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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Gloria Jean (Moyer) Venezia 80 of Hummelstown, passed away on May 8, 2025 in the Hershey Medical Center.
Gloria was born December 28, 1944 in Lebanon, to Marian and Donald Moyer. She was a graduate and band member of Lebanon High School and Millersville University where she earned a Master's in Elementary Education. She taught in the Lebanon School District for over 20 years. She is survived by her 2 sons, Joseph (Amanda) of Dagsboro, DE, Christopher of Duncansville, PA; granddaughters Paisley & Payton; brother Bob Moyer; sister-in-law Kathryn Venezia; and many cousins, aunts & uncles. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph M. Venezia. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15th, beginning at 10AM, in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. Interment will follow in the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228
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Thomas “Tom” E. Searer, 84, of Hershey, passed away on May 7, 2025 at home in the care of Serenity Hospice with his family at his side. Tom was born in Lewistown, PA on August 23, 1940.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Anne M. (Abel) Searer and two children, daughter Gwenyth R. Searer of Lafayette, CA and son Scott A. and wife Theresa M. (Wolf) Searer of Hershey, and three granddaughters, Ashlynn Searer of Salt Lake City, Utah and Arden and Iona Searer of Lafayette, CA. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Feron D. and Grace E. (Eby) Searer, brother William G. (Kathryn) Searer and sisters Shirley L. (Bert) Reigle, and Joan C. Cadeaux. Tom was a graduate of Bloomsburg University and received a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He taught math at the Milton Hershey School and later was employed by the U.S. Navy at Mechanicsburg for 30 years as a mathematician and computer specialist. A long-standing advocate for the environment, Tom belonged to the Derry Township Environmental Committee, helped residents of Hershey Plaza Apartments complete Rent Rebate forms, and was actively involved in the Derry Township Pollinator Garden and the Hershey Community Garden. Tom was an avid tennis player, bicyclist, and gardener who loved to walk in fields and woodlands and relax along mountain streams. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tom can be made to Solar Fund at St. Joan of Arc Church, make checks payable to St. Joan of Arc Church, (memo: Solar Fund) 305 West Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033, or Serenity Hospice, 205 Granite Run Drive Suite 210, Lancaster, PA 17601. Gloria Mary (Hooker) Tighe, 91, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 21, 1933 to the late George and Vivian (Myklebust) Hooker. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. “Bill” Tighe, Sr., since June of 2016, their cherished daughter, Ardyss, and brothers Norman and George. She is survived by her treasured sisters: Vivian, Carol, and Janet.
Gloria’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, and her spirit lives on in the hearts of her children: Noreen (Kevin), Michael (Jeanne), William (Beth), Timothy (Susan), Thomas (Geraldine), and Susan (Chad); grandchildren, Michael Patrick, Kristin, Sarah, Kathleen, John, Lindsey, Michael, Julie, Melissa, Samantha, Christopher, and Taylor. Her legacy extends to her great-grandchildren: Marquis, Grace, Sophia, Wesley, Reilly, Ryan, Peyton, Autumn, Audrey, Benjamin, Hazel, Mia, Mason, Luke, Magnolia, and Lucy who will carry forward her love and wisdom for generations to come. Gloria’s quiet strength and unwavering devotion to family were the pillars of her life. She deeply valued her Norwegian and Irish-English roots, honoring her place in one of the longest lineages of Norwegian descent. She found beauty in life’s simplest moments, traveling, cooking, and socializing as an active member of the Wantagh Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Nassau County Homemakers Council, and St. Joan of Arc RCIA sponsor. Though she has left this world, Gloria’s legacy of love, resilience, and family bonds endures in those she touched. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will forever cherish her memory. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 1PM – 4 PM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. John H. "Jack" Bogrette, Jr., 90, of Londonderry Village, Palmyra, formerly of Hershey, passed away on April 17, 2025 in the Hershey Medical Center.
