Skook News Obituaries: November 11th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Amy was born in Auburn on October 9, 2025, a daughter of the late Sadie Heberling & Charles Carl.
She was the widow of Robert Fetter who preceded her in death in 1992.
Amy was a 1943 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School.
She had been employed as a machine operator for Reider Shoe Company, Schuylkill Haven, and Kepner-Scott Shoe Company, Orwigsburg.
She is survived by three children: Jean Howells, wife of Thomas, Springfield, Mass., Dorothy Counts, Strongsville, Ohio, & David Fetter, Schuylkill Haven, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, will be privately held at the family’s convenience.
At the family’s request, contributions in Amy’s memory can be made to an animal rescue or veteran’s organization of your choice.
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Born in Coaldale on Monday, April 18, 1955, Bob was the son of the late Robert L. and Imogene (Burdick) Hankey.
A dedicated sports enthusiast, Bob was an ardent New York City sports fan, loyally following the Yankees, the New York Giants, and the Rangers. A 1973 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, he found great joy in reading anything sports-related and watching sporting events on TV. Bob was a member of St. John U.C.C. of Tamaqua.
He is survived by his sister, Susan K. Hankey of Tamaqua, and many cousins.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday November 17, 2025 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will take place in Sky-View Memorial Park, Inc., Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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Born at the Allentown General Hospital he is the son of Carole A. (Wagner) Williamson and the late Richard J. Williamson Sr. He was a graduate of IU 29 and been employed as a custodian for the Mahanoy Area School District.
He was of the Protestant Faith and was a social member of the Citizens Fire Company in Mahanoy City. Surviving in addition to his mom is her companion James Weber of Delano, a brother Robert W. Williamson and his wife Sara of Alexandria VA, a sister Stephanie Williamson of Hazleton, maternal grandparents Robert C. and Carol Wagner of Barnesville, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM at David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City. Contributions in his name to the Special Olympics of PA would be appreciated by the family and will be accepted at the visitation or can be sent to Special Olympics of PA, Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono Region, 2158 Avenue C, STE 201, Bethlehem, PA 18107
Thomas W. Kessler, 90, Frackville passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10th at Serenity Gardens, Kulpmont with his family by his side.
Born in Gilberton, he was a son of the late Russell G. and Mable (Wary) Kessler.
Tom was a graduate of the former Gilberton High School. He then attended Temple University receiving a bachelor’s degree of science in 1952. He taught carpentry at the IU 29 Schuylkill County Vocational School for 19 years and served as the coordinator of cooperative education for an additional 9 years before retiring.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Frackville; a life member of the Pennsylvania and National Education Association; a member of the Frackville Masonic Lodge F&AM 737 and the 32nd Degree Valley Lodge, Bloomsburg.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Martha (Cresswell) Kessler in 1972; Bette Jane (Becker) Kessler in 2000; his sister, Betty Gerlott; his son, Thomas R. Kessler.
Tom is survived by his three sons: Paul Kessler and his wife Elizabeth of Frackville; Mark Kessler of Elgin, SC; Russel Kessler and his wife Tiffany of Frackville; his daughter-in-law, Debra Kessler; his grandchildren: Rebecca (Jim) O’Neill; John (Kayla) Kessler; Jennifer (Chris) Jurgill; Eric (Corissa) Kessler; Brandon Mickatavage; Chad (Sabrina) Mickatavage; Jim Kessler; Mark Kessler; Jerry Kessler; Kyndal Kessler; his great-grandchildren: Paige, Luke, Braeden, Paetyn, Evelyn, Quinn, Ashton, Emily, Violet, Victor, Nova, Briar and six additional great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15th from the First United Methodist Church, Frackville with Pastor Nong officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the Church on Friday, November 14th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Tom’s name, to the memorial fund of the First United Methodist Church at 25 S. Balliet Street, Frackville, PA 17931.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
Lawrence Joseph Haffey, 79, formerly of Palo Alto, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, November 8, 2025 at Providence Place, Pottsville, where he has been a resident for several years.
Born In Palo Alto January 28, 1946, Larry was the son of Lawrence J. and Josephine Gerace Haffey, Sr. He was a graduate of Nativity BVM Class of 1963. Shortly after graduating Highschool Larry, a Vietnam veteran, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he held the rank of Seaman.
