Lawrence R. “Tex” Gelches, 80, of Buck Run, passed away Monday morning at the Penn State Medical Center, Hershey.
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Paul and Helen Ptaskowski Gelches.
He was a 1957 graduate of Minersville High school. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville. He worked while in school at a grocery store. He later worked for the James Ryan Co. as a truck driver and oiler in the local coal business. He later worked on construction, operating all types of equipment for Pacemaker and Rosdor of New York. He later was promoted to foreman, and then superintendent for the company. After leaving the construction field he worked for Gangloft Brothers as an equipment operator. He also worked for the Reading Co. at COGEN plants and was called out of retirement by Sam Ryan to build roads and backfilling silt dams.
Larry always helped people when needed. He loved his wife and children and helped them all the time and they in return helped him when he needed it. He loved playing his guitar and playing with his band.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Steven Fessler, husband of his daughter Helen.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years the former Rosalie Pytko; a son Lawrence Gelches, Buck Run; a daughter Helen Fessler, Summit Station.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Monday in St. Matthew’s Church, 139 Spruce St., Minersville. Rev. Leo J. Maletz will officiate. Relatives and friends may call at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville, on Monday morning from 7AM to 9:30 AM. Visitors are expected to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and masks. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Minersville.
The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions to the Minersville Food Drive, c/o 529 Lytle St. Minersville. Contributions will also be accepted at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Lawrence’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com
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