Ann Louise Smilak, 85, passed away on December 11, 2020. Ann was a strong woman who survived Covid-19 in April and passed away like she always wanted to… peacefully, with her husband, Edward Stephen Smilak, by her side.
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She was born February 10, 1935 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late Juliet H. (Connors) and Robert L. Howe. Ann and Edward were married February 11, 1956, and celebrated 64 years together.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Cynthia Clark and husband Mark Clark of Chester Springs, Robert Smilak of Hummelstown, and Julie Scheib and husband Randy Scheib of Hershey. She was the devoted grandmother of Alaina Clark of West Chester, Dr. Gregory Clark and his wife Caymee Wood of NYC, Andrew Smilak and his wife Katie Smilak of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Stephen Smilak of Boston, Amy Smilak of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Jessica Scheib of Hershey, Nicholas Scheib of Hershey and Patrick Scheib of Hershey. Also surviving are her twin brother, John Howe and his wife Karen Howe of Mechanicsburg and many loving nieces and nephews.

Ann has been described as the sweetest person one could know. She was a proud mother, loving wife, devoted grandmother, devout Catholic, and kind friend. She will be remembered for her smile, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. Many memories of Ann include a beloved dog by her side. Ann had a 20-year career with Bethany Children's Home, Wolmelsdorf, Pa in their childcare center where she touched the lives of children and staff alike.

Funeral services will be private and scheduled at the discretion of the family with internment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 305 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA.
Send online condolences at www.hooverfuner alhome.com.

​Victoria Ann Rich Sicher, 75, of Elizabethtown, passed away on December 11, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family. 
She was born January 6, 1945 in Greensburg, PA, daughter of the late Dominic and Ann (Chernicky) Rich.  She was a former elementary school teacher and was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey.   She also enjoyed working at Annabel’s Boutique in Harrisburg, as well as the Montessori Children’s House of Hershey.
 Victoria is survived by her husband Ermo Sicher, D.D.S.; son Christopher Sicher, D.M.D. and his wife Kathy and their children, Natalie and Ethan; daughter Julie Sicher McDonald and her husband Brendan and their children, Meghan and Quinn; and brother James F. Rich, M.D.
 A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11AM in her church.
The service may be viewed online at the time of service on the church's website at:
www.stjoanhershey.org/live-stream.html or on the church’s Facebook page.
 In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Inc. 7790 Grayson Road Harrisburg, PA 17111.
 Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory of Hershey, Pennsylvania, is handling the arrangements.

​ Salvatore Nicholas Amato, 73, of Derry Township passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020, in the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA, as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident. Born in Molfetta, Italy, on April 27, 1947, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Elanor Bellomo Amato. Sal retired as the Manufacturing Manager for numerous companies including ASK Foods, Inc., Hershey Foods Corporation, San Giorgio, Kraft Foods and Maxwell House. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from of St. Peter's College, Jersey City, NJ. Sal was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Vietnam War. He was a former member of the Hershey Italian Lodge. Sal enjoyed watching football and soccer, not to mention having a glass of wine while watching his favorite television show, "Family Feud" with Steve Harvey.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rosemarie M. Carlone Amato, whom he married on July 17, 1971; two sons, Mario Jude Amato husband of Susan of Annville, and Salvatore John Amato of New Cumberland; three grandchildren, Brian, Nicholas and Makayla; two sisters, Giovanni Uva and Clara Turchi both of Hoboken, NJ; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Sal was preceded in death by two brothers Emilio and Mario. Private services will be held by the family. Inurnment with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ([email protected]). Online condolences may be shared on www.trefzandbowser.com.

