Francis J. 'Fritz Bercher

TTSVILLE- Francis “Fritz” J. Bercher, 85, of Pottsville, passed away Thursday evening at Schuylkill Medical Center, South Jackson Street, Pottsville. Born in Minersville on December 5, 1926, he was a son of the late William and Mary Bettinger Bercher. He attended Pottsville schools. He then entered the United States Navy where served on the USS McGinty in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret M. McGuire Bercher, who passed away in 2007; his brother, William Bercher. He is survived by his two daughters, Susan Wessner, wife of Lee, of Pine Grove and Margaret “Peggy” A. Bercher, of Dale City, VA; his 5 grandchildren, Amy Boyer, Stephen Schaeffer, Daryl, Wade and Travis Wessner; his 9 great grandchildren; his brother, Harold Bercher, husband of Carol, of Weyers Cave, VA; his three sister, Lorraine Tasso and Joan Bowers, both of Pottsville and Nancy Carestia, wife of Ralph, of Florida; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 P.M. at Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., 6th & West Market Streets, Pottsville. Father James Torpey will officiate. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Online condolences may be sent to bestlifetributes.com. Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., Pottsville is in charge of arrangements.