Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Schuylkill County Obituaries for August 4th, 2025

                                                                              

Skook News Obituaries: August 4th, 2025

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Anthony Norman Natale, Jr,
60, of Coaldale, passed peacefully August 1, 2025, in his home.

He was the husband of the late Ellen Natale, who passed away in 2017.

Born August 21, 1964 in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Anthony Natale and Margaret Bono.

Anthony was a contractor for over 35 years.

He enjoyed fishing, remodeling things, the Eagles, but most especially he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are his daughters: Amber M. Natale, wife of Eric Bell, Danielle N. Natale, wife of Antonio Melendez and Brooke A. Bock, wife of Brian Bock.

In addition are 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

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Helen (Toroney) Papada, 71 of Minersville passed away Saturday July 26 , 2025 at her home.

Born in Heckshersville June 26 , 1954 she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Katchu) Toroney.

She was a graduate of Minersville Area High School, and worked as a Manager at King’s Village.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Wayne; Brothers John and David Toroney; Nephews Jim and Bob Haney.

Surviving are her daughter Alison Terry; son Alan Papada; Grandchildren Cheyenne Terry and Paige Startzel. Brother Paul Toroney Nieces & Nephews.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville is in charge of arrangements.

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Joan M. Lafferty
, 82 of Pottsville died Thursday, July 30th at home.

She was born October 16, 1942, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Michael and Magaret Williams McShaw.

Prior to retiring to Joan worked for the former Rest Haven Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven, and the former Pen & Pencil Factory, Deer Lake.

Joan was a member of St. Clair-Wade United Methodist Church, St. Clair; St. Clair Lions Club where she served as president; Mechanicsville Game and Fish; West End Hose Co., Pottsville and a life member of Walter Griffiths AMVETS Post 180 and its ladies auxiliary where she served as Sgt at Arms. Joan also volunteered her time towards the food pantry at Roundhouse.

Throughout her life, Joan was known for her deep love of family and firm commitment to those she cherished. She embraced each moment with a warmth and dedication that touched the hearts of many.

Joan was also an enthusiastic bingo player, she could often be found at various bingo games across Schuylkill County, skillfully managing multiple cards and bringing joy to the vibrant social scene. Her enthusiasm for the game was matched only by her eagerness to connect with friends and family, making every outing a cherished experience.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Lafferty in 2023; 4 brothers, John "Butch" McShaw, Bernard "Bopper" McShaw, Michael McShaw and Robert "Mitch" McShaw; a sister, Janice Benedict.

Surviving are her children, Joe Lukach, Tina Felty, Joan Marie Callaghan, William Lukach, and James Hartnett all of Pottsville. 3 stepdaughters, Kim Hannaford, GA; Jodie Lafferty and Lynne McGovern, both of Pottsville; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; a sister Marie Updegrave, Tremont; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral at 11AM Monday August 11th at St. Clair-Wade United Methodist Church, St. Clair, with Rev. Jack L. Murray officiating. Family and friends are invited to a viewing 9AM until the time of services at the church. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The family request no flowers and to please send donations to James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, 1112 W. Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901 to help defray some funeral expenses

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