Skook News Obituaries: May 28th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Shamokin on December 24, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Geraldine (Runge) and Joseph Seiler.
Sandra was of the Lutheran faith and was member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Somerville NJ.
Sandra graduated from Butler Township High School in 1961 and from Ashland State General Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. She was a LPN for her entire nursing career and retired from Raritan Health & Extended Care in 2014 after 35+ years of service.
She was the wife of the late Paul A. Connaghan they were married on September 26, 1963 in Baltimore MD.
Sandra enjoyed reading and watching TV especially SVU and old 1960’s westerns including Gun Smoke, Wagon Train and Rifleman. She also enjoyed traveling including trips to Turkey, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and the UK.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Paul A. Connaghan who passed away December 2, 2023.
Sandra is survived by; son Joe Connaghan (Stephanie Penn), Pottsville; many nieces, nephews, & great nieces and nephews.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday May 31st from 9:00-10:00 AM at the funeral home. Services will begin at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Dana Beil officiating. Burial will follow services at Citizen’s Cemetery in Lavelle.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sandra’s memory to St. Luke’s Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.
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Ruth E. Hentz, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, in Somerville, New Jersey.
Born in Shenandoah, Ruth was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Paulbinsky. She lived in Raritan before settling in Bridgewater in 1962, where she remained a beloved member of the community for decades.
In her early career, Ruth served as the Director of Loans and Mortgages at Raritan State Bank. She later found her calling in education, working as the librarian at J.F. Kennedy School, where she retired in the early 1990's. To celebrate her retirement, her son Joel gifted her a memorable trip to Hawaii-one of many travels she cherished.
Ruth was a devoted communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Bridgewater and an active member of its Altar Rosary Society. She also served as past president and long-time member of the Bridgewater Senior Citizens, where she organized numerous trips and led the travel club. In addition, she was involved with the Branchburg Senior Citizens. Ruth had a vibrant spirit and a wide range of interests: she enjoyed shopping, reading, traveling, feeding birds, and long conversations on the phone. She especially loved her annual trips to Florida with close friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo C. Hentz, in 2002, and her beloved brother, Albert R. Paulbinsky in 2018.
Ruth leaves behind her cherished son, Joel Hentz, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends whose lives she touched deeply. Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, May 30th from 9-10 AM at the Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, followed by a scripture service at 10 AM. Ruth will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, immediately following the service.
Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community.
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He was born May 24, 1939, in Pottsville, a son of the late Henry and Sophie Samay Eckley.
Henny was a 1957 graduate of Nativity BVM High School and a 1961 graduate of Bloomsburg State College.
Prior to retiring he was a teacher at Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville and later worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville; the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, where he was an altar server and usher for both churches.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret A. "Peggy" Eckley, on January 27, 2024, and a son, Brian H. Eckley, January 29, 2025; a brother, Joseph Eckley.
Henny is survived by his two sons, Christopher Eckley of Hummelstown and Stephen Eckley of Brockton, 2 grandchildren, Matthew and Jayne Eckley; his daughter-in-law, Sue Eckley; sisters-in-law, Cathy Baldigo and her husband John; Terry LaPlaca and her husband Al; and Cookie Eckley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11AM from St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:30AM until the time of mass. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory and Henny be made to St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St. Pottsville, PA 17901 of Nativity Preservation Fund, 1 Lawtons Hill, Pottsville, PA 17901. Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Bob said he graduated from high school twice – Frailey 1948 (3 years) and Tremont 1949 (4 years). He graduated from Kutztown State Teachers’ College (BS) in 1954; and MA Lehigh University in 1961 (thanks to Korean GI Bill). Additional graduate courses were from Lehigh and Penn State. He holds both a teaching certificate and an Elementary Principal’s Certificate. Bob student-taught in a Berks County one-room school. After teaching 6 years, 5 in Cressona, he became Blue Mountain’s District Elementary Principal from 1962-1989, being totally responsible for 6 buildings and 1,847 students at the peak of enrollment.
Long volunteered for the military draft (1954-1956) and served as a Spec 3 with the 7th Army – Europe as Chief of Battalion Survey with 18 months in Germany with the Army of Occupation during the Korean War as well as the Cold War. He was discharged as a Spec 4. He also evaluated “firing” accuracy of various artillery units stationed in Germany. Evaluated were the latest units at that time from a 105 mm piece to the “atomic” cannon and Honest John rocket.
As a Korean War veteran, Bob spent 2 years on active duty and 6 years on combat ready reserves. His major commemorative ribbons were: US Army of Occupation – Germany, Good Conduct Medal, Cold War Certificate, Korean War Veteran Commemorative Pin, Marksman – M-1 rifle, Sharpshooter – carbine as well as some other commendations including the Korean War Medallion from former State Representative Bob Allen.
