Obituary – Sylvia Ann (Poplaski) Rocuskie
Sylvia Ann (Poplaski) Rocuskie, age 86, a 55 – year resident of Hometown, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by love and family on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the Harrisburg home of her daughter Kelly Cappos & son in law Dave Cappos where she had been living. For 6 years, Sylvia had previously resided in Lock Haven with her daughter Karen Brandt and son-in-law Dr. John Brandt.
Sylvia was born May 4, 1937, in Shamokin, PA to the late Catherine (Katie Mick) Poplaski and Alexander (Tony) Poplaski. She had an extremely close and loving bond with her mother, Katie. Sylvia was a shining light in the world. She faced life with laughter, an amazing sense of humor, and unique intellectual insight. Sylvia had a huge heart in her tiny body.
Sylvia was married for 58 years to the love of her life and best friend Dr. Albert Rocuskie who preceded her in death in 2017. Sylvia and Al both graduated in 1955 from Coal Township High School in Shamokin. In 1957, Sylvia earned her associate degree in medical technology from the Harrisburg Institute of Medical Arts at Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, PA.
Early in her career, Sylvia was employed by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union Health Team administering polio immunizations across Pennsylvania. She worked as a medical assistant, receptionist, and medical technologist for the physician offices of John Mostyn Davis, MD & John Vastine, MD in Shamokin. For over 50 years Sylvia poured her heart and soul into working with her Al in their highly successful Chiropractic practice in Hometown.
Sylvia was the most dedicated, loving, and amazing wife to her Al. They were an inseparable couple who cherished each other deeply & inspired others. They lived every word of their marriage vows daily. Sylvia was a wonderful, loving, & strong role model for her 4 daughters whom she absolutely adored: Kelly Cappos, Harrisburg, PA; Karen Brandt, Lock Haven, PA; Kathy Ringenbach, Hummelstown, PA and Kim Sandelier, Turnersville, NJ. She loved her 4 sons-in-law like they were her own sons: David Cappos, Dr. John Brandt, Paul Ringenbach, and Pete Sandelier. Sylvia was a generous, fun-loving “Mam” to each of her 11 grandchildren: Dr. K. Ashley Brandt, Eric Cappos, John Paul Brandt, Dr. Christopher Cappos, Brian Cappos, Kristin Brandt Ventura, Michael Ringenbach, Amanda Ringenbach Frishkorn, Nicole Sandelier Boyd, Jonathan Ringenbach and Lauren Sandelier Logar and their spouses. She adored her 4 great-grandchildren: Carlee Cappos, Raegan Ventura, Jace Cappos and Mia Logar & was anticipating the arrival of Baby Boyd this Summer. She had a special place in her heart for her numerous cousins, nieces, nephews & dear friends. Sylvia will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:30 PM in the Immaculate Conception Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 310 West Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745 with Celebrant Father Joseph Orr officiating, assisted by Father Josh Weaver. Interment will be in the All-Saints Catholic Cemetery in Elysburg, PA. Family and friends will be received Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 3-6 PM in the Gedon Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC 121 W. Main St. Lock Haven, PA
Online thoughts and memories can be made to www.GedonFuneralHomes.com or the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
