Dorothy Irene (Castle) Schanbacher better known to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and a couple of generations of Liberty area kids as Granny D, brightened hearts for more than 91 years.

She baked the best gingerbread boy cookies, the kind that are big and soft and sprinkled with lots of sugar crystals and a red candy heart. She made them for every winter holiday and all her nieces and nephews looked forward to Thanksgiving feasts at Aunt Dorothy’s house because everyone got gingerbread boys to take home. 

Dorothy’s parents, Benjamin Harrison Castle and Lillian Virginia (McNeil) Castle, grew up in Boone, NC, but moved to Dilliner in Greene County, southern Pennsylvania, in the late-1920s to find work in the coal mines there. Dorothy was born in Dilliner, PA on June 25, 1929. She was the youngest of four; one brother and two sisters.

In April of 1930 the family moved to the farm on Williams Hollow Road, at the foot of South Mountain just outside East Canton. While her Dad continued to work at the coal mine in Dilliner, her mother, her big brother Charles E. Castle and older sisters, Alma and Jean, worked on the farm, building a herd of Guernsey cows, planting a big garden and their own fruit orchard. At the age of 4 Dorothy started first grade at the one room East Canton grade school where her teacher, Rosie Golden, gave her a love of poetry and taught the students beautiful cursive handwriting along with the basic subjects. Dorothy graduated from Canton High School in 1946. Right out of high school, Dorothy became the secretary at Rockwell’s Mill.

She took over that job from her sister, Jean, when Jean married Jack Huffman, Jr. While at Rockwell’s she made many friends among the mill workers and met the farmers from the surrounding farms as they came in to get their grain orders. One of those young farmers was Gordon Schanbacher from East Point. But it wasn’t until a spur of the moment invitation to go square dancing on a double date with Joey Bedford and Frank Herman that Gordon and Dorothy started dating. They were married on July 29, 1948.

For the first year of their marriage they lived in an apartment in Canton before moving to the family farm in East Point. Two children joined the family, Linda in 1950 and Roy in 1953. Dorothy continued working at Rockwell’s after Linda was born, but before Roy was born she became a full time homemaker with all the demands of life on a dairy farm. She still found time to get involved in the East Point community. She taught Bible School and the children’s Sunday School classes at East Point United Methodist church for many years.

She especially loved the Christmas and Easter programs when she could get the kids on stage for a play. Shy kids turned into confident actors under her encouragement. Over the years Dorothy and Gordon enjoyed vacations at the New Jersey shore, trips to North Carolina, a tour of the western states, bowling in summer leagues, and swimming in the Big Shrader creek near Powell on Sunday afternoons. T

hey had planned to find a place in Florida to escape some of the winter months, but after only 33 years of marriage, Gordon suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on February 6th 1982. Dorothy picked up the pieces of her life, installed a swimming pool at home, became the day care center for her grandchildren, Carly age 2 and baby, Nathan, and continued to help her son, Roy, on the dairy farm. She also used her talents to join the casts of several local plays.  In 1986 the Liberty community was inspired by Pastor Jack Palmer and Pastor Clyde DeShong to present a passion play titled “The King of Nazareth”.

More than 100 Liberty community members participated with the original script by Pastor Jack, original music by Diane Bastian, and handmade costumes and sets. Dorothy played Mary, Mother of Jesus. That experience inspired her to research, write and then perform stories from the viewpoint of several women of the Bible, including Queen Esther, The Woman at the Well, Mary, Mother of Jesus, and historical figure, Susanna Wesley. She made her own costumes and told their stories in character. Along with her sister in law, Norma Jane Moyer, as her chauffeur, she traveled to churches all over the area presenting the portrayals, going as far as Hummelstown, near Hershey and Altoona. As if that was not enough, she also was a prolific poet and a columnist for the church newsletter, writing from the viewpoint of a little church mouse named Annony Mouse.

Her stories of Annony Mouse, Granny Mouse and Great Uncle Murphy have entertained the Liberty area United Methodist churches since 1989. Of course each month’s newsletter would not have been complete without illustrations, so she drew the Mouse Family in all kinds of situations from Christmas celebrations, to sunflower gardening, to snowball fights. For a time she and Wilmer Wilcox, a friend from her days at Rockwell’s Mill, exchanged poems in the Canton newspaper. She loved to tell a good story and wrote and illustrated many entertaining stories for her grandchildren and her church family.

She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. In 2007 granddaughter, Carly, and her husband, Jared Frank, presented her with great grandson, Quentin, and in 2009, great granddaughter, Lydia joined the family. In March 2018 grandson, Nathan, and his wife, Allison (Senchur) Schanbacher, brought even more joy to her life when great granddaughter, Tessa Mae arrived. Dorothy also loved her cats, Lizzie and Minnie Pearl, Cubby and Hidey, but her grandchildren were definitely the light of her life.

Dorothy was slowed down a bit by a couple of heart attacks, one at age 66 and another at age 72, but they didn’t keep her down for long. She loved to work in her flower gardens and enjoyed the sitting on the front porch with her friends and neighbors and family. Besides the gingerbread boy cookies, she was famous for her homemade banana ice cream and her chocolate raspberry moose tracks ice cream that was served at the East Point Ice cream social each August. She helped make Easter Eggs each year at the church and stayed active in church right up until the covid quarantine situation kept her home. She spent this past summer on her big front porch with her favorite cat, Lizzie, on her lap watching her flower garden bloom, the humming birds and butterflies visit, and the traffic passing by. She celebrated her 91st birthday in June. Over the past year congestive heart failure gradually drained her energy. When it got too cold to be outside, she spent her days reading through all her journals, letters, and church newsletters, making sure that they were sorted and preserved in the right order. She always worried that she hadn’t done enough to help her community and her family, so right up until her last weeks of life she was thinking of things she could do to brighten someone’s day. She had outlived most of her friends and all of her siblings, and just couldn’t wait to join them all in heaven. She passed away in her own home surrounded by her son, Roy, daughter in law, Kay, and daughter, Linda Keim (Stan) of Jerseytown, PA.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Gordon A. Schanbacher, parents, Benjamin and Virginia Castle, brother and sister in law, Charles E. and Marrian (Cole) Castle, sister and brother in law, Alma and Albert Duda, sister, Jean Huffman, and sister in law, Norma Jane (Schanbacher) Moyer. She is survived by brothers in law, Jack Huffman, Jr and Cecil R. Moyer, children Roy A and Kay (Huffman) Schanbacher of East Point, Linda and Stan Keim of Jerseytown, PA, and 2 grandchildren, Carly (Jared) Frank of Watsontown, and Nathan (Allison) Schanbacher of East Point and 3 great grandchildren, Quentin, Lydia, and Tessa.  She loved her many nieces and nephews very dearly and all her wonderful East Point neighbors and friends.

She will be remembered in a family service at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724 on Thursday, February 25th at 2 pm with a visitation for family from 1-2. Pastor Tom Harmic will conduct the service. Masks and social distancing will be requested while attending. Due to covid concerns and the cold winter weather, burial will be at the family’s convenience when the snow is a distant memory, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming.  In lieu of flowers Dorothy would have wanted gifts to go to the East Point United Methodist Memorial Fund, PO Box 4, Liberty, PA 16930 or to the Tioga County Cat Project at www.tiogacountycatproject.com or PO Box 160, Elkland, PA 16920.
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Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Rhoda M. Moyer, 60, of Canton Township, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Friday, February 19, 2021 at home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Rhoda May (affectionally known as “Yogi Bear” by family and friends) was born March 27, 1960 in Sayre, she was a daughter of late Claude and Helen (Gross) Joslyn. Graduating in 1979 from Troy, Rhoda attended the Vo-Tech culinary school program. She later received an Associate Degree in medical billing and coding.

On May 18, 1991 She married Alan W. Moyer in Canton’s Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), together sharing nearly 30 years of loving marriage.

 Rhoda was subsequently employed by area businesses including; Paper Magic, T.J. Max, Oak Hill Veneer, Canton’s Area Day Care and then worked in retail businesses for ten years until her declining health no longer permitted her to continue working.

Rhoda’s memberships; The East Canton United Methodist Church, Morris Run American Legion, was active and volunteered with Canton Little League as well as the Girl Scouts of America.  She was also a former member of the Women of the Moose in Canton.

Rhoda loved nature, camping and traveling with family. She enjoyed bowling, shooting darts and woodworking. Rhoda was a talented quilter and knitter but her most favorite family time was sharing the Christmas Spirit.

Surviving are; her husband, Alan, children; Derek (Sharon) Tunnicliff of Canton, Jackie (Cole) Walker, Jessica (Jordan) Grover all of Litchfield, grandchildren; Bryce Tunnicliff, Paislee Ward, Cael and Brody Walker, Levi and Rylee Grover, brother and sisters; April (William) Root, Donna (Peter) Green, Claude (Tammy) Joslyn III, Patricia Willover, Pamela Pratt, brothers in law and sisters in law; Cathy (Ralph) Davy, Tammy Reichart, Scott (Cheryl) Moyer, Kenneth (Sandra) Moyer, special friends; Pauline Swingle and Lori (John) Davis as well as nieces, nephews and cousins and faithful companion, her dog, Bo.

Besides her parents, Rhoda was predeceased by; brother, Kenneth Joslyn, mother in law; Iona Straka, father in law, Kenneth Moyer, sisters in law, Candy Brown and Bonita Brock.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 23, 11 a.m. to noon at the Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton.  A celebration of Rhoda’s life will be held at noon, at the funeral home, followed by burial in Beech Flats Cemetery.

Donations in her name may be directed to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer.html
In honor of Rhoda’s and her love of wearing white, her family will be wearing white. Anyone who would like to wear white are encouraged to do so in her loving memory.
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Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Eva (DeRespinis) Patton, 86, of Springfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the Sayre Health Care Center. S

he was born on April 12, 1934 in Foggia, Italy, daughter of the late Nicola and Christina DeRespinis. After high school she attended a clothing design school in Naples, Italy. Eva had an eye for design and fashion. Eva enjoyed sewing, cooking, and family events where she was able to show her amazing cooking skills. Eva also enjoyed attending the TOPS Club at the Troy Vet’s Club, gardening and taking long walks with her dog Barney.

Eva is survived by her sons: Joe (Cindy) Carreon of Mansfield, PA, Ron (Wanda) Carreon of Athens, PA, Van (Crystal) Patton of Troy, PA, and Dan (Annette) Patton of Springfield, grandchildren: Christina (Travis) Snyder, Katie (Derek) Campbell, Emily (Shawn) Allis, Joey (Amanda) Carreon, Trevor Carreon, and Dustin Patton, 6 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews in both the U.S. and Italy. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Joseph Carreon, and second husband Warren Patton.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 1093 West Main Street, Troy, PA for a time of sharing with Eva’s family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Eva’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
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Send Condolences at:
VickeryFH.com

Tiffany Marie (Mills) Whitcomb passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2021 after many years with health issues, battling kidney, heart and vascular disease at the age of 32.

She was born on April 16, 1988 in Sayre Pa.  to Brenda (Gidget) and Marlin Mills.

While she lacked education credentials she more than made up for that with her social and emotional intelligence.
While she only worked part-time, she made friendships with her co-workers that lasted her lifetime.

After 10 years of loving the love of her life, William Whitcomb they united in marriage and celebrated 15 years of life  together.  She brought into the world her most amazing accomplishments, her beautiful daughters, who were the most important part of her life.

At the time of her passing to Heaven she was living in the small quiet town of Aviston, IL where she loved the openness of the plains, the beautiful sunsets and enjoying all four seasons of weather. Previously, she lived in Florida , however she grew up most  of her years in Pa.

She strongly  believed in death there was an opportunity to give life and she chose to be an organ donor.
She was a devoted mother always enjoying teaching her daughters how to be kind little ladies. She would often be found doing face painting, crafts, cooking and school work with them. She was known for throwing the most amazing parties celebrating their lives.

She also enjoyed the art of make-up, nail design and expressing herself through paintings and crafts.  She valued a clean home and home cooked meals, she provided that to her family up until her death throughout her illness.

She not only  valued her friends and family with love, but  always maintained close relationships spreading hope and perseverance when faced with adversity.  She was thoroughly funny, but could be quite serious as well. She created a wonderful dichotomy which all who knew her loved.

She will be deeply missed by many if not all who knew her, her contagious big smile, her innocent yet devious laugh and her spunky wit endearing all to her.

She is survived by her mother, Brenda (Gidget) Mills and  step-father Mark Terry, Morris Run, Pa.
Husband William Whitcomb,  Daughters Dahlia  and Isabella Whitcomb, Aviston, Il.
Grandparents  Rod and Maureen Mills Ridgebury, Pa., Allen and Betty Taylor Canton, Pa., and Step Grandmother Patricia Terry Canton, Pa.
Sisters  Kylee Mills (Zach Keller) Canton, Pa.,  Trishia Terry  Morris Run, Pa. and  Mia Mills Erie, Pa.
Brother Cody Mills (Colleen) Canton, Pa.
She is survived by numerous aunts and uncles and also by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was  predeceased by her father Marlin Mills,  her grandmother Mary Mills,  uncles Lowell Melvin, Fred Nybeck and Dwayne Chapman.

A memorial celebration of her life will take place later this Summer in Tioga County PA . The exact timing will depend on a few factors out of our hands do to Covid etc.

Announcements will be made and all are welcome to attend and celebrate one and all, family, friends and acquaintances, the wonderful exuberant life of Tiffany Marie!
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Donations can be made to a charity of ones choice in Tiffany’s name.

Mrs. Barbara Louise (Wilcox) Sheesley, of Charleston, SC, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the age of 77.

Barbara was born to parents E. Mark and T. Jane Wilcox on October 28, 1943 in Canton, PA. She grew up as the middle of three girls, with fond memories on the farm owned by her grandparents. She attended Canton High School, graduating in 1961. She went on to attend Nursing School, graduating in 1964. On August 28, 1976, she married Richard J Sheesley, Jr. They made their home in Watkins Glen, NY. She was a loving wife & Mom to three children, Camelia, Crystal & Brian.

She had many interests & hobbies. She enjoyed arts & crafts. You could find her helping her husband with his most current woodworking project or working in her flower gardens (roses being her favorite). She cherished bowling with “the ladies” weekly. She loved music, singing in church choirs or singing along with her classic country music albums.

She & her family had many memories of vacations taken together, seeing national parks & visiting family in other states. Her children have many special memories of her Camelia warmly remembers singing to her Mom, especially “You Are My Sunshine”-she will always be Camelia’s sunshine! Crystal remembers the sweet moments of their morning coffee together before the day would get fully started. Brian fondly remembers spending time with her in the kitchen helping her make apple pies. Her zucchini bread and pumpkin rolls were requested at family reunions.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Camelia Sheesley of Canandaigua and Crystal Huntley of South Carolina; her son, Brian Sheesley of South Carolina (previously Horseheads); her sister, Judy Ann Dole of Canton, PA; two grandchildren, Otto C. and Abigail Huntley. Many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Sheesley Jr; her parents, E. Mark and T. Jane; sister, Kathleen Joyce Wilcox.
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There will be a private internment and as per the request of her children, no services will be held, but she will always be held in our hearts.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (912 Killian Hill Rd, SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or www.lbda.org).

During the early morning hours of Saturday, February 13th, 2021, Charles Van Horn of Canton passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

He was 83 years of age. Born January 27th, 1938 in Sayre, Pa., , he was the son of Edward William and Sadie Albertha (Norconk) Van Horn Driesbough. Charles graduated from Towanda High School with the class of 1955. He served our country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958 as part of the NATO forces in France. After returning to civilian life Charles worked for Sardonie Construction for 2 ½ years before beginning his career with Penelec in October of 1961. He retired 33 years later in June of 1994. On June 3rd, 1961 he married Barbara Maryott. Together they raised two sons and a daughter and shared 42 years until Barbara’s passing in 2004.

Charles enjoyed several special interests including the outdoors, hunting, camping, NASCAR and snowmobiling. He enjoyed travel and had made four extensive trips to the western states. Most of all, he enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Mike (& Sherry) Van Horn, Mark (& Emagene) Van Horn and Amy (& Daren) Zimmer, grandchildren Shane (& Michelle) Van Horn, Shawna (& Johnny) Lee, Tiffany (& Randy) Rockwell, Markie Van Horn, Jeffery Van Horn, Dustin (& Lannie) Zimmer and Kristen (& Kurtis) Page, seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and special companion Cleone Vanderpool.

Charles is survived by sister Peggy Thomas, Brother-sister inlaws Bill & Sylvia Maryoutt and Martha Cook. He is predeceased by sisters Vonnie Davenport, Shirley Homan, Brother inlaw Dwane Maryoutt, Mac Davenport and Robert Homan, Nephews James Thomas and Dan Homan.
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Visitation will be Wednesday, February 17th, from 1 until 2 o’clock PM at Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street, Canton, Service will follow at 2 PM. Common sense health precautions will be observed Interment will be at a later date. The family will provide the flowers, and suggests that contributions in Charles’ name be directed to the Green Free Library, 38 N. Center Street, Canton, Pa., 17724, or the Bradford County Humane Society, PO Box 179, Ulster, Pa., 18850. (morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)

Larry D. Jennings Sr., 76, of Granville Summit, was called home to the lord while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Bradford County Manor, following a courageous 26-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born August 31, 1944 in Troy, PA to the late Vaughn and Zelma (Morse) Jennings, Larry was the youngest of the sons. He attended Canton Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1962. On June 4, 1965 Larry married the former Sherry Shoemaker. Together they shared 55 years of marriage and raised 4 sons.  Larry was always a hard worker. His utmost passion being the family farm. In his earlier years Larry was employed by H Rockwell and Sons (where he was known as “Gomer”) and Leroy Township, spreading cinders off the back of the truck by hand, before the days of cinder spreaders. He was a volunteer of the Canton ambulance/Western Alliance Ems for over 20 years. He truly enjoyed being a first responder and driver. When he wasn’t on call, he could be found entertaining the EMS crew with his never-ending jokes and stories. In 2006, he earned the Western Alliance Emergency Services “Team Player of the Year” award.

Larry will always be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his love of story-telling, with each story getting better every time he told it. He was known for the encouragement he gave to the other residents at the Bradford County Manor. He made a point to talk to everyone and knew a lot about each person when he was done. Larry was a member of the Leroy Independent Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife Sherry, surviving are his sons; Larry Jr. (Annette) Jennings of Warren Center, Randy (Cindy) Jennings Of Canton, Jim (Michelle) Jennings of Leroy, daughter-in-law; Nicole Jennings of Leroy, ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren with two more on the way. brother; Duane (Laveta) of Granville, brother-in-law; Mike (Janet) Shoemaker of Muncy, aunt; Marjorie Wright of Canton, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and his canine companion, Ginger.

Besides his parents, Larry was predeceased by his beloved son; Scott Jennings and a brother; Vaughn Jennings Jr.
The family would like to send their sincere gratitude to all the staff of the Bradford County Manor, especially 2 East and 3 West. The love and compassion they showed Larry and all of our family was overwhelming, and to the Guthrie Hospice Staff for their care in the recent weeks.
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In maintaining with Larry’s wishes services and burial in East Canton Cemetery will be private. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc. 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, is assisting the family with arrangement. Donations in Larry’s name may be directed to the Leroy Independent Baptist Church, 301 Mill Street, Canton, PA 17724 or to Western Alliance, 129 Canton St., Troy, Pa 16947. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy G. Neal, 76, of Roaring Branch, Union Township, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, February 7, 2021.

Dorothy Gertrude was born January 16, 1945 in Telluride, Colorado to the late Howard and Louise (Andersen) Gust. She attended Penn Hills Schools in Pittsburgh and was a graduate of the class of 1963. After graduation they moved to Canton where she met her soulmate. On December 27, 1964 she married William Neal in the Canton Church of Christ. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and raised 5 children. Dottie, as known by most, was a dairy farmer on the family farm in Union Township. She was active as a 4H leader in Tioga County for over 30 years and served as an Election Clerk for Union Township Tioga County.

Dorothy had a very outgoing personality, enjoying visits with her friends and family. She had a passion for baking and cooking. She always made sure she made enough to send some home with you. Dottie was an avid quilter and loved sewing, especially to make gifts.

Surviving are her husband; William Neal, sons; William (Kim) Neal of Tioga, Ronald ( Lisa) Neal of Ogdensburg, Michael (Paula) Neal of Liberty and Chad (Jennifer) Neal, daughter; Sally Neal, all of Tioga County, grandchildren; Travis, Alane, Dylan, Chad Jr., Madisyn, Lincoln and Danielle, sisters; Mary Campbell of Canton and Helen Williams of Pittsburgh, brother; John Gust of Texas, sister in law; Jean (Carl) Young, brothers in law; Bud Neal and John Kerrick, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and dear friends.
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In maintaining with Dorothy’s wishes there will be no services at this time. A graveside service will be announced at a later date. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, Pa 17724 is assisting the family with arrangements. Donations in Mrs. Neal’s memory may be directed to the Green Free Library, 38 N. Center St., Canton, PA 17724 or the 4H Club, 13400 Route 414, Canton, PA 17724. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Pine City, NY

Also known as Mark, Mr. Strez, and Coach Strez, age 67, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. 

