Skook News Obituaries: August 28th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on October 16, 1942, to Mary Lazovi Harris and George Milton Harris, George lived a full and purposeful life defined by service, deep family ties, global connections, and a deep appreciation for his roots.
George’s early years were shaped by the tragic loss of his father, who was killed following the Normandy landings during World War II when George was just 21 months old. After this profound loss, he was lovingly raised in Seltzer, PA, by his mother and his maternal grandparents, Mary Martinka Lazovi and John Lazovi, who provided a strong foundation of love, resilience, and family values. Later in life, George was also blessed with a devoted stepfather, Richard Purcell, whose presence brought additional strength and support to the family.
Though he never had the chance to know his biological father, George carried his legacy with deep respect. He made frequent visits to the American cemetery in Normandy, particularly during the major memorials held every ten years, to honor the memory of the man who inspired his strong sense of duty.
Following in those footsteps, George proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His service instilled in him a lifelong sense of honor, discipline, and patriotism. These were values he upheld throughout his life.
George was a proud graduate of Syracuse University, where he developed an enduring loyalty to the Orange. He followed both the football and basketball teams with passionate enthusiasm. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, especially fond of quarterback Josh Allen, who attended the University of Wyoming at the same time as his granddaughter, Aleen Sellers. His love of college football extended to the University of Alabama, and he was especially thrilled when his granddaughter, Taree Sellers, joined the Crimson Tide as a student.
George’s Slovak heritage was another source of pride and connection in his life. He traveled frequently to Slovakia, where he found great joy in reconnecting with extended family and exploring the towns and traditions that formed part of his lineage. These visits were filled with laughter, stories, and a genuine love for the people and culture that shaped his ancestry.
Professionally, George excelled as an executive in the IT service industry, where he became well known for his expertise and leadership. He was a founding member and two-time Chairman and President of the Association for Services Management International (AFSMI), an organization dedicated to advancing service management professionals. In 1991, he was honored with AFSMI’s prestigious Professionalism in Service Management Award, a testament to his contributions and respected standing within the global IT service community. For George, work was more than a profession. It was an opportunity to connect, mentor, and build relationships across borders.
In his later years, George split his time between Lake Forest, California, where he lived with his daughter, Glee, and son-in-law, Steen Sellers, and Hawaii, where he worked as a property manager on an avocado and macadamia nut farm. He remained incredibly active, taking pride in the daily operations of the farm and staying engaged in hands-on work. He loved Hawaii deeply and found great fulfillment in contributing to the land and community around him, while cherishing his time with family in California.
A connoisseur of life’s finer things, George loved his cigars, good wine, exceptional food, and a strong shot of slivovitz shared among friends and family. Whether at home or abroad, he sought out the best culinary experiences and took great pleasure in sharing them with friends and loved ones. Travel was not just a passion. It was a way of life. George’s adventures around the globe were marked by a deep curiosity and appreciation for culture, cuisine, and conversation. He approached every destination with the same enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of life.
Above all, George was a devoted family man. He is survived by his daughter, Glee Harris; his son, George Harris, Jr.; his son-in-law, Steen Sellers; and his granddaughters, Taree Sellers and Aleen Sellers, Aleen’s husband, Jesse Wilhelm, and his faithful little companion, Spike, who rarely left his side when he was on the mainland.
George will be remembered for his leadership, his loyalty, his unwavering devotion to family and country, and his bigger-than-life persona. His spirit lives on in every cheer for his favorite teams, every family gathering, and every story shared around the table. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, La Jolla, California, on September 15, 2025, at 10:00 am. Reception immediately following the funeral. Burial with military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
Kenneth G. Harley, 91, of Mahoning Township, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Walden III, Senior Living Community, Wind Gap. He was the husband of Shirley E. (Godshall) Harley. On April 11, 2025, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Kenneth was a lifelong carpenter, having been taught the carpentry trade by his father. In 1972, he moved to Potter County and started his own business. During that time, he made missionary construction trips to Kobe, Japan, Fiji Islands, and St Croix, among others. In 1997, he was called to North Dakota to organize and lead volunteers to rebuild a condemned church after a devasting flood in Grand Forks. For the next 15 plus years he worked on churches in Fargo and other areas that needed his God given talent. Born in Hilltown Township, he was the son of the late Claude L. and Eva D. (Garis) Harley. Kenneth was a member of Souls Harvest Baptist Church, New Philadelphia. Kenneth loved to hunt and fish, especially with his sons and grandchildren. His life was simple but always dedicated to honor and please the Lord who made it all possible.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ray; and three sisters, Louise Garis, Fern Ruth, and Jeanette Garges. Surviving in addition to his wife, Shirley, are three sons, Kenneth “Wayne”, and his wife Dana, of Hilltown, Franklin “Kim”, and his wife Darlene, of Mahoning Township, and Kerry M., and his wife Bethany, of Beauford, SC; a daughter, Roxanne Kaye, wife of Neil Bert, of St. Mary, MO; a brother, Linford, and his wife Nancy, of Millersville; 16 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Community Baptist Church, 7350 Elementary Rd, Coopersburg, PA 18036, with Pastor Donald Noecker officiating. Call at the church Wednesday from 11am-noon.
