Daniel Michael Dolla, of Monocacy Station and Shade Gap, died at his home Saturday, after striving against advanced-stage cancer for five years with his unique wholesome lifestyle, tremendous attitude and the use of modern medical technology.   

Born at home in Kenilworth, Christmas Day, 1933, the son of the late Stephen Dolla and Anna (Chaback) Dolla Burkhart, Daniel was raised in Pottstown, Limerick and Stowe, a member of the Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Church.   Daniel resided with his wife and children for 13 years in Pottstown, then 38 years in Monocacy Station. 

Loving husband of Shirley (Shaner) Dolla, the couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2009.  Surviving with his wife are his five children, Susan Barbary, wife of John A., of Shanesville, Christine Elliott, wife of Mark A., of Douglassville, Diane Chernaskey, wife of Raymond J., of Gilbertsville, Daniel Michael Jr., husband of Amy Schuler of St. Lawrence, and Donald Michael, of Douglassville, and six grandchildren. 

Also surviving are sisters Catherine Yashin, of New Hope, Genevieve DePaoli of Royersford, Mary Koss, of Pottstown, Doris Moser, of Gilbertsville, and brothers, Stephen of Boyertown, and Harry of Easton.  Daniel was predeceased by infant brother Frederick, and brothers Michael and John. 

Daniel was a self-employed painter and wallpaper hanger, serving his tri-county clientele for 42 years.  Previously he had been employed by Stanley G. Flagg, Inc. and as a young man had worked on local rail-line construction for the Reading Rail Road, prior to entering the U. S. Navy, serving as a Petty Officer 3rd Class Boiler Tech aboard the USS Neosha. 

A lover of the natural world and its resources, Dan’s hobbies included construction of cedar and wooden canoes and hand-dovetailed furniture, mainly using hand tools.  He nearly single-handedly constructed a rustic home in Shade Gap, PA to share with his family, made of stone and wood materials harvested from the mountain area.  Daniel enjoyed canoeing, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and the harvesting of wild nuts and berries.  He followed a very conservative lifestyle, and enjoyed his friends and his family, of whom he was intensely proud.  He will be missed by all who knew him well.

A lifetime member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, Amity Heritage Society, and American Legion of Birdsboro, Dan particularly shared of his time and talent by donating handmade items for charity auctions and demonstrations such as Corvettes for Kids, Boyertown, and Canal Days, Shade Gap.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd, 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, with Fr. Jason Franchak officiating. Burial will follow in Limerick Garden of Memories. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 7:00PM to 8:30PM and on Friday from 10:00Am to 10:45Am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Church, Mervine Street and Feist Avenue, Pottstown, PA  19464 or American Cancer Society, Berks Unit, P.O. Box 15066, Reading, PA 19612-5066.

Ronald B. “Captain” Youse, 49, companion of Michele Kelius, of Boyertown, passed away on Tuesday at home with family by his side after a battle with cancer.

Born in Reading, he was the son of G. B. “Jake” Youse, husband of Betty, of Mohrsville and Barbara J. (Woodley) Norman, wife of William, of Boyertown.

Surviving with his parents are brothers Robert C. Youse, husband of Karen, of Fleetwood, Rodney “Butch” Norman, husband of Brenda, of Gilbertsville and Brian “Stormin” Norman of Boyertown; sisters Terry Michener of NJ, and Debra Hess, wife of David, of Gilbertsville; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Pearl and Carl Youse and Marjorie and Leslie Norman.

Ron was a 1978 Daniel Boone HS graduate and served in the US Navy for 10 years. He worked for Occidental Chemical Company in Pottstown for 17 years. He was an avid fisherman, loved the outdoors, was a NHRA fan, enjoyed reading and playing cards with the kids. His passion was long putts on sunny days with his bro’s. He was loved by his family and friends and will be sadly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, 3:00PM at Trinity EC Church, 250 Swinehart Road, Boyertown, with Rev. Allen Giles officiating. Burial will be private. The family will welcome friends on Sunday from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Attention: Charitable Accounting, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

Helen A. (Dzuryachko) Brensinger, 93, wife of the late William A. Brensinger, of Pottstown, passed away on Friday at Manor Care in King of Prussia.

Born in Mont Clare, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Robish) Dzuryachko.

