Skook News Obituaries: July 7th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Walter Kruk, 79, of Orwigsburg, formerly of Paramus, NJ, passed away on Thursday, July 3, at Lehigh Valley Health Network Schuylkill-East, Pottsville, PA.
Walter was born in Brooklyn, NY, on July 19, 1945, a son of the late Florence and John Kruk.
He was the widower of Anna Katherine (Staats) Kruk.
Walter had been employed with Grand Union before retirement.
Walter is survived by his daughter, Doreen Kruk, and two sons, Walter Kruk, father of Aaron and Jonathan, and Dennis Kruk, husband of Jennifer and father of Kaitlyn.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg, is honored to be assisting with arrangements. Services will be announced at a later date.
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Born in Pottsville on September 30, 1943, he was the son of the late Frances (Adamo) and Paul Weller.
Married 54 years, Thomas was the husband of Janet (Laubenstein) Welsh.
Thomas was a 1961 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.
Thomas served as an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1966.
He was employed as an Aircraft Mechanic for the Air National Guard and later retired as a Supervisor at the Naval Depot in Mechanicsburg.
Thomas served as the President for the Hershey and Harrisburg Camera Club
In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by two daughters, Michelle L. Welsh, of Schuylkill Haven; Kristen M. Welsh, wife of Jared Gerace, of Pottsville; and grandchildren, Saige Lowe and Brendan Welsh-Lowe.
Thomas is also survived by two brothers, Charles Welsh, of Deer Lake; Paul Weller, husband of Regina Weller, of Orwigsburg; and a sister, Leslie, wife of Jack Cresswell, of North Manheim Twp.
Services and interment will be held privately at the family’s convenience.
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Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late George and Johanna (Noon) Chernewski. He owned and operated Chernewski Plumbing and Heating as a self-employed plumber.
Cosmo was a 1979 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School where he lettered in baseball, wrestling and football. He went on to graduate from Thaddeus Stevens Trade School specializing in plumbing. He was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan who never missed the opportunity to watch the games.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Harley Dawn Reese and a son, Thomas Chernewski Jr.
Cosmo is survived by his wife, Pamela Reese, Shenandoah; his son, Kyle Chernewski, Shenandoah Heights; two daughters: Kimberly Chernewski and her fiance Jason Petritsch, Mahanoy City; Amber Conway and her husband Cody, Pottsville; his three brothers: John Chernewski and his wife Sandy, Englewood, Frackville; Bob Chernewski and his wife Carol, Lake Wynonah; George Chernewski, Chicago; his sister, Cheryl Andreas and her husband Daryl of Barnesville; his two grandsons: Jaxon and Callahan; several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service for Thomas on Sunday, October 19th from 5 to 7 p.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 Washington Street, Frackville.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Pamela Reese, Shenandoah and the late Thomas Chernewski. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Chernewski Jr.; her maternal grandparents, Donald and Rose Reese; her paternal grandparents, George and Johanna Chernewski.
Harley was a 2011 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School and enjoyed gaming.
She was a devoted and caring mother to her son Jaxon.
Harley is survived by her mother, Pamela Reese, Shenandoah; her son Jaxon; her brother, Kyle Chernewski, Shenandoah Heights; her two sisters: Kimberly Chernewski and her fiance Jason Petritsch, Mahanoy City; Amber Conway and her husband Cody, Pottsville; she is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and a nephew.
As a lasting memory, Harley donated her organs as a final gift of life to recipients in need.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service for Harley on Sunday, October 19th from 5 to 7 p.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 Washington Street, Frackville.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Joseph C. (Leb) Lebiedziewski, 69, a resident of Shenandoah, passed away suddenly on July 4th, 2025.
Joe was born in Shenandoah on April 19th, 1956, a son of the later Chester and Helen (Macker) Lebiedziewski.
Joe was a 1974 graduate of the Shenandoah Valley High School, and was currently employed by Ateeco, Inc.,having worked there for 44 years. He was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish, the Shenandoah East End Field and Stream and the Polish American Fire Company, where he shared many memories with his friends. He was also an avid dart shooter, last shooting for the Columbia Fire Company dart team.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diana (Waiksnoris) and three children, Paula, wife of Corey Fetterolf; Joseph and Ashley. Five grandchildren, Eric, Ethan and Evan Miernicki; Aaliyah Carter, Aria Lebiedziewski, step grandchildren Olivia, Madison and Justin Fetterolf; two great grandchildren, Nyla and Enzo Miernicki. He is also survived by two aunts, Rose Klocek and Charlotte Macker, sisters in-law, Patti, wife of Mike Burns and Debby, wife of Frank Bower. Nieces, Gina (Dean) Hollenbacher and Vanessa (Jason) Shands, nephews, Michael Burns and Colin (Kelly) Bower; great nieces and nephews along with many friends and cousins.
Relatives and friends are asked to pay their respects during a visitation with Joseph's family on Friday, July 11th, from 3 - 7 PM at the Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah.
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Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1972-1976. He was a truck driver for several years, having last worked for CPC Logistics in Allentown, PA. In his spare time, Joe loved taking long rides on his Harley Sportster.
Survivors include his daughters, Tiffany Heilman, at home, Kristi Clarkson Heilman of Frackville, PA, and Rene Heilman of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren, Jacob (Kayla), Jordan, Paige, Beretta, Cheyanne, and Riley; great-grandchildren, Alisha, Naomi, Avarey, Ivan, Giselle, and Ivy; sisters, Sandra Klusman of Landis, NC, Cheryl Heilman of Bath, PA, and Kellie Heilman and husband, John Paul Lingerfelt, of Iron Station, NC; stepbrother, Matthew Riely; stepsister, Mary Beth Reinhold; fur grandbabies, Gracie and Milo. Joe was predeceased by his beloved daughters, Alisha M. Heilman and Stacie L. Heilman; his stepmother, Marianne Heilman; his furbaby, Hooch; and fur-grandbaby Alex.
Joseph’s funeral service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11 AM in Nester Funeral Home, 8405 Kings Highway New Tripoli, PA. Calling hour begins at 10 AM until the time of his service. Interment with Military Honors in New Bethel Union Cemetery immediately following funeral service. Rev. David Blitch will officiate.
To ensure timely delivery, please place all flower orders AT LEAST 24 hours prior to the start of Joseph's funeral service.
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Geno attended Corpus Christi Elementary School in Chambersburg, Pa. and was a 1986 graduate of Chambersburg Area High School. After high school Geno attended Penn State University. He became a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he served as Vice-President during his tenure.
Geno was a lifelong fan of the Pennsylvania State University and all the Philadelphia sports teams. He resided in State College area for 30 plus years where he established himself as a trusted, well-respected manager of several different business operations.
He enjoyed fly fishing, loved his pets, “Sadie”, “Bella” and “Holly”. More than anything Geno loved his family and all his friends and co-workers. He was an independent, thoughtful, generous soul, always willing to help others.
Geno is survived by his parents Carol and Gene Sr., Brothers, Mark Maley, and Matthew J. Maley, Niece Sophia Maley, and nephews Matthew (Matty) and Noah Maley. Also surviving are his Aunt Maureen (McAloose) Krasnitsky, Uncles Robert, John, and Ronald Maley, and numerous cousins.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, July 10 at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Carl Shankweiler officiating.
Interment Mount Peace Cemetery
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home In, Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Coaldale, PA on March 26, 1956, he was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy (Houser) Reed.
Rick was a graduate of Tamaqua High School. He worked as a forklift operator at Office Max in Hazleton.
Rick loved going fishing and hunting, doing carvings and paintings, and most of all spending time with his family.
Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary L. (Campion) Reed, Pottsville; two daughters: Tammy Erskine (Charles), Pottsville and Dorothy Handling, Arizona; two sons: Richard Reed (Kimberly Bowers), Seltzer and Michael Reed, Pottsville; six grandchildren: Jacob, Kaitlyn, Chase, Liam, Nova, and Axel; great grandson Alrich; brothers: Eugene, Carl, Donald, Robert (Cindy), and Dennis Reed; brother-in-law Leroy Campion; sister-in-law Brenda Churico (John); nephew Matthew (Lauren); nieces: Kathleen, Madaline, and Kelly; and other nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 10:30AM on Monday, July 14th, with Pastor Betty Ellen Barrett officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday morning from 9-10:30AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in the Skyview Cemetery, Hometown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rick to the PA Game and Fish Commision. www.pa.gov
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Thomas McPhillips, Jr., a resident of Pottsville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6th, 2025.
Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion.
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Bruce Rodger Fetter, 66, of Auburn, Pa, passed away July 5, 2025, at the Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, PA.
Born December 2, 1958, in Pottsville, PA, he was the son of the late Floyd and Iva (Wetzel) Fetter.
Bruce was a 1979 graduate of Pottsville High School and was employed by many warehouses.
He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp.
Surviving is his brother Terry Fetter of Tamaqua.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will be held at Washing Crossing National Cemetery.
Private Services entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua Pennsylvania 18252.
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Hadlie Mai Trate, 8 of Pottsville, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 5, leaving behind her cherished family.
She was born on August 31, 2016, in Pottsville.
Hadlie is survived by her devoted parents, Angel Spotts and Cory Trate, who lovingly nurtured her during her brief yet impactful life. She is also mourned by her siblings, Koda Trate and Raelynn Trate, who shared countless adventures and moments of joy with their beloved sister.
In addition to her immediate family, Hadlie's extended family holds her memory dear. Her aunt Savanna Bruen and uncles Kenny, Brittany, Kara, Dylan, Ashley, Justin, Josh, and Andrew, as well as her uncles Juliane and James Jr., will remember her laughter and playful spirit. Hadlie was also blessed to have a close relationship with her great-great grandmother Pat Day and great grandmother Cheryl Swartz, who both played significant roles in her life. Her grandparents, June and Heath Bruen, and Jess Holly and James Witmer, along with her grandfather Kevin Trate, provided her with love and support that transcended generations.
She was surrounded by a family that adored her deeply, proving that her life, no matter how brief, was filled with love, warmth, and beauty.
Hadlie is preceded in death by her great-great grandfather Arlene Day, great grandfather Kenneth Spotts, great grandmother Adele Spotts, great uncle Lee Schwalm, and cousin Shawn Day. Their memory now intertwines with Hadlie's, as they welcome her into their embrace.
As we remember Hadlie Mai Trate, let us celebrate the light she brought into our lives.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
