Skook News Obituaries: August 20th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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She was born on December 5, 1970, in Milford, Connecticut, a daughter of the late Peter Gonda and Christine (Voytek) Gonda.
Ann was a caring and devoted mother who loved her family very much. She graduated from Bunnell High School in Stratford, Connecticut, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management. She later graduated from Western Governors University with a Master of Science in Management Leadership. Ann was employed as a social worker at Schuylkill County Children and Youth.
She is survived by her significant other, Richard Lafey of Pottsville; her daughters, Crystal Watt of Laureldale, Tori Lafey of Pottsville, Bethany Lafey of Pottsville, and Shannon Lafey of Pottsville; and her brother, Peter Gonda.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family would appreciate contributions to the Lafey family in Ann’s memory. James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Wayne Twp., January 28, 1934, he was a son of the late Herman and Clara May (Bressler) Smith.
He served in the US Army from 1956-1958.
George worked in Press Operations and welding for Parrish Steel and Dana Corp. He also worked at Koperna Coal.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing gardening and sitting on the front porch talking to the neighbors. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville, St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church; Life member of Mt Zion Fire Co., Lebanon and Branchdale Fire Co.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Kevin Smith in 1974; twin siblings Pearl and Harvey Smith at 7 days old; Brothers Lester Smith and his wife Dorothy; Guy Smith and his wife Shirley and Charles Smith and his wife Lorraine.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years Rose Ann (Kushmanik) Smith; Robert G. Smith and his companion Amy Betz of Minersville; Daughter Jennifer R. Kostishak and her husband John of Branchdale; Grandsons Bradley Kostishak; Brandon Kostishak and his wife Erika; Wesley Brugger and his wife Kelissa; Bobby Brugger; Granddaughters Desiree Smith; Alexandria Brugger; Great-granddaughter Elizabeth Brugger; Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday August 23, 2025 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 139 Spruce St. Minersville, PA 17954 with Rev. Leo Maletz Officiating. Friends may call from 9:00AM-10:30Am Saturday from Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Branchdale Fire Co at PO Box 387, Branchdale, PA 17923. Burial will take place at a later date in Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Cemtery, Minersville.
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Kenneth R. Kautter, 81, of Mount Carmel passed away on August 17, 2025 at Geisinger Hospital in Danville. He was born on June 27, 1944 in Mt. Carmel. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School Class of 1962 and was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Fishman's in Shamokin and City Shirt in Frackville as a bookkeeper. Ken was a lifetime member of the Clover Hose Co. and served two terms as its president. He was an avid fan of the Mt. Carmel Red Tornadoes and only missed games later in life due to failing health.
He is survived by his brother, Richard and two nephews, Richard Jr. and Douglas. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Wayne and a sister, Carol Ann.
At Ken's request, services will be private.
Rothermel-Heizenroth-Clark Funeral Services Inc-Elysburg / Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Catherine “Kitty” Fullen, 94, former Girardville resident, passed away peacefully in Exeter, NH.
Born in Girardville, May 14,1930, she was a daughter of the late James P. and Catherine Carey Fullen.
She spent most of her adult life in Philadelphia. She loved spending time with her family and friends, was a devout catholic who said her favorite prayers everyday. Kitty was also an avid Eagles fan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James Fullen and sisters, Mary Lovenberg and Ann Calvert.
She is survived by her nephew Joseph Lovenburg and family of NC, and Helen Calvert and family of NH.
Mass of Christian Burial for Kitty will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Ashland. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs, following the mass.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Girardville, May 14,1930, she was a daughter of the late James P. and Catherine Carey Fullen.
She spent most of her adult life in Philadelphia. She loved spending time with her family and friends, was a devout catholic who said her favorite prayers everyday. Kitty was also an avid Eagles fan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James Fullen and sisters, Mary Lovenberg and Ann Calvert.
She is survived by her nephew Joseph Lovenburg and family of NC, and Helen Calvert and family of NH.
Mass of Christian Burial for Kitty will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Ashland. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs, following the mass.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Cindy was born in Pottsville on January 7, 1974, a daughter of Linda (Kocher) Shellong, of Schuylkill Haven and the late Peter Shellong, Sr.
Together for 33 years, she was the loving wife of Stephen J. Boyer.
Cindy was a devoted mother to her daughter, Abby Boyer. As Abby’s biggest cheerleader, Cindy was a proud “dance mom”.
Cindy is also survived by her brother, Pete Shellong, and nieces and nephews.
She was a 1991 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, and was of the Catholic faith.
Cindy loved tending to her gardens and bird watching.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, on Monday at 1 PM. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 12 Noon until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Cindy’s memory to Red Creek Wildlife Center, Inc., 300 Moonhill Dr., Schuylkill Haven PA 17972.
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James Michael Quinn, 70, of BranchDale, passed away suddenly Monday, August 18th, at his home.
He was born in Pottsville, Pa. on August 8, 1955, a son of the late Mary Dolores (Stablum ) and James F. Quinn.
He was the husband of Elaine Marie (Hubler) Quinn.
He was a member of the former St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church of BranchDale, and St. Matthew the Evangelist of the Holy Family Parish.
He retired from the Minersville Area School District after 30 years of service as a custodian.
Mike was a Reilly Township Supervisor, Fire Chief of 29 years and President of the Citizens Fire Co. of Branchdale for 37 years. He was a Life Member of the Muddy Creek Sportsman Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Quinn.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine, two sons Francis Quinn, and Michael, husband of Dana Quinn, a sister, MaryJane Quinn. He is also survived by Grandsons Ryan and Colin Quinn, Nieces, Mary Elizabeth & Christine, Father-in-law Harvey Hubler, Sister-in-law, Linda Quinn, Brother-in-law, Allen Hubler.
All are invited to attend a Visitation 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 22nd at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, MSC officiating.
Interment at St. Mary Star of Sea Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Fire Co. of BranchDale. P.O. Box 387 BranchDale, Pa. 17923
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
He was born in Pottsville, Pa. on August 8, 1955, a son of the late Mary Dolores (Stablum ) and James F. Quinn.
He was the husband of Elaine Marie (Hubler) Quinn.
He was a member of the former St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church of BranchDale, and St. Matthew the Evangelist of the Holy Family Parish.
He retired from the Minersville Area School District after 30 years of service as a custodian.
Mike was a Reilly Township Supervisor, Fire Chief of 29 years and President of the Citizens Fire Co. of Branchdale for 37 years. He was a Life Member of the Muddy Creek Sportsman Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Quinn.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine, two sons Francis Quinn, and Michael, husband of Dana Quinn, a sister, MaryJane Quinn. He is also survived by Grandsons Ryan and Colin Quinn, Nieces, Mary Elizabeth & Christine, Father-in-law Harvey Hubler, Sister-in-law, Linda Quinn, Brother-in-law, Allen Hubler.
All are invited to attend a Visitation 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 22nd at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. in Minersville, A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, MSC officiating.
Interment at St. Mary Star of Sea Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Fire Co. of BranchDale. P.O. Box 387 BranchDale, Pa. 17923
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born on April 9, 1969 in Lebanon, he was a son of the late Alfred D. Sr. and Barbara M. Weiss Kohr.
He was a 1988 graduate of Northern Lebanon High School.
Daryl was a mechanic and welder.
He attended Salem Hetzel's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
Daryl enjoyed coaching softball and spending time with his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Timothy Kohr and a niece, Tiffany Chatel.
Surviving are four daughters, Samantha and husband Matthew Zipp Sr., Shawnee and husband Keith Loy, Billie and husband Paul Santai Jr., Tiffany Kohr and companion Alexis Cover; a son, Jarrett Kohr; 14 grandchildren, Jacob Shaud, Jacey Kohr, Jessa Zipp, Matthew Zipp Jr., Anna Zipp, Luke Kohr, Serenity Loy, Damien Loy, Austin Santai, Aleira Santai, Phoebe Santai, Persephone Santai, Paul Santai III, and Willow Monn; two brothers, Brian and wife Kim Weiss, Alfred Jr. and wife Catherine Kohr; a step sister Rashonta Fancher; three nephews, Ethan Kohr, Timothy C. Kohr, Scott Weiss; a niece, Trisha Wagner; and a great nephew, Corey Weiss.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 139 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory to help with expenses.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
