvonne (Brownmiller) Wargo on Christmas Eve 1967. He grew up and lived most of his life in Summit Hill and loved his town, his neighbors and its history. He was a founding member of the Summit Hill Historical Society and served as President, Vice President and Secretary. He also was a founding member of the Summit Hill Heritage Center and served as Vice President for 10 years. During this tenure, he was approached and became President of the GAR Cemetery and took that organization from Bankruptcy to solvency in five years. David was elected to Summit Hill Borough Council four times and was President for two years during which he worked diligently to protect and serve his neighbors. He is the only person in the town’s history to win a council seat as a Republican and later as a Democrat. David was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Summit Hill. He was a proud member of the international Brotherhood of Magicians for the last 35 years and a member of the Order of Merlin. He was past President, Vice President and Secretary of Ring 32, the Allentown Society of Magicians. He belonged to Carbon Lodge 242 F and A Mason’s even though his community work limited his ability to fully participate. David embraced life and lived his dreams. He was a magician, a carny, a pro wrestling manager, a journalist, board gamer and a dreamer of what could be. He spent twenty-five years pursuing a way to tell the compelling story of our miner’s heritage and a life of public service to make his community better. In the words of his grandfather, “don’t criticize if you aren’t willing to make things better.”

David is survived by his wife, Katie Rebecca (Gelezinsky)Wargo of 23 years and his daughter, “Kai” Kathryn Ann at home; father, Bernard J. Wargo; brother, Rev. Jeffrey Wargo and his wife Rev. Stephanie Thompson; sisters-in-law, Wanda (Gelezinsky) Marinock and Andrew, Sherri (Gelezinsky) and Paul Jones; nieces and nephews, Evan Thomas Wargo, Andrew Marinock, Dr. Jenna Marinock, Samantha Tizekker, Jonathan Jones; great niece, Rielly and great nephews, Stevie and Tate. David was preceded in death by his son, Christopher and mother, Darlene.

Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Contribution’s, in David’s memory, may be made to the GAR Cemetery Association, PO Box 84, Summit Hill, PA or to the Summit Hill Historical Society, 1 W. Hazard St., Summit Hill, PA. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home of Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

David Andrew Wargo, 58, slipped peacefully from this mortal coil on June 8, 2026, surrounded by his dear family and friends. David was the first born son of Bernard John and Darlene Yvonne Brownmiller Wargo on Christmas Eve 1967. He grew up and lived most of his life in Summit

06/06/2026

Jeffrey A. Gates, 67, of Macungie, passed away in his home on the morning of June 3rd, 2026. He courageously fought a 14-month battle against glioblastoma. Jeff was the husband of Elisabeth (Vadyak) Gates. They were married for 39 years on May 23rd. Born in Miami, FL, on July 13, 1958, he was the son of the late Lois (Cunliffe) Gates Sisko and James Gates. He was a graduate of Panther Valley High School, Class of 1976 and a graduate of Kutztown State College, Class of 1980. In 2017, Jeff retired from working for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He retired with 35 years of service in varied positions including Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator Trainer, Assistant Foreman and Foreman. Jeff enjoyed reading and studying military history, having loved traversing battlefields, attending lectures and touring historic towns and sites with friends and family. He was a member of the Civil War Round Table of Eastern PA, the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia and various other historical preservation groups. Jeff enjoyed watching football having been a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a Philadelphia Phillies fan and loved attending the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs games with his brother, Jim. Jeff treasured spending time with his brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and his family down south. He was a member of Solomon’s United Church of Christ in Macungie.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brothers, James Gates and his wife Debra of Whitehall and John Gates and his wife Cori of Jim Thorpe; Sister-in-law, Linda Vadyak; Nephews, Nathan Gates, Kevin Gates and his wife Kristen, Jason Gates, Chris Segan and Erik Segan and his wife Ann; Nieces, Kristyn Gates, Jennifer Sampson, Deborah Millberg and Vanessa Havens and her husband Tyler; Great Nephews, Noah Havens, Logan Havens and Hunter Havens; Great Nieces, Ambriel Vadyak, Dori Millberg, Cameryn Millberg, Abby Drake, Harper Drake and Kaitlyn Gates; Aunt, Clydie Gate and Cousins.

Special thanks are extended to the doctors, nurses, technicians and therapists at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Cedar Crest as well as at the LVH Cedar Crest Inpatient Rehab Center. Thanks are also extended to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Home Health Service’s therapists, nurses and aides. Gratitude is also extended to the amazing caregivers from First Light Home Care. The support that was provided will always be remembered.

Contributions, in Jeff’s name, can be made to: Solomon’s UCC, 82 South Church St., Macungie, PA 18062 or to the American Battlefield Trust, PO Box 1751, Merrifield, VA 22116-1751. Private funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Jeffrey A. Gates, 67, of Macungie, passed away in his home on the morning of June 3rd, 2026. He courageously fought a 14-month battle against glioblastoma. Jeff was the husband of Elisabeth Vadyak Gates. They were married for 39 years on May 23rd. Born in Miami, FL, on July 13,

06/01/2026

Robert John Yurko, 73, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. Born on August 31, 1952, Robert was the youngest son of the late John and Sophie Yurko of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. He was a proud graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Class of 1970. Robert dedicated many years of hard work throughout his life. He began his career at Peoples Life Insurance Company and later worked for Schaefer/Pabst Brewery. He also spent time working alongside his brother in the family painting business, Yurko’s Recolor, before eventually retiring from Fisher Pharmaceuticals.

Robert was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and passions. He loved cheering on the Cleveland Indians, attending car and air shows, and spending time around little league baseball. He will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his loyalty to family, and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Johnna West and her husband, Chris West; and his beloved grandson, Zach West.He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Yurko and his wife, Anita Yurko; nieces Heather Yurko, mother of Amzie Yurko and Mina Johnstone; and Yvette Yurko, mother of Sophie Yelinko. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by family members who welcomed him home in eternal peace.

Robert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the request of the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Parambo Funeral Home of Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Robert John Yurko, 73, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. Born on August 31, 1952, Robert was the youngest son of the late John and Sophie Yurko of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. He was a proud graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Class of 1970. Robert dedicated many years of

06/01/2026

David E. “Dave” Hartranft, 72, of White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. He was the beloved husband of Fran (Navin) Hartranft. Dave attended Tamaqua Area High School before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. National Guard from 1972 to 1977. Following his military service, he worked as a Crane Operating Engineer and was a member of Local Union #542. He was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tamaqua. Dave was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman who found great enjoyment in spending time in the outdoors. He was also a skilled taxidermist, proudly completing all of his own work. In his spare time, Dave enjoyed antique cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and processing firewood at his home to sell. Above all, Dave will be remembered by his family and friends for his wonderful sense of humor, being a comedian, and having a gift for making people laugh.

Surviving along with his wife, Fran; is his Son, David Hartranft and his significant other, Eileen and Daughter, Mary Walker and her companion, Justin Gernert; Stepson, Daniel Sabol and his significant other, Amber and Stepdaughter, Mary Jane Sabol; Grandchildren, Chastity and Blake; Step Grandchildren, Marley, Ava, Elijah and Kyla; Great Grandchildren, Aidan and Kayden; Brother, John Hartranft and his late wife, Patricia; Sister Heidi Breiner and husband Kenneth; Brother-in-laws, James Witherow and significant other Debbie and Michael Witherow and Mary Jo. He was preceded in death by a Sister, Beth Ann Hartranft.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11 a.m. from the Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill with the Rev. Ruth Ann Christopher officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, White Bear, Summit Hill. Calling Hours are on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Contributions, in Dave’s memory may be made to the Carbon County Friends of Animals, 77 W. 13thSt., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. Online Condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

David E. Dave Hartranft, 72, of White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Lukes Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. He was the beloved husband of Fran Navin Hartranft. Dave attended Tamaqua Area High School before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army and

05/21/2026

Marianne T. Ogozalek, 83, of Lansford, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. She was the wife of the late Joseph J. "Buddy" Ogozalek, who passed away on Aug. 30, 2006. Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Byzetzer) Rehatchek. She was a graduate of Nesquehoning High School. Marianne worked in the local garment industry at the former Aquila Factory and last worked at the former Coaldale State General Hospital in housekeeping. She was a member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill.

Surviving are her sons, Joseph Ogozalek of Lansford and Anthony Ogozalek, and his wife, Teresa, of Shillington; grandchildren, Morgan Ogozalek, Jadin Ogozalek, Michael Brogan and Palma Ernst; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Rehatchek.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Marianne's memory may be made to St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Marianne T. Ogozalek, 83, of Lansford, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in the St. Lukes Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. She was the wife of the late Joseph J. Buddy Ogozalek, who passed away on Aug. 30, 2006. Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Frank

05/09/2026

Vincent P. Lisella, 70, of Summit Hill, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Palmerton, he was the son of the late Vincent G. Lisella and Kathleen (Conahan) Lisella. He was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School. He then went on to graduate from Mansfield University, where he received his Master’s Degree in Philosophy, and then Bowling Green State University, where he received his Doctorate’s Degree in English. Vincent was a Professor at Corning Community College in New York for most of his teaching career, until his retirement in 2021. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill. Vince loved music, having been very musically inclined, being able to play the drums, keyboard and flute as well as various other instruments.

Surviving are his Daughters, Justine Lisella and her fiancé, Mike of Portland, OR and Emily Lisella and her fiancé, Ivan of Sayre, PA; a Sister, Michele Kennedy of Bethlehem; Several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by a Sister, Ann.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. from the Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill with the Rev. Eric Gruber officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, White Bear, Summit Hill. Calling Hours are on Saturday morning from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Contributions, in Vince’s memory may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice c/o the funeral home. Online Condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Vincent P. Lisella, 70, of Summit Hill, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Palmerton, he was the son of the late Vincent G. Lisella and Kathleen Conahan Lisella. He was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School. He then went

05/09/2026

Elizabeth “Betty” Wiskirski, 79, of Summit Hill, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem. She was the wife of Leo Wiskirski of Summit Hill. Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Ruben and Margaret (Haman) Zellner. She attended Jim Thorpe High School. Betty worked in Housekeeping at Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lehighton for many years. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in the Heights of Jim Thorpe.