Mark was born and raised in Phoenixville, PA. He was the son of the late Raymond S. and Barbara King Strzelecki.  He is survived by his significant other Christine Koernig of Pine City NY.  Also surviving are his wife of 44 years Mary Ellen McGrath Strzelecki of Sarasota FL; daughter and son-in-law, Kim McGrath and John W. Hopkins of Jackson MS with their son Alex R. Hopkins; son Ian Strzelecki with Samantha Brooks of Saranac Lake NY; and brother Kevin J. Strzelecki of West Chester PA.

Mark graduated from Phoenixville High School in 1971. He excelled and lettered in varsity basketball and football. He went on to play football for Bucknell University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Education and later his Administration and Master’s Degree. While at Bucknell he lettered in football in 1972, 1974, 1975, and was a Graduate Assistant Coach in 1976. He then did a short stint teaching at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary. Mark then took a job in 1977 that would turn into a career at Troy High School in Pennsylvania. He started as a teacher and assistant football coach. 

He became head football coach in 1980. In 1980 only 37 boys reported to practice and in 1981 over 100 reported. His team won the NTL multiple years with records like 8-1, 8-1, and 8-2. His team led Troy to an undefeated season in 1988. This was the last undefeated team that Troy fielded. He eventually left coaching in 1990 and continued to teach high school history, where he also received teacher of the year award many times.

​He eventually went on to become Athletic Director/Assistant Principal and then worked his way up to Principal of Troy High School. Mark retired from Troy in 2010. He loved the outdoors and had been fly fishing and fly tying for over 40 years. He enjoyed teaching others the sport.  He loved the Rolling Stones, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also adored his 3 cats, Sassy, Yeti, and Ziggy.  Mark truly cared about his profession, and was so inspirational to countless students, football players, and co-workers. No matter how successful Mark was he would always give the credit to his players, coaching team, or co-workers before himself.

Due to the ongoing pandemic funeral services will not be held at this time.  Those wishing to remember Mark may make a donation to one of the following organizations:  Kettle Creek Watershed Association, P O Box 317, Cross Fork PA 17729-0317, Horseheads Animal Shelter, 150 Wygant Road, Horseheads NY 14845, or Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom…. www.patroutintheclassroom.org/contact.html…, an education program where students learn about current and past impacts, management, and protection and enhanced opportunities of PA’s cold water resources, while raising trout in the classroom.

Thomas Stanley Blasz “Shwartz,” 64, of Granville Summit, PA passed away February 2nd, 2021.

Tom was born April 15th, 1956 in Springville, New York to Richard “Dick” and Mary (Weiss) Blasz. He attended Troy Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1975.  On October 1, 1977 he married the love of his life, Darlene Spencer in Granville Center. They were blessed with 44 years of marriage and raised three sons.

Tom enjoyed staying busy and was always working.  He was considered a jack of many trades throughout his lifetime which began with building silos and driving across country delivering fire trucks.  His life then led to veal farming, general construction and HVAC installation until he settled into his final calling in the oil & gas industry.  Tom worked pipeline construction and inspection for the majority of his career.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed vegetable gardening, tractor pulling, hunting and fishing. His most prominent hobby was working in his small butcher shop during deer season which he looked forward to every year.
Tom was preceded in death by his father; Richard “Dick” Blasz.

He is survived by his mother; Mary Blasz, his wife of 44 years; Darlene (Spencer) Blasz, sons and grandchildren; Jason (Natasha) Blasz & Zackary, Lydia, Ethan, Josh (Amanda) Blasz & Dominick, Tim (Mellisa) Blasz & Alaina, Jaxson, Austin siblings; Mary (Kevin) Cummins, Joseph (Ellen) Blasz, Richard (Wilma) Blasz, Kenneth (Deborah) Blasz, Robert (Diana) Blasz, Barbara (Steven) Dziak and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as  lifelong friend Rick “Kinkle” Kendall and their Sunday morning visits.
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In maintaining with Tom’s wishes there will be no services. Pepper funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton, PA 17724 is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com