Skook News Obituaries: October 25th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale, the son of the late Lester L. and Celeste (Bonomo) Rhubright, Lester was a proud graduate of Tamaqua High School's Class of 1961. He was employed for over 25 years at Atlas Powder Co and eventually retired from Copperhead Chemical in Clamtown. For many, Lester's legacy will forever be connected to the lively atmosphere of Rhubright’s Tavern and Rhubright’s Clubs & Subs on Mauch Chunk Street, a business he and Kathleen owned and operated for ten years. It was here that he gained local fame for his legendary "Schnecksville" roast beef sandwich and his well-earned reputation for serving the coldest quart of beer in Schuylkill County.
A man of many passions, Lester enjoyed racing his Chevy Nova at Kel-Reca Race Track in his youth, and perhaps a few memorable races on the Hauto Stretch. He took great pride in his home, meticulously tending to his yard and hedge while serving as the family's resident grocery shopper. A social member of both the East End and South Ward Fire Companies, he also served for 2 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Lester also looked forward to trips to the Mohegan Sun Casino. His greatest joy, however, was always found in the stands, cheering on his beloved grandchildren as they played various youth sports along with their high school athletic careers for the Tamaqua Blue Raiders.
Lester was preceded in death by his daughter, Rosanne, whom he adored deeply. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Frank Rhubright. In addition to his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Kristine M. "Tina," and her husband, Ed Titus, along with his cherished grandchildren, Chris T. Rhubright and his wife, Lynn, Eddie A. Titus, and Emily R. Titus.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday morning October 28, 2025 at 11 o’clock A.M. from the funeral home.
Friends may call on Monday evening October 27, 2025 at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 P.M. and on the morning of services form 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Memorials in Lester’s name to:
Tamaqua Little League Association
Attn. Bill Angst
986 Catawissa Road
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
or
American Cancer Society
Attn. Tom McCarroll
738 East Broad Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
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Harry J. Theal, 79, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Thursday, October 23rd, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Hershey, on January 26, 1946, a son of the late Mildred (Henry) and Harry B. Theal.
He was the husband of Jayne F. (Umbenhauer) Theal, they were married for 45 years.
He was a member of Palmyra Grace Brethren Church.
He was formerly employed as a truck driver.
He was a member of the Rainbow Hose Co.
In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by two daughters Stacey and Shelly; three grandchildren; six step children; brothers Don Theal husband of Gloria, Hershey, Robert Theal, Montana and Michael Theal, Hummelstown.
Services are private at the convenience of the family.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Rainbow Hose Co, PO Box 301 Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Born in New Philadelphia on March 13, 1936, he was the son of the late Paul & Elizabeth (Lickman) Babcock; and preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Shaud, and brother Paul Babcock. He has one surviving sister, Barbara Reinmiller of Kaska.
Married on September 2,1967, Stan was the husband of Charlotte (Reilly) Babcock.
They were married for 58 years.
Stan was a 1954 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
He was extremely proud of his time in the military. He was an Army Special Forces Group “Airborne” in Korea & Vietnam where he established & organized the building of an orphanage for 24 displaced children after the Korean War and before the Vietnam war.
Throughout his career, he was employed as a conveyor mechanic/material handling supervisor for Rapistan Inc. before starting his own business, the Babcock Co.
Stan was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish, Pottsville where he ushered for over 20 years. Stan was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #207 from 1969 until it closed and served 2 terms as Exalted Ruler. He was an avid hunter. His love of muscle cars led to the birth of the Charter of the Gear Grinders Hot Rod Association in 1958 which he cofounded with the late Joe Burns, Sr.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by three children: Stanley J. Babcock Jr., of Pottsville, Charlotte B Granito, of Orwigsburg, & Michael J. Babcock & his wife Amy of Pottsville. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Jason A. Granito, husband of Kendra; Hannah R. Stevenson, wife of Sean; Celena M. Emerich, wife of Kyle; Maxwell Babcock; & Reilly Babcock; 5 great grandchildren, Magnolia Wynn, Mila Jay, Krew Lee, Rome Vincent and soon-to-be baby boy in March; as well as multiple nieces, nephews & great nieces & nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice for their dedication, exceptional care & deep compassion, with special thanks to Michelle & Denise.
Since 2017, Amy & Chris at LVHN Cardiac Rehab have been treasured additions to his life. Twice a week they were blessed with exercising his well being and have been such an asset to our family. We cannot thank you enough.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer masses in his memory at St Patrick’s Parish @319 Mahantongo Street Pottsville PA 17901 or consider donating to the Disabled Veterans of America in honor of Stanley J. Babcock. Support DAV Today! - Donate Today - Disabled American Veterans (DAV); help@ dav.org
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday October 28th from 6-8pm at Robert A Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
At the request of the family, the funeral service and interment will be private.
Dorothy "Dottiejean" Danner, 87, of Lancaster County, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, October 23, 2025 at the Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Harrisburg.
Born in Lancaster on Thursday, April 7, 1938, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Evans Baker.
She was a dedicated life member of the New Danville Evangelical Church, Lancaster.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Woodward Danner, II.
Dottiejean is survived by her daughter, Doris Lopez, Tower City; a niece, Donna Reese, Tower City; a brother, William Baker, Mount Joy; two grandchildren, Jessica and Anthony; two great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Dottiejean's family.
He was extremely proud of his time in the military. He was an Army Special Forces Group “Airborne” in Korea & Vietnam where he established & organized the building of an orphanage for 24 displaced children after the Korean War and before the Vietnam war.
Throughout his career, he was employed as a conveyor mechanic/material handling supervisor for Rapistan Inc. before starting his own business, the Babcock Co.
Stan was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish, Pottsville where he ushered for over 20 years. Stan was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #207 from 1969 until it closed and served 2 terms as Exalted Ruler. He was an avid hunter. His love of muscle cars led to the birth of the Charter of the Gear Grinders Hot Rod Association in 1958 which he cofounded with the late Joe Burns, Sr.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by three children: Stanley J. Babcock Jr., of Pottsville, Charlotte B Granito, of Orwigsburg, & Michael J. Babcock & his wife Amy of Pottsville. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Jason A. Granito, husband of Kendra; Hannah R. Stevenson, wife of Sean; Celena M. Emerich, wife of Kyle; Maxwell Babcock; & Reilly Babcock; 5 great grandchildren, Magnolia Wynn, Mila Jay, Krew Lee, Rome Vincent and soon-to-be baby boy in March; as well as multiple nieces, nephews & great nieces & nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice for their dedication, exceptional care & deep compassion, with special thanks to Michelle & Denise.
Since 2017, Amy & Chris at LVHN Cardiac Rehab have been treasured additions to his life. Twice a week they were blessed with exercising his well being and have been such an asset to our family. We cannot thank you enough.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer masses in his memory at St Patrick’s Parish @319 Mahantongo Street Pottsville PA 17901 or consider donating to the Disabled Veterans of America in honor of Stanley J. Babcock. Support DAV Today! - Donate Today - Disabled American Veterans (DAV); help@ dav.org
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday October 28th from 6-8pm at Robert A Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon.
At the request of the family, the funeral service and interment will be private.
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Born in Lancaster on Thursday, April 7, 1938, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Evans Baker.
She was a dedicated life member of the New Danville Evangelical Church, Lancaster.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Woodward Danner, II.
Dottiejean is survived by her daughter, Doris Lopez, Tower City; a niece, Donna Reese, Tower City; a brother, William Baker, Mount Joy; two grandchildren, Jessica and Anthony; two great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Dottiejean's family.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
