Eternal Life
This page is dedicated to informing our parishioner’s of recent death’s within our parish. The parish community of St. Joan of Arc extends our deepest sympathies to the families & friends of these individuals.
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This page is dedicated to informing our parishioner’s of recent death’s within our parish. The parish community of St. Joan of Arc extends our deepest sympathies to the families & friends of these individuals.
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Joseph A Luciani, 75, of Hershey, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024 at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown. Born July 31, 1948 in the old Hershey Hospital, he was a son to the late Yola (Guardiani) Luciani and Albert Luciani. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol (Elliott) Luciani.
He was a graduate of Hershey High School (1966), and Penn State University (1972). At Penn State he had focused on History and English, in hopes of becoming a teacher. While there he enjoyed acting in many plays as preparation for working in front of crowds. He got married and started a family, which turned his trajectory to work in the insurance industry and also a bartender at the Hershey Italian Lodge, before creating a life working at Hershey Foods, where he was also a union representative. While he did not become a full-time teacher, he did use his educational skills to teach CCD for a time. A voracious reader, and fan of facts, he enjoyed any chance to share education with his kids or anyone who would listen. His favorite thing was to spend time with his family. A product of his generation, he was a baseball fan (Yankees) and for a time enjoyed attending Senators games with his kids and bonus kid. He enjoyed attending shows with his beloved wife, dinners with friends and family, and used to be a wonderful mini golf player. He could recite the entire Jesus Christ Superstar movie and soundtrack, as well as most of the series M.A.S.H. He was also a fan of obscure and odd movies, trivia and crossword puzzles. He made fantastic pizza’s and “daddy burgers”. He also enjoyed a fantasy football league with his son, where they are the current champions. Also, a fan of cards, he enjoyed playing pinochle and poker with his friends at Masonic Village, as well as being a member of the chess club. He was always happy to be around people and was often referred to as such a nice guy, and fun to talk to. While living at Masonic he had gained a reputation as both the ‘candy man’ (for having a candy dish outside his door for all to enjoy) and ‘the walker’ for walking daily outside the building. Despite having suffered many medical ailments, he rolled with each one, with a quiet calm not found in many. A member of St. Joan of Arc, he held his faith close to his heart and looked to it in the darkest of times. He was also a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his son, James Luciani (Harrisburg), daughter Alicia Luciani (Hershey) and her boyfriend, Ken Evans(bonus kid), sister, Gloria Herberg (Lebanon), sister Patricia Luciani (Sister Mary Albert of New York), brother, Dennis Luciani (Lebanon), many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday May 18th, 2024at St. Joan of Arc in Hershey at 2:00 PM. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity.
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Kenneth M. Schaffer, 91, of Hummelstown passed away Monday, April 29, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children.
Born February 17, 1933 in Harrisburg, he was a son of the late Joseph William and Olive Martha (Hammaker) Schaffer and also preceded in death by brothers Donald and Dennis Schaffer. A retired Plans Examiner for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Ken was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and the Derry Township Historical Society. He was a Korean War U.S. Army veteran and avid artist, photographer, car buff, and cyclist who was instrumental in the creation of the Harrisburg Bicycle Club and previously served as their president. Surviving are his wife of 57 years Marjorie K. (Bitterman) Schaffer; children Mark Joseph Schaffer (Dawn) of Palmyra, Debra Linn Hefflefinger (Alan) of Mt. Joy, and Nicole Lee Ogden (Steve) of Hummelstown; and seven grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:30 PM Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at his church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey followed by interment, with military honors, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 or Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home, PO Box 319, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Doris J. Annibali, of Hershey, passed away on April 3, 2024, surrounded by loving family.
She was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., the daughter of the late Eber and Grace (Stauffer) Shumar. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard W. Annibali. She was also preceded in death by all her 15 sisters and brothers of which she was the third youngest. She leaves behind her daughters, Debi Annibali (Steven Leibowitz) and Cindy Groninger (John Groninger); 7 grandchildren (Alexa, Chad, Jeremy, Katie, Brett, Julia, and Shaine) and 3 great-grandsons (Finn, Woody, Landon); sister-in-law (Rene); special nephews and nieces including Rick, Brenda, Jeff, Karen, and many more she loved with all her heart. After moving to Harrisburg to work at the State Capitol, she met her future husband, with whom she enjoyed 60 plus wonderful years, raising their children and grandchildren. Doris was a strong, independent woman who was an avid reader and loved to discuss current events. She was the consummate mother, loving, kind, strong in her beliefs and possessed an unwavering faith. She took joy in simple pleasures and liked to express her love for friends and family through food. To dine with or be fed by Doris was always an unforgettable experience of joy. A visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 am in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. Interment will be in the Hershey Cemetery following the Mass. Rita Mary (Shedleski) Martin, 97, of Hershey, passed away April 2, 2024. She was born November 20, 1926, in Kulpmont, PA and was the tenth of thirteen children to the late Benjamin and Rose (Sutranovich) Shedleski. She was predeceased on November 17, 2012, by her loving husband, Vincent W. Martin.
