Joseph M Gogno

Diane Rollins • March 1, 2025

I loving memory of Joseph M Gogno

On January 8, 2025, surrounded by his family, Joseph Michael Gogno died peacefully in the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida, at the age of 66.


Joe was born on October 18, 1958, in Pottsville, PA. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kiselica) Gogno, Briar City. Joe attended Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School and a 1976 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.


In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Mary. He is survived by his daughter, Marissa; his brother, John (Jake) and his wife Debra; sister, Maria, wife of Mark Everett; niece, Victoria; nephews, Matthew and Jacob and his wife Angie, a great nephew, Curtis; many cousins and friends.


Early on Joe worked for Counties Construction and then for Danella Construction in various roles for over 30 years but most notably as the South Florida Superintendent. Recently, he operated heavy equipment for various companies throughout Florida. 


Joe loved his family and friends and cherished the time he spent with them. He also enjoyed ethnic food from Schuylkill County especially that was made by his mom, Aunt Dolly and Aunt Dede, and cousin, Diane.


Joe enjoyed living in Florida and all the friendships he made on his life journey. He loved cars and bikes, especially his Honda 50cc dirt bike that he shared with his brother. Joe had great style and is known for his famous wardrobe of pristine white shirts, blue jeans, and cowboy boots. He was an entrepreneur and a very successful businessman who owned and operated several businesses in Schuylkill County and Florida.


Joe fought a courageous battle as his health rapidly declined and was admired by all for his bravery. He was most grateful to his medical team, family, and friends who supported him at this time. As Joe said many times, “thank you for caring.” Joe never asked, “why me?” He maintained his positive attitude, his gratefulness, hopefulness, and his faith.


A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on February 15, 2025, at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 415 North Front Street, Minersville, PA.

A visitation will be held from 8:30 am until time of the service. Joe will be laid to rest at a later date during a private family service.



In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in his memory to Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Elementary School, 515 North Front Street, Minersville, PA 17954.

Nativity BVM Ukrainian Food & Easter EGGstravaganza 2022

February 27, 2022
Nativity BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church Ukrainian Food & Easter EGG stravaganza 2022

The Bayberry Candle Christmas Tradition

By Diane Rollins • December 31, 2020
Each year my mom and her sister would gift each other bayberry candles - always a box of two tapers. The candles would burn in the kitchen one on Christmas eve and one on New Years eve. Bayberry candles signify a special gift giving pleasure at Christmas time. Legend has it that if you burn a gifted Bayberry candle down to the end on Christmas Eve, you will have good health and gold in your pocket the following year. Some families, like ours, burn one on Christmas Eve and one on New Year's Eve. Others only on Christmas eve. Many Christians believe that the light of the Bayberry Candle on Christmas Eve will welcome the Christ child into their home. Legend states that the Bay Tree sheltered the Holy Family during a storm and as a result lightning will never strike it. Give the gift of a Bayberry candle. Many believe burning a bayberry candle to the end on New Years Eve ensures your household will enjoy a year of prosperity and good luck. “These bayberry candles come from a friend. So on Christmas Eve & New Years Eve burn it down to the end. For a bayberry candle burned to the socket will bring joy to the heart & gold to the pocket.” Anonymous Learn more about the history and traditions of the bayberry candle from our friends at A COAL CRACKER KITCHEN here: Legend of the Bayberry Candle
Julia Gogno

Julia Gogno

By Diane Rollins • April 5, 2020
Julie Gogno (née Stefansky) 83, passed away April 3 at the Reading Hospital. Born and raised in Dowdentown, she was the daughter of the late John Stefansky and the late Anna Stefansky Wallace. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Stefansky Barton, Dowdentown, and her husband, Charles Gogno, Brier City.

Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Gogno

By Diane Rollins • July 9, 2019
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Gogno! Here is a link to pics from Jacob & Angela's Wedding!

Wyomissing Library Pysanky Egg Class 2019

By Diane Rollins • March 23, 2019
On March 23, 2019 the Wyomissing Public Library help a pysanky egg decoration class taught by Diane Rollins & Maria Everett.

Pysanky Egg Class at Nativity BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church

By Diane Rollins • March 18, 2019
Pysanky Egg Class at Nativity BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church on March 17, 2019.

THE START OF SHOWING EGGS 

By Maria Everett • January 26, 2019
Over time we began participating in various egg shows displaying and selling our pysanky egg creations.

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By Maria Everett • January 26, 2019
Memories of a Young Child Learning the Art of Pysanky Egg decorating.

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By Diane Rollins • January 20, 2019
Our Ukrainian pysanky egg art stories, traditions, and food recipes.

Pysanky Folk Tale

By Diane Rollins • January 20, 2019
Ukrainian pysanky eggs were once used by the Ukrainians in mystical and magical rites, considered vital to their survival. Decorated egg represents rebirth, life, spring, and life winning over death. In Christianity, the eggs have taken on religious meaning as well. An ancient folk tale The Blessed Mary decorated some eggs to offer to Pontius Pilate in a pleas for sparing her son’s life. As she prepared the eggs, her tears fell onto the shells, forming dots of brilliant colors. To this day, in honor of Our Lady’s tears, dots are often incorporated into the egg designs. When Mary came before Pilate, she dropped to her knees, and the story goes that the eggs rolled out across the floor, a symbol of their distribution world wide. At Easter time, these eggs are still distributed to commemorate Christ’s teachings of Peace and Love, and to help us open our eyes and witness the rejuvenation and rebirth of spring and new life. Meanings and symbols change with time, but one fact is certain — there is no life without art. Pysanky is a folk art which has been the life pulse of the Ukraine people for many centuries. Today, artisans and crafters continue the tradition.
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