JoAnn E. (Butler) Korich, 87, of Allentown, passed away November 7, 2024 in Columbia, SC.
She was the loving wife of the late Stephen J. Korich. Born in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Miriam (Peifer) Butler. She was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church.
JoAnn was a devoted mother and grandmother, and above all else she loved spending time with her family. She loved entertaining family and friends, often bringing many people together for gatherings in her home. JoAnn was artistically gifted in many ways including ceramics, silk flower displays, interior decorating, and notably ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Her caring and giving spirit brought the best out of everyone and everything she touched. She had a warm and positive aura, which gave her the special ability to connect with people across cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic levels. She had a passion for helping children, particularly those in need, throughout her life through volunteering and philanthropy. She had an incredible and playful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and always made people around her feel seen and special.
She leaves behind many loved ones, and so many more people who have been touched by her kind spirit.
Survivors: Her 4 children– Robin Stauffer and husband Larry Stauffer of Middletown, CT, Stephen Korich, Jr. and wife Julie McKenna of Lancaster, Dr. Jodi Korich and husband Dr. Kevin Cummings of Dryden, NY, Stacy Carns and husband (LTC-R) Timothy Carns of Columbia, SC; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and her sister, Wanda Fioca of Conyers, GA.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 618 Fullerton Ave Whitehall, PA 18052. A Calling Time will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM in the church. Entombment to follow in Assumption of BVM Catholic Cemetery in Northampton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in JoAnn’s memory to the St. Joseph’s Indian School on the www.stjo.org website.
Shirley Miller
Shirley E. Miller, 70, of Allentown, passed away October 17, 2024 at Above and Beyond at the Knights. She was the loving wife of 52 years to Leonard Douglas Morgan. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Rachel (Kaufman) Miller. She retired from Durkey’s French Foods, after 21 years of service. Shirley enjoyed doing artwork, especially painting, and had attended Baum School of Art. She also enjoyed spending her time boating. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- Leonard Douglas Morgan, best friend- Judith Berg.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd at 1PM in Greenwood Cemetery, Allentown.
Contributions can be made in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Helen D. Bogert
Helen D. (Brenkacs) Bogert, 91, peacefully passed away on Monday October 7, 2024. She was the loving wife of Andrew P. Bogert Jr. and was happily married for 48 years, prior to his passing in 2003. Born in Allentown, Helen was the daughter of the late John J. Sr. and Mary (Ference) Brenkacs. She was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Allentown. For many years, Helen worked as a sewing machine operator for various clothing factories throughout the Lehigh Valley. Helen loved to play Bingo and adored her family, especially her grandchildren Craig, John and Mary. Surviving is her daughter: Diane wife of David Luksa. Brother: John J. Brenkacs Jr. Grandchildren: Craig Luksa and his wife Elizabeth, John Luksa and Mary Luksa. Helen was predeceased by her brother Robert F. Brenkacs. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00AM on Monday October 14, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Allentown. Calling Hours will be 9:00-10:30AM in the Kohut Funeral Home, in Allentown.
Howard Summy
Howard L. Summy, 89, of Allentown, died on September 26, 2024. He was the loving husband of 67 years to Sandra G. (Loy) Summy. Born in Palmyra, PA, he was the son of the late George and Viola I. (Howard) Summy. He graduated from Palmyra High School, class of 1954. He served in the U.S. Army during the Cold War and was proud of his service to his country. He retired from Mack Trucks as a maintenance foreman. A Master Mason, he was a member of Jordan-Martin Lodge No. 673, and a 32-degree Mason in the Scottish Rite,
Valley of Allentown. He was a member, council member, and property chairperson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Allentown, prior to its closing, and was a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Allentown.
He earned every cent he got and gave of himself freely. He could fix anything. He made the best homemade ice cream ever. His family meant everything to him. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Survivors: wife- Sandra Summy; children- Pastor Richard and wife Christine, Timothy and wife Lisa, Daniel and wife Linda; grandchildren- Ashley, Haley and husband Kyle, Tori and husband Tearin, Dana and husband Justin, Alexandra and husband Dominic; great grandchildren- Aubree, Dahlia, Rhiannon, Danielle, Athena, Dean, and Jensen. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Louise Walters.
A calling time will take place from 6:30-8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 8, and a funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 9 at 11:00 AM, preceded by a calling time from 10:00-11:00 AM, at the Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Inurnment will take place in Indiantown Gap Cemetery, Annville, on a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Howard’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for
Children, Attn. Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Eleanor Wursta
Eleanor (Zumar) Wursta, 95, of Allentown, passed away September 20, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Stephen Wursta, Sr. Born in Beaver Meadow, she was the daughter of the late John and Ella (Cherba) Zumar. She was a longtime member of the former St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church where she volunteered her time & efforts. She is also an active member at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. She will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Wursta, Sr., in 2018; and the following brothers and sisters, John, Joseph, Eugene, Mary Scarp, Helen Krumm, Maragaret Medico and Anna Hnasko.
Eleanor was a devoted mother and wife. After her children were grown, she enjoyed working part time at Leh’s Department Store. In her spare time, she enjoyed her hobbies of crocheting, reading, cooking, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and caring for her houseplants.
Survivors: children- Mary Elizabeth Zemyan and husband Nicholas, Stephen Wursta, Jr. and wife Anni Marie, Matthew John Wursta and wife Mary, Theodore Wursta and wife Mylene; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.
Services are Private for the family.
Nevenko Eric
Nevenko Eric, 62, of Center Valley, passed away September 19, 2024. He was the son of the late Bozidar and Ljeposva Eric. He worked for many years as a machine operator. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Gordana Labukas, son- Mihael Eric, grandchildren- Maylee, Maylana and Katarina, brother- Sreto Eric. He was predeceased by his brother- Radoja and sisters- Rada and Durda.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 30th at 10AM in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Ave Whitehall, PA 18052. Burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the church care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Charlette Vitalos
Charlette Ann (Charles) Vitalos, 79, passed away August 31, 2024 in St. Lukes Hospital Bethlehem. She was the loving wife of Thomas J. Vitalos, to whom she shared 41 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2009. Charlette was born in Allentown on August 25, 1945, and was the daughter of Charles Thomas Charles and Helen (Wagner) Charles. Charlette graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1963 and from Bethlehem Business School in 1965. She was employed by E. C. Machine & Son as an assistant secretary. She was then a homemaker for 10 years and then went to work for Sears Credit Central for 15 years. Upon the Sears office closing in 1992, she was employed by Peoples First Credit Union for 23 years, retiring as a loan officer/supervisor. Charlette enjoyed bowling, ceramics, mystery novels, crocheting, crossword puzzles, trivia games, pinocle and spending time with family and friends. She was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by her daughter- Jolene and her partner Sibby Rampulla, her son- Christopher and his wife Melissa and her granddaughters- Amelia and Lillian.
Her children will welcome family and friends at Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102 on Saturday, September 14th at 10-11AM. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Charlette’s memory to the Lehigh Valley Humane Society or to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Kathryn Sukal
Kathryn Sukal was called home to the Lord on August 30th after 91 years of life. Born to the late Justin and Helen (Novak) Klementovich formerly of Allentown, she was predeceased by her sister Agnes Haupt. She was married to her beloved husband Charles for 46 years until his passing and was mother to three sons who loved her dearly and were never far from her. She was a devoted mother who lovingly supported her children throughout the years. Kathryn was an alumni of Allentown Central Catholic High School (Class of 1950) and was once employed by both Trojan Powder Company and Kraft Foods. While once a longtime resident of Allentown’s east side, she and her family moved to find a home in Fogelsville in 1978. It was there where she gave freely of her time and energy to the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary serving in several office capacities. She was active in fundraising, coordinating Bingo and chicken sales, as well as working the banquet hall. She leaves many friends there, along with her lady card players. She lived a Christian life and was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church in Allentown, although more recently celebrated Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Orefield.
Kathryn is survived by her three sons- Guy and his wife Gloria of New Tripoli, Jeff and his wife Melanie of Fogelsville, and Mark of Fogelsville. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews, grandchildren- Theresa and her husband Stephen Moulton, Stephanie and her husband Brian Bowers, Jacob and Jenna Greco and five great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson- Luke.
Services will be hosted by Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102 with Visitation allowances on Friday, September 6th 8:30-10:30AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00AM in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church.