Rita graduated from high school at age 16 and then worked ten years as a seamstress in the Kulpmont area. She married Vincent Martin in 1953. After marrying, she and husband Vince lived in Buffalo, NY before relocating to Lancaster, PA. While living in Lancaster she worked at JC Penny in the Park City Mall. Their family later moved to Pittsburgh, PA where she worked at the Saint Francis Medical Center as an oncology unit secretary. Her and Vince retired to Hershey, PA where she continued to work part-time as a unit secretary at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, reading, and cooking. Rita could also speak fluent Polish. She will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly. She is survived by her sons, Dennis, James, William and Peter; grandchildren, Monika, Ryan and Vince; daughters-in-law, Joanne and Jean, and a sister, Irene. Family and friends are invited for Mass on Friday, April 12th from 11 to 12 PM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W Areba Ave, Hershey, PA 17033 with Father Al Sceski officiating. Burial will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Friday April 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM. Erina "Rene" (Rocchi) Bernardo, 75, of Hershey, passed away on April 1, 2024, surrounded by her family
She was born May 9, 1948 in Teramo, Italy, daughter of the late Alfredo and Anna Rocchi. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Silvana. Rene had attended L'eur Girls School in Rome, Italy. She later moved to Hershey and had met and married her husband of 52 years, A. Joe Bernardo, Jr.. She retired from the Reese's plant after 25 years of service. Erina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She had the ability to bring a smile to the face of everyone she met. She enjoyed going to the track, occasional trips to the casino and doing scratch off tickets with her boys. Above all, she loved her family and friends. Always hospitable and generous, she'd always offer her delicious home-cooked foods and candy to guests. Rene is survived by her husband, A. Joe Bernardo, Jr.; sons, Anthony (Marci), and Joey Bernardo; grandchildren, Abi and Anthony, (all of Hershey); brother, Alphonse (Maria) Rocchi; and cousin, Antonietta DiFrancesco. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 10, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM, in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30AM. Interment will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The family respectfully request no flowers, donations may be made to her in her memory to: Heart of the Parish Fund, c/o St. Joan of Arc Church 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Gloria A. Fiaschetti (nee Disanto) passed peacefully on March 6, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a long battle with Alzheimers. She was born on August 27, 1927, in Harrisburg. She was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Pasqualie and Maria Disanto (nee Maracino). Gloria was a proud graduate of Harrisburg Catholic High School (now Bishop McDevitt) in 1945.
She went on to get married and have 5 children. She was a long time member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Harrisburg. For a number of years, she served as the secretary for the parish elementary school. Gloria went on to work for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and retired from that position after a long career with the State agency. Gloria's greatest joys in life were her faith and family. Nothing made her more happy than having her family around her, her 5 children and 6 grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the traditional Sunday Pasta dinners with her family. She loved old movies, the opera, reading and treasured her trips to Great Britain and Hawaii. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Fiaschetti and is survived by her 5 children, Rosanne Williams (Mike), Joanne Fiaschetti-Warner (David), Regina Fiaschetti, Tammie Spicijarich and her son Michael Fiaschetti. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Andrea, Nicholas, Jonathan, Thomas, Gabrielle and Christina. And she had 4 great grandchildren. Juliette (Ithurburn) Fogarty, of Hummelstown, passed away on February 28, 2024. She was born May 16, 1930, in Susanville, California to the late Catherine (nee Espelet) and Bertrand Ithurburn. Juliette was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Harold Fogarty, and her brothers Fred and Peter Ithurburn.
She is survived by her four sons and daughters in law: James Fogarty (Beth), Daniel Fogarty (Barbe), Paul Fogarty (Frances) and Robert Fogarty (Debbie) as well as nine grandchildren: Matthew (Elyse), Hannah, Michael, William, Anna, Jack, Julie, Caroline, and Peter. Juliette understood the importance of education and earned her associate degree in business from Armstrong Business College in Berkeley, California. Following graduation, she lived and worked in San Francisco where she met and married Harold. They raised four sons together and later moved from California to Hershey, when Harold was transferred there for work. Juliette served as a Scout leader for her children's packs. For many years, she served her Derry Township community as a Judge of Elections. She was always an active member in her parishes, both at St. Mary's in Oakdale, CA and at St. Joan of Arc in Hershey, PA. Her faith and family were always most important to her. She hosted many family holiday gatherings and loved sharing her homemade Christmas cookies with family and neighbors. She enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. She will be dearly missed. There will be a rosary on Monday, March 4th at 5PM in the Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey, followed by a viewing, concluding at 7PM. The family respectfully request no flowers, contributions may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Sheila Ann (Flynn) Curley, 86, of Hershey, passed away at home on Friday, February 16, surrounded by her family. Sheila was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 13, 1937, where she became a product of the sidewalks of New York. In her twenties Sheila enjoyed spending time in Spring Lake, New Jersey, where she met her husband of 56 years, John Curley.
Sheila is survived by her husband, John; son Kieran; daughter, Deirdre Curley Starner and her husband Kerry Starner; her sister, Mary Ellen Spillane of County Kerry, Ireland; and her six grandchildren, Mary Kate, Patrick, Bridget, Jackson, Kiersten, and Daniel. She was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Flynn and Mary Simcox Flynn. Above all, Sheila was devoted to her family, and she always put their needs first. For example, after moving from the Bronx to the rural suburb of Madison, Connecticut, Sheila quickly overcame her fear of driving so her children could fully take advantage of and participate in a number of activities. In addition to her family, Sheila loved animals, especially dogs, and her soothing presence would often silence a barking room. Sheila was also devoted to her Catholic faith and enjoyed a rich prayer life. For the past 40 years Sheila was a committed member of the Saint Joan of Arc Parish and was proud to complete the Cursillo weekend and loved singing the traditional song “De Colores.” A visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Saint Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA, 17033. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will take place at the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Sheila Flynn Curley Memorial Fund benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Center. oseph M. Venezia, 73, of Hummelstown, passed away on February 2, 2024 in the Hershey Medical Center.
He was born May 18, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Carmine and Theresa (Bierster) Venezia. Joseph was a graduate of Millersville University and had worked as an IT Specialist for Hershey Foods Corporation for 40 years until retiring. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Joe spread smiles and joy every day to those he knew and loved or even those he just met. His love will be missed greatly by those who he shared it with. Joseph is survived by his wife, Gloria (Moyer) Venezia of Hummelstown; sons, Joey (Amanda) Venezia of Dagsboro, DE and Christopher Venezia of Duncansville, PA; granddaughters, Payton and Paisley; sister, Kathryn Venezia of Brooklyn, NY; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles across many states. Recitation of the Rosary will take place on Thursday, February 8th at 5PM in the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, 88 Lucy Ave, Hershey, followed by a visitation concluding at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 9th at 11AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey; followed by interment in the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228. Joanne (McNamara) Bowman, 81, of Hershey, passed away at home on January 31, 2024, surrounded by her family. Joanne was born in Wiconisco on April 14, 1942 and grew up in Williamstown, where she met the love of her life, Tom. This past November they celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Joanne is survived by her husband Tom Bowman; sons Tom Jr. (Kathleen) and David (Julie); four grandchildren, Kyle, Sean (Kaitlyn), Nick, and Brianna; and siblings Fran Pazur, Dennis (Mary Lynn) McNamara, and Vincent (Kathleen) McNamara as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Vincent T. McNamara and Frances I. McNamara. Joanne loved her family more than anything and the time spent with them was always prized above all else. Anyone lucky enough to know her as family or friend knows what a wonderful person Joanne was and how she could make conversation with anyone. She had a great sense of humor and could light up a room with her personality, smile and hearty laugh. She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church and enjoyed reading, traveling with family and friends, and country music. When it came to sports, football was her favorite….whether it was as a young woman watching Tom play at Western Maryland College or fiercely cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She treasured her Irish heritage, and her favorite trips were the ones she and Tom took to Ireland. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 5th, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. in the Hoover Funeral Home, 88 Lucy Ave, Hershey; followed by Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:30 A.M. in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. Private interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to Penn State Health University Development Office; P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852; memo line: Joanne Bowman/Cancer Infusion Center. |
We are awaiting obituary information for the following parishioners whom recently passed:
Memorial Gifts can be made online to honor the loss of a family member or someone special to you.
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May 2024
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St. Joan of Arc Parish Office
305 West Areba Ave. Hershey, PA 17033 Phone: 717.533.7168 Fax: 717.520.0526 Email: office@stjoanhershey.org |
St. Joan of Arc School
1525 Sand Hill Rd Hummelstown, PA 17036 Phone: 717.533.2854 Website: school.stjoanhershey.org |