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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Bernard G. Ganse, 104 of the Lebanon Valley Home in Annville and formerly of Hershey, passed away on February 28, 2022
He was born July 31, 1917, in Lancaster, the son of the late John and Christina (Kirchner) Ganse. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen E. (Houser) Ganse and a daughter,Jacqueline Ganse Prickett. Bernie was a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and was a WWII Army Veteran and D-Day Survivor. He retired as Postmaster from the Hershey Post Office and the mailroom at Hershey Chocolate Co. Memberships include St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey, Charter and Life Member of the Hershey Kiwanis Club, former Cub Scout Leader Troop #108 and Past Chairman of the Sr.Citizen Council of Derry Township. Surviving are his children, Lawrence Ganse of West End, NC, Terrence Ganse of Pinehurst, NC, Betty Jo Hostetter of West End, NC, Donna Finicle of Palmyra, Thomas Ganse of Holderness, NH, 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 9th in the St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Hershey. Visitation will begin at 10:00am in the Church. Interment with military honors will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey, PA, 17033 or The UCC Lebanon Valley Home, 550 E. Main St, Annville, PA 17003
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Cpl. (Ret.) Francis N. O'Rourke, 94, of Palmyra, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at the WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon. He was born Sunday, May 22, 1927 in Archbald to the late Francis A. and Anna (Burg) O'Rourke. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly A. (Richards) O'Rourke.
Francis was a proud Army Veteran serving in Japan during WWII. He served as a PA State Trooper, enlisted May of 1951 and for most of his 35 year career, he was assigned to the PA State Police Academy, Bureau of Training and Education as an equestrian instructor. He was also a member of the Mounted Color Guard and participated in thousands of parades and ceremonies throughout the Commonwealth and several other states. He won numerous awards in horse competitions. He also played an active role in the PA State Police Rodeo and participated in the opening ceremonies for the Farm Show for 34 straight years. He was a faithful member of the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Hershey and was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children: Diane O'Rourke-Bankus and husband Brent, Francis J. O'Rourke and wife Sally, Maureen Irvin and husband David, Patrick M. O'Rourke and wife Lori, and Eileen O'Rourke; grandchildren, Maura Bankus, Michael O'Rourke and wife Sheila, Danny O'Rourke and wife Tara, Katie Heberling and husband Jon, Kelly Irvin, Brian Irvin and wife Katie, Patrick M. O'Rourke, Jr., and wife Ashley, Keeghan P. O'Rourke, and Briana Long; great grandchildren, Aidan, Maeve, Caleigh, Harper, and Reese O'Rourke, Spencer Heberling, McKenna Irvin, and Reaghan and Remington O'Rourke. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 11 AM at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033 with Rev. Joshua Weaver officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 5 PM until 7 PM at the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. Burial will follow the mass on Thursday at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA with full military honors. William James Parker, 57, of Palmyra, formerly of Paxtang, passed away on February 17, 2022.