Surviving along with her husband Leo, are her daughters, Deborah Trudich of Summit Hill and Wanda Fritzinger and her husband Doug of Treichlers; Brother, Ruben Zellner of Palmerton; Grandsons, Cody Trudich and his wife Jessica and Tyler Trudich; a Great Granddaughter, Chloe Elizabeth Trudich; Many Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by a Brother, Charles Zellner and Sisters, Marie Hinkle and Joan Marsolick.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. from the Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill with the Rev. William Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Calling Hours are on Thursday morning from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Contributions, in Betty’s memory may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in the Heights, 319 S. Ave., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. Online Condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Elizabeth Betty Wiskirski, 79, of Summit Hill, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at St. Lukes University Hospital in Bethlehem. She was the wife of Leo Wiskirski of Summit Hill. Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Ruben and Margaret Haman Zellner. She attended Jim Thorpe

04/25/2026

Patricia A. “Pattie” Fisher, 68, of Lansford, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at her residence surrounded by loved ones. She was the wife of Richard W. Fisher, having been married for 51 years this past June. Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Rosemary (McArdle) McGeehan. She was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School. After years of working as a nurse, she went on to graduate from Cedar Crest College receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University while also studying at NYU. Pattie worked for many various Hospice Care Groups as a Hospice Social Worker throughout her career. She was a member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill.

To know Pattie Fisher is to love her. For decades, she was a crusader for her patients in hospice, ensuring comfort, compassion, and lasting memories for families during their most difficult times. Her kindness and dedication touched countless lives, and she was a wonderful, family-oriented person who would do anything for those she loved. Pattie was a devoted friend to the end, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear.

Surviving along with her husband Richard, are her Sons, Scott Fisher and his significant other, Kelsey McLoughlin, of Lansford, Ryan Fisher of State College and Corey Fisher and his wife Rebecca of Alburtis; Brothers, Francis McGeehan of Allentown, Jack McGeehan and his wife Robin of Bear Creek Lakes, Michael McGeehan of Nesquehoning, Patrick McGeehan and his wife Rosemary of White Bear, and Eugene McGeehan and his wife Carol of Lehighton; Sisters, Maureen Gurka and her husband Joseph of Lansford and Sarah Degiglio and her husband Sam of Summit Hill; Grandchildren, Logan, Madison, Makenna and Colby; Several Nieces and Nephew.

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. from St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill with the Rev. Eric Gruber officiating. Calling Hours are Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the church. Internment will be held at the convenience of the family. In memory of Pattie, donations may be made to help the family with final expenses. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home of Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Patricia A. Pattie Fisher, 68, of Lansford, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at her residence surrounded by loved ones. She was the wife of Richard W. Fisher, having been married for 51 years this past June. Born in Lehighton, she was the daughter of the late Francis and

04/22/2026

Paul J. “Paulie” Velitsky Jr., born on October 29, 1943, passed away on April 18, 2026 at his residence at the Veterans Community Living Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Born in Summit Hill, he was the son of the late Paul and Anna Marie (Rhodunda) Velitsky. He graduated from the former Summit Hill High School where he excelled in basketball, football and track. Upon graduation, he followed in his father’s footsteps, enlisting in the US Army as the Vietnam War was beginning. After his discharge, he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served until he was medically retired from the US Air Force.
In retirement, Paul enjoyed camping at his trailer in Mahoning Valley, loving the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter until his health would not longer allow it. He also enjoyed coffee with visitors at his camper and tinkering with electronics.
After moving to the Veterans Community Living Center, Paul took on the unofficial title of “Mayor” of the VA. Whether greeting people at the door or roaming the halls on his Jazzy Scooter, everyone knew him by name. He visited new and long-term residents to lift their spirits or simply to keep them company. Paul received excellent, attentive care at the community center. The family deeply appreciated the wonderful care that Paul received at the VA Center in Wilkes-Barre. Paul was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Summit Hill; American Legion Post 316 and the former Summit Hill Rod & Gun Club.
Paul is survived by his loving brother, Attorney Joseph J. Velitsky and his dearest, best friend and cousin John Moravek; also several other cousins. He was pre-deceased by his wife Rose Buck.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April, 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. from the Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill with the Rev. Eric Gruber officiating. Calling Hours are on Saturday morning from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be held privately at the convenience of the family. At Paul request, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Veterans Promise, 737 Main Street, Dickson City, PA 18519. Online Condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.

Paul J. Paulie Velitsky Jr., born on October 29, 1943, passed away on April 18, 2026 at his residence at the Veterans Community Living Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Born in Summit Hill, he was the son of the late Paul and Anna Marie Rhodunda Velitsky. He graduated from the former Summit

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