​​Janice F. Cary, 87, a longtime resident of Hershey, who, as a young woman, devoted her life to serving the ill and dying as a nurse, passed away on December 7, 2020, with a nurse praying by her bedside. She was born January 20, 1933 in Binghamton, NY, daughter of the late Fred and Frances (Quinlivan) McDonald. Janice's life was a love story of a nurse and a doctor who met while she was in nursing school and her future husband in medical school, in Syracuse, NY. She worked in nursing before committing much of her life to raising her family. An ambitious, intelligent, and strong woman, she later returned to work as a voice for the belittled, and a champion for women's rights. She served as lobbyist for the PA Psychiatric Society, where she advocated for more just insurance coverage for those with mental illness. She also served as a president of the Hershey League of Women Voters to support the right to vote and as a president of Friends of Hershey Public Library and board member for many years of the PA Citizens for Better Libraries to push for the advancement of people from all walks of life through the attainment of knowledge. Her crowning achievements were her five children who were each represented by a diamond on a ring given to her by her husband. Her latest accomplishment was coordinating with her daughter, Meghan Cary, on the creation of the River Rock Project www.riverockproject.com. She was also a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. Janice is survived by her loving husband, Gene L. Cary, to whom she was married for 62 years. Jan is also survived by her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Phil Cary and his wife Nancy Hazle along with their 3 children, Jonathon, Christopher and Jacob; Brian Cary along with his 2 children, Caroline and Ryan; Bruce Cary and his wife, Carolyn Collins along with Bruce's son, Jack; Allison Jenkins along with her 2 children, Katy and Veronica; and Meghan Cary and her husband, Peter Farrell along with their 2 children, Clara and Quinn. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann McDonald, her brother, David McDonald, and her grandson, Joe Jenkins, son of daughter Allison Jenkins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 12 at 11 AM in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. The service may be viewed online at: www.stjoanhershey.org/live-stream.html or on the church's Facebook page. With respect to current safety recommendations, there will be no visitation. The family plans to have a Celebration of Janice's life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to Haitipartners.org Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory of Hershey is handling the arrangements. Send condolences via the online guest book at www.hooverfuneralhome.com www.pennlive.com/obits

Margaret "Peggy" Frank of Hershey, PA, born March 13, 1950, passed away on December 4, 2020 after a short battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side. Peggy was born and raised in Steelton. She attended Steelton-Highspire High School (class of 1968) and received a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State University. She taught elementary school at St. Mary's (Prince of Peace) Catholic School and Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School for more than 30 years. In her spare time, Peggy enjoyed socializing with friends and family and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Charles Frank (68) of Hershey; son, Adam Frank (36) of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Emily Frank (34) of Cherry Hill, NJ; and brother, John Benkovic (77) of Herndon, VA. Peggy was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery - near her parents John and Theresa Benkovic - during a graveside service for immediate family on December 8, 2020. Due to safety concerns surrounding the ongoing pandemic, a Memorial Service and banquet will be planned for Summer 2021. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home Cremation Services, Oberlin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care (https://www.hospiceconnect.org./memorial). www.pennlive.com/obits

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​John A. Rizzo, 71, of Hummelstown passed away on October 29th, 2020 in the presence of his family.  Born on April 1st, 1949 in Hershey, he was the eldest child of the late Arthur and Marion (Colangelo) Rizzo.  John was a loving husband, father, brother, Popsie, coach and friend to so many people in the community and will be missed dearly.
John was a 1967 graduate of Hershey High School and excelled in both football and baseball.  He spent a lifetime watching, teaching and coaching youth sports, and guided many young men and women to be the best they could be, including his four grandsons Anthony, Trenton, Joseph and Nicholas.  John retired from The Hershey Company in 2001 after 28 years of service, and served later as a contractor supporting multiple departments.  He built many friendships during his time at the 19 East Plant, West Hershey, and Reese facilities and spoke about those friends often.  While family was his first priority, his friend network was a close second.  The comradery that he developed with his high school teammates continued in his life for years to come.  The stories from playing baseball, softball and golf were endless and always led to laughter.  To all of the friends that are still with us today, and to those that have been lost, thank you for the great memories.
Surviving are his wife of 38 years, and the love of his life, Sherri (Paine) Rizzo; son Mike (Kimberly) Rizzo; daughter Julie Rizzo; grandsons Anthony and Nicholas Rizzo, and Trenton and Joseph Matter; brother Jim (Judy) Rizzo; sister Joyce Rizzo (Ron Freda); mother-in-law Jeanne (Orsini) Paine; brother-in-law Dan Paine and many cousins, nieces and nephews both by blood and those “adopted” through his friendships.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Phil Paine, sister-in-law Charlotte Paine and brother-in-law Jeff Paine.
The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Battista and Dr. Morie Gertz for their constant advice and counseling over the past 24 years.  We would also like to thank the many doctors and staff at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN who worked tirelessly to improve John’s health and wellness.  And a special thank you to the many nurses who brought daily conversation and bedside care when he needed it most.
Due to restrictions concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, a private service will be held for the family at St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey with interment at the Hummelstown Cemetery.  A celebration of John’s life will be announced, at a later date once restrictions have been lifted for large gatherings, to allow for the large number of family and friends to pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:
The Mayo Clinic – For Amyloid Research, Attn: Dr. Morie Gertz200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN  55905

