Ernest J. Schwalm Sr., 73 – Had a Big Heart of Gold

Ernest J. Schwalm Sr., “Big Ern” “Mickey” “Pop” 73, Frackville passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 30th.

Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Leroy and Catherine Becker Schwalm. He worked as a carpenter and a general handyman.

Big Ern loved hunting and fishing. He was known to many as one of the best fisherman in the area and was a member of the South End Field and Stream at the Whippoorwill Dam, Frackville. He enjoyed playing softball and participating in homerun derbies at the Frackville Little League. He will be missed for his big heart of gold and his kindness toward anyone he came in contact with. He was quick to help anyone in need and always there to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Edward “Skippy” Schwalm and his sister Eleanor Harner.

He is survived by his two sons: Ernie and his wife Regina Schwalm, Frackville; Eric and his wife Siobhan Schwalm, Catawissa; his three daughters: Lisa Herndon, Pottsville; Brenda Miller, Mount Carmel; Patricia and her husband James Withelder, Pottsville; his brother, Leroy Schwalm, Virginia; his sister, AnnaMae Kroh, Frackville; his former wife, Helen Whery, Frackville; his 9 grandchildren whom he adored: Moxley Schwalm, Montana and Hunter Herndon, Zachary Schwalm, Joshua and Jessica Withelder, Ashley Dougherty, Amanda and Missy Miller; his great-grandchildren, Damien Meade, Adalee Withelder, Skylar Zweizig, Johnny Short and Matthew Englehart; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 5th from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville with Rev. Carl Shankweiler officiating. Family and friends are invited to his viewing from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Guests are asked to follow CDC guidelines.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for full obituary information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.