Surviving is her daughter Suzanne Churgai, wife of Francis J., of Mohrsville; brother Joseph Dzuryachko, husband of Pat, of Kimberton; sister Elizabeth Yusko of Phoenixville; grandchildren Christine Bry of Sinking Spring and Marcia Friel of Chicago, IL; and 4 great grandchildren.

Helen was a member of St. Aloysius RC Church in Pottstown and the Alter Rosary Society. She was a US Army Nurse Corp. veteran serving at Walter Reed Medical Hospital during WWII.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, 10:00AM AT ST. Aloysius RC Church, 214 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in ST. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 9:00AM to 10:00AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helen’s name to the Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.

Diane L. (James) Robie, 48, wife of Alan Robie of 9 years, of Pottstown, entered into Heaven after a battle with cancer at the home of her sister Linda who was caring for her.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Hazel R. (Hacker) James.

Surviving with her husband is son Robert Earl Conway of Frackville and daughter Megan Elizabeth Robie of Royersford; sister Linda Sullivan, wife of Gene, of Pottstown; and niece Amy Mull of Pottstown.

Diane loved crafts and jewelry making and enjoyed taking trips to Disney World with her daughter.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. Dr. Donald B. Eisenhauer officiating. Burial will be private. Family and friends may call on Friday from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s name to the American Cancer Society, c/o Joan Gehris, National Penn Bank, 1830 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Herbert A. Gaugler, 84, “The Pumpkin Man”, husband of Mabel (Schell) Gaugler, of Pottstown, passed away on Sunday at Spruce Manor in Reading.

Born in Gilbertsville, he was the son of the late Henry and Dorothy (Moyer) Gaugler.

Surviving with his wife are children David Gaugler of Pottstown, Joanne Fitzcharles of Pottstown, Diane Lightcap of Gilbertsville, Cindy Dawson of Pottstown, Mark Gaugler of Boyertown, and Holly Ruppert of Alburtis; brothers Kenneth Gaugler of MS., William Gaugler of Dubois, sisters Verdie Smith of Gilbertsville and Doris Schlingmann of Red Hill; step- children Penny Thompson of Fl., Carmen Coccie of TN., and Patricia Greig of Pottstown. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother Henry and granddaughter Veronica.

Herbert was known for selling pumpkins on his road side stand and was known as The Pumpkin Man to many. He was a member of New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gilbertsville, Ringing Hill Fire Co., and Pikeville Rod & Gun Club. He worked for Henkels & McCoy as a foreman for 25 years. He also enjoyed hunting.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 1:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. Thomas Lang officiating. Burial will follow in New Hanover Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gilbertsville. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 12:30PM to 1:30PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herbert’s name to New Hanover Lutheran Church, 2941 Lutheran Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Loretta M. “Lori” (Gallina) Papp, 48, beloved wife of Steven T. Papp of 22 years, of Pottstown, East Coventry Twp., passed away on Friday at Phoenixville Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Loretta (DePaul) Gallina.

Along with her husband, she is survived by their children Michael T. and Erica L. Papp; sister MaryAnn T. Pufko, wife of Chip Pufko; and mother in law Barbara H. Papp.

Lori was an amazing cook, and especially enjoyed baking tasty treats for her family and friends.  She enjoyed sunbathing and lounging by the pool, and loved trips to Disney World, where she and her family vacationed often the past several years.  Lori also enjoyed shopping with her sister and daughter, and getting together to celebrate birthdays, holidays and special occasions with family and close friends.  Her favorite phrase was Good Food…Good Friends…Good Times.

After a long career at Michael’s Deli in King of Prussia, PA, Lori became the Restaurant/Pub Manager at Sunnybrook Ball Room in Pottstown, PA, and for the past 2 years was the property manager at Rolling Hills Apartments in Lower Providence Township. In total, Lori spent nearly 8 years at Rolling Hills, during which time she became recognized for her involvement in community projects and activities.  As a result of her many efforts, Lori received the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award from HUD Neighborhood Networks in 2009.   She was also very proud to have recently learned that Rolling Hills received a Superior Rating from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), a first time achievement for Rolling Hills.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, with Father Paul Brandt officiating. Burial will follow in ST. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown.  Family and friends may call on Thursday from9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lori’s name to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or on their website at https://www.cancer.org/aspx/Donation/DON_1_Donate_Online_Now.aspx

Mary L. (Landis) “Weasel” or “Mimi” Garber, 60, companion of Charles Leinbach of 38 years, of Pottstown, passed away on Saturday, January 30 at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Eleanor (Bickel) Landis.

Surviving with Charles is her daughter Kimberly Garber and son Brad Leinbach; grandson Seth Howard; sisters Ella Rexrode, Geraldeine Miller, Carole Ann Landis, Charlene Finnegan, and Yolanda Landis; her beloved four legged grand dog Malik; and 13 nephews and nieces. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by a sister Diane Weller.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Fr. Angelo Hernandez officiating. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to her Relay for Life Team, The Bosom Buddies, at American Cancer Society, ATTN: Relay for Life Pottstown, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 201, Chalfont, PA  18914. Please note on the check Team BOSOM BUDDIES 1 (7507677) She held this dear to her heart, dedicating her time and efforts to the American Cancer Society.

Charles T. Armstrong, 69, husband of Judith A. (Martinkovic) Armstrong of 48 years, of Royersford, passed away suddenly on Tuesday at VCU Medical Center in Virginia.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Charles M. and Elizabeth (Wilson) and lovingly raised by Agnes Armstrong.

Surviving with his wife are children Charles W. "Chuck" Armstrong, husband of Larena of Galeton, Lisa A. Jeanneret, wife of Richard of Westport, CT, Michael P. Armstrong, husband of Karen of Drexel Hill, Thomas C. Armstrong, husband of Laury of Gilbertsville, Matthew J. Armstrong, husband of Jennifer of Pottstown, and John W. Armstrong, husband of Melanie of Brookville; mother in law Fae Martinkovic; sisters, Joan, Bernadette, MaryAnne, Denise and Kathy; and 13 grandchildren. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by 2 brothers, Thomas and Eddie.

Charles was an Air Force veteran serving for 6 years. He worked for Lockheed Martin in the Areospace department for 35 years, retiring in 2003.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 11:00AM at St. Columbkill RC Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown, PA  19512 with Fr. Robert Quinn officiating. Burial will be private. Family and friends may call on Monday from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford and on Tuesday from 10:00AM to 10:45AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles Armstrong's memory to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti by sending your donation to St. Columbkill R.C. Church, Attention Gayle Fontaine, at the address above and making note of the Armstrong funeral.

View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com

Mihaly “Mike” Donko, 79, husband of the late Maria (Domjan) Donko, of Pottstown, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 25th at his residence.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, he was the son of the late Sandor Donko and Julianna (Berko) Donko.

Surviving is his daughter Susanne Kohalmi, wife of Paul, of Pottstown; granddaughter Adina Kohalmi, wife of Nicholas Sweetak, of Pottstown and grandson Zsolt Kohalmi of Pottstown.

Mihaly was a 40+ year member of the Philadelphia and Vicinity Hungarian Sportsman Club (“Tanya”).

A memorial service will be held on February 27th, 2:00PM at Limerick Garden of Memories Good Shepherd Mausoleum, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick, with Rev. Sandor Meszaros officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mihaly’s name to The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 19 E. Ridge Pike, PO Box 222, Conshohocken, PA 19428-0222.

Roy Kenneth Bivens, 93, husband of the late Dorothy (Spencer) Bivens, of Bechtelsville, passed away on Tuesday at Pennsburg Manor.

Born in Greencastle, he was the son of the late Charles and Florence (Foust) Bivens.

Surviving are his children Kenneth Bivens of Bechtelsville, Vicki Bricker of Barto, and Suzanne Lachotta of Alamogordo, NM; and his sister Gladys Cooper of Greencastle; 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Roy was a WWII Navy Veteran. He would make and sell socks and received the name “The Sock Man” from his family.

Services and interment are private and at the convenience of the family. He will be interred in his family plot next to his wife Dorothy.

Karl D. “KT” Taylor, 65, husband of Kathleen H. (Sollars) Taylor of 28 years, of Gilbertsville, passed away on Tuesday at Manor Care in Pottstown.

Born in Sellersville, he was the son of the late Walter Leroy and Evelyn M. (Sacks) Taylor.

