Frank R. Thompson, 79, born in Philadelphia, PA on August 5, 1929 passed away on July 30th in his home surrounded by loved ones. 

Frank was a Corporal in the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War.  He is survived by his wife Ann Thompson and several children and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville.  Burial will be private.  Friends may visit on Sunday from 1 PM to 2 PM at the funeral home.

View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusfuneralhomes.com.

On Monday, July 27th, 2009, Brenda (Martin) Fleisch, 52, lost her three year battle with Breast Cancer.

She is survived by husband, Jay and Daughter Krystle both of Phoenixville, Pa.; Mother Ruth (Rhymer) Martin, wife of the Late Blaine Martin, Boyertown, Pa.; three brothers, Alan Martin, York, Pa., Steve Martin, Pottstown, Pa. and Eric Martin, Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa.
 
She was employed as a Supervisor at Collegeville Flag Mfg. for seventeen years, and later, at John Middleton Co. King of Prussia, Pa. as a Receptionist and File Clerk.
As a loving Wife and Mother, she will be remembered as a courageous woman that kept on fighting her battle till the final moments.

Family, friends, and co-workers are invited to a memorial gathering at the Valley Forge Fire Company, 630 Valley Park Rd., Valley Forge, on Monday, August 3rd, between 12:00noon and 4:00 pm. 

Bessie L. (Botts) Rohrbach, age 91, wife of the late Daniel S. Rohrbach, of Kutztown Manor, Kutztown, Pa., and formerly of Boyertown passed away on Saturday July 25, 2009, in the Manor.

Born in Oley, Bessie is survived by one daughter, MaryLynn wife of Robert J. Endy, of Boyertown, and also four grandchildren, Kristen Derr, Erica Burns, April Derr, and Mark Endy, whom she loved more than anything in the world. Also, she is survived by one great grandson, David Robert, who she loved very dearly.  She was pre-deceased by seven brothers and sisters. She leaves behind a very special niece, Viola Moyer, of Shanesville, who was her constant companion in the “old days”. 

Bessie was a devoted mother and grandmother, always putting herself last, keeping her family first. She will be missed deeply.
 
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville, with the Rev. Thomas Craver, officiating. Burial will be in Hill Church Cemetery, Boyertown. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 4 Park Plaza, Suite 105A, Wyomissing, Pa. 19610.

Darlene June (Maurey) Schanley, 77, wife of Daniel R. Schanley of 52 years, of Boyertown, passed away on Wednesday at Reading Hospital.

Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Myrtle (Mutter) Maurey.
Surviving with her husband is their daughter Bonnie, wife of Timothy Simmons, of Douglassville; three adoring grandchildren, Adrienne Simmons of Douglassville, Matthew Simmons of Springfield, VA, and Brett Simmons of Douglassville; her brother Harold “Butch” Maurey, husband of Peggy of Douglassville and her sisters Anita, wife of William Oxenford of Douglassville, Judy, wife of Gerald Seip of Gilbertsville and Susan, wife of Frank Sancinella of Boyertown. Also surviving are 6 nieces and 3 nephews.

Darlene was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Douglassville, the Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association and SOAR of the United Steelworkers. She worked for Osan Manufacturing Company in Boyertown and Donuts Galore in Gilbertsville. She loved to follow her grandchildren to their sporting events, was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles and was a diehard Yankee fan.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville with Rev. Gregory W. Frey officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Boyertown. Friends may call on Monday from 9:30AM to 10:20AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darlene’s name to ST. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 548 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518.

Raymond S. “Bear” Kodish, age 60, devoted husband and best friend of Nancy (Whiteside) Kodish, of Blossom Lane, Schwenksville, died Saturday at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in Elmira, N.Y., he was the son of Raymond A. and Eleanor (Jones) Kodish, of Lock Haven Pa.

He was a 1966 graduate of Jersey Shore Area High School, and also Lock Haven University, with a B.S. in Education.  He later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Arcadia University. He proudly served in the U.S. National Guard.

Ray was a educator for the Spring Ford School District for 35 years. He served as a teacher, athletic director, coach and principal. For the last five years of his career he returned to the classroom, because working directly with students was his true passion.
He was a member of the Elks lodge in Lock Haven Pa., his family’s hometown, where he made frequent visits. Bear was a sports enthusiast, and was an avid supporter of his sons’ numerous sporting events. In addition, Bear enjoyed playing golf, watching the Phillies and attending Penn State Football games. Over the years, he was involved with many youth-related school and community activities. He enjoyed traveling, going to the beach, reading, and socializing with his friends, often times on the back deck of his home. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with Nancy and his boys. 

Surviving with his wife and parents are his two sons, Stephen, of Tokyo, Japan, and Scott of Schwenksville, Pa. He also leaves behind two brothers; Ronald, of Avis, Pa. and Richard of Oxford, Pa, and one sister, Rita Filohoski, of Port Trevorton, Pa.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday at 11 AM, at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford. Friends may call on Thursday evening from  6 to 8 PM, at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to:  Raymond S. Kodish, “Gold Card” Scholarship Fund, c/o Univest National Bank and Trust Co., 328 N. Lewis Rd.,  Royersford, Pa. 19468. 

Helene V. (Herb) Hensel, 97, wife of the late John Raber, passed away on Friday, July 17 at Bartley Health Care Center in Jackson, NJ.

Born in Mahanoy City, PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Birdie (Reese) Herb.

Surviving is her daughter Alice Rosica of Myrtle Beach, SC., 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her daughter Emilie Watkins, her son Peter Raber, and her sister Ruth Ochs.

Helene was a member of 1st United Methodist Church in Mahanoy City where she was a member of the choir and a pianist.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 11AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Pottstown. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10AM to 11AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Helene’s name to the 1st United Methodist Church, 410 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, PA 17948.

Marie Ann (DeNicco) Liberatori, 80, wife of Bernard P. Liberatori, of Stowe, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Saturday at her residence after a battle with cancer.

Born in Stowe on October 23, 1928, she was the daughter of the late August and Julia (Malescio) DeNicco.

Surviving with her husband are daughters Sandra M. Liberatori, wife of Eric Steckerl, of Collegeville, Kathleen L. Blystone, of North Carolina, LuAnn E. Liberatori, wife of Michael Capinski, of Stowe; brothers Anthony and August Jr. DeNicco both of Pottstown; sisters Theresa Cocci of N. Coventry Twp., Isabelle Wanner of N. Coventry Twp., Diane Meade of Pottstown, and Shirley Muscatello of N. Coventry Twp. Also surviving are grandchildren Sarabeth and Amanda Steckerl, Michelle and Kristin Blystone, and Gabrielle and Ben Davidheiser; and step-grandchildren Josh, Ryan, and Jason Capinski; also brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.  Along with her parents she is predeceased by a granddaughter Mary Elizabeth, and son-in-law Barry Blystone, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Marie attended St. Columbkill RC Church in Boyertown and was a member of St. Gabriel’s RC Church in Stowe, where she was a member of the Women’s Club and was a volunteer and co-chair of bingo. She was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Marie loved her family, particularly her grandchildren. She also enjoyed her home and her flower gardens.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, 10AM at St. Columbkill RC Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown with Fr. Robert McConaghy officiating. Entombment will follow in Highland Memorial Park Mausoleum, Pottstown. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 6PM to 7:30PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown and on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:00AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel’s RC Church and/or Marie DeNicco Liberatori Fund for Cure of Rare Cancers, c/o APEX Federal Credit Union, 540 Old Reading Pike, Stowe, PA 19464.

Anthony Zajac, 90, of Gilbertsville, passed away on Saturday, July 18, at Pennsburg Manor.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late John and Stefania (Wolski) Zajac.

Surviving is his brother Henry Zajac, husband of Mae, of Gilbertsville, nephews Barry and Stephen Zajac and nieces Jane Zajac and Mary McQuinn. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Mary Zajac.

Anthony was a member of the former St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottstown and the National Rifle Association. He worked for Bally Ribbon Company for 15 years, retiring in 1985.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, 10 AM at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Pottstown.

Mollie J. (Laird) Reinhardt, 94, of Manatawny Manor, passed away on Wednesday, July 8th at the manor.

Born in Overbrook, PA, on Oct. 18, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jesse (Francis) Purnell.

