Emil Simodejka

Emil Simodejka , 81, West West Terrace, Pottsville, died peacefully Tuesday morning at his residence with his family at his side.

Born in Minersville he was a son of the late Andrew and Mary " Shelenick " Simodejka. He had been employed in the clerk of courts office of the Schuylkill County Courthouse, Pottsville.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Minersville. Emil was a well known cantor having served several Byzantine parishes throughout the Eparchy for over 50 years.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a life member of both the Amvets and the American Legion Post # 544, Minersville. He was a graduate of Duquesne University. He had been the singer for the former Joe Misti Orchestra, director of the Original Byzantine Male Choir, member of the Minersville Senior Citizens and was an avid bingo player.

He was preceded in death by a sister Anna Lipchak and three brothers; Msgr. Michael A. , John E. "Butch" and George "Jake" Simodejka.

He is survived by his wife the former Kathryn Kalymun , with whom he would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on July 26th , his son Emil and his wife Leonette Simodejka, Lumberton, NJ, his three daughters Stephanie wife of Michael Taylor, Mechanicsburg, Maria wife of Randy Bonchack and Kris wife of Michael Boyle, both of Minersville, his grandchildren; Ariana and Celeste Taylor, Gabriella Bonchack, Rachel and Kelsey Simodejka and Devin and Garrett Boyle, his sister Mary Palamar, Wilmington, DE, several nieces and nephews.

Divine Liturgy, for Emil, will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Saturday in Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Minersville, with Very Rev. Francis M. Pwardzik SDB, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville, from 8:30 until 10:30a.m. Saturday morning with Panakhyda service at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations, in Emil's name, be made to Hospice of Central Pa , 1320 Linglestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17110