He was born June 18, 1964, in Jamaica, NY. Bill graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School and was founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grandview Asset Management. Anyone who met Bill, knew how important his faith was to him. He was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey, the Knights of Columbus and the Cursillo movement. Bill devoted his life of service to others, especially those with special needs. He served on the boards of the National Autism Society of America, A Gift of Smiles, Dalit Solidarity, Mind Institute of UC Davis, and the National Fragile X Foundation. He facilitated the creation of the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Philhaven; a founder of ABLE Account and Special Planning, LLC; and a founder of Champions for Children. He was also former Mayor of Paxtang (2000-2004); host of "Inspire to Retire", on WHP580 and “Investing for Eternity”, on Holy Family Radio. Bill was the bestselling author of “Success Today", and an Executive Producer of "The Walk On", a documentary on Rudy Ruettiger. Besides his family, he loved good music, especially Elvis Costello and he was the proud lead singer of Tribe of One. He enjoyed trips to Notre Dame and was a life-long Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers fan. Throughout his life, he tried to have an impact on every person who crossed his path. He was a gifted storyteller, always an entertainer, a kind man with a generous heart. While Bill achieved great success as a financial advisor, he was most proud and devoted to his children and his close-knit family. William is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann (Hofmann) Parker; daughters, Sophia E. and Mary F. Parker; sons, Jacob W., Thomas E., and Liam J. Parker and Matthew Leonard; parents, Linda and Martin Gustin; sisters, Erin Raub (Justin) and Jeanette Parker-Speese (Chris); brothers, Kevin (Jill), Brian (Lisa) and John Parker. He will be deeply missed by extended family and close friends. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 4-7PM, in the Hoover Funeral Home, 88 Lucy Avenue, Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 11AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave, Hershey presided over by Most Rev. Bishop Ronald Gainer, with family receiving guests at 10AM. Interment will be in the Hershey Cemetery. For those struggling with mental health, please don’t hesitate to seek help. The family requests memorial contributions be made to: CATRA (Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association)- www.CATRA.net or Special Olympics Lebanon County, in lieu of flowers. Louis Franklin Santangelo, age 93, of Hershey, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 14, 2022, at his home. He was born in Sunbury, PA on May 21, 1928. He was a graduate of Northumberland High School, Susquehanna University, and earned his MBA at Bucknell University. Lou was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Susan Santangelo, and brother John Santangelo. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ashie Santangelo, sister Elizabeth Santangelo of Northumberland, daughter Susan Graham of Hershey, son Ross (Patti) Santangelo of Hershey, five grandchildren Molly (Chad) Shelley, Morgan Graham, Brett Santangelo, Emma Santangelo, and Grant Santangelo, great-grandchildren Carter Shelley and Jett Wormsley. Lou is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews. After graduating from High School, Lou joined the US Navy, then attended Susquehanna University where he received numerous awards for his athletic accomplishments. He was inducted into the Susquehanna University Athletic Hall of Fame and is an inaugural member of the Susquehanna Football Ring of Honor. He was enormously proud to have played for coach Amos Alonzo Stagg who referred to Lou as "Saint" for his versatility on the football field. Lou continued an enduring commitment supporting Susquehanna serving on various boards and being a lifelong financial supporter of the University and its athletic program. After graduation from Susquehanna Lou entered the US Navy Communications School and completed his naval career as a Lieutenant JG. He was awarded a Commendation Medal for Distinguished Service and heroic achievement for his valor during the sinking of the USS Sarsi where he was credited for saving 37 lives. Following his Navy career be received his MBA from Bucknell University. Lou began his professional career in Hartford CT with the Aetna Company. While working with one of his clients he met his wife to whom he was married for 64 years. He joined the C. Lavieri Agency in Winsted, CT prior to relocating to Hershey in 1967 where he served as the Public Relations Director for The Hershey Foods Corporation until 1974. He began a successful career in Real Estate working for Jack Gaughen Realtor before starting his own business brokerage firm, Sans & Company, where he continued to work up until his passing. Lou served on numerous boards and associations, most dear to him was Catholic Charities. Lou was inducted into the Capital Area Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He was an avid golfer and die-hard Yankees fan as is immediately obvious by the amount of Yankee memorabilia on display in his office. Most of all Lou loved and was so proud of his children and grandchildren, cheering them on during swim meets, soccer, baseball and football games, even dance recitals. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday February 22, 2022 at 11 AM in St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. There will be no viewing. Private interment with military honors will be in Hershey Cemetery following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susquehanna University's Football Program, attention Steve Briggs, Advancement Office, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA. 17870 , or the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute PO Box 852 Hershey, PA. 17033. Share condolences with the family at www.hooverfuneralhome.com
Passionate, caring nurse educator Dr. Mary Beth Clark peacefully passed into everlasting peace and happiness in heaven on February 10, 2022, after unexpectedly experiencing a devastating cerebrovascular event. Mary Beth was the beloved wife of Judge Lawrence F Clark, Jr., (Ret.) her husband of 47 years and resided in Hershey, PA. She developed long lasting relationships with neighbors, colleagues and friends in Hershey, while mentoring the next generation of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing at Hershey Medical Center.
Mary Beth began her life in Wilkes-Barre, PA on August 15, 1949, as the first child of the late Joseph F. and Betty Hart Fisher of Wyoming Pa. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her siblings, John Fisher and wife, Grace (Sheldon), of Dallas, PA; Joseph Fisher and wife Susan (Miller), of Charlotte, NC, nephew Jeffrey Fisher and wife Kasey and their 3 sons of Charlotte NC, niece Allison Fisher Grady and husband William and daughter Kate of Austin Tx,, Jean Fisher Nelson and husband, Eric Nelson of Foster City, CA, niece Elizabeth Marie Nelson of New York, New York, nephew Palmer Fisher Nelson of Foster City, CA. As an Associate Professor of Penn State School of Nursing for over 30 years, Mary Beth led the program as the Coordinator, Hershey Campus for 15 years, established and led the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program for 11 years, and led numerous award-winning research projects including her favorite quality improvement initiative, focused on interprofessional education to build better communication and relationships between nurses and doctors. This embodied Mary Beth's approach to life – collaboration, working together, supporting each other, being part of a village and living by the golden rule – "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Mary Beth was a lifelong learner. She was a 1967 graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School, Pittston, PA, and obtained her nursing diploma at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1970. She continued her education at Wilkes College where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1973. Always pursuing her studies while working full-time, she completed her Masters of Public Administration at Penn State, a Master of Science degree in Nursing at Villanova University and achieved a Doctorate of Education at Temple University. Mary Beth was a mentor, role model, and an outstanding educator who charted new paths in the direction of nursing education. Although a renowned educator, she was a very modest woman. She always had a warm and direct manner of speaking, giving her complete and undivided attention to whomever she addressed. In addition to her teaching responsibilities at Penn State, Mary Beth was elected for multiple terms to represent the School of Nursing, and later, all Penn State faculty retirees on the Faculty Senate. Most recently, she also served on the PA Health Care Cost Containment Council by a Governor's appointment. In Mary Beth's personal life, she and her loving husband Lawrence shared a great love of gardening, especially for their famous tomato plants. Mary Beth truly loved spending her time at their home reading and relaxing at their pool. Mary Beth was charismatic yet unassuming, a rare combination in one so accomplished. She was beloved by family, friends, colleagues, and students alike. Mary Beth will be missed by many, but her legacy will be carried on through the numerous lives she impacted as a nurse, friend, cousin, sibling, and wife. In addition, she had a positive influence on so many others through her sharing of knowledge and passion as a nurse educator with her students throughout her tenure at Penn State. Services to celebrate and remember her life will begin on Wednesday, February 16th, in the Hoover Funeral Home, Hershey, PA where viewing hours will be held from 4 -8 PM; Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 17th, with an additional hour of visitation beginning one hour prior to the Mass at the church. On Friday, February 18th the burial service will be held at 11AM in the chapel at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township, Wilkes-Barre, PA where Mary Beth will be laid to rest. God rest her soul. Please share condolences with the family at www.hooverfuneralhome.com John A. Polto, 87, of Hershey, passed away peacefully in his home on January 25, 2022. Born August 19, 1934 in Claymont, DE, he was the son of the late Anthony and Anna (Scamuffa) Polto. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Marie DiOttavio. John was a 1952 graduate of Coatesville Area High School, 1956 graduate of Ursinus College and went on to earn his Master's in Education from Temple University. He was employed at Central Chester County Vocational Technical School from 1978-1983 as the Painting & Decorating Instructor and was the Assistant Director and Vocational Administrative Director at Dauphin County Technical School from 1984-2001.
