Skook News Obituaries: July 5th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Allen was born in Pottsville, PA on November 29, 1966. He was the son of William F. Wirtz Sr. of Mahanoy City, PA and the late Margaret Ann (Woodall) Wirtz.
He graduated from the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Marlin.
He was the husband of the late Ruth (Schuetrum) Wirtz. In addition to his wife and mother, he was preceded in death by nephews Brayden Wirtz and AngelRay Wirtz and his beloved Schnauzer Tootsie Pop.
Allen will be sadly missed by Bill Wirtz, husband of Karen, of Mahanoy City, PA; Thomas Wirtz, husband of Candida, of Pittsboro NC; Timothy Wirtz, husband of Kristin, of Ashland, PA. Allen was also a cherished uncle to Allyson Wirtz, Michael Wirtz; Sophia Wirtz; Rayla Wirtz and Gracelyn Wirtz. In addition to his family, Allen leaves behind his homecare angels, aka “Allen’s Angels” Sharon Zukas, Crystal Jarman, Amber McCleary and his buddy Bill Rogers.
Despite his physical disabilities from birth, he lived an active life and devoted his time to making Mahanoy City a better and safer community. He was a member of the Good American Fire Company #3 where he served as Sergeant at Arms, an auditor, mentor for Junior firefighters and an active volunteer firefighter. As a volunteer firefighter, Allen enjoyed servicing the equipment and vehicles as well as spending countless hours washing and waxing them. On the fire scene, Allen was passionate about ensuring his colleagues were safe by making sure their air tanks were adequately filled and changed as needed. His volunteering went beyond the fire scene, Allen served as a regular volunteer for the local food pantry where he could be found unloading trucks, packaging food and assisting with distribution to the community. Allen also served on the Election Board of Mahanoy City as an Inspector of Elections.
When Allen was not volunteering, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very enthusiastic about NASCAR and enjoyed race season whether it was in person at “Pocono” or on television. He was an avid collector of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia. Allen was extremely gifted at refinishing wood and enjoyed taking on difficult projects to restore old furniture to beautiful new furnishings.
Religious Service will be held at the Good American Fire Company #3, 738 East Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Friends and family may call Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Good American Fire Company #3.
Interment will be held at the German Protestant Cemetery Association Mahanoy City, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. in Mahanoy City. For those wishing to express their condolences, please visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Jody L. Farra, 70, former Shenandoah resident passed away peacefully at Broad Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.
Born in Dayton, OH, he was a son of the late Glenn and Jeanne (Brinkhoff) Farra. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Christopher Farra.
Jody was a veteran of the United States Army.
He was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State fan.
He is survived by his step-sister, Patricia Tate of Kettering, OH; his lifelong friend, John Trinkl; and by many cousins.
Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. The date and time will be announced.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Kathleen M. Duke, 78, of Ashland passed away on Wednesday, July 2nd at her residence.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Duke. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Duke.
Kathleen was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland.
Kathleen is survived by her brother Joseph "George" Duke, Spring Lake , NC and also by many cousins.
Funeral services will be announced upon completion.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Marie Jane Blacker, 74, of Pottsville, passed away on July 3, 2025 at Rosewood Rehab & Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven
Marie was born in Pottsville, PA on May 28th, 1951, she was the daughter of Arlin and Elsia (Smith) Neiswender.
Marie enjoyed painting and was a wonderful homemaker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Franklin Neiswender.
Suriving are her loving husband of 44 years, Barry Blacker, a nephew, David and his wife, Bobbie Neiswender, and great niece, Nicole.
Graveside Services will be announced. Interment will take place in Auburn Church of God Cemetery, Auburn. Schlitzer Allen Pugh has been entrusted with arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