Jack was born on October 10, 1934 in Portland, Maine, son of the late John Sr. and Kathryn (Cully) Bogrette. Jack had an extensive education in business and hospitality fields, ranging from the Culinary Institute of America, Quinnipac University Executive Management School, Penn State University, the American Hotel Assn, and the Wharton School. His career in hospitality began with work at various country clubs in the Northeast, advancing to serve as a Director of Food and Beverage for Marriott Hotels in both Boston and New York City; until moving to Hershey, and embarking on a 29-year career with HERCO. Jack served as both General Manager and Vice President of the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center and worked with The Hershey Country Club. Jack volunteered on many committees, including the PA Special Olympics, and Hotel Course Development Committees with both HACC and Lebanon Valley College. He was a long-time member of St. Joan of Arc in Hershey, and while living at Londonderry Village, he attended Church of the Holy Spirit in Palmyra. He was also a member of the SKAL International, Knights of Columbus and the Hershey Rotary Club. Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary A. (Cedro) Bogrette; his children, Michele (Rebecca Gensel) Bogrette, John Bogrette, III, James (Christine) Bogrette, Lauren (Richard) Grubb, Mark (Patty) Bogrette, Kevin Bogrette, and Daniel (Karie) Bogrette, ten grandchildren, Kayleigh (John), Nelson (Dominique), Steven (Zoe), Caroline (Logan), Rebecca (Luke), Morgan (Kris), Kirsten (Jared), Elizabethe, Lexie, and Makenna, and three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Luna, and John Henri. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Cully Bogrette, and brother, Edmund Bogrette. Catharine Mary (Hoke) “Kitty” Wright, 92, of Hummelstown, passed away on March 19, 2025 peacefully at home.
She was born August 10, 1932 in N. Lebanon Township, daughter of the late Joseph and Catharine (Spangler) Hoke. Kitty served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, which is where she met her late husband, Larry. She devoted her life to raising their ten children. Later, she worked for Hershey Foods until retiring. Her memberships include St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and Chocolate Workers Local #464. Kitty is survived by her children, Thomas A. Wright, Michael J. (Pamela) Wright, Theresa E. (Gregory) Dawson, Richard A. Wright, Sr., Timothy J. Wright, Sheila A. Wright, Andrew J. (Stephanie) Wright, Christopher P. (Rosie) Wright, Steven C. Wright, Matthew G. (Crystal) Wright; sister, Helen Ruhl, brother, Robert Hoke; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Larry" Wright; (newborn daughter), Angela; grandson, David A. Wright; and several siblings. A rosary service will be held on Sunday, March 30th at 2PM, followed by a viewing from 2:30-4PM., in the Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 11:30AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. Interment with military honors will follow in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, followed by a Luncheon at Snitz Creek Brewery, 1805 Fisher Ave, Annville. Anne E. (Daniels) Severs, 84, of Palmyra passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. She was born on Thursday, June 13, 1940 to the late Frank E. and Ottilie H. (Lux) Daniels. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 55 years, Walter B. Severs.
Anne was raised in San Francisco, CA and went to San Francisco College of Women where she earned her BS. She then went on to earn her MS at the University of California Medical Center and finished her PhD in pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh. After college she continued her education at NASA life science research division and later went to work at the Hershey Medical Center as assistant professor of pharmacology from 1970 to 1972. She then retired and raised her five children. In addition, she was an artist and worked doing custom framing at Maplenut Creations at Briarcrest Square. She sold her personal work to private collectors. More than anything she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Mary Sonnen and husband Thomas, Jane Cordrey and husband James, Steven Severs, William Severs and wife Jessica, and Katherine Severs; and granddaughter, Elliana Severs. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings, Therese Caveney, Marie Straw, and William and Frank "Bud" Daniels. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Burial will follow mass at Grandview Memorial Park, Annville. A time of viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in her memory with prayers or mass cards for the repose of her soul. Ronnie M. Pronio, 95, of Hummelstown, passed away on March 13, 2025 at Country Meadows of Hershey.
She was born March 11, 1930 in Palmyra, daughter of the late Adolph and Elizabeth (Mielert) Prang. Ronnie was a graduate of Hershey High Class of '47 and Seton Hill College. She devoted much of her life to raising her family. She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church where she sang in the choir. Ronnie is survived by her children, daughters, Paula Pronio and Lorna Thomas, son, Michael (MaryJo) Pronio; grandchildren, Thomas, William (Katherine ), Molly (Brehan Maul), Catherine & Joseph (Christine) Crabtree, James, Natale, Matthew & Ellen Pronio, Mireille (Dan) Winings John, (Emily), Daniel & Michael Thomas, Astin (Kerry) Pronio; and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Vincent A. Pronio, son, Patrick J. Pronio, and brother, Matthew Prang. Recitation of the Rosary will take place on Monday, March 17th at 5:30PM, followed by a viewing from 6 - 8PM, in the Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18th at 11:30 AM in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. (For those unable to attend, the mass will be live streamed at: https://www.stjoanhershey.org/live-stream.html Interment will follow in the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to either: St. Joan of Arc School, 1525 Sand Hill Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036 or Morning Star Services, 2509 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110. Charles Howard Kinloch Jr., 94 passed on Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home in Hershey, PA.
