Skook News Obituaries: November 29th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Georgia was born May 3, 1941 in Wheeling WV. She was the daughter of John W. Bowman and Elizabeth Gonot.
She graduated from Wheeling Hospital School of Nursing in 1962 in Wheeling WV. Georgia worked as a Registered Nurse at Wheeling Hospital from 1962 – 1967. She then worked as RN Supervisor at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation facility until she retired.
Georgia continued to volunteer after retirement. She served on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts and was past president of St. Ambrose Parent Council in Schuylkill Haven. She was also the past president of Schuylkill Health Auxiliary from 2007 – 2009
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Larry who passed away in 2016.
Georgia is survived by her children, Kimberly Dowse wife of Rob, Marina Del Ray, CA, Stephanie Painter wife of Chris, of Pottsville, Christopher Stahl husband of Sonya, Kingwood WV, and Lauren Stahl of Orwigsburg. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mary Kate, Logan, Ameilia, Izabela, and Eily, along with siblings; Sue Ickler, Jack Bowman, Ed Bowman, Bob Bowman, Cindy Pelley, and Jeff Bowman.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven at 10:30 A.M. A viewing will be held from 9:00 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 on March 11, 1947, in Pottsville, he was the son of the late William H. Pugh and Mary (Gottschall) Pugh.
William attended Nativity B.V.M. High School, and upon graduation, joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a mechanic on F4 Phantom and A6 Intruder jets at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for Steco Trailers in St. Clair as a welding foreman until 1993 when the company was sold and moved to Oklahoma. William chose not to go with the company as he did not want to split up his family, so he went to work for Yuengling Brewery, where he was a machine operator until his retirement in 2015.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Amvets Post 180, Roedersville Game and Fish, and the former Stag Archers. In his free time, he enjoyed carving figurines and was an avid archery hunter who enjoyed time in the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Jack and Richard Pugh, and his sister, Mary Adams.
William is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia R. (Matz) Pugh; his five children, Sandra M. Pugh, Jacqueline Gordon, William Pugh and wife Maureen, Robert Pugh, and Jamie Lea Nace and husband Brad; four grandchildren, Madelyn Gordon, Thomas Gordon, Matthew Pugh, and William Pugh; four sisters, Doris Prozzillo, Caroline Vinskie, Hildegard Maley and husband Fritz, and Victoria Pinder and husband Mike; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4th, at 11:00 A.M. in St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville, with The Reverend Kevin Bobbin officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 A.M. at the church. Interment will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lebanon VA Hospital at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/.
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Born at the former Locust Mountain Hospital he was the son of the late Thomas and Irene (Hatkevich) Wall. He was a 1977 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and served with the United States Air Force. He had been employed as a mechanic by Sands Ford in Pottsville and last worked for Wal Mart. He was a member of Mahanoy City American Legion Post 74 and the MTA Club in Brandonville. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed spending time with his family and hunting and fishing.
Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was a sister Sharon and a nephew John Garber. He is survived by his wife of 21 years the former Roxanne M. Bogden, a son Stephen T. Wall II of Minersville, a daughter Myla at home and a sister Roseann Kurtz and her husband Tom of Tamaqua.
Services will be private.
Robert C. Hughes, 81, of Shenandoah, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Born in Shenandoah on February 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Lillian (Roberts) Hughes.
After high school, Robert served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He then worked for Paragon Van Lines specializing in military storage. Robert was an avid bowler, a close surveyor of the stock market, and you could almost always find him each morning frequenting Vernalis’ Restaurant in Shenandoah.
He is survived by 3 sons- Charles Hughes with Courtney of Gilberton, John Hughes with Jennifer of Pottsville, and Robert Hughes with Dolores of Drexel Hill, one brother- Thomas Hughes, one sister- Harriet Goodrich, 5 grandchildren- Zachary Hughes with Haley, Dominique Miller with Dylan, Aria Hughes, Liam Hughes, and Brianna Hughes, 2 great-grandchildren- Matteo and Isabella Hughes, along with nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd from 8 to 9:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Burial with military honors will follow at 11am in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project- woundedwarriorproject.org
John T Helman, age 88, formerly of Seltzer, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025 at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.
He was born on Wednesday, June 23, 1937, in Pottsville, a son of the late Theodore Helman and the late Anna (Voytas) Helman.
John was a 1955 graduate of Pottsville High School.
He served in the US Army.
John worked for a local construction company prior to his retirement.
He was a former member of the Seltzer Gun Club and the Seltzer Fire Company.
He was preceded in death by his parents; by two sisters, Catherine Helman McNamara and Marie Helman; a brother, George Helman, a niece, MaryAnn McNamara Fantini, and a nephew, Martin J McNamara.
He is survived by a nephew, Kevin D McNamara of Seltzer; great niece, Crystal (Chad) Whitman of Valley View; great nephew, William Sterner, Jr of Pottsville; and a great great nephew, Logan Whitman of Valley View.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Stephen L. Dinger, 69, of Joliett, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Pottsville, on Wednesday, January 11, 1956, a son of the late Helen Dinger. He was a 1973 graduate of Pine Grove High School.
Steve worked for over 25 years with OMNOVA Solutions.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman who could often be found hunting and fishing. He belonged to the Mountaineers Archery Club, Joliett. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball, riding motorcycles, and shooting pool. He always looked forward to family picnics and spending time with his family. His grandchildren were his world.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Huff.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Debra Brill Dinger; two daughters, Stacey Minnich (Brian), Muir, and Bridget Wolfe, Manheim; a son, Jeremy Dinger, Joliett; four grandchildren, Zach Minnich (Breanna), Williamstown, Marissa Boyer (Josh), Lykens, Cierra Minnich, Williamstown, and Mickayla Wolfe, Tremont; six great grandchildren, Bentley, Aiden, Stanley, Kalani, Granger, and River; a brother, Randy Dinger (Kate), Jonestown.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Viewing will be from 10-11.
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Born in Shenandoah on February 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Lillian (Roberts) Hughes.
After high school, Robert served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He then worked for Paragon Van Lines specializing in military storage. Robert was an avid bowler, a close surveyor of the stock market, and you could almost always find him each morning frequenting Vernalis’ Restaurant in Shenandoah.
He is survived by 3 sons- Charles Hughes with Courtney of Gilberton, John Hughes with Jennifer of Pottsville, and Robert Hughes with Dolores of Drexel Hill, one brother- Thomas Hughes, one sister- Harriet Goodrich, 5 grandchildren- Zachary