John J. Amtsfield, age 60, husband of Linda K. (Cohick) Amtsfield of Boyertown, passed away on Sunday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Carole (Kelley) Amtsfield and the late John Joseph Amtsfield.

He had been employed for many years by the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier in Pa. and N.J., where he also served as a State Union Steward in both of those states. John was an avid genealogist who also enjoyed watching all of the Philadelphia sports teams. He was also a member of several counties historical societies.

In addition to his wife, John is also survived by his children; Joel Amtsfield (husband of Karen) of Phoenix, AZ., Sean Amtsfield (husband of Corinne) of Reading, Adrienne Dellinger of N.J., Seth Dellinger of Erie, his 7 grandchildren, and 1 brother and 2 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held privately by his family at a later date. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Va., 22312.

Helen C. (Harp) Christman, 91, wife for 73 years of Robert L. Christman, Sr., of Pottstown passed away on Sunday at Parkhouse Providence Pointe in Royersford. Born in Pottstown, she was a daughter of the late Agnes E. (Fox) Harp and the late George Harp.

She was a homemaker who was an avid bowler and bowled for many years in the Senior Bowling League at Jay Lanes, and she was also a member of the Pottstown Senior Center.

In addition to her husband, Helen is also survived by her children; Robert L. Christman, Jr., of Pottstown, Barbra J. (Salata) Gerlach, of Birdsboro, Kenneth L. Christman (husband of Kathleen) of Pottstown, Ronald A. Christman, of Red Bluff, CA., Nancy L. Sumpter (wife of Franklin), of Hemingway, S.C., Helen A. Levengood (wife of Bruce) of Pottstown, her sister; Sara J. Decker, of Pottstown, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her grandson, Raymond Salata, Jr., 1 sister, and 6 brothers.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Thursday, starting at 11:30 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, Pa., 19464, with Pastor Bruce Levengood and Pastor Bryan Levengood officiating, and to her Visitation on Thursday morning from 10:30-11:15 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reading. 
Memorial contributions in her name can be made to Hopewell Community Church, 1130 Commerce Drive, Pottstown, Pa., 19464

Stanley R. Werstler, 87, husband for 64 years of Virginia (Benfield) Werstler of Boyertown, passed away on Thursday at Manor Care Pottstown. Born in Upper Hanover, Pa., he was a son of the late Hannah Wentzel and a step-son of the late Frank B. Landis.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a Prisoner of War who had also been listed as Missing in Action at one time, and he was awarded a Purple Heart in addition to other military decorations. Stanley was a lifetime member of Saint Paul’s Church in Stowe, and also a member of the V.F.W., Pikeville Sportsmen’s Club, Sanatoga Fire Company, Seniors Coalition, and Pine Forge Sportsmen’s Club. He was also employed in the textile industry and had been employed for 44 years by the former E.V. Hunter Corporation in Stowe, which later became the Yocom Knitting Company from which he retired in 1983. Stanley was happiest while working outdoors planting seeds, farming, and tending to his cattle.

In addition to his wife, Stanley is also survived by his daughter, Virginia Bealer (wife of Rich) of Boyertown, his granddaughters; Karen Laboy (wife of Wil) of Boyertown, Jennifer Bealer, of Boyertown, his sisters; Ella Bertoti, of Pottstown, Ethel Keim, of Douglassville, and his great-granddaughters; Lexi and Kaylee Laboy, whom he adored. In addition to his parents, Stanley was also preceded in death by his daughter, the late Cynthia Werstler.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation on Tuesday from 9:30-10:45 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, Pa., 19464, and to his Funeral Service on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.

Mary I. (nee Smith) Mc Ginniss, 86, on August 16, 2010, of Pottstown & formerly of Norwood. Beloved wife of the late George F. McGinniss & loving mother of Mary Anne Paolucci (Steven) & Regina Bitner (Mark).

She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren & she was preceded in death by all her brothers & sisters.