On June 16, 1973, Lawrence married Sharon Ann Kline, and together they shared 52 years of marriage.
Following his military service, Lawrence was employed by the Hamburg State Center where he was a Residential Service Supervisor, retiring in June 2004. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. Larry with his wife, enjoyed Broadway shows and Motown Music, and spending time with their grandchildren. They enjoyed many bus trips with the Trinity Senior Travelers together.
In addition to his wife, Lawrence is survived by his son, Scott Haffey, and wife Amanda, Grandson's Colin and Shane Haffey, Philadelphia, PA; Brother in Law: James Kline, Pottstown, PA; Sister in Law: Nancy Paup, New Berlinville, PA
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service at 10AM on Wednesday Nov. 19 2025, from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Pastor Chris Rotharpt officiating. A visitation will be held form 930am until time of service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Memorial donations in Larry’s name may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W Arch St, Pottsville, PA 17901.
The Robert A. Evans, Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon has charge of arrangements.
Craig Allen Kissinger, age 58, of Mt. Carmel, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville after a six year battle with cancer.
He was born on Monday, January 23, 1967, in Pottsville, a son of the late Donald H Kissinger and the late Barbara J (Koppenhaver) Kissinger.
Craig was a 1984 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He worked at HBC, Pottsville.
He was a member of the former St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Spring Glen.
Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by a son, Drew A Kissinger of Klingerstown; his companion of fifteen years, Nancy Carpenter of Mt. Carmel; a brother, Rick D (Dawn) Kissinger of Hegins; a sister, Lori J (Joe) Blyler of Valley View; three nephews; his beloved dog Chewy; and many other family and friends.
There will be no services.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
David Johns III, 78, of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network in Bethlehem, surrounded by his loving family.
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Thomas W. Kessler, 90, Frackville passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10th at Serenity Gardens, Kulpmont with his family by his side.
Born in Gilberton, he was a son of the late Russell G. and Mable (Wary) Kessler.
Tom was a graduate of the former Gilberton High School. He then attended Temple University receiving a bachelor’s degree of science in 1952. He taught carpentry at the IU 29 Schuylkill County Vocational School for 19 years and served as the coordinator of cooperative education for an additional 9 years before retiring.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Frackville; a life member of the Pennsylvania and National Education Association; a member of the Frackville Masonic Lodge F&AM 737 and the 32nd Degree Valley Lodge, Bloomsburg.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Martha (Cresswell) Kessler in 1972; Bette Jane (Becker) Kessler in 2000; his sister, Betty Gerlott; his son, Thomas R. Kessler.
Tom is survived by his three sons: Paul Kessler and his wife Elizabeth of Frackville; Mark Kessler of Elgin, SC; Russel Kessler and his wife Tiffany of Frackville; his daughter-in-law, Debra Kessler; his grandchildren: Rebecca (Jim) O’Neill; John (Kayla) Kessler; Jennifer (Chris) Jurgill; Eric (Corissa) Kessler; Brandon Mickatavage; Chad (Sabrina) Mickatavage; Jim Kessler; Mark Kessler; Jerry Kessler; Kyndal Kessler; his great-grandchildren: Paige, Luke, Braeden, Paetyn, Evelyn, Quinn, Ashton, Emily, Violet, Victor, Nova, Briar and six additional great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15th from the First United Methodist Church, Frackville with Pastor Nong officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the Church on Friday, November 14th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Tom’s name, to the memorial fund of the First United Methodist Church at 25 S. Balliet Street, Frackville, PA 17931.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Lawrence Joseph Haffey, 79, formerly of Palo Alto, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, November 8, 2025 at Providence Place, Pottsville, where he has been a resident for several years.
Born In Palo Alto January 28, 1946, Larry was the son of Lawrence J. and Josephine Gerace Haffey, Sr. He was a graduate of Nativity BVM Class of 1963. Shortly after graduating Highschool Larry, a Vietnam veteran, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he held the rank of Seaman.
On June 16, 1973, Lawrence married Sharon Ann Kline, and together they shared 52 years of marriage.
Following his military service, Lawrence was employed by the Hamburg State Center where he was a Residential Service Supervisor, retiring in June 2004. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville. Larry with his wife, enjoyed Broadway shows and Motown Music, and spending time with their grandchildren. They enjoyed many bus trips with the Trinity Senior Travelers together.
