Skook News Obituaries: October 7th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Reading, he was the son of Lawrence N. Baer and the late Anna Moyer Baer.
Jeff was a 1985 graduate of Blue Mountain Area High School.
He worked as a welder and truck driver for most of his life.
Jeff was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and loved to ride. He also loved to play softball and transitioned to pool later in life. He was a member of APA Pool League – where is excelled in 8 and 9 ball.
Jeff also loved camping and being outdoors.
In addition to his mother, Jeff is preceded in death by his sister Linda Goodman and his niece Michelle Sonon.
Along with his father, Larry, Jeff is survived by his wife Rana Miller Baer. He is also survived by his children; Teeanna Baer of Schuylkill Haven, Breanna Bassininsky wife of Joe of Summit Station, and Jody Baer of Pottsville. He is also survived by grandchildren Zoe’ Baer, Austin Baer, and Joseph Bassininsky, Jr.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, at 11:00 A.M. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Born in Connorton, PA on August 13, 1942, Diane was a daughter of the late Matthew and Veronica (Abromitis) Luscavage. Diane was a graduate of Butler Township High School and was employed at Van Heusen Shirt Factory and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement Office, until her retirement.
She enjoyed going to the casinos in Atlantic City, NJ and to Hollywood Casino, in Grantville, PA. She could often be found enjoying many dinners and laughs at Palermo Italian Restaurant, with her life partner of 58 years, Jimmy Whitaker, who passed away on April 11, 2025.
Diane will be greatly missed by her son, Scott and his wife Heather (Maroukis), and her grandchildren, Kyle (Gina), Jared (Samantha), James, Alexis Luscavage and Brock Maroukis, as well as her extended family, Jamey and Mary Jo Whitaker, Schuyler, Joe, and Matt Whitaker, Christine Whitaker, Jason and Matthew Mennig, her great- grandchildren, Hudson, Remi and Niko Luscavage, Body, Georgie, Elowyn Whitaker, and Joey and Adley Mennig, by her niece and nephew, Tracy Hughes and Gary Buchanan, and her very dear friend, Betty Lenosky.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Madeline Buchanan, and the “love of her life”, Jimmy.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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Born in Pottsville she was a daughter of the late Charles “Casey” and Susan (Leddy) Jones of Mill Creek Manor.
She was a graduate of St. Clair Area High School and furthered her education as an LPN, continuing on to receive her RN degree at HAC while residing in Gardners, PA. She worked at several Harrisburg Hospitals before retiring from Cumberland County Nursing Home in Carlisle.
She was very strong in her Catholic faith and is a current member of St. Clare of Assisi R.C. church, St. Clair. Previously, she was a long-term member of St. Patrick’s church in Carlisle and found great peace in her duty during perpetual Eucharistic adoration. She participated in many voluntary aspects of her church and was on multiple boards. She enjoyed being with her family and friends and loved to travel; fulfilling her lifetime dream of visiting Israel and Portugal.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Edward Olson in 2011; sister BettyLou Swartchick; brother Donald “Ducky’” Jones.
Nancy is survived by her sons Peter “PJ” Symons (Michele) St. Clair; Brian Symons Dieners Hill; John Symons (MaryKay) Lavelle; daughters Debra Vence (Tony) Florida; Cynthia Tilinski (Jack) St. Clair; Nancy Wickard (Kirk) Boiling Springs; sister Kathleen Webb (Raymond) Mt. Top; brother Charles Jones (Rogene) Camp Hill; 10 grandchildren Matthew Symons, Jillian Symons, Brenda DeSouto, Michael Vence, Kayla Cumba, Andrea Conniff, Emily Symons, Megan Parker, Ryan Parker and Amanda Wickard; 14 great-grandchildren Shelby, Bryson, Brentley, Austin, Kylie, Brody, Anthony, Hailey, Gabby, Cora Rose, Jace, Ella Rose, Lyla Marie, Caden; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair, PA 17970. Msgr. William Glosser will be officiating. Friends may call from 10-11:00 am Friday from the church. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Clare of Assisi Memorial fund at the above address. Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.brucethartfuneralhome.com
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at LVHN – Schuylkill, for their professional and compassionate care.
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Stephen M. Orlosky, 57 of Mohrsville, PA., passed away on October 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Twp. He was the husband of Pamela J. (Sublette) Orlosky for 23 years. Born in Pottsville, PA., he was the son of the late Michael and Rose (Terleckas) Orlosky. Stephen was a Pottsville High School Gradate, and had worked as a Supervisor at Americold Logistics.
Steve knew he loved Pam from the moment he saw her, and he often said she was the best thing that happened to him. Together they built a life that filled two states up with their love and memories. Steve-O was larger than life. He was a hard working man who loved to laugh and watch the Steelers, the Flyers and the Blue Jays win. Steve always encouraged his grandson, Emery to put good energy into the world around him and keep positive thoughts. He had a big heart that always prioritized the people he cared about most. He loved raising his dogs and found happiness in the little moments.
He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Orlosky; sister, Shelly Gilbert. Surviving in addition to his wife is one daughter, Nichole Zapanta, Brentwood, CA; Brothers, Jim Orlosky, Pottsville, PA; sisters, Kathy Wolfe, New Ringgold, PA, Rosemary Kraft, Schuylkill Haven, PA; 2 Grandchildren, Emery Sublette and Don Zapanta.
Steve knew he loved Pam from the moment he saw her, and he often said she was the best thing that happened to him. Together they built a life that filled two states up with their love and memories. Steve-O was larger than life. He was a hard working man who loved to laugh and watch the Steelers, the Flyers and the Blue Jays win. Steve always encouraged his grandson, Emery to put good energy into the world around him and keep positive thoughts. He had a big heart that always prioritized the people he cared about most. He loved raising his dogs and found happiness in the little moments.
He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Orlosky; sister, Shelly Gilbert. Surviving in addition to his wife is one daughter, Nichole Zapanta, Brentwood, CA; Brothers, Jim Orlosky, Pottsville, PA; sisters, Kathy Wolfe, New Ringgold, PA, Rosemary Kraft, Schuylkill Haven, PA; 2 Grandchildren, Emery Sublette and Don Zapanta.
Services are private.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