He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus Coatesville Council-Grand Knight; Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly Lebanon Deanery-Faithful Navigator; Areba Club Senior Citizen Ministry President over 17 years; PA Vocational Association, past President and Executive Director; and past President and Treasurer of PA Association of Special Needs Teachers Association. He received the Pennsylvania and National Outstanding Educator and the Pennsylvania and National Outstanding Vocational Director Awards. He also appeared before the House Education Committee to testify in support of Vocational Education. John enjoyed travel, reading and watching football. John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet (Fazzini) Polto; son, J. Damian Polto of Hershey; four daughters, Andrea Bennett (Steven) of Hershey, Therese Valente (Frank) of Gap, Janice Little (Jody) of San Antonio, TX, and Maria Martin (Paul) of Jacksonville, FL.; 9 grandchildren: Jamie (Dave), Jana, Joel (Amy), Daniel (Mindy), Anthony (Kristin), Frank, Nicole, Stephen and Jennifer (Sean); and 12 great grandchildren: Isabella, Giuliana, Caterina, Ariella, Alissandra, Giovanni, Nicholas, Joshua, Emily, Avery, Peyton and Olivia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 31st at 11:00am in the St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey. Viewing will be Sunday, January 30th from 4:00-6:00pm in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 3:30pm. Interment will be private in the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the DCTS Education Foundation, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Martin J. Johnson, Jr, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed into eternity, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, December 18, 2021 in Hershey, PA. Born on January 22, 1928 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Martin and Anna (Bartko) Johnson.
On April 28, 1956, Martin married the former Joan M. Targosz at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. Mr. Johnson proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp during WWII and the New York Air National Guard through 1955. Martin was employed by Moore Business Forms for over 45 years, never missing a day of work. His increased responsibilities in the finance department resulted in relocating to various cities throughout the country. He retired from the Glenview, Illinois US Headquarters in 1991 as a Corporate Comptroller. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 65 years, four children, Michael, Kathleen, Thomas and Timothy, their spouses, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Josephine Campbell, Gladys Sweeney and Carol Adam and brothers, John Johnson and Robert “Red” Johnson. Flowers are graciously declined. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation to support Veterans. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA. Dr. James M. Hoy peacefully departed this life on December 10, 2021, three days before his 91st birthday. He was a resident of Hershey, PA since 2002. A lifelong educator, he served in all capacities of education from teacher and coach to superintendent, touching countless lives along his career.
Born in Conemaugh, PA, son of James H. and Irene, he graduated from Conemaugh High School in 1948, where he excelled in sports. Jim served in the US Marine Corps from 1948 through 1952 and saw action in the Korean conflict, including Chosin, where his late brother, William also served in the US Army. Jim started as a business major at Penn State in Johnstown on the GI Bill but soon realized he was more interested in helping people than in the money-making world of business, and thereafter went into training at Indiana State Teacher’s College, entering the world of teaching and coaching. Jim began his teaching career circa 1957 at Purchase Line High School in Commodore, PA, where he was a teacher of Pennsylvania and US history, and a basketball coach, taking the boys’ varsity team to state level tournament competition. He served as a teacher, guidance counselor, Head Start supervisor, and principal in the Glassboro, NJ, school district in the 1960s and early 70s. After completing his doctorate at Penn State University, he became Assistant Superintendent of North Schuylkill School District and then Superintendent of Riverside Beaver County School District in Ellwood City, PA during the 1980s through 1993. Jim enjoyed Pittsburgh sports teams both football and baseball. He had a knack of entertaining all that he met with his special brand of storytelling. He was known for his whimsical and jovial personality. He especially enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting and Scouting events. His grandchildren lovingly called him The Old Gent, which was usually just “Gent.” His love for his grandchildren was only outshone by his love for his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Jean (Adams) Hoy, who preceded him in death in 2017. He is survived by four children: J. Michael, Jr. (Carol Kirtley), Carolyn, Roberta, Greg (Kristen Dallara), nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Patricia Kinn and Collette Williams. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Hershey PA. Services will be private and at the family’s discretion. She was born on November 19, 1943, in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania to Edward Brighton Smith, Sr., and Dorothy Deimler Smith. Linda lived in Hummelstown and Hershey during her youth and participated in field hockey and band. She graduated from Hershey High School in 1962. Linda was the fourth of five children and is preceded in death by her siblings: Rodney Smith, Patricia Smith, and Edward B. Smith. Linda’s sister Shirlee Miller currently resides in Arkansas.
