Skook News Obituaries: October 16th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Cook) Thomas, who passed away in 2012.
Born May 21, 1939, in Reevesdale, PA, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Tarconish) Thomas.
Joseph was a member of St. John XXIII of Tamaqua, PA. He was employed as a machinist by Atlas Powder Company.
In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.
Surviving is his three children: Lisa Franz companion of Joseph Lakitsky; Maria Sudimak and Linda Thomas, wife of Michael Loch. In addition are his grandchildren: Joseph Franz, Alexis Franz, John Sudimak and Declan Franz.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: John Thomas, Edward Thomas, Jeanette O'Gorman and Agnes Thomas.
Private service
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Irene D. Lewandowski, 91, of Gilberton, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
Born in Shenandoah on March 17, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Adele (Goodrich) Leskun.
After high school, Irene enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean War earning the rank of Yeoman 3. After her honorable service, Irene worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Broad Mountain Manor for many years. She was an avid reader and had a soft spot for helping animals in need, as she would contribute frequently to the SPCA. Irene loved spending her time with family, as a woman of great faith, she raised her children that way.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by 2 brothers- John and Leonard Leskun, and 5 sisters- Mary Jadus, Stella Matlowski, Ann Kriger, Eleanore Book, and Helen Parchuk.
Her surviving family includes 2 sons- Joseph Lewandowski with Karen of Frackville and David Lewandowski with Kelly of Gilberton, a daughter- Susan Briel with James of Ringtown, 7 grandchildren- Tyler, Megan, Matthew with Cierra, Emma, Amanda, Alex, and Sha-Lyn with Mark, along with 1 great-granddaughter- Rose.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, October 20th from 8:30 to 10:00am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah with Msgr. Ronald Bocian officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stanslaus Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
The family request any donations in Irene’s memory to be made to the: Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Rd, Pottsville, Pa 17901, hillsidespca.com
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