Born October 31, 1930, in Utica, NY, he was the son of Charles Howard Kinloch Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Kinloch. He graduated from West Chester high school and attended the Irving school before his service in the Navy. He was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance for over 40 years and worked most recently as the District Manager in Lebanon, PA. Howard, while living in Lebanon, served as a member of the Lebanon School Board. Upon moving to Hershey, he was a long-time member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Hershey Country Club, and Hershey Italian Lodge. Howard enjoyed family and friends, golf, cards, and traveling. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Kay E. (Erdman) Kinloch and stepson John K. Fox. He is survived by his sister Patience Vanderbush of Franklin, Indiana, his son Charles "Dinny" Kinloch of Lebanon; a daughter Susan K. Neupauer (Jeff) of Southport, North Carolina; two stepdaughters, Trudy K. Burgess (William) of San Antonio, Texas and Jan M. Zaccanini of Hershey. He is survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 8th in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. There will be no viewing or visitation. Interment will be private in the Hershey Cemetery. Michelle A. Montgomery, 50, of Brooklyn, New York, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on January 29, 2025 at Calvary Hospital Hospice in Brooklyn after a four-year battle with osteosarcoma. A loving vigil was kept by her sisters and friends.
Michelle was great fun, generous of heart, dedicated to public health and community, witty, wise, adventurous, and kind. She is survived by her parents James and Nancy Montgomery of Hershey, PA; sister Joan Halford (Shawn Halford) of Needham, MA; sister Denise Montgomery (David Urso) of San Diego, CA; and her nieces and nephews: Gabriel Halford, Rose Halford, Olivia Urso, and Barrett Urso. Michelle had an enormous circle of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives she touched and forever changed. Born on September 22, 1974 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Michelle’s early childhood was spent in Bethlehem and nearby Lower Nazareth. In 1980, she moved with her family to Strongsville, OH. In 1985, Michelle and her family moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Hershey High School as class valedictorian. Michelle was part of the Productions Staff and co-editor of the Hershey Broadcaster school newspaper. It was during these years that she developed a love of reading and music. Following high school graduation in 1992, Michelle entered the University Scholars Program at Pennsylvania State University, earning degrees with honors in Psychology and English in 1996. Her love of live music performances that began in high school expanded in college, and she and her friends attended many concerts together. Michelle remained close with her college friends throughout her life. Following graduation from college, Michelle worked in a residential facility for young people experiencing mental health challenges. In 1997, Michelle moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in nonfiction writing. During her time at Columbia, Michelle worked at the Columbia University Oral History Research Office on a project documenting the voices and experiences of doctors who cared for patients during the early years of the AIDS crisis. The project culminated in the 2002 book AIDS Doctors: Voices from the Epidemic. She was also an editorial board member of Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art. During her time at Columbia, Michelle fell in love with New York City and made more friendships she cherished. Following graduation from Columbia in 1999, Michelle moved to Brooklyn, first to Park Slope,then to Ditmas Park. The borough became her adopted home for 26 years: She loved the energy, the people, its quirky shops, farmer’s markets, lively restaurants, Prospect Park, and the endless music, art, and culture. In 2000, Michelle joined the staff of CAMBA, a social services organization based in Flatbush in Brooklyn. She brought her creativity, dedication, and talents to work in public health and disease prevention, where she was a program and evaluation manager. Over her nearly 25 years with CAMBA, the organization became another longstanding Brooklyn home for her. Michelle’s work at CAMBA and her relationships with her colleagues meant a great deal to her. While working full-time at CAMBA,Michelle earned a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics from Hunter College at The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy in 2012. She co-authored three research publications based on research she conducted with professors and colleagues from CUNY. Michelle purchased an apartment in a beautiful building in Ditmas Park in 2019. There she became involved in the coop board, planted flowers and trees with the gardening committee, and made dear friends. Together with family and friends, Michelle traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Some of her favorite destinations included Amsterdam; Hawaii; Squam Lake, New Hampshire; London; and Turks and Caicos. Michelle loved 90s British bands, KEXP radio of Seattle, dining out with friends, autumn, the color orange, The Hunt column every Thursday in the New York Times, tai chi, real estate television, the family dogs, the beach, French fries, baking, cooking, and thinking about cooking. She called being an aunt one of the great joys of her life. She considered herself rich in friendship and lived an incredible life with a full heart. Michelle will be dearly missed by the many people who loved her. There will be a memorial gathering in New York City in the Spring and a private service in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Food Bank NYC, the World Food Program, Doctors Without Borders, the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, KEXP Radio of Seattle, or The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kathleen Ann Lewis, 92, a life-long resident of Hershey, passed away on February 20, 2025, at the Lebanon Valley Home in Annville. She was born on July 3, 1932, in Hershey, the daughter of the late Edward Sr. and Dorothy (Rogers) Lewis.