Surviving with his wife are his brothers Harold Taylor, husband of June, of Quakertown and Walter Taylor, husband of Sue, of Richlandtown.

Karl was a member of ST. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richlandtown and the Quakertown Moose Lodge. He was an avid Flyers and NASCAR fan.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 1:30PM at Limerick Garden of Memories Good Shepherd Mausoleum, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick. Burial will follow. Family and friends may call on Friday from 1:00PM to 1:30PM at Limerick Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karl’s memory to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4 S. Main Street, PO BOX 459, Richlandtown, PA 18955 or Delaware Valley Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Marian S. (Effrig) Knapp, 92, wife of the late Stephen Knapp, passed away on Sunday at Manor Care in Allentown.

Born in Hagersville, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ida R. (Strawn) Effrig.

Surviving is her daughter Lorraine, wife of Kenneth Saylor, of Hereford; sisters Charlotte Effrig of Pottstown, Anna Violet Nosia of Phoenixville; brother Ernest Ralph Effrig of East Coventry; 4 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, 11:30AM at ST. Isidore Church Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Quakertown with Fr. Frederick J. Riegler officiating. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marian’s name to the Humane Society, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Please make your check payable to The HSUS.

Robert L. Kelly II, age 63, husband of Mary Ann (Zurowski)  Kelly, of Woodbrook Dr., Douglassville, died Saturday at his residence.

Born in Trenton N.J., he was the son of the late Robert L. and Eleanor (Powell) Kelly.

He was the owner-operator of Automatic Control Systems, in Norristown for many years, after which he then owned and operated Gulf Coast Importers, in Douglassville, with his wife and family.

He was a 1970 graduate of Villanova University, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Bob was a member of St. Columbkill R.C. Church, Boyertown.  He was also a member of the Ancient order of Hibernians, along with the Boyertown Rod and Gun Club.  He enjoyed traveling and particularly loved visiting Hawaii, and Las Vegas.

Surviving with this wife of 39 years, is a daughter; Brienne C. Kelly of Douglassville, and a son; Robert L. Kelly III, of Douglassville. Also surviving are five brothers; James E. Kelly, of Lawrenceville N.J., Lawrence W. Kelly, of Salem N.J., H. Michael Kelly, of Boyertown, John B. Kelly, of Warminster Pa., and Thomas P. Kelly, of Clearwater Florida, and a sister; Elizabeth Ann Inglalsbe, of Titusville N.J.  He was pre-deceased by a sister; Kathleen Uhrman.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at 11 AM, Wednesday, in St. Columbkill R.C.Church, 200 Indian Spring Rd., Boyertown, with Fr. Martin F. Kern, officiating.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 AM, at the church. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: American Heart Assoc., 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A, Suite 100, Conshohocken, Pa.  19428, and or the: American Lung Assoc., 2121 City Line Rd., Bethlehem, Pa. 18017-2100.

Marianna (Galazin) Zach, 59, wife of William D. Zach for 30 years, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at Lehigh Valley Hospital after a battle with stomach cancer.

She was born on Dec. 12, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY and was the daughter of the late Adam Galazin and Isabella Park.

Surviving with her husband are children Mariah Zach of Philadelphia, Jordan Zach of Denver, CO, and Ariel Zach of Madrid, Spain; and family friend James Jackson of Baltimore, MD. She is predeceased by a son Zephyr Zach and a brother Donald Stewart.

Marianna worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital Department of Psychiatry for 20 years as the office coordinator.  She enjoyed cooking for the family at Thanksgiving, was a loving wife and mother, and will be sadly missed.

Family and friends will be welcomed on Tuesday from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville. Burial will be private. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging everyone to donate a pint of blood to the American Red Cross in Marianna’s memory.

Thomas C. Leightcap 68, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Pottstown, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 16th at his residence, surrounded by loved ones. 

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late LeRoy C. and Emma W. (Zern) Leightcap.

Surviving is his daughter Adrienne Imondi, wife of David of Sarasota, Florida and grandson, Brett Howe of Reading.

Tommy was a US Air Force veteran serving for 3 years in the Air Police.  He was a member of the Pottstown Elk Lodge #814, Stichter Lodge 254 F & AM, the Scottish Rite Consistory Valley of Reading, and the Meadows Country Club of Sarasota, Florida.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 25, 11:00AM at Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick.