Skook News Obituaries: August 17th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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JJ was born in Pottsville on January 17, 2004, a son of Becky (Hartman) and Jared Bachert, of Orwigsburg.
Jared loved Jesus. He was an avid outdoorsman and had a strong passion for hunting and fishing. Although JJ didn’t like being the center of attention, he should be remembered for the love he shared with both his family and friends. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and most of all generosity. His warm hugs and "I love yous" will forever be missed. He leaves a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He worked as a landscaper.
In addition to his parents, JJ is survived by his girlfriend, Sophia Shpakovsky, and his brother, Sgt. John Bachert, husband of Mallory. He is also survived by nephew Riley John Bachert; Maternal grandparents Susanne & Ricci Hartman; Paternal grandparents Jean & Bruce Bachert; paternal great grandmother Myrna (Arndt) Bachert; Grand Godparents Barbara & John Schrader; Godparents Dan Becker and Sarah Renninger; beloved German Shepherd Cassie, cat Kittie, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 23rd at St. John's United Church of Christ in Orwigsburg, with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. John's United Church of Christ or the Orwigsburg Area Food Pantry. The address for both charity's is 236 East Market Street Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. is honored to be serving the family.
Jill M. Kostowskie, 45, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on August 14, 2025, at the Jefferson Hospital of Neuroscience in Philadelphia
Honoring Jill’s wishes, the gift of life was shared with people in need through organ donation upon her passing.
Jill was a long-time resident of Schuylkill County, but most recently resided in the Philadelphia area.
Jill adored her children and although she didn’t get to see them often enough, she would tell everyone about them and how proud she was of them.
She enjoyed playing in dart leagues, listening to music and attending concerts. She loved her pets and would share stories about her dog, Scout, and cat, Max, at any opportunity.
Her surviving family includes 3 children- her daughter Mackenzie Horwath with her fiancé Zachary Koshinsky, and her 2 sons- Gavin Horwath and Kamden Haldeman along with her partner- David Regan. Her parents- Raymond and Cheryl (Keithan) Kostowskie, her sister- Laura (Kostowskie) Zeisloft with her husband Jonathan, her niece- Hannah Zeisloft, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your local animal shelter in Jill’s memory.
"Even in the shadow of relapse, a life reminds us that every moment of struggle deserves compassion.”
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Marian L. Breslin, 94 of Pottsville, died peacefully Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 3:02am in the Homestead Unit at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
She was born August 5, 1931, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late George H. Sr., and Elizabeth Klein Kaiser.
She attended Pottsville High School.
Marian's first job was at H.L. Green. Marian met and married a United States Marine and her life would forever change. Marian was married on April 18, 1960, to Gy Sgt James P. Breslin, Sr., USMC (Ret). Marian’s adventure began in Pottsville and while her husband dedicated his life to the United States Marine Corps, Marian dedicated her life to her husband, her children and the USMC. She lived in places like Hawaii, Albany, NY, Philadelphia, PA and Camp Lejeune, NC. When her Marine was deployed overseas, she returned to Pottsville, to her parent's home, and raised her children, until her Marine returned home safely. Marian dedicated her life to her husband of 45 years, and her four children and her home. Marian loved to decorate her home and bay window for the holidays. Marian took pride in everything she did and she was happiest in the kitchen, it was her love language. She loved to cook and bake from an early age. She was published in The Great Radio "Ask Your Neighbor" Cookbook. Marian enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and her grandchildren loved "Granny B's" food! She was called upon on numerous occasions to prepare her specialties of baked goods and she loved it!! She loved to play games such as Bonko, UNO, Yahtzee, and Bingo with family and friends. A hot cup of tea with a splash of milk or a cold Diet Pepsi with ice was her drink of choice. As Marian's children grew up, she returned to the workforce as a crossing guard for Garfield Elementary School, York Terrace Nursing Home and Brok-sel until she retired. Marian had a deep love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Ginger and Cuddles were the family dogs and Patches, Buddy, Pumpkin and Snicker were/are the family cats. She never met one that she didn't love. Marian enjoyed reading the newspaper and painting her nails. As Marian aged, she found contentment sitting in her recliner, painting her nails, loving on her cats and she loved scratch off Bingo lottery cards. The little things always made Marian the happiest.
A special "SHOUT OUT" to all the staff in the Homestead Unit, which became her home for over 4 years, when her family could no longer care for her. Marian enjoyed activities like bingo, kick ball and arts and crafts. Marian even had the staff paint her nails. Special recognition to Sue, Chrissy, Jessie, Arielle and Dusty. We are forever grateful and you will remain in our hearts FOREVER!
Marian was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gy Sgt. James P. Breslin, Sr., USMC (Ret) in 2005; a sister Jean Sherry; 2 brothers, Vincent Klein and George P. Kaiser. Marian was the youngest of her siblings. Before Marian was born, she lost a sister Doris, age 7 and a baby brother, 3 months old.
