Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Andrea M. McGuire, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, of Blakeslee, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Monday, November 30, 2020, at home in the tender care of her husband of 27 years, Sean P. McGuire at 54 years of age. Born Tuesday, January 4, 1966 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Joseph Lencovich of Weatherly, and Anna Marie (Screenock) Lencovich of Lehighton. Andrea is also survived by; brother, Joseph P. Lencovich and his wife Valerie of Weathe...rly; sisters, Annette Boyle wife of Anthony of Andreas, Catherine Taurino and her husband Raymond of Weatherly, Lieutenant Colonel, Carla Weise and her husband Matthew of North Dakota, Tresa Parsley of Lehighton; many nieces and nephews also survive her; and Joseph's companion Janet Davis. A 1983 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Andrea matriculated to Marywood College. She was the branch manager of First Northern Bank & Trust of Blakeslee for many years. A member of St. Peter The Fisherman R.C.C. of Lake Harmony, Andrea had been the former Treasurer of the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines. Passionate, and engaged, Andreas loved her family, reading and listening to music. Much happiness was derived from the companionship of her Golden Retriever, Harleigh. Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of 211 First street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231 Future interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania. Carbon County Animal Shelter 63 Broad Street Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania 18240 Online condolences or a fond memory of Andrea, can be made by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Aquilino Cruz, 67 of Hazleton, Pennsylvania died on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp.. Born Sunday, February 22, 1953 in Santiago,Republica Dominicana the son of the late Feliz Cruz, and Maria Romona Paulino. He was also predeceased by; son, Marco Cruz; two siblings. Surviving are; his beloved wife Aquilina Paulino; sons, Jose Cruz, Edison Cruz, Aussy Cruz, Evelio Cruz and Adonis Cruz, daughter, Daisy Cruz; 16 grand children; 5 great grandc...hildren; 15 siblings and many nieces and nephews also survive Aquilino. Aquilino had a huge heart, he enjoyed helping family and friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home 211 First Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231 Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 3, 2020 at 11 o'clock A.M. Friends may visit from 9:30 A.M. until time of services. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Neil J. Brown, Jr., 76 years of age, of Cleveland Street Mcadoo, Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020, at home in the loving care of his wife of 20 years Marianne L. (Spohr) Brown. Born Tuesday, March 14, 1944 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania the son of the late Neil J., Sr., and Dorothy (Gillespie) Brown. He was also predeceased by brothers, Dennis, Michael, and Timmy Brown. Surviving in addition to his wife are; sister, Trish Stefanick wife of Metro; many nieces ...and nephews also survive Neil. Neil was a graduate of Hazleton High School, and worked at the Hazleton Bowling Lanes for over 50 years. Besides being an avid bowler, Neil liked to travel with Marianne. Neil was a member of the Tamaqua Salvation Army. Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. of 655 East Broad street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Paul F. Matusick, of Hudsondale, Pennsylvania passed away of Friday November 20, 2020 at his home on 12 Station Lane in Weatherly, while in the loving care of his family at 63 years of age. Born Monday, August 5, 1957 in Rochester, New York, he was the son of John Matusick and Margaret (Thompson) Matusick of Wapwallopen. In addition to his parents he is survived by; his wife, Kelly (Youngcourt) Matusick; brothers, John A. Matusick and his companion, Judy Skinner of Hazl...eton, Charles A. Matusick of Weatherly, Matthew Matusick of Wapwallopen; sisters, Mary A. Coyle and her husband, Robert of Hazleton, Ann Matusick and her companion, Mick Fatula of Beaver Meadows, Martha Matusick and her companion, Dave Bevans of Beaver Meadows, Barbara Matusick of Mountain Top; Nephews and nieces, Eric and Nicholas LaRocco, Amanda and Charlie Matusick, John and Kevin Coyle; Great nephews Allen and Gabriel Powell; Mother-in-law Ellen Youngcourt. Many Aunts, Uncles and cousins also survive Paul. A 1976 graduate of Hazleton High School, Paul was a mechanic for J. D. Trucking. He adored the companionship of his dogs Lucy who was his pride an joy. Paul was an avid motorcycle rider. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of 211 First Street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday November 25, 2020 at 10 o'clock A.M. from Our Lady of Lourdes R.C.C. of Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. A visitation will take place on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7:00 P.M. from the funeral home. Interment Calvary Cemetery Drums, Pennsylvania. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Former Carbon County Treasurer, Gilbert John Gerhard, of Wetzel Run Road Packer Township, Weatherly, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully Friday, November 20, 2020 at home while surrounded by his family at 85 years of age. Born Saturday, March 30, 1935 in Hudsondale, he was the son of the late Homer Gerhard. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Alice Boganski, Mary Meyers. Surviving are; his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann (Argust) Gerhard; sons, David J. Gerhard an...d his wife, Debra of Freeland, Bill H. Gerhard and his wife, Donna of Weatherly; daughter, Lori A. Mahon and her husband, Bernie of Weatherly; brother, Thomas C. Gerhard and his wife, Betty of Weatherly; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; many nieces and nephews also survive Gilbert. Gilbert graduated from Weatherly High School, and served honorably in the United States Army. He served 10 years as Carbon County Treasurer, worked as Borough Manager for Kidder Township, and was a Metropolitan Life Insurance agent. Gilbert served on the Pennsylvania Republican Party Committee for the State of Pennsylvania as Treasurer. Family, sitting by his window admiring nature, and his deer were important to Gilbert. He will be greatly missed by all. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of 211 First street Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. (570) 427-4231 A Celebration of Gilbert Life will be held on Saturday November 28, 2020 from the funeral home at 11 o'clock A.M., Rev. Robert VonFrisch to celebrate. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until time of services. Memorials in his honor to: Carbon County Animal Shelter 77 West 13th Street Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com