Monday, November 6, 2023

Schuylkill County Obituaries for November 6th, 2023

                                                

Skook News Obituaries: November 6th, 2023

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Dorothy Ward
, 94, of Barnesville, PA, passed away Tuesday, October 31st, at St Luke’s Hospital, Coaldale. Dorothy was born in Mahanoy City, on May 28th, 1929, a daughter of the late Lily (Holland) and William Hughes. She graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1947 at the top of her class, and attended Drexel University. Instead of continuing her education, she decided to return to town to marry her sweetheart, Thomas Ward.

During the 1960's she worked as a reporter for the Record American newspaper of Mahanoy City. Dorothy was a former member of the Zion Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer, and lay speaker. Later, she became a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Her many activities included serving as a volunteer for the Mahanoy City Adult Outreach Center, and membership in Mahanoy City Woman’s Club, Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce, Mahanoy Alumni Association, Coal Crackers Red Hat Society, Citizens Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and Mahanoy Area Historical Society. She was an avid baker, and crocheted numerous afghans that she gave away to family and friends.

Dorothy’s life was all about giving back to others. She never hesitated to help those in need with a kind word as well as tangible assistance. Years ago, she was involved in a program called “The Box Project”, in which she was paired with a needy family in Mississippi, with whom she bonded for many years, sending boxes of essentials and food.

Shortly before her death, with her family by her side, she was able to share that she was with God and could see family members and friends who had passed on before her. She was able to relate, with awe, what she saw and experienced, giving comfort to her children, who were with her at the time.

Dorothy was wife of the late Thomas William Ward.

She is survived by three daughters, Peggy Ward-Coombe, wife of Paul Coombe, New Boston, Carol Ward-Colasante, Pine Grove, and Barbara Ward, East Fallowfield; grandchildren Thomas Ward III and his wife, Megan, Barnesville; great-grandchildren, Thomas Ward and Jilyan and Jianna Seddon; nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by a son Thomas and a granddaughter, Jennifer Ward.

Funeral Service at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, at 11 AM on Monday, November 20th, with Rev Craig Zimmerman officiating.

Friends and family may call Monday, 9 to 11 AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc..

Interment to follow the service at the Family German Protestant Cemetery, Mahanoy City, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, care of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, Mahanoy City.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.

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Leonard Paul Hanlon
, 69, of Morea Colliery, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, at St. Luke's Hospice, Bethlehem.

Born Monday, August 16, 1954 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late James and Sarah (Whyne) Hanlon.

A 1972 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, Leonard served honorably in the United States Army. Leonard had worked for Pagnotti Coal and for PennDOT.

Leonard helped part-time at his son-in-law’s business, Sinn Construction. A doting pappy, Leonard enjoyed painting, cooking and the company of his daughter Megan's dog, Bear.

Surviving are his daughters, Melissa C. Sinn, wife of Greg, of Nesquehoning; Megan Demko, wife of Tim, of Frackville; brothers, Frank Hanlon and wife, Joan; James Hanlon and wife, Karen; William Hanlon; sister, Brenda Hanlon; grandchildren, Benjamin, and Fiona.

Arrangements are entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

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Nicholas J. Erbe
, 25, of Tresckow, passed away suddenly Saturday at home.

Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Richard and Cynthia (Chitswara) Erbe, Tresckow.

He was of the Catholic faith and a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, class of 2017.

In his youth, Nick was always a strong and athletic kid with a love of sports. He was a standout player for the Tri-County Baseball Little League, McAdoo Chargers, Hazleton Football and Freeland Whippets Football. In high school, Nick became an outstanding football player for the Marian Colts.

Nick’s true passion was riding his dirt bikes and four-wheelers. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an avid collector of Hot Wheels for many years.

Unfortunately, Nick had his challenges, but it never wavered his kind and caring nature with his family and friends. He loved his hometown and was always there to help a friend or neighbor in need.

Nick was a beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle and a friend to many, he will be greatly missed by all.

Surviving, in addition to his loving parents are his brothers, Rick Erbe and fiancé Kristy Davis, Tresckow; and Jacob Erbe and wife Jessica, Highland; sister, Brooke Erbe, Tresckow; maternal grandparents, Vincent and Barbara (Falensky) Chitswara, McAdoo; paternal grandparents, Frank and Barbara (Bordas) Erbe, Newton Falls, OH; uncles, Vincent Chitswara and wife Samantha, and Marc Chitswara and wife Chandra; aunt, Bethany Staton and husband Paul; nieces and nephew, Oliver, Bianca Bella, Hannah, Veyda, and Isla; Godfather, Gary Fiorilla; several great aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved dog, Princess.

His funeral service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.