His various memberships included: Cressona Masonic Lodge 222 since 1961, Life Member of Pine Grove American Legion Association 0374, National Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Association, Life Member of Cressona PTA, Past memberships in Education Associations; National, State and Local, helped form Cressona Little League, Coached Pine Grove Little League. Pennsylvania Game Commission Commendation for 1st Hunter Safety Course in Southeast District and one of the first in the state in public schools. Bob, as a youth, was a member of the Pennsylvania Forest Fire Crew. Bob worked various jobs for supplementary income including door to door milkman for Guers. His main reading material besides nonfiction was the dictionary.
While Bob had a modicum of success deer hunting, his greatest enjoyment was seeing his two sons shoot their first deer. Bob lettered in both basketball and baseball while in high school and played town baseball for 5 seasons. Long was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friedensburg where he held various church positions.
Bob, and his deceased wife of 51 years, his high school sweetheart, - enjoyed travel camping. Together they visited most all 48 contiguous states and most provinces of Canada. In addition, Bob, when in the military, visited 10 European countries. Additionally, both Bob and Ruth Abbie were heavily involved in flea marketing in various venues. For 17 years they sold their home-made fabric goods, as well as wood working projects at Arts and Craft shows in Schuylkill and six surrounding counties.
Mr. Long was preceded in death by his dear wife Ruth Abbie (Snyder) Long – February 6, 2008. Also preceding him were an older brother, Theodore Charles Long, (infancy) and a sister, Anna Marie Kimmel in 2017.
Surviving are his heartfelt loves – David R., PhD, husband of Melissa (Shorkey), Shippensburg; Carol, wife of Brian Krammes (deceased), Pine Grove; Suzanne, wife of Robert J. Homan, Birdsboro; Christine Wennerholt, Slatington; Daniel, husband of Marina (Hutnyan), Coatesville.
He was a quite proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: David W. Long and son David A. Long; Jennifer Long Struble and sons Logan and Greyson Struble; Aaron Long and fiancee Madeline Devanny. Joshua Krammes and partner Valerie Kreiser; Sarah Krammes Cooper and husband Brian K. Cooper and daughters Eliza and Mya Cooper. Robert J. Homan and wife Kristen and children Robert J. and Evangeline Homan; Jacob Homan and partner Shannon Kaufman. Stephen Wennerholt; Jeannette Wennerholt Mendez and son Carmine Mendez. Sophia and Elena Long.
The family of Robert expresses much gratitude to the staff and residents of Providence Place in Pottsville while he was a resident for the past 3 ½ years. Many friendships were created. Additionally, a special thank you to Advantage Hospice who supported him during his final few months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children; Attn: Shriners Children's, PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394. Memorial Contributions may also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, June 2, at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven. A Masonic service will be conducted at the funeral home at 10:45 AM, followed by a memorial service conducted by Pastor James Seifert and Pastor Matthew Carpenter at 11:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
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Born and raised in Tamaqua, PA, Curt was known for his tireless work ethic, generous spirit, and deep love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and unwavering devotion.
A 1972 graduate of Marian Catholic High School and the recipient of an associate degree from Penn State, Curt worked at the Atlas Powder Company in Tamaqua, PA, in ARDL (Atlas Research and Development Laboratories) as a blaster and scientist. He was known for his dedication and reliability. When Atlas closed in 1996, Curt continued his career as an operator at Lehigh Coal and Navigation. When given the opportunity to return to blasting, he joined Orica Inc. in Coplay, PA, and later Allen Myers in Worcester, PA. His work was demanding and dangerous, but Curt embraced it with courage and pride, always driven by his commitment to provide for his loved ones.
He also took great pride in serving as a West Penn Township Zoning Board Member. After stepping away from full-time industry work, Curt followed his dream and established his own business, Curt the Handyman, where he served the local community with the same honesty, craftsmanship, and friendly smile that had defined his entire life.
Curt’s life was centered around his faith, his family, and his joy in simple things. He was a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He gave everything he had—his time, his strength, his wisdom—without ever expecting anything in return. Those who knew him best will remember his love of food, long conversations, and the laughter he brought to every gathering.
Curt is survived by his wife of 47 years, Theresa (Benech); a son, Curtis III and his wife Lori of Blue Bell; and a daughter, Nicole (Keefer) Garris and her husband Kevin of Kempton. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Curtis IV and James Keefer, and Sierra and Bailey Garris; two sisters, Kathy Keefer and Karen (Keefer) Weicker and her husband Edward, both of Tamaqua.
He is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Sr., and his mother, Jean (Kubitsky) Keefer.
Curtis Joseph Keefer, Jr., will be remembered not just for the work he did, but for the love he gave, the faith he lived, and the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, with Deacon Girard officiating. Call Saturday from 9–11 AM at the funeral home. Interment at St. Jerome Catholic Cemetery, Tamaqua, will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Curtis Keefer, Jr. Memorial Trades Scholarship, Marian Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 166 Marian Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
