Skook News Obituaries: September 3rd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
------------------------------------------
Joseph was born on April 14, 1947, the eldest son of the late Joseph G. Peel and Violet (Navakas) Peel. Joe was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.
He was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. After high school, Joe was drafted and served in the Vietnam War as an SP4.
After returning home from the war, Joe embarked upon opening a tavern called “The Rusty Nail” - a well known local bar, restaurant, and lodging place in the early 70s - where many shared in Joe’s great home cooking, like a good steak, and created fun memories. Later, Joe would continue to work in construction and other trades.
Throughout life, Joe was an avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman, enjoying many a ride through the valley with his brothers and friends. Joe also loved lifting weights and staying fit.
Most important to Joe - fondly known as “Pop Pop” - was his immeasurable love for his grandchildren, who brought so much joy and love to his heart.
Joseph is survived by two sons, Solomon Peel, his wife, Katie Downey-Peel, of Mahanoy City; Bruce Boxer, and his fiancée, Tanya Moses, of Shenandoah; a step daughter, Heather, and her fiancé, Frank Sytnik jr. Kintz, of Tamaqua; a sister, Barbara Peel-Yeager of Pottsville; two brothers Robert, and his wife, Mary-Ellen, of Locust Valley; Edward, and his wife Sandra, of Zion Grove; beloved nieces and nephews; and his favorite sidekick, Tony Cominsky.
He is preceded in death by a nephew, Dustin Peel, and his late-wife, Rita Cavanaugh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 10AM on Wednesday, September 10th, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.
Friends and family may call Tuesday from 6 - 8PM and Wednesday at 9AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.
Internment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Mahanoy City, PA.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video, and send sympathy cards.
------------------------------------------
.webp)
Born in Tamaqua in the apartment above a corner A&P at the intersection of Spruce and Hunter Streets (now Pieracini’s parking lot), she was the daughter of Charles and Hannah (Ralph) Wolfe. Anna Mae graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1947 and lettered on the varsity Tamaqua Cheerleaders under Mrs. Steigerwalt, who worried that bloomers were too sexy.
During World War II, she and her sister Nancy volunteered as airplane spotters at the tower in Hometown. After high school, Anna Mae graduated from the old Empire Beauty College in downtown Pottsville and did her apprenticeship at the beauty shop in the basement of what is now M&T Bank.
In 1955, she moved with her husband John Price to Wallingford, Connecticut, and she survived Hurricane Diana while visiting her parents on Schuylkill Avenue. In high school, Anna Mae worked in Newberry’s on Broad Street, and upon moving to Connecticut, she worked at W.T. Grant, a lady’s bouquet. She later worked at J.C. Penney until retirement.
In Connecticut, she volunteered as a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts. In retirement, Anna Mae moved back to her childhood home in Tamaqua and was active with Calvary Episcopal Church. She collected all types of elephants after her father bought her first stuffed elephant from Scheid’s Department Store in Tamaqua. She also loved dogs, having many throughout her lifetime.
Surviving are her sister, Nancy Weber (98); two sons, Gary of Tamaqua and Brian of Bend, Oregon; and two grandchildren, Sam and Hannah. Anna Mae was predeceased by two sisters, Colleen (Doll) Becker and Patricia Oberman; a half-brother, Charles Wolfe; and husbands John Price and Stephen Favreau.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, with The Rev. Dillon Epler officiating. Interment in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown, will follow the services.
Call from 9–11 AM on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Anna’s name may be made to Tamaqua Meals on Wheels, 801 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.
--------------------------------------
Shirley G. Watcher, 89 of Pottsville, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at home.
She was born on April 27, 1936, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Lehman Marks.
She was a member of the former 1st United Methodist Church, Minersville and was a very religious women throughout her life.
Shirley was predeceased her husband, Charles Watcher, Sr.; several siblings, Betty Morgan, Francis Marks, Freddy Marks, Edna Watcher, Billy Marks, and Helen Wetzel.
Shirley was the proud mother of three children: Debbie Conway, Llewellyn; Charles Watcher, Jr. and Rick Watcher her caregiver, both Pottsville. She took great joy in being a grandmother to her two grandchildren, Nicole Conway and Bobby Lemke, nieces and nephews; her loyal service dog, Pepper, who was a constant companion in her daily life.
Her spirit and kindness will be remembered by friends and family alike.
Private cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville
--------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