In addition to his wife, Lawrence is survived by his son, Scott Haffey, and wife Amanda, Grandson's Colin and Shane Haffey, Philadelphia, PA; Brother in Law: James Kline, Pottstown, PA; Sister in Law: Nancy Paup, New Berlinville, PA
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service at 10AM on Wednesday Nov. 19 2025, from Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Pastor Chris Rotharpt officiating. A visitation will be held form 930am until time of service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Memorial donations in Larry’s name may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W Arch St, Pottsville, PA 17901.
The Robert A. Evans, Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon has charge of arrangements.
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He was born on Monday, January 23, 1967, in Pottsville, a son of the late Donald H Kissinger and the late Barbara J (Koppenhaver) Kissinger.
Craig was a 1984 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He worked at HBC, Pottsville.
He was a member of the former St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Spring Glen.
Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by a son, Drew A Kissinger of Klingerstown; his companion of fifteen years, Nancy Carpenter of Mt. Carmel; a brother, Rick D (Dawn) Kissinger of Hegins; a sister, Lori J (Joe) Blyler of Valley View; three nephews; his beloved dog Chewy; and many other family and friends.
There will be no services.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in El Paso, Texas, on May 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Margaret Jean (Roberts) and David Johns, Jr. On May 18, 1974, David married the love of his life, Judith (Keller) Johns, in a beautiful ceremony at the Carmel Mission in Carmel, California. Their marriage of more than fifty years was filled with deep love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
David earned his bachelor’s degree in business from California State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for over six years during the Vietnam Era. Professionally, he worked as a credit manager for several companies, but he found the greatest fulfillment during his years at J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills.
A man of service and community, Dave served as both a member and President of the West Penn Lions Club. He was also a proud member of the American Legion and the Tamaqua Elks Lodge. Each year, he cherished returning to his childhood home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he remained active with the Remember Bataan Foundation.
Dave was a man of many talents and endless creativity. He loved woodworking, building model ships, gardening, and most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren. To those who knew him best, he embodied a unique blend of Bob Vila’s craftsmanship, Hercules’s strength, MacGyver’s ingenuity, and Steve Martin’s humor—a truly exceptional man whose kindness and skill left an impression on everyone he met.
David is survived by his devoted wife, Judith; his daughter, Jennifer, wife of William Riegle, of Orwigsburg; and his son, Nathan Johns, husband of Stephanie (Gursky), of Tamaqua. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren—Grant and Suzanne Johns, William and Kathryn Riegle—and by Christine Verdier of Mary D, who was as close to a daughter as one could be.
A Celebration of Life Service and Interment will be held at White Church (Christ UCC), 132 Church Road, Barnesville. Rush Township, on Monday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tamaqua American Legion Post 173.
William D. (Bill) Suggs, 70, of Orwigsburg, passed away gently into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on November 8th, 2025.
A Celebration of Life Service and Interment will be held at White Church (Christ UCC), 132 Church Road, Barnesville. Rush Township, on Monday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tamaqua American Legion Post 173.
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Bill was born in Versailles, MO on January 31, 1955, a son of the late Elsie (Bogel) and William Issac Suggs. He was the husband of Jean Elaine (Foley) Suggs. They were married on March 15th, 1975.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jean (Foley) Suggs, Daughter Melissa (Suggs) Kull; Son-in-law James Kull, Daughter Billie ( Suggs) Moore.
In addition to his children, Bill is survived by his grandchildren Leah Rossman, (Kyle); Rachel Nedeau, (Chris); Lauren Kull; Tristan Jelassi; Alex Kull,; Aniera Perry; Alivia Moore; Braxton Moore and Acacia Suggs. Bill's six great grandchildren are Aubrey Suggs, Cohen Ray, Benjamin Nedeau, Oliver Nedeau, Blakleigh Jelassi, Reya Jelassi and Rynlee Jelassi.
Bill was a member of Freedom in Christ Church of Schuylkill Count, 1850 1st Ave, Pottsville, PA 17901
A celebration of life service will be held at Freedom in Christ Church of Schuylkill County, on Wednesday November 19th, 2025 at 11:00 AM Doors open at 10:00 AM. A private family gathering will happen after service.
The Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg is honored to have assisted the family.
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Wanda J. Schoffler, 85, former Fountain Springs resident, passed away November 10, 2025, at the Schuylkill Manor Nursing Center, Pottsville.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
