Skook News Obituaries: August 22nd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late George S. Sr. and Anna Karman Lord. He was a 1965 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Gary, Ronald, and Richard.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.
Sergeant Lord served in the United States Air Force from January 1966 through July 1969. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, for two years and served as a student administrator at the NCO Academy in California. A lifelong AMVETS member, he was also a member of Goodwill #4 Fire Company.
Following an automobile accident, George devoted his life to volunteering. He was a 26-year member and coach of Railway Park Little League, serving as secretary for ten years. He was a member of the Railway Park coaching staff that took the team to the 1997 Little League World Series in Williamsport.
A cornerstone of Pottsville athletics, Coach Lord was a coach and statistician for the Pottsville Area High School varsity girls softball team. He was on the coaching staff of the very first junior varsity softball program established at the school in 1990 and, for many years, he was coach for the Pottsville Girls Soccer League. He served as statistician for the Crimson Tide football team for sixteen years and had done significant research on the history of the Pottsville Football program. He was inducted into the Pottsville Area High School All Sports Hall of Fame in June 2012.
An avid photographer, George took countless pictures in Pottsville and surrounding areas, several of which appear in the city’s bicentennial photo books, for which he served as a committee member. In 2013, he donated his photo collection of Pottsville to the Schuylkill County Historical Society, contributing over 70 photo albums and thousands of pictures.
Surviving are his wife, Jean, to whom he was married 55 years; daughter, Deborah Ann Sebock and son-in-law Christopher; son, Christopher Michael and daughter-in-law Kathie; granddaughters Juliette Sebock, Kaelynne Matz, and Rachel Sebock; three granddogs; brother Dennis; nieces and nephews; and countless others who knew and loved him.
Services will be announced by Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor Chris Rothharpt officiating. Interment will be on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online or by mail to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in George’s memory; information can be found at stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Barbara A. "Shorty" Schaeffer, 86, of Cressona, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street, Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville, PA on November 15, 1938, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Anna Kovolosky and Edward Augustine. She was the devoted wife of the late Carey R. Schaeffer, Sr., who preceded her in death in September 2014.
A proud graduate of Cressona High School, Barbara dedicated many years of her life to serving others in the dietary department at the former Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville. Her colleagues and patients alike knew her as someone who truly cared, always going above and beyond in her work. Barbara's generous spirit extended far beyond the workplace—she was a treasured friend to many, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Barbara found joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly in shopping and the excitement of discovering treasures at garage sales, which she would later share with others through her own sales. Her warm personality and giving nature touched the lives of all who knew her.
She leaves behind cherished memories with her loving son, Carey R. "Chuck" Schaeffer, Jr.; her dear sister, Mabel L. Augustine; and her adored grandchildren, Christian T. and Nicholas T. Stringer.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her two daughters, Carla J. Schaeffer and Caren T. Schaeffer-Stringer, who will surely welcome her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that remembrances be made in Barbara's honor to the Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, PO Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, reflecting her compassionate heart for all creatures.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 26th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. Interment will be held privately at the family's convenience.
Barbara's legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
