Saturday, July 10, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: July 9th, 2021

                                                                                                                                                                       

Skook News Obituaries:  July 9th, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Francis J. Skibiel, 89, of Schuylkill Haven, PA, passed away Friday, July 9th, at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg.

Born in Minersville, PA on February 23, 1932, he was a son of the late William & Mary (Anrsavage) Skibiel.

He was the widower of Gertrude A. (Bottiglier) Skibiel, his loving wife of 67 years, who passed away February 13, 2020. In addition to his parents and wife, Francis is also preceded in death by two sons, Gregory, & Vincent Skibiel, three brothers: Joseph, Edward, & John Skibiel, and two sisters: Jenny Sekellick, & Helen Papada.

He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven; where he had participated in the choir.

Francis was a life member of Schuylkill Hose Co., Schuylkill Haven.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received a bronze star of valor while under fire during the war.

Francis had been employed by the former NGK Co., Reading, PA.

He is survived by a son, Francis Skibiel, Jr., Pittsburgh, and a daughter, Holly Lewis, North Manheim Township; 19 grandchildren, & 19 great-grandchildren, and one on the way. He is also survived by a brother, Stanley Skibiel, Stellacoma, WA, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Francis was a very supportive Dad and Pop Pop. He faithfully chauffeured his grandchildren around in "Pop Pop's Taxi", and was extremely devoted to helping his family; a true "Mr. Mom".

A viewing will be held Sunday, July 11th at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc. from 5 - 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik officiating. An additional time for viewing will be held from 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Monday at church.

Entombment will be at St. Ambrose Mausoleum, Schuylkill Haven.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be sent to St. Ambrose Church Memorial Fund, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

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Nancy J. Purcell, 89, of Shenandoah, passed away Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at the Shenandoah Manor Nursing Center, where she had been a guest for several years,

Nancy was born in Ringtown, on July 21, 1931, a daughter of the late Lucy (Stauffer) and Robert Spancake.

She lived and worked in Iowa before returning to the local area several years ago.

Nancy is survived by a few close friends whom she considered family.

She will be laid to rest during private funeral services at St. John's Cemetery in Ringtown.

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