Relatives & friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 20, 2010, starting at 10:30 AM at Saint Joseph R.C. Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, Pa., 19475, & to her Visitation on Friday morning from 9:30-10:15 AM at the church. Burial will follow in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pa.

Tony Ferraro, 76, husband of Lorraine M. (Lasky) Ferraro, of Pottstown, formerly of Old Forge, passed away on Sunday, at Sanatoga Center Nursing Home.

Born in Duryea, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Ciliberto) Ferraro.

Tony was a 1952 graduate of Old Forge High School. He was a US Navy Korean War Veteran and a member of the VFW Post 7155 in Trappe. Tony was also an avid bowler.

Surviving with his wife of 54 years is their son Glenn S. Ferraro, companion of Kristyn L. Wanish, of Douglassville; grandchildren Nicole, Anthony, Nicholas, and Olivia Ferraro and Adrian Ferraro – Varvoutis; great grandchildren Kailey and Angele Ferraro and son in law Dean Varvoutis. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Kim Ferraro.

Service and interment are private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tony’s name to National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Herbert C. “Herbie” Bauman Jr., 80, husband of Doris E. (Snoke) Bauman, passed away after a battle with cancer on Saturday at home with his family by his side.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Herbert C. Sr. and Anna (Vanderslice) Bauman.
Herbert retired in1992 from DANA Corp. after 18 years of employment. He also enjoyed going to the casinos in Delaware.

Along with his wife of 58 years, he is survived by his sons John L. Bauman, husband of Rose, and Larry “Whitey” Bauman; daughters Linda Costa, wife of Samuel III, and Debra Zimmers; sisters Peggy Loeper, wife of Lou, Lorretta Savarese and Shirley Warmuth; half brother Bill Frederick; grandchildren Christina Gehris, Tabitha Patrick, John A. Bauman, Samuel Costa IV, Sara Costa, Kyle C. Zimmers and Logan M. Zimmers. Also surviving are 2 great grandchildren Carlee Rivera and John DeMichael. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his sisters Janet Richart and Joan Worlington.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, 11:00AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. John Friedlund officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Amityville. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Herbert’s name to Trinity EC Church, 250 Swinehart Road, Boyertown, PA 19512.

Shane M. Artim, 46, of Washington, DC, formerly of Pottstown, passed away suddenly on Aug. 10 at his residence.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of John M. and Joanne M. (Ricci) Artim of Ormond Beach, Fl.

Shane was 1982 graduate of Pottsgrove High School and graduated in 1987 from Temple University with a BS in Political Science. Shane was an award-winning journalist. He covered federal and state transportation issues for many years. An East Capitol Hill resident, Shane was active in District transportation issues through his Advisory Neighborhood Commission. He was a huge Temple Owl fan being very active in the Temple Alumni Association and always known for roasting pork shoulder for tailgating. He will be sadly missed by his family and all of his Temple alumni.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his brother Craig A. Artim of Philadelphia, his maternal grandmother Josephine Ricci and a large and caring family.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:45AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with a memorial service to start at 11:00AM. Rev. Alan Okon Jr officiating. Burial will follow in ST. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can me made in Shane’s name to Frances Hollingsworth, Asst. Dean of Development & Alumni Affairs, College of Liberal Arts, 1228 Anderson Hall, 1114 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

Anthony S. “Sonny” Kaszycki, 68, husband of Carol A. (Kline) Kaszycki, of Gilbertsville, formerly of Trumbauersville, passed away on Thursday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Brandonville, he was the son of the late Anthony S. Sr and Regina A. (Czech) Kaszycki.

Tony was a 1961 graduate of Quakertown Community High School. He was a member of St. Philip Neri RC Church in Pennsburg and the former owner and operator of Trumbauersville Home Bakery. He was a member of Trumbauersville Fire Co., the Quakertown Knights of Columbus, and a life member of the North Penn Gun Club and Betterment Club. Tony enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing and cherished his 1987 Corvette.

Along with his wife of 47 years, he is survived by his daughters Terri Loughrey, Debbie Tulone, and Karen Pypniowski; sisters Jeannie Crompton and Anna Marie Fainor; grandchildren Elise and Emilie Loughrey, Gavin Tulone and Haley and Jayden Pypniowski; step grandchildren Brandon and Johnathan Alizio and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the St. Philip Neri RC Church, 1325 Klinerd Road, Pennsburg followed by a mass of Christian burial with Rev. Robert A. Roncase officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Pennsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anthony’s name to the American Diabetes Assoc., 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Donald H. Craik, 92, husband for 62 years of the late Betty Jane (Blair) Craik, of Gilbertsville, passed away on Tuesday at his home.

Born in Ferndale, PA and formerly of Midland, PA, he was the son of the late Harry Walter and Mary (Bast) Craik.

Don was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Midland. He was a WWII Army veteran who obtained the rank of Master Sergeant in the 2726th Engineer Light Equipment Co. He won the American Theater Medal, EAMA Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon, and the WW II Victory Medal. He was a member of the Lions Club, a Master Mason, and a member of the American Water Works Assoc., receiving the Golden Drop award. Don worked for the Midland Municipal Authority as a manger for many years.

He is survived by his daughters Dr. Rebecca Lynn Craik,  partner of Dr. Mark Haskins, Ms. Suzan Elizabeth Craik, wife of Mr. Jeffrey Kling; son Dr. Charles Scott Craik, husband of Dr. Nancy Sambol, and grandchildren Veronica Blair Craik and Nathan Samuel Craik.

Funeral services and interment are private.

The family requests that all gifts in memory of Don be sent to the Dan Aaron Stay Fit Clinic, Arcadia University 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038.

Francis J. “Frank” Devlin, 89, husband of the late Mary Devlin and Miriam E. (Schutt) Devlin, passed away on Sunday at Chestnut Knoll Nursing Home in Boyertown.

Born in Phoenixville, he was the son of the late Francis and Bertha (Maxton) Devlin.

Frank was a WW II Army Air Corp. Veteran and a member of the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises and was an avid woodworker. Frank was also known for taking care of his family and friends if they needed.

He is survived by his sister Esther Carl of Spring City; step-sons David Schutt, husband of Barbara, of Boyertown and Thomas Schutt, husband of Darlene, of Bechtelsville. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, a great great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville with Rev. Joseph Dietz officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Boyertown. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30AM to 10:15AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the Chestnut Knoll Activities Fund, 120 W. 5th Street, Boyertown, PA 19512.

Kathy J. (Watson) Kummerer, 47, wife of Michael R. Kummerer of Royersford, passed away on Friday. Born in Huntingdon, Pa., she was a daughter of John Watson and the late Anna (Metzgar) Watson.

She was a graduate of Bermudian Springs High School in York Springs, Pa., and had been employed for many years in the property management industry. Kathy was very devoted to her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister.

In addition to her husband and father, Kathy is also survived by her daughter, Sausha Heller (companion of Nathan Parke) of Spring City, her son, Austin Kummerer of Royersford, her grandsons; Cory, Kaleb, Aiden, and her siblings; John Watson, of East Berlin, and Karen Gilreath, of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service on Thursday, starting at 7:30 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, Pa., 19468, and to her Visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00-7:15 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held privately by her family in Limerick Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Jennie (Jasiewicz) Brennan, age 84, of Linden Apts., Grace St., passed away peacefully on Monday August 9, 2010, after a brief illness and hospitalization at her “home away from home” in Michigan.  She was surrounded by her family.   Jennie is survived by her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother to James & Cindy Brennan of Douglassville, and Susan & Joe Giacalone of White Lake, Michigan. Being a grandmother was her most joyous accomplishment.   She was a devoted grandmother to Joseph, Michael and Sophia Giacalone of White Lake, MI.   She was an active participant in her grandchildren’s activities and an honorary grandmother to their friends and teammates, and always put her family before herself.

Jennie is also survived by 3 brothers & their wives, Thomas (Mildred) Yasewicz (Bow, NH) Theodore (Marie) Jasiewicz (Westborough, MA) and Edward (Hazel)  Jasiewicz (Boylston MA), sister- in- law Dolly (Dick) Sheehan (Hatboro, PA) and brother-in-law Jack Morgan (Sun City, CA).   Jennie took great pride in her role as the matriarch of her large extended family of 10 brothers & sisters, and over 80 nieces and nephews.  Her consistent acts of kindness and compassion were felt by all who knew her.   Her gift of delicious Polish cooking was amazing.  She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. 

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Josephine Jasiewicz, her husband, James J. Brennan, Sr., four sisters & their husbands,  Blanche Feeney (Thomas) , Wanda Dando (Thomas), Elizabeth Stankiewicz (Charlie)  Kay Gromalski (Bill), two  brothers and their wives,  Zigmont (Leona) and Charles (Olga) Jasiewicz, sisters- in -law Mary Jankovic (John), Betty Welnick and Peg Morgan, and her dear nieces & their husbands.  Jean Foley (Thomas) and Kathy Gromalski Cooper (John).  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:00 AM at Saint Aloysius R.C. Church, 214 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown, Pa., 19464. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Pottstown. Friends may also call on Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM and Monday morning from 8:30-9:15 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, Pa., 19464.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Jennie Brennan to St John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 West Oak St, Frackville, Pa.,   17931.  The Jasiewicz family was part of the founding membership of this small parish and her family would like to continue to support this deserving parish in Jennie’s memory.

Russell David Troop, age 43, of Elverson and formerly of Pottstown, passed away on Sunday at his residence. Born in Pottstown, he was a son of Gladys W. (Wade) Troop and John C. Troop.

David had attended Owen J. Roberts High School and he had been employed for many years as a chef at various restaurants along the east coast. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, David is also survived by his brothers; J. Daniel Troop (husband of Lisa) of Elgin, S.C., H. Douglass Troop of Douglassville, Pa., his nieces and nephews, and his companion, Adrienne Bere and her children.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Thursday, starting at 10:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, Pa., 19464, and to his Visitation on Thursday morning from 9:00-9:45 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s U.C.C. Cemetery, Knauertown, Pa.

Memorial contributions in David’s name can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Va., 22312.

Teresa C. “Mimi” (Zwack) LaCoy, 67, wife of Frank J. LaCoy Jr., of Bowmansville, passed away on Saturday, August 7th at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Teresa (Schoonmaker) Zwack.

Mimi was a member of St. Thomas More RC Church in Pottstown. She worked as a receptionist at her daughter’s hair salon, Michelle’s Hair Designs in Boyertown. She enjoyed camping and being outdoors. Her family was the most important thing to her as was her dog Rascal. She touched everyone’s life she came in contact with. She was an enormously giving person.

Along with her husband of 49 years, she is survived by her son John J. LaCoy, husband of Christine; daughters Maribeth LaCoy and Michelle Cimino, wife of Louis; sister Joan Olsin; grandchildren Matthew Thompson, Nathaniel DeCarlo, Lauren Cimino and great grandson Austin Thompson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 2:30 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville, with Rev. Scott Staub officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00PM to 2:30PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Teresa’s name to the Relay for Life of Boyertown, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA  19605.

Marie Irene "May" Smith, 86, wife of the late Leon Smith, formerly of S. Pleasentview Road in Sanatoga, passed away on Saturday at Golden Living Nursing Home in Phoenixville.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late George and Blanche (Goraj) Sovizal.

Marie was a member of the Linfield UCC Church and the Pottstown Area Senior Citizens. She worked at the Bleach & Dye Works in Spring City, EMI and Stanley Tool, retiring in 1978.

She is survived by her sons Danny Smith, of Aurora, IL and Victor "Edgie" Smith, grandchildren Lawrence and Alyson Smith and nieces Tina Hines and Nancy Ewing. She is predeceased by her brothers Benjamin and Matthew Sovizal.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 2:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with Rev. Ruth Chartier officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:30PM to 2:30PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s name to Linfield UCC, 25 Reformed Road, Linfield, PA 19468.