Bessie “Bess” Blazevich passed away peacefully early Friday morning at Providence Place, Drums. The daughter of the late Nicholas and Victoria Grovich, Bess was born in Yugoslavia in 1926, and immigrated to the United States a year later. The oldest of eleven children, Bess and her sisters were raised in West Hazleton. A 1943 graduate of West Hazleton High School, Bess married Alex Blazevich in 1947. After marrying, they lived in Lehighton were they owned and operated Lehigh ...

Ruth Ann Smith, of Beaver Meadows, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning at her home. Born and raised in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Eleanor C. (Roberts) Cherasaro. One of eight children, Ruth Ann grew up in a home filled with strong values and a deep love of family—bonds she cherished and maintained throughout her life. Ruth Ann was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She met her husband, Richard, in 1990, and they were married ...

Richard Joseph “Birddog” Bertuola, Jr., 64, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 6, 2026. Born on July 29, 1961, in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Richard J. Bertuola, Sr. and Kathleen (Melfi) Bertuola. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, at the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Hazleton. Rich was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather whose life was defined by his dedication to family, his passions, and the many relationships he built ...

Michael D. Potence, III, 55, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Born on December 15, 1970, he was the beloved son of Michael and Gloria (Dancho) Potence and was raised in Drums. Michael was a 1989 graduate of Hazleton High School. Over the years, he built a strong work ethic as an electrician and later worked as an associate at Walmart. Michael will be remembered as a kind and caring gentleman who valued his family above all else. He was a devoted and ...

Dennis Boyd Atherholt, 62, of Hazleton, passed away unexpectedly Monday, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest Campus, with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Hazleton, Dennis was the son of Carol (Zelenak) Brogan and the late Carl Atherholt. He was a proud 1981 graduate of Hazleton High School. For more than twenty years, Dennis was employed by D’Angelo Contracting Services, where he served as a master mechanic for their truck fleet and equipment. He was highly ...

Jacqueline “Jackie” Solimini, 55, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, at her home in Ashland, with her devoted son, Chris by her side. Born on January 10, 1971, in New York, NY, Jackie was the beloved daughter of Miguel A. and Carmen Ana (Valentin) Concepcion. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose life was defined by her deep love for her family. Jackie is survived by her three sons, Christopher Hamlett, Justin Solimini, and Edward ...

Emily D. (Polchin) Grula, 99, of North James Street, Hazleton, passed away peacefully late Saturday night, January 24, at her home. Her son Tom was by her side, as she entered paradise into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late George and Susan (Sholtis) Polchin. Emily was a 1944 graduate of Hazleton High School. She was employed in the local garment industry after her six children were in school. Emily’s faith was an ...

Dennis Bronko, 78 of Easton, PA, passed away Sunday January 25 at  St. Luke Hospital, Anderson Campus. He was born in Pottsville, the son of Francis and Annabella (Troyanoski) Bronko.  He was a graduate of Pottsville Area high School, and received a BA From Penn State University. Prior to retirement Dennis worked at the commissary, at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. Private funeral services were held Wednesday January 28th, at the Joseph B. Conahan  Funeral Home.  Burial ...

Alicia T. Andriuoli 78, of Hazleton, passed away unexpectedly at the emergency room of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton Campus  Friday January 23rd. She was the beloved wife of Ariolfo Andriuoli. All services will be held in West Palm Beach, Fl. Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton  

Carl Sarullo, 70, beloved husband of Dr. Teresa Pelly, passed away at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton after a courageous seven-month battle with cancer. Born and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Carl was the son of the late Carmelo and Theresa Sarullo. Following his graduation from St. Peter's High School, Carl relocated to the Poconos with his family, where they opened a restaurant, Villa Virella. Carl worked at the restaurant for 20 years, where he made excellent homemade ...