Margaret J. Cardamone, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Kadima at Campbelltown nursing home, Palmyra, PA.  She was born Thursday, August 9, 1923 to the late William, Sr. and Grace (Foley) Bunker in Brooklyn, NY.  She is predeceased by her husband Louis J. Cardamone.
She is survived by her loving daughter: Grace Hensinger and husband William; adored grandchildren, Robin and Bobby and wife Debra; cherished great-grandchildren, Allie, Megan, Julia, and Brandon; sister Jane; and 21 nieces and nephews, many who hold her very dear to their hearts. She is predeceased by her brothers Raymond, William, and Harry and sisters Grace and Bernadette.
Margie’s first job was working for Western Union in Manhattan, NY. She worked on roller skates to get from one side of the building to the other. Some of her hobbies included: needlework, photography, chocolate making, cooking, scratch off lottery, and watching television. Margie’s birthday and St. Patrick’s Day were her favorite holidays.
Services will be private at the request of the family due to COVID 19.  Burial will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital,  262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Children’s Miracle Network, 205 West 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Please see below for website link. 
 
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-822-6344
Web: https://www.stjude.org
Children's Miracle Network
205 West 700 S., Salt Lake City UT 84101
Web: https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/donate/
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Mary B. Janes, 74, of Harrisburg, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Hershey Medical Center. Born in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Rita M. Donovan.
Mary attended Massachusetts General School of Practical Nursing and graduated as a licensed practical nurse. She was also the library aide for St. Joan of Arc Catholic School for 20 years and was on the school board for 5 years. In the last 12 years before retirement, she worked in day care where she was fondly known as “Miss Mary” to the children. Above all, her most important job was being a stay at home mom while her children were growing up. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, watching birds at the bird feeder, using peanuts to befriend the Blue Jays, making crafts, and enjoying  her favorite candy, peanut M&Ms.
Mary left notes for her children to help with writing an obituary for her. The following is a quote from her notes: “This is my history in a nutshell. It doesn’t cover the laughing hugging, crying, I love you’s, late night and early morning surprises. It is a great thing to have pure white hair- it shows how much wisdom I’ve gained raising 4 absolutely smart, beautio, handsome, caring, and quite normal kids. They are raising the same. They make me proud as I watch their hair turn white! Except Matthew- he has no hair!”
She is survived by 4 children and their spouses who will miss her dearly: Bridget Bentley (Matthew) of Michigan, Karen Stauffer (Brad) of Annville, Katie Kugler (Jason) of Annville, and Matthew Janes (Lissa) of Harrisburg. She was lovingly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Caitlin, Abbie, Noah, Rebekah, Connor, Finn, and one on the way. Mary is also survived by her siblings Joseph, Patrick, Christopher, Margaret, Catherine, Peter and predeceased by John.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Palmyra. 717-838-9211. Condolence and memories may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital, www.FourDiamonds.org, or the American Lung Association, www.Lung.org
Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital
1249 Cocoa Ave, Suite 115, P.O. Box 852, Hershey PA 17033
Tel: 1-717-531-6086
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.FourDiamonds.org
American Lung Association
55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago IL 60601
Tel: 1-800-548-8252
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.lung.org
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     Vincent Paul Lewis, Lieutenant Colonel USAF (Ret), 101 years old, and a 58 year resident of Hershey, died November 6, 2020 at Masonic Village.  Vincent was born November 29, 1918 in Minersville, Schuylkill County, PA to Benjamin C. Lewis, a coal miner and Margaret L. (Brown) Lewis at their family home on Schaeffers Hill.  Vince, 2nd generation Irish, attended St Vincent’s Primary School in Minersville and graduated from St Patrick’s Catholic High School (now Nativity BVM), in Pottsville in May 1937.  After school Vince worked as a truck driver in the coal mines and on the PA turnpike tunnels before enlisting in the Army in October 1940 before World War II was declared.
     Vincent was a career US Air Force officer and pilot as he initially joined to become a fighter pilot. After getting his Army Air Corps Aviator’s wings in 1943, he was assigned instead to heavy bombers and became qualified on the Consolidated B24 Liberator multi-engine bomber. He earned Command Pilot’s wings in the 485th Bomber (HVY) Group, 15th Air Force in WWII as he participated from Tunisia, North Africa in the invasion of Italy in March 1944 and the D-Day Normandy invasion in June 1944. Flying out of Verona, Italy airbase on July 20, 1944, on his 33rd combat air mission over enemy lines, his ‘Briny Marlyn’ B24 (air formation name ’Blue Echo’) was shot down by ME-109’s over Conegliano, northern Italy. He was injured, but kept flying the severely damaged B24 and he was the last of his 10-man crew to bail out. For these actions, he received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross medals.  For the next 5 months, he led his crew and other Allied military personnel, escaping through enemy positions out of Italy and Yugoslavia. Finally they were rescued by a night-flight back to safety at Barrie, Italy airbase.
     Vince or ‘VP’ returned to Denver, CO, USA before VE Day in 1945 where he married 2nd Lieutenant Miriam ‘Lee’ Savage, a US Army Nurse from Fayetteville, Brown Co, OH. After a 25 year US Air Force career as a highly decorated pilot and veteran with tours in AL, AR, CO, KS, AK, TN, WI, VA and an overseas tour in Tokyo, Japan.  He, Lee and 9 children eventually retired at Olmstead AFB Middletown, PA on May 1, 1965 — the same base where he enlisted years earlier. Vince completed a second career at New Cumberland Depot in 1981 as Chief of the Catalog Data Activity, which kept track digitally of all DoD replacement parts. His knowledge of computers resulted in his self-taught Basic programming skills even filing his tax returns directly to the IRS in the 1980’s before today’s e-File. After Lee’s death, he began retirement that included his 2nd marriage in 1983 to Janice Slagle, a Nurse Mgr at Hershey Medical Center. They enjoyed travel across the country, children’s marriages, 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and, a new hobby with pleasure boats on Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.   Support to Catholic education also was central to his belief of a better future.
      Surviving Vincent are his wife Janice of 37 years; his sons: Vincent (Susan) of San Rafael, CA, WO2(Ret) Dennis of San Angelo, TX, LTC(Ret) Stephan (Jan) of Gettysburg, PA, Martin (Nancy) of Gloucster, OH and Timothy (Kathleen) of Middletown, PA; his daughters: M. Kathy (LTC(Ret) James) Filson of Boca Raton, FL, Jean (James) Walmer of Three Springs, PA, Patricia Ellermann of Lakeland, FL, Sharon (Elvin) Shilling of Fredericksburg, PA; step-daughter Kimberly Holmes of Elizabethtown, PA.  Also married are 16 of his 23 grandchildren who have 20 of his great-grandchildren living around the country.
     Preceding Vincent in death are his first wife, Lee; his parents; younger sister Catharine Mary; grandson, Matthew; maternal grandparents from Ireland with whom he was close as a young boy; daughter-in-law Lynn; son-in-law Bradford; 7 paternal aunts/uncles and 6 maternal aunts/uncles. 
     There will be a visitation at the Hoover Funeral and Crematory, 88 Lucy Ave. in Hershey on Friday, November 13 from 10-11AM.  Mass and Christian burial will follow at 11:30AM in St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Avenue, Hershey (where Vincent and family attended for 58 years).  Burial with full military honors will follow at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. 
     The family requests no flowers, but rather donations to the American Cancer Society or the charity of choice.
Send condolences via the online guestbook at www.hooverfuneralhome.com