Skook News Obituaries: May 8th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was born September 19, 1949, the son of Ernest and Lorraine Lucas.
Roy was a Vietnam veteran, retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and retired truck driver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lorraine Lucas, brother Charles Lucas and brother Ronnie Lucas.
He is survived by the following, daughter Elizabeth Pinchorski (Matthew); son Benjamin Lucas (Abby Shalters); seven grandchildren Chelsea Carl (Frankie), Cassidy O'Shea (Brendon), Tyler Lucas (Kylie), Caitlyn Smeltz (Erik), Isaac Lucas, Cole Shalters and Jordyn Shalters; four great grandchildren, Ryley Wagner, Emma Lucas, Brady O'Shea, Calloway Smeltz; two brothers, Allen Lucas(Sally), Dale Lucas(Denise)and a sister Lisa Maurer, and nieces and nephews.
Roy had many loves, which were his family, fellow veterans, 4 legged furry friends, Greens restaurant and delivering peaches, apples and honey to anyone he could.
He was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 8237, which he served in many capacities from Post commander to a friend and civil servant to many veterans in and out of the Schuylkill County, PA. Roy was of the Lutheran faith.
A viewing will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View. Graveside service and military honors will be at 11a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating. The procession will leave Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc. Valley View at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to VFW Post 8237, 125 W Main St, Valley View PA 17983
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville on October 25, 1961 to Joan (Lauck) Strause of Pottsville and Ronald Strause of Schuylkill Haven, Steve was a man who found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. He was a member of the South Schuylkill Farmers Safety Club in Auburn. He spent countless days in the woods and on the water, where he felt most at peace—hunting, fishing, and passing on his knowledge and respect for nature to anyone lucky enough to tag along. These moments weren’t just hobbies to him—they were lifelong passions that brought him joy and connected him to the world around him.
Steve was the husband of Cynthia A. (Murphy) Strause of Landingville. They would have celebrated 25 years of marriage on Monday, May 12.
He worked as an experienced welder at Reading Truck Body for over 20 years. His last place of employment was at Surteco in Auburn, as a machine operator.
In addition to his wife and parents, Steve is survived by a daughter, Randi L., wife of Michael Ellex, of Auburn and a son, Kyle G. Rudloff, of Auburn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Colton & Jordan Ellex and Kyler Rudloff whom he cherished time with more than anything. Whether teaching them how to bait a hook, telling stories around a campfire, or just sharing a laugh on the porch, his love and presence were constant gifts in their lives. He was a patient teacher, a playful companion, and a proud grandparent.
Steve leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strong values. His spirit will live on in the woods he walked, the lakes he fished, and the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services and interment will be private at the convenience of family.
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Born in Shenandoah on December 17, 1942, he was a son of the late John and May (Clifford) Shustack.
On September 25, 1965 he married the former Barbara Yuschock who survives.
He was a retired mechanic having been employed by Gilberton Coal Company and Number 1 Construction/Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc. Early in his life, he worked as a coal miner.
Joe was a member of the Defender Hose Company, Turkey Run. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed watching Nascar Racing. He enjoyed cooking and sharing his good recipes. He loved being at the “Shop”, sharing stories and singing songs. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family and friends. He was affectionately known to most as “Pop” or “Big Joe”.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were two sisters, Margaret Link and Sarah Johns.
Surviving in addition to his wife of almost sixty years, Barbara A. Shustack are his two sons, Joseph (Karen) Shustack of Shenandoah and Kevin (Sharlaine) Shustack of Zion Grove; his son at heart, Joseph (Dawn) Strong of Shenandoah; grandchildren, Joseph Shustack, Tyler Shustack (Adrienne), Matthew Shustack, Aaron Shustack and Nicholas Shustack; step-grandchildren, Sante Hruniuk, Kory (Paige) Hruniuk and Rachelle Hruniuk; great-grandchildren, Landyn, Grayson, Neela, Ryleigh, and Joseph; step-great-grandchildren, Preston, Logan and Klayton; one brother, John Shustack of Mt. Carmel; one sister, Bernadine Miller of Gilberton; step-sister, Elizabeth Chappel of Barnesville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor and Christopher L. Kowalski, Funeral Director are in care of the arrangements.
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Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late Constantine and Helen (Baronchak) Postupack.
Mary Lou was a member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, McAdoo, and a 1952 graduate of McAdoo High School.
As a teenager, Mary Lou worked as a waitress and telephone operator. She then became a hostess/bartender at the Stage Actors’ Club and Hefner’s Bunny Club in NYC. Also, she was a receptionist at the campaign headquarters for Nelson Rockefeller. In her later years, she was employed at various local grocery stores.
Her greatest and most rewarding role was being a volunteer for the Foster Grandparent program at Arthur Street School, Hazleton. At the age of 75, she parachuted for the first and only time at the Hazleton Airport to benefit the program, and then at 77, she was the recipient of the Angel Award.
She is preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
Surviving are her sister, Catherine I. Postupack, Still Creek; guardian, Sharon Beishline and husband, John, Still Creek; and many cousins, near and far.
Rev. Oleh Kuts will conduct the funeral service on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Interment will follow in Ss. Cyril and Methodius Postupack Family Cemetery, Weatherly.
A calling hour will be held Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