Linda eventually met the love of her life, Thomas S. Donnelly in her early 20’s after he continually parked in her parking spot. Linda’s parking spot just happened to be at the top of a hill and Tom needed to be able to “pop the clutch” to start his car. Of course, Tom offered to compensate Linda by buying her a drink. They were married at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on February 24, 1968, a little more than two years after they first met. Linda and Tom began their journey in Cleveland, Ohio. Linda and Tom immediately had three children: Jennifer Donnelly Dahmer, Julie Donnelly Torkelson, and Tricia Lynn Donnelly. A few years later this young family of 5 would pack up the green station wagon and move on to Savanah, GA. Linda balanced the difficult task of raising three girls involved in Catholic School, dance, gymnastics, and swimming. She volunteered at the Nativity Catholic Church for years running countless fundraisers and women’s groups. During this busy time, she also took classes at the local college and slowly began working toward earning her college degree. The Donnelly family would move from Savannah to Urbana, Ohio, and finally to Fort Worth, Texas in 1981. Linda persisted with her college classes and transferred credits from 4 colleges and three states. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in May of 1987 with a degree in Business Administration. Linda’s determination to work both in the home and outside the home would continue as she opened her first business in 1988 called Linda Dee’s Boutique in Hulen Mall. Linda’s second endeavor as a small business owner was Aussie Outfitters at the Parks Mall in Arlington, Texas. She would eventually step away from her business when her husband Tom succumbed to Cancer in 1998. Linda’s heart was broken forever. After losing her husband she worked, traveled, and spent time with friends. Linda was a dedicated grandmother to 5 grandchildren: Reid, Addison, Avery, Ian, and Ava. Linda “Nana” would spend the last 21 years of her life dedicated to her grandchildren. When they were young, she was involved in their daily lives, activities, and schools always reading, counting, playing on the rug or in the pool with the grandkids. As those grandchildren grew older Nana supported them logistically, attending activities, and taking care of them when they were sick. Having her three daughters and all her grandchildren with her filled her heart and made her happy. Linda was a member of the Catholic Church and attended St Andrew Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 8, 2022, at St Andrew Catholic Church, 3312 Dryden Rd, Fort Worth 76109 at 12 noon. Those who are unable to attend may join virtually by visiting the "Join LiveStream" link below. Angel rooms are available for vulnerable individuals wanting to attend in person. A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in the Hoover Funeral Home and Crematory, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, beginning at 10 AM, immediately followed by the recitation of the rosary at 11 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Hershey Cemetery. All are Welcome, Vaccines save lives, Wear a mask, Wash your hands. Neda Longenecker, 95, a former resident of Hershey, passed away on January 5, 2022 in the Celebration Villa of Lebanon Assisted Living.
She was born June 10, 1926 in Trieste, Italy, daughter of the late Andrea and Giovana (Puntar) Pervagna. Neda dedicated her life to raising her family and serving the church. She had been a member of the Hershey Italian Lodge Ladies Auxiliary and of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, serving on the Women's Council, Resurrection Choir, Areba Club, Legion of Mary, Extraordinary ministers, helping at the jewelry table for church bazaars, and teaching 1st communion candidates. She also could be found in the school kitchen helping the late Frances Gibson with fundraising dinners. Neda also worked at Dutch Mill Bulbs when they were located in Hershey. Neda is survived by daughter, June (Robert) Sultzaberger of Middletown; son, Ned (Cynthia) Longenecker of Lancaster; son, Terry Longenecker of Ulysses, PA; son, Patrick (Lori) Longenecker of Palmyra; daughter, Joan (William) Longenecker-Wells of Middletown; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Elmer L. Longenecker in 1978. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 13th at 11AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. The family will begin receiving guests at 10:30AM. Private interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to St. Joan of Arc School, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Arrangements by Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory of Hershey, send condolences at www.hooverfuneralhome.com |
We are awaiting obituary information for the following parishioners whom recently passed:
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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: [email protected] |
St. Joan of Arc School
1525 Sand Hill Rd Hummelstown, PA 17036 Phone: 717.533.2854 Website: school.stjoanhershey.org |