Skook News Obituaries: June 19th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Elaine was born in Hazleton on May 27, 1928, to the late Peter Duffy and Iona (Singley) Duffy Smith.
She was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and was proud to be a cheerleader.
Elaine started her career at Bell Telephone and only left to follow her husband, Clarence, as he served in the Marine Corps. Later, Clarence's job brought his family to Pine Grove where Elaine found many friends as she raised their three children.
Elaine enjoyed playing cards with her friends well into her later years. She tried her hand at local casinos and often proved she really did have the Luck of the Irish. Her favorite past times included beach vacations, listening to music, reading, watching old movies, especially Gone with the Wind, and watching Judge Judy. She would often share Judge Judy's sage advice and claim it as her own.
Elaine loved her church and her church family and was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pine Grove.
She never passed up an opportunity to go out to eat and as a family we knew we would find her ready to go out the door when we visited. She was always dressed to the nines in matching ensembles and jewelry. She loved a good watch, and her shoes were always fashionable, never practical.
Elaine will always be remembered for her potato pancakes, meatballs, and homemade candy, often her contribution to her church's holiday bazaar. She enjoyed making elaborate desserts for her Card Club ladies.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 43 years, Clarence "Buddy" Benko in 1993; her stepfather, Philip L. Smith; two brothers, Attorney Eugene Duffy and Gerald Duffy; and two nephews Gerald Duffy and Scott Shenyo.
Surviving are her children, Daughter Charmaine Becker wife of Dan of Pine Grove, Son Jeffrey Benko husband of Vicky of Berwick, and Daughter Yvonne Herring wife of Mark of New Ringgold; four grandchildren, Daniel Becker, Jr., Laura Lee Hughes, Erica Benko, and Michael Herring; seven great grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, Isabella, Kylie, Emmett, Giuliana, and Wyatt; a sister, Jane Ann Salnicky of Whitehall; nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 312 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove with Rev. Marie Meeks officiating. There will be a visitation on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10:00 A.M until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
Flowers are welcome and Elaine would also like contributions in her memory be made to her church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church for the General Fund, 312 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Ashland on April 12, 1946 he was the son of the late Alma (Rice) and Joseph Finlan.
Jack graduated from Ashland Area High School in 1964.
He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Charles Boromeo and of the former St. Mauritius in Ashland.
Jack worked for over 40 years as a lineman for PPL. He also served in the Marine Corps.
He was a life member of Washington Fire Company-Ashland, life member Good Fellowship Club-Ashland and East End Fire Company-Gowen City. He was also a talented craftsman who was well known for his fine woodworking skills. Jack was very proud of his wood shop that he and his son operated.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert Finlan.
Jack is survived by; spouse Diane L. (Hatzel) Finlan, Pitman; son John “Cowboy” R. Finlan (Michelle), Marion Heights; daughter Christine Reiner (Eric), Herndon; brother Joseph Finlan (Sharon), Aristes; 7 grandchildren Corina, Megan, Audrianna, Connor, Aaron, Cole & Mark; 5 great grandchildren Claiden, Greyson, Carter, Layken & Django.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday June 27th at 10:30 AM at St. Charles Boromeo Church, 1115 Walnut St, Ashland PA 17921. Interment with military honors will be Friday afternoon June 27th at 2:00 PM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd, Annville PA 17003.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity or organization of your choice in Jack’s memory.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville