Monday, October 27, 2025

Schuylkill County Obituaries for October 27th, 2025

                                                                                                                                                                

Skook News Obituaries:  October 27th, 2025

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area. 

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Eric M. Stevenosky
, 71, of Palo Alto, passed away on October 25, at his home surrounded by his loving family and his little buddy, Bear.

Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Peter and Jeannette (Tiley) Stevenosky.

Eric found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved tending to his garden, where he spent many peaceful hours surrounded by nature. He was also a talented painter and wood carver, always creating something beautiful with his hands. One of his favorite pastimes was caring for his Koi pond, which brought him great pride and tranquility. Above all, Eric cherished time spent with his grandchildren and his great-granddaughter, who were the light of his life.

Eric was preceded in death by a son, Eric Stevenosky, who passed on December 30, 2005 and a daughter, Raelee Stevenosky, who passed on January 1, 2007.

Surviving is his wife of 20 years, Joan Marie (Fredericks) Stevenosky, a son, Jimmy Purcell and his wife, Georgine, a stepson, Josh Stephens and his wife, Fae, stepdaughter, Nicole Stephens and her fiancé, Nick Prieto, 4 granddaughters, Kenna, Nichole, Tristen and Angela, great granddaughter, Oakley Rea, a brother, David and his wife, Judy Stevenosky, two sisters, Diane Jenkins and Jeannette Sophy, numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced by the family at a later date. Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

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William E. Byrne
of Girardville passed away on October 24th, 2025. Bill was one of ten children of the former Kathleen Kelly and Jeremiah Byrne. Born in Brownsville, he graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School in 1942. After being employed as an anthracite coal inspector at various coal mining operations for over 20 years, he was employed for 23 years at the US Post Office in Ashland, PA. He retired in 1990.

Bill was an Army Veteran of World War II, having served from November of 1943 through January of 1947 in both the European and Far Eastern theaters of operation. He was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Tech Sergeant while serving in the 11 Airborne Division in Northern Japan. Bill was the recipient of two bronze service stars.

Active in the Knights of Columbus, Bill served as Grand Knight of the Father Sheridan Council and Faithful Navigator of the Schuylkill Assembly for the 4th Degree. He also served as a District Deputy for the K of C and received the God and Country Award in 1978.

He was a member of St. Josephs Parish in Girardville, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a server and Eucharistic Minister at the Seton Manor Nursing Facility for many years. He was a member of the Fountain Springs Country Club.

Bill’s wife of 59 years, the former Nora Maley, passed away in September of 2010. In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by brothers James, John, Jeremiah, Paul and David, and sisters Kathryn Dougherty, Ann Bramley and Margaret Devanney.

He is survived by two sons, Dr. William C. and his wife Dr. Dolores of Holland PA, and Robert J. and his wife Rebecca of Des Peres MO. He is blessed with five grandchildren Jacqueline Rooke (husband Thomas), William (BJ) Byrne, Austin (wife Hannah), Spencer and Grant Byrne. Bill also has four great grandchildren, Maley, George and Henry Rooke, and Nora Byrne. He is also survived by his brother Vincent of Mascoutah IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 11 a.m. from St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville with Msgr. Edward Coyle as the celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment with military honors will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Bill’s name, to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish at 1115 Walnut St. Ashland, PA 17921.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville, is in charge of arrangements.

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Judith Ann Jarzinko
, 82, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown.

Born in Shenandoah on July 26, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Regina “Jean” (Kalinkowsky) Jarzinko.

Judy attended the former St. George’s School and J.W. Cooper High School. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide at the Shenandoah Heights Nursing Home. Judy was a loving sister who enjoyed going shopping, visiting with family, watching game shows, Sci- Fi movies, and westerns- with Gunsmoke being her favorite.

Besides her parents, she was preceded by her brother- Francis “Fritz” Jarzinko.

She is survived by her sister- Mary Balkiewicz of Ringtown, 2 brothers- Paul Jarzinko of Shenandoah and William Jarzinko with his wife Alice of Aristes, along with nieces and nephews. Paul and Mary were her caregivers.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

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Joseph Stone, 94, of Pottsville, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Gardens at York Terrace in Pottsville.

Born in New Philadelphia on July 23, 1931, he was the son of the late Paul and Caroline Stone.

Joseph was veteran of the United States Army. He worked formerly as a Bookkeeper at Shen Heights TV. Joseph was an excellent bowler and bowled many years for the Oravitz Funeral Home bowling team at Stone’s Hall, where he was known for bowling the only 300 game at Stone’s.

He is survived by his brother Paul Stone of Florida.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 10am in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.

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Joyce Louise Lech
, 102, of Quakake, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon in the comfort of her home, with her daughters by her side. 

Born in Tamaqua, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Catherine Ida (Hess) Fegley. She was a devoted homemaker for her beloved family and secretary for her husband’s businesses.

Joyce was an early graduate of Delano High School at age 16. She began playing piano at age 10 for 3 churches and her high school assemblies. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a proud 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Preceding her in death were her husband Stanley J. Lech; son Robert Lech; brothers Leonard James ‘Jim’, Josiah, and John Fegley; and sister Mary Jane ‘Becky’ Gerhard.

Surviving are her daughters, Eileen Lech of Quakake and Gwen Lech of Philadelphia; brother Wilbert Fegley of Barnesville; grandchildren Brian Lech, Marie Lech and Amber Spencer; great-grandchildren Alexandra and Olivia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was a devoted Protestant who lived her faith daily and relied on love and Christ Jesus to get through tough times throughout her life.

Joyce was known as a hard worker and always put others first whether family, friends or neighbors. She believed that you show love in your heart by your actions toward each other. Through the years she cherished the joy and happiness of sitting around the family table and reminiscing of days gone by. Gifted in many ways, Joyce shared her creativity through music, sewing wardrobes and costumes, and tending to her beloved flower gardens. She was also a thoughtful correspondent, never missing the chance to include a personal note in her cards.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 31, at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Debra Rogers. Interment will take place at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown. Condolences may be shared, and additional information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

The family would like to express gratitude for the assistance of caregivers Kyle Culbert and Loretta Beltz, St. Luke’s hospice team, and Pastor Debra Rogers for their kindness and loving care.

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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville