Skook News Obituaries: May 23rd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
------------------------------------------
Born in Ashland, PA, to the late Edward and Florence Seamon Bulcavage, Donna lived a life filled with compassion, love, and a curiosity for learning and helping others. A 1969 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she began her career as a beautician after graduating from Empire Beauty School. After her children were born, she transitioned to health care administration, working at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Schuylkill Haven, PA, and later at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, PA.
Donna returned to school and earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts, then worked in marketing for the Berks Packing Company for several years. She was well known for her volunteer work with organizations dedicated to helping others and for her dedication to the clubs and sports her children were involved in during their youth.
After moving to Florida in 2011, Donna enjoyed singing with the Suncoast Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, for several years. Her joyful spirit and boundless generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Donna is survived by her husband of 36 years, James Freeman; her daughter, Marisa, and her husband, Ryan Starr, of Havertown, PA; and two granddaughters whom she loved dearly, Zoe and Eliza Starr—all of whom will forever cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her son, Justin Kitsock, in 2016.
A virtual celebration of Donna’s life will be shared with her friends to honor her memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her name.
Donna will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
------------------------------------------
The patented turn around fade away jump shots are all done. The 206 strikeouts in 29 games, the no hitters, and the champion seasons are all finished. The basketball halls are dark. The Softball fields are empty. The fans have all gone home. Now, effectively, the Big Guy gets to do the same.
Larry was involved in sports, not only competing but also coaching for many years. He was involved in his community for many years. He likewise, for many years, was involved with his church many years?
Larry was married to the love of his life, Janet (Balulis) Eich for 66 years. Apparently he did many things well. In his later years, Larry had three major points of pride, his grandchildren: Lars, Manda and Johnathan. They were his world. The admiration was mutual. Larry always inspired to initiate the next round of laughter. Now, Larry Sr., Larry Jr., and Larry IV can get down practical joking their way through eternity. We will miss you, but you will always leave us smiling.
A Religious Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon on Wednesday May 28th at 10AM, with Rev. Brian Redding officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday May 27th from 6-8PM and Wednesday morning from 9-10AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
------------------------------------------
Born on February 13, 1931, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John and Rose (Tucci) Mattu.
He was a 1949 graduate of Shenandoah High School.
Louis was a devoted member of the former St. Mauritius Catholic Church in Ashland and current member of St. Charles Borromeo in Ashland.
On October 31, 1956, Louis married the love of his life, Antoinette (Buscavage) Mattu. Together they shared nearly 67 years of love, partnership, and family.
Louis was a barber by trade and later worked for over 20 years for the North Schuylkill School District. He gave back to his community as a youth football coach for the Ashland Angels and served proudly as President of the Halftime Club at North Schuylkill High School.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Louis loved Frank Sinatra, great food, and being surrounded by family. He was a passionate fan of the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers.
He will be remembered for his warm heart, strong faith, love of storytelling, and the deep joy he found in his family.
Louis was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Mattu, and his sister, Gavina Mattu.
He is survived by his six devoted children and their spouses; Louis John Mattu Jr (Pam), Orwigsburg; Toni Ann Bereskie (Paul), Ashland; Philip Louis Mattu, Ashland; Tami Mattu Joyce (Rick), GA; Sandra Mattu Anto (Steve), KY; Christina Mattu Weachock, KY.
Louis was a proud grandfather to John Louis Amend, Bobbi Lee Lyden, Annee Mattu Minor, Maggie Mattu Brodsky, Ty Anthony Bereskie, Dakota Christopher Bereskie, Steven Louis Anto, Samantha Leigh Anto, Zachary Louis Weachock, Zoe Marie Weachock, Michael Whalen, and Trevor Joyce.
He is also survived by great-grandchildren Penelope Bereskie, Kennedy Lyden, Stella Lyden, Thea Bereskie, Max Bereskie, Mikie Whalen, Weston Minor, Lukas Minor, Lennon Minor, Joel Brodsky, and Elliot Brodsky.
He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.
Services will be private at the family’s request.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110 in his memory.
The family also asks that you carry forward Louis’s legacy by showing kindness, sharing a story, or gathering with loved ones in his honor.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with arrangements.
------------------------------------------