Surviving is her daughter Shirley Reardon, wife of William, of Douglassville; her sons Gerald Laird, husband of Lorna, of Indianapolis, and Gary Laird of Mt. Joy; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Mollie was a member of St. John’s UCC in Phoenixville.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 14, 11:00AM at Green Tree Cemetery on Egypt Road in Oaks, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mollie’s name to either Caring Hospice Service, 400 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Ft. Washington, PA 19034 or St. John’s UCC, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Nellie E. (Miller-Keyser) Nester, 93, wife of Robert W. “Bob” Nester of 47 years, of Douglassville, formerly of Perkiomenville, passed away on Friday at her daughters home.

Born in Gardners, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Nellie (Mabel) Miller.

Surviving with her husband are children Gerald D. Keyser, husband of Gloria, of Carlisle, PA, Nellie E. Allmendinger, wife of George, of Douglassville, PA, Kathleen Bates of Zephyr Hills, FL, and Mary E. Townsend, wife of Kenneth, of Auburn, PA; sister Helen Heller of Carlisle, PA; 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by son Robert Keyser Jr and 2 grandchildren.

Nellie was a member of the Upper Frederick Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She worked at the former Philco Ford in Lansdale and at the Frederick Mennonite Community in the laundry department.  Nellie enjoyed working on her mini farm and raising chickens.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 11AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville. Burial will follow in Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends may call on Thursday from 10AM to 11AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nellie’s name to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312.

Douglas John Lang, 57, husband of Claudia A. (Klaver) Lang of 31 years, of Bechtelsville, passed away on Wednesday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Newton Floyd and Mary (Kuser) Lang.

Surviving with his wife is his sister Alice Lang of Gilbertsville; his brothers Steve Lang of Pottstown and Rick Lang of Bechtelsville, and nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his mother in law Ethel Klaver.

Douglas was a member of the Community Rod & Gun Club in Bechtelsville. He worked at the Boyertown Casket Company from 1969 till its closing. After that he worked for Longacre Company.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 10:30AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 1020 E. Phila. Ave., Gilbertsville with Rev. Ronald Krick officiating. Burial will follow in Friedens Union Cemetery, Sumneytown. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home.

Donations may be made in Douglas’s name to Montgomery Country SPCA, 1059 Sweisford Road, Perkiomenville, PA 18074 or Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9119.

Lawrence J. Giunta, age 52, life partner of Steven N. Bedard, of Rosedale Dr., Pottstown, died Friday in PMMC.

Born in West Chester Pa., he was the son of the late Anthony P. Giunta Sr., and Theresa C. (Filoromo) Giunta.

He was a graduate of Phila. Wireless Institute, and was the owner of Larry’s Appliance Repair in Pottstown, and at one time owned West Chester Fruit & Produce.  He was also the owner of the former Hit Man D.J.’s, in the local area.
He loved animals in general, but particularly birds and dogs.  He also had a love for music, and enjoyed having a Martini on occation.
Surviving with his partner are two brothers, Anthony P. Giunta Jr., husband of Cheryl, of West Chester, and Peter M. life partner of Rob Minutola, of West Chester, and two sisters, Grace C. wife of James P. Kelly, and Angela M. Swisher, both of West Chester. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Thomas P. Giunta.

Memorial services will be 11 AM Tuesday at Catagnus Funeral Home, 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: Feed the Children, P.O. Box 8, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73101-0008.

Judith A. (Rogers) Simms, wife of Thomas H. Simms, of Grandview Circle, North Coventry Twp., and also of Mountaintop Pa., died Friday in PMMC.

Born in Phila. Pa., she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Mary M. (Baney) Rogers.

She graduated from the former Notre Dame High School, in Moylan Pa.
She was a member of St. Thomas More R.C. Church, Pottstown.
Judith enjoyed traveling with her husband and also enjoyed reading.

Surviving with her husband are three sons, Thomas H. Simms Jr., of Ridley Park, Pa., David R. Simms, of Jonestown Pa., and Robert O. Simms, of Pottstown, along with one daughter, Bethanne M. Simms, of Elesmere Del.  Also surviving are two brothers, Thomas J. Rogers, of Silver Springs Md., and Brother David Rogers F.S.C., of  Phila., and two grandchildren, Kelsey M. Simms, and Gabrielle N. Simms.

Prayer Services will be 9:45 AM Wednesday, at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 AM, in St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Hanover & Beech Sts., Pottstown. Burial will be in St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Lower Pottsgrove Twp. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9 to 9:45 AM.

Contributions may be made in her memory to: American Diabetes Assoc., 1 Plymouth Meeting, Suite 520, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.  19462.

Joanne D. (Lukac) Berbaum, age 73, widow of Anthony G. Berbaum, of High St., Pottstown, died Sunday at Life Care Hospital, West Chester.

Born in Pottstown, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph M. and Charlotte M. (Paliescheskey) Lukac.

She was a 1954 graduate of Pottstown High School.
She was a switch board operator for the former Bell Telephone in Pottstown, and the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., in Pottstown
She was a member of Holy Trinity R.C. Church, Pottstown.
Joanne enjoyed crocheting and baking.

Surviving is a daughter, Jo Marie, wife of Donald A. Fry III, of North Coventry Twp., and two sons, Anthony M. husband of Gail Berbaum, of Exeter Pa. and Michael J. husband of Jennifer Berbaum, of Lower Pottsgrove Twp. Also surviving is a sister, Marian Reinford, of Pine Forge, and a brother Joseph R. Lukac, of Pottstown. She also has six grandchildren, Megan,Eric,and Aslan Berbaum, Victoria Fry, Christopher and Uther Berbaum.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 370 South St., Pottstown, on Friday at 10 AM.  Burial will be in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery, Stowe. Friends may call on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 PM, at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 711 N. Franklin St. Pottstown, and also on Friday from 9:30 to 10 AM, at the church.

David James Grinnell, age 22, son of E. Lee and Linda F. (Farides) Grinnell, of Twp. Line Rd., Upper Providence Twp., died Thursday evening at his residence, after a ten month battle with brain cancer. 

Born in Langhorne Pa., David was a graduate of Spring Ford High School and the Western Center for Technical Studies, where he was a member of the Technical Honor Society. He then graduated from the ITT Technical School in King of Prussia, in 2008, receiving an Associates Degree in Computer & Electronics Engineering, and was presently studying at Phoenix University, in the field of Computer Science education. After ITT, David also worked for a short time at ATI in Collegeville, and during high school he worked part time a the Clemens Market in Trappe, and the Giant Super Market in Limerick.
He was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, the Electronics Technicians Assoc., and was known to be a “video game junky”.  He loved bowling, playing chess, and all types of shooting games like paint ball. He was also currently writing a novel in his spare time.

Surviving with his parents is a brother, Brian R. Grinnell, of Upper Providence Twp., and maternal grandparents, Cleon & Claire (Swenson) Farides, of Melbourne Fl., and paternal grandmother, Edna M. (Mandl) Grinnell, of Upper Providence Twp.

Funeral services will be 7 PM Wednesday at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford, Pa.  Burial will be private.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:45 PM, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: Trappe Ambulance Co., 20 W. 5th Ave., Trappe, Pa.  19426, and or the Visiting Nurse Assoc. of Pottstown & Vicinity, 1963 E. High St., Pottstown, Pa.  19464.

Evelyn (Faust) Stitzel, age 88, of Manatawny Manor Nursing Home, E. Schuylkill Rd., E. Coventry Twp., and formerly of Boyertown, died Monday at the nursing home.

She was born in Amityville, Pa.

Evelyn worked at the former Boyertown Casket Co., for 20 years.

Surviving is a brother, Arthur Faust, of Reading, and a niece, Vicky Henry, of Boyertown.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Ruth Jean (Williams) Berdan, 84, wife of Lee Berdan of 33 years and the late E. Robert Thomas, of Limerick, passed away on Tuesday at Manatawany Manor.

Born in Scranton, PA, she was the daughter of the late David and Ruth (Davis) Williams.

Surviving with her husband are children Jill Irick of Pottstown, Lynn Ranieri, wife of Ronald, of North Coventry, and Cheryl Ellmaker, wife of Arlan, of The Villages, Fla; grandchildren Megan, Steven, Zachary, Michele, Beth, Scott, Robert and Jennifer; 12 great grandchildren, 3 brothers; step daughter Deb Trace, wife of William, of Douglassville, and a step son Thomas Berdan, husband of Linda, of Exeter. Along with her first husband, she is predeceased by 1 sister.

Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church in Pottstown where she was a treasurer of the Gnosis Class for many years.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, 10:30AM at First Baptist Church of Pottstown, 301 King Street, Pottstown with Rev. Marvin Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 5:30PM to 7:00PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown, and on Monday from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s name to First Baptist Church, 301 King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.