Kathleen attended Derry Township Schools where she participated in chorus and played tenor sax in the band, orchestra, and dance band. After graduating from Hershey High School in 1950, she continued her education at Hershey Junior College and later became a dental assistant at Fort Indiantown Gap. She loved swimming, excelling in the backstroke in the competitions she entered. In 1952, she accepted a job at the Hershey Women’s Club where she taught swimming and diving. Recognizing the need for female competitive sports, Kathleen established and coached the Hershey Girls’ Aquatic Club, a successful competitive swim team for girls 8 to 16 years old, leading them to meets across south central and southeastern PA. Beyond guiding their athleticism, Kathleen taught “her girls” important life lessons including discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork, while having fun and developing friendships. Many of her swimmers kept in touch over the years, several visiting her in the last days of her life. After 10 years of coaching at the Women’s Club, Kathleen turned her attention to earning a degree in Dental Hygiene. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965, thereafter dedicating her entire dental hygiene career to working side-by-side with her sister, Joanne, and her late brother, Dr. Edward B. Lewis, in his dental practice. Above all, Kathleen’s faith was most important to her. She was a life-long member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and participated in numerous church activities including volunteering for the annual church festivals, traveling to Washington, DC for the March for Life, and singing in the choir for many years. With the discovery of old family letters in her late mother’s belongings, Kathleen developed a genuine interest in genealogy. Initial conversations with local relatives, visits to graveyards, and sifting through old courthouse documents in her grandparents’ hometown in Lebanon County led her to the identification of relatives back to the 1700’s, both here in the United States and across the ocean to Trowbridge, England. This connection through her grandfather Rogers not only extended this branch of the family tree back to the 1500’s but also sparked a lifelong friendship with the Rogers family. Over the years, Kathleen visited the Rogers’ numerous times, also welcoming them and several members of their family to the U.S. The years of research and discovery culminated in Kathleen’s publication of “Family Reunion,” a 364-page book recording all the information she discovered, dedicating her labor of love to her parents with the closing instruction that future generations continue to be recorded. Because of her discovery of several relatives’ military service, Kathleen was inducted into the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1976 as a direct descendent of a patriot of the Revolutionary War. Kathleen’s interest in history extended beyond genealogy to a commitment to honoring the history of her hometown, Hershey, PA. In 1991, she became a founding member of the Hershey Historical Society, serving on the board for more than 20 years, including many as its board president. Starting in their living room, Kathleen and her sister, Joanne, worked tirelessly to build Society membership to more than 1,800 members, a remarkable number in comparison to similar organizations. After stepping down from the board in 2011, Kathleen continued to volunteer for the organization. Her passion for expanding and organizing the Society photo collection led to her developing a much-needed search catalog for the images, a key contribution to the Society’s successful management of its ever-growing photo collection. Kathleen is survived by her sister, Joanne Lewis Curry, of Hershey, seven nieces and nephews, fourteen great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece. Never having children of her own, Kathleen doted on the extended families of her siblings, loving each of them as her own. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Edward B. Lewis, Jr. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey. The family will begin receiving guests at 10AM. Interment will follow in the Hershey Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to St. Joan of Arc Church or the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, 40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, 17033. |
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 2025
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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 |