Surviving are her children, James P. Breslin, Jr., and his wife Patty, Hanover; Michael J. Breslin and his wife Joan, Llewellyn; Patricia A. Breslin, Sumter, S.C.; Kathleen E. Breslin, and her fiancé, Edward Harris, Pottsville; 3 grandchildren, James R. Breslin, Ryan P. Breslin and Rachel M. (Breslin) Bainbridge; 4 great-grandchildren, Bella Bainbridge, Marina Breslin, Joshua Bainbridge and Benjamin Breslin; a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Kane, Pottsville; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Saturday, August 23, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 6-8PM Friday August 22, and Saturday, from 9:30-10:30AM at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Marian be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or to Schuylkill Center for the Homestead Unit, 1000 Schuylkill Manor Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901
Valeria H. Pupko, 92, or as her friends and husband called her, “Mike,” formerly of Grier City, passed away Friday afternoon at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums.
Born in Conyngham, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Mary L. (Dzujko) Petritsch and grew up with five brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of St. Mary’s B.C. Church, Mahanoy City and a graduate of Mahanoy Twp. High School, class of 1951 where she performed in plays and earned her gift of gab reputation with “whispers too much” on her report card. She spoke longingly about her first car (the temporary plates she kept), a 1948 red Chrysler convertible she bought on June 23, 1954.
She married a handsome blue-eyed man on February 8, 1958, and together they had three sons. In her earlier years, Valeria proudly served as a president of Mahanoy City VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted den mother when her sons were Cub Scouts. Prior to retiring, Valeria was employed as a seamstress in the local garment industry, but she kept up several jobs including waitressing and selling Avon into her sixties.
Valeria had a wonderful sense of humor and entertained everyone by telling jokes and stories. She loved to dance; especially wearing a dress, high heels, and red lipstick. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many weddings over the years. Ave Maria was her favorite hymn to perform. But maybe her greatest love was ice cream. Her son, Tim, would bring her sundaes and fudgesicles at least once a week and it was a treasured shared experience with her great-grandchildren.
Surviving Valeria are her sons, Stephen Pupko of Barnesville; Timothy Pupko and wife Cynthia of Sugarloaf; sister, Henrietta Matuskevich of Bethel, PA; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Valeria’s faith was important to her. She shared her God-given talents in the St. Mary’s choir and served as auction chairperson for many years. Her family is consoled to know she is reunited in heaven with her loved ones. Preceding her in death were her husband, Thomas S. Pupko; son, Daniel Pupko; granddaughter, Alison Pupko; grandson Nicholas Pane IV; and several brothers, sisters, and lifelong friends.
A special thank you is extended to the staff at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community for their loving care.
Her funeral service will be held Thursday, August 21, at 11 a.m. in the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, with Pastor Louis Aita officiating. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.
A calling hour will be held Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 621 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, PA 17948.
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Honoring Jill’s wishes, the gift of life was shared with people in need through organ donation upon her passing.
Jill was a long-time resident of Schuylkill County, but most recently resided in the Philadelphia area.
Jill adored her children and although she didn’t get to see them often enough, she would tell everyone about them and how proud she was of them.
She enjoyed playing in dart leagues, listening to music and attending concerts. She loved her pets and would share stories about her dog, Scout, and cat, Max, at any opportunity.
Her surviving family includes 3 children- her daughter Mackenzie Horwath with her fiancé Zachary Koshinsky, and her 2 sons- Gavin Horwath and Kamden Haldeman along with her partner- David Regan. Her parents- Raymond and Cheryl (Keithan) Kostowskie, her sister- Laura (Kostowskie) Zeisloft with her husband Jonathan, her niece- Hannah Zeisloft, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your local animal shelter in Jill’s memory.
"Even in the shadow of relapse, a life reminds us that every moment of struggle deserves compassion.”
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She was born August 5, 1931, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late George H. Sr., and Elizabeth Klein Kaiser.
She attended Pottsville High School.
Marian's first job was at H.L. Green. Marian met and married a United States Marine and her life would forever change. Marian was married on April 18, 1960, to Gy Sgt James P. Breslin, Sr., USMC (Ret). Marian’s adventure began in Pottsville and while her husband dedicated his life to the United States Marine Corps, Marian dedicated her life to her husband, her children and the USMC. She lived in places like Hawaii, Albany, NY, Philadelphia, PA and Camp Lejeune, NC. When her Marine was deployed overseas, she returned to Pottsville, to her parent's home, and raised her children, until her Marine returned home safely. Marian dedicated her life to her husband of 45 years, and her four children and her home. Marian loved to decorate her home and bay window for the holidays. Marian took pride in everything she did and she was happiest in the kitchen, it was her love language. She loved to cook and bake from an early age. She was published in The Great Radio "Ask Your Neighbor" Cookbook. Marian enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and her grandchildren loved "Granny B's" food! She was called upon on numerous occasions to prepare her specialties of baked goods and she loved it!! She loved to play games such as Bonko, UNO, Yahtzee, and Bingo with family and friends. A hot cup of tea with a splash of milk or a cold Diet Pepsi with ice was her drink of choice. As Marian's children grew up, she returned to the workforce as a crossing guard for Garfield Elementary School, York Terrace Nursing Home and Brok-sel until she retired. Marian had a deep love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Ginger and Cuddles were the family dogs and Patches, Buddy, Pumpkin and Snicker were/are the family cats. She never met one that she didn't love. Marian enjoyed reading the newspaper and painting her nails. As Marian aged, she found contentment sitting in her recliner, painting her nails, loving on her cats and she loved scratch off Bingo lottery cards. The little things always made Marian the happiest.
A special "SHOUT OUT" to all the staff in the Homestead Unit, which became her home for over 4 years, when her family could no longer care for her. Marian enjoyed activities like bingo, kick ball and arts and crafts. Marian even had the staff paint her nails. Special recognition to Sue, Chrissy, Jessie, Arielle and Dusty. We are forever grateful and you will remain in our hearts FOREVER!
Marian was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gy Sgt. James P. Breslin, Sr., USMC (Ret) in 2005; a sister Jean Sherry; 2 brothers, Vincent Klein and George P. Kaiser. Marian was the youngest of her siblings. Before Marian was born, she lost a sister Doris, age 7 and a baby brother, 3 months old.
Surviving are her children, James P. Breslin, Jr., and his wife Patty, Hanover; Michael J. Breslin and his wife Joan, Llewellyn; Patricia A. Breslin, Sumter, S.C.; Kathleen E. Breslin, and her fiancé, Edward Harris, Pottsville; 3 grandchildren, James R. Breslin, Ryan P. Breslin and Rachel M. (Breslin) Bainbridge; 4 great-grandchildren, Bella Bainbridge, Marina Breslin, Joshua Bainbridge and Benjamin Breslin; a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Kane, Pottsville; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Saturday, August 23, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 6-8PM Friday August 22, and Saturday, from 9:30-10:30AM at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Marian be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or to Schuylkill Center for the Homestead Unit, 1000 Schuylkill Manor Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901
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Born in Conyngham, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Mary L. (Dzujko) Petritsch and grew up with five brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of St. Mary’s B.C. Church, Mahanoy City and a graduate of Mahanoy Twp. High School, class of 1951 where she performed in plays and earned her gift of gab reputation with “whispers too much” on her report card. She spoke longingly about her first car (the temporary plates she kept), a 1948 red Chrysler convertible she bought on June 23, 1954.
She married a handsome blue-eyed man on February 8, 1958, and together they had three sons. In her earlier years, Valeria proudly served as a president of Mahanoy City VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted den mother when her sons were Cub Scouts. Prior to retiring, Valeria was employed as a seamstress in the local garment industry, but she kept up several jobs including waitressing and selling Avon into her sixties.
Valeria had a wonderful sense of humor and entertained everyone by telling jokes and stories. She loved to dance; especially wearing a dress, high heels, and red lipstick. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many weddings over the years. Ave Maria was her favorite hymn to perform. But maybe her greatest love was ice cream. Her son, Tim, would bring her sundaes and fudgesicles at least once a week and it was a treasured shared experience with her great-grandchildren.
Surviving Valeria are her sons, Stephen Pupko of Barnesville; Timothy Pupko and wife Cynthia of Sugarloaf; sister, Henrietta Matuskevich of Bethel, PA; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Valeria’s faith was important to her. She shared her God-given talents in the St. Mary’s choir and served as auction chairperson for many years. Her family is consoled to know she is reunited in heaven with her loved ones. Preceding her in death were her husband, Thomas S. Pupko; son, Daniel Pupko; granddaughter, Alison Pupko; grandson Nicholas Pane IV; and several brothers, sisters, and lifelong friends.
A special thank you is extended to the staff at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community for their loving care.
Her funeral service will be held Thursday, August 21, at 11 a.m. in the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, with Pastor Louis Aita officiating. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.
A calling hour will be held Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 621 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, PA 17948.
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Surviving along with his wife and father are a son Mason Murphy of Lake Hauto; a brother James Murphy and his wife Johanna (Zarnosky) of Annandale, VA; mother and father-in-law Michael and Christine Marek of Lake Hauto; niece Makenna, nephew Evan; and stepsisters Jessica Krcmar and Andrea McGuire and their families .
He was also preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents Hayden and Eleanor (Edmonds) Evans, and paternal grandparents Thomas and Agnes Murphy.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240 with Pastor Rick Clemson officiating. Interment will be held in Sky View Memorial Park Hometown. Call Tuesday night 6-9:00 P.M. and Wednesday morning 9:30-10:30 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Mason’s College Fund or a scholarship fund given in Scott’s name c/o the funeral home. The Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 am in Sunnyside Cemetery, Lavelle with Rev. Guency Isaac officiating.
Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor is in care of the arrangements.
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Mariano Roldan, Jr., 75 of Frackville, PA., passed away on August 17, 2025 at his residence. Funeral and burial details will be released upon completion. MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