Private interment at the convenience of the family at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Contributions may be made to Souls Harvest Baptist Church, 15 Clay St. New Philadelphia, PA 17959. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
Kevin J. Fairley, 73, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem Campus. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late George Sr. and Mary (Ring) Fairley. He was a graduate of Marian High School Class of 1970. He furthered his education and graduated from St. Mary College in Kentucky. After graduation, he worked at the School of the Blind in Kentucky. He then returned home and worked as the manager for Spectrum in Nesquehoning for 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of the former Sacred Heart Church, Nesquehoning where he played the organ for over 40 years. Kevin loved spending time with his family and also traveling to Wales to visit with relatives there.
Surviving are a sister Patricia Marie Snisky and her husband Joseph of Nesquehoning; a brother George Jr. and his wife Cindy of Lansford; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Bernard T. Fairley and a nephew Michael Snisky.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Interment will be held in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call Tuesday morning 10-11:00 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in his name to the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home. The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Elizabeth R. Tempest, age 75, of Mahanoy City, passed away Monday at St. Luke's Hospital in Lehighton.
Services will be announced at later date.
Gary E. Page, 75, of Donaldson, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at his home.
Gary was born on Tuesday, March 28, 1950 in Wiconisco, a son of the late Albert and Ruth Weaver Page. He was a 1968 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
Gary was employed for over 50 years as a forklift operator at Gold Mills, Inc., Pine Grove.
He was an assistant Boy Scout Leader for the Tremont Troop. Gary enjoyed fly fishing and hunting birds with his best girl Ruby, his beloved Irish Setter. She was his buddy and could always be found by his side.
Gary will be missed by his family and friends. His boyish smile and sense of humor will always be remembered. Fly high Love.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Yvonne Koppenhaver Page; three children, Jeremy Page of Lebanon, Adam Page of Kulpmont, and Melissa Yuslum of Hershey; grandchildren, Cody, Brandon, and Austin Page, Brian Wagner (Jackie), and Tyler and McKenzie Yuslum; great grandchildren, Maggie, Navi, and Alex Page and Emma and Anthony Wagner; four siblings, Pat Boe, Marshell Page, Charlie Page (Nancy) and Albert Page, all of Wiconiscio; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Viewing will be held Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025 from 6-8 PM and also on Wednesday morning from 10-11 AM. Gary will be laid to rest in the German Reformed Cemetery, Tremont.
Rodney R Klinger, age 73, of Fearnot, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on Tuesday, March 18, 1952, in Sacramento, a son of the late Leon O Klinger and the late Elva I (Harner) Klinger.
Rodney was a 1970 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He worked at Rite Screen, Elizabethville for over 50 years.
Rodney enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt track racing, and NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandchild, Amber LeeAnn Klinger three brothers, Gene Klinger, James Klinger, and Leon Klinger, Jr, and a sister, Joy Schadle.
He is survived by his wife Brenda L (Wiest) Klinger, to whom he was married for 53 years.
He is also survived by s daughter, Jennifer R (Steve) Hoke of Sacramento; a son, Jason L (Julie) Klinger of Sacramento; four grandchildren, Carissa (Eric) Nelson of Muir, Brett Hoke of Sacramento, McKenzie (Hayden) Lucas of Hegins, and Mason Klinger of Sacramento; two great-granddaughters, Emma Nelson and Ellie Nelson; two god sons, Todd Edwards and Joshua Edwards; three sisters, Dorothy (Ray) Yeich of Mechanicsburg, Diane (Harry, Sr.) Mausser of Hegins, and Rose Frantz of Erdman; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home..
George’s early years were shaped by the tragic loss of his father, who was killed following the Normandy landings during World War II when George was just 21 months old. After this profound loss, he was lovingly raised in Seltzer, PA, by his mother and his maternal grandparents, Mary Martinka Lazovi and John Lazovi, who provided a strong foundation of love, resilience, and family values. Later in life, George was also blessed with a devoted stepfather, Richard Purcell, whose presence brought additional strength and support to the family.
Though he never had the chance to know his biological father, George carried his legacy with deep respect. He made frequent visits to the American cemetery in Normandy, particularly during the major memorials held every ten years, to honor the memory of the man who inspired his strong sense of duty.
Following in those footsteps, George proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His service instilled in him a lifelong sense of honor, discipline, and patriotism. These were values he upheld throughout his life.
George was a proud graduate of Syracuse University, where he developed an enduring loyalty to the Orange. He followed both the football and basketball teams with passionate enthusiasm. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, especially fond of quarterback Josh Allen, who attended the University of Wyoming at the same time as his granddaughter, Aleen Sellers. His love of college football extended to the University of Alabama, and he was especially thrilled when his granddaughter, Taree Sellers, joined the Crimson Tide as a student.
George’s Slovak heritage was another source of pride and connection in his life. He traveled frequently to Slovakia, where he found great joy in reconnecting with extended family and exploring the towns and traditions that formed part of his lineage. These visits were filled with laughter, stories, and a genuine love for the people and culture that shaped his ancestry.
Professionally, George excelled as an executive in the IT service industry, where he became well known for his expertise and leadership. He was a founding member and two-time Chairman and President of the Association for Services Management International (AFSMI), an organization dedicated to advancing service management professionals. In 1991, he was honored with AFSMI’s prestigious Professionalism in Service Management Award, a testament to his contributions and respected standing within the global IT service community. For George, work was more than a profession. It was an opportunity to connect, mentor, and build relationships across borders.
In his later years, George split his time between Lake Forest, California, where he lived with his daughter, Glee, and son-in-law, Steen Sellers, and Hawaii, where he worked as a property manager on an avocado and macadamia nut farm. He remained incredibly active, taking pride in the daily operations of the farm and staying engaged in hands-on work. He loved Hawaii deeply and found great fulfillment in contributing to the land and community around him, while cherishing his time with family in California.
A connoisseur of life’s finer things, George loved his cigars, good wine, exceptional food, and a strong shot of slivovitz shared among friends and family. Whether at home or abroad, he sought out the best culinary experiences and took great pleasure in sharing them with friends and loved ones. Travel was not just a passion. It was a way of life. George’s adventures around the globe were marked by a deep curiosity and appreciation for culture, cuisine, and conversation. He approached every destination with the same enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of life.
Above all, George was a devoted family man. He is survived by his daughter, Glee Harris; his son, George Harris, Jr.; his son-in-law, Steen Sellers; and his granddaughters, Taree Sellers and Aleen Sellers, Aleen’s husband, Jesse Wilhelm, and his faithful little companion, Spike, who rarely left his side when he was on the mainland.
George will be remembered for his leadership, his loyalty, his unwavering devotion to family and country, and his bigger-than-life persona. His spirit lives on in every cheer for his favorite teams, every family gathering, and every story shared around the table. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, La Jolla, California, on September 15, 2025, at 10:00 am. Reception immediately following the funeral. Burial with military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
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Doris “Dottie” Thomas, 81, of Pottsville passed away at home on August 20, 2025.
Born in Pottsville February 29th 1944, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Mildred (Dando) Thomas.
Dottie was a 1962 graduate of Pottsville high school and a 1964 graduate of Goldey Beacom College, Wilmington DE.
She worked from 1964 to 1965 at Goldey Beacom College and worked from 1965 to 1968 for an architect company in Wilmington, DE. She retired after 22 years for AC&TW Union.
Dottie was a wonderful soloist in high school, weddings, nursing homes and churches. She was a great bowler, bowling in many leagues.
She was a very caring loving person to the elderly and was always there to help friends, family members, and strangers. Dottie's closest friends were her dogs.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. She sanded, primed and painted all the wrought iron railing and fence from the top of the memorial garden to the front of the church which was her volunteer activity for three summers for the church.
She loved working in her garden and doing her own house repairs outside. Dottie also loved Penn State football and watching NFL games.
She is preceded in death by two brothers: Jack Thomas and Bob Thomas.
She is survived by three nephews: Jack Thomas and his wife Karen of Harrisburg, Mike Thomas of Coplay, & Scott Thomas of Florida, niece Krista Thomas of Milton, great nephews: JT Thomas & Tyler Thomas, great nieces: Jordan Thomas, Samantha Thomas & Aubrie Thomas.
A funeral service will be scheduled at a later date.
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He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ray; and three sisters, Louise Garis, Fern Ruth, and Jeanette Garges. Surviving in addition to his wife, Shirley, are three sons, Kenneth “Wayne”, and his wife Dana, of Hilltown, Franklin “Kim”, and his wife Darlene, of Mahoning Township, and Kerry M., and his wife Bethany, of Beauford, SC; a daughter, Roxanne Kaye, wife of Neil Bert, of St. Mary, MO; a brother, Linford, and his wife Nancy, of Millersville; 16 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Community Baptist Church, 7350 Elementary Rd, Coopersburg, PA 18036, with Pastor Donald Noecker officiating. Call at the church Wednesday from 11am-noon.
Private interment at the convenience of the family at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Contributions may be made to Souls Harvest Baptist Church, 15 Clay St. New Philadelphia, PA 17959. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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William M. Gavalis, 64, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, August 21st, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.
Willie was born in Pottsville on February 14, 1961, a son of the late Joanna (Schultz) Colihan.
Willie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by four siblings: Michael Dissinger, husband of Melissa, Patricia Foltin, partner of Joe Schoffstall, Robert Gavalis, & Joseph Gavalis, all of Schuylkill Haven, nieces & nephews: Tyler, Ashley, Lauren, & Hunter Dissinger, Stephen & Matthew Foltin, Chad, Brad, & Kyle Gavalis, and several great-nieces & great-nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
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Willie was born in Pottsville on February 14, 1961, a son of the late Joanna (Schultz) Colihan.
Willie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by four siblings: Michael Dissinger, husband of Melissa, Patricia Foltin, partner of Joe Schoffstall, Robert Gavalis, & Joseph Gavalis, all of Schuylkill Haven, nieces & nephews: Tyler, Ashley, Lauren, & Hunter Dissinger, Stephen & Matthew Foltin, Chad, Brad, & Kyle Gavalis, and several great-nieces & great-nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
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Kevin J. Fairley, 73, of Nesquehoning, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem Campus. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late George Sr. and Mary (Ring) Fairley. He was a graduate of Marian High School Class of 1970. He furthered his education and graduated from St. Mary College in Kentucky. After graduation, he worked at the School of the Blind in Kentucky. He then returned home and worked as the manager for Spectrum in Nesquehoning for 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of the former Sacred Heart Church, Nesquehoning where he played the organ for over 40 years. Kevin loved spending time with his family and also traveling to Wales to visit with relatives there.
Surviving are a sister Patricia Marie Snisky and her husband Joseph of Nesquehoning; a brother George Jr. and his wife Cindy of Lansford; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Bernard T. Fairley and a nephew Michael Snisky.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Interment will be held in Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call Tuesday morning 10-11:00 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in his name to the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home. The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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Born in Gilberton she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Clara Phillips. She was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and was a member of the Gilberton United Methodist Church. She had been employed by the General Cigar Factory and last worked for JE Morgan Knitting Mills in Hometown.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were a granddaughter Rachael Tempest, a grandson Brandon Deitzel and a half brother Henry McCabe.
Surviving are her husband of 55 years Thomas and a daughter Heather Deitzel and her husband Wayne of Barnesville.
Services will be announced at later date.
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Gary was born on Tuesday, March 28, 1950 in Wiconisco, a son of the late Albert and Ruth Weaver Page. He was a 1968 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
Gary was employed for over 50 years as a forklift operator at Gold Mills, Inc., Pine Grove.
He was an assistant Boy Scout Leader for the Tremont Troop. Gary enjoyed fly fishing and hunting birds with his best girl Ruby, his beloved Irish Setter. She was his buddy and could always be found by his side.
Gary will be missed by his family and friends. His boyish smile and sense of humor will always be remembered. Fly high Love.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Yvonne Koppenhaver Page; three children, Jeremy Page of Lebanon, Adam Page of Kulpmont, and Melissa Yuslum of Hershey; grandchildren, Cody, Brandon, and Austin Page, Brian Wagner (Jackie), and Tyler and McKenzie Yuslum; great grandchildren, Maggie, Navi, and Alex Page and Emma and Anthony Wagner; four siblings, Pat Boe, Marshell Page, Charlie Page (Nancy) and Albert Page, all of Wiconiscio; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Viewing will be held Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025 from 6-8 PM and also on Wednesday morning from 10-11 AM. Gary will be laid to rest in the German Reformed Cemetery, Tremont.
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He was born on Tuesday, March 18, 1952, in Sacramento, a son of the late Leon O Klinger and the late Elva I (Harner) Klinger.
Rodney was a 1970 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He worked at Rite Screen, Elizabethville for over 50 years.
Rodney enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt track racing, and NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandchild, Amber LeeAnn Klinger three brothers, Gene Klinger, James Klinger, and Leon Klinger, Jr, and a sister, Joy Schadle.
He is survived by his wife Brenda L (Wiest) Klinger, to whom he was married for 53 years.
He is also survived by s daughter, Jennifer R (Steve) Hoke of Sacramento; a son, Jason L (Julie) Klinger of Sacramento; four grandchildren, Carissa (Eric) Nelson of Muir, Brett Hoke of Sacramento, McKenzie (Hayden) Lucas of Hegins, and Mason Klinger of Sacramento; two great-granddaughters, Emma Nelson and Ellie Nelson; two god sons, Todd Edwards and Joshua Edwards; three sisters, Dorothy (Ray) Yeich of Mechanicsburg, Diane (Harry, Sr.) Mausser of Hegins, and Rose Frantz of Erdman; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at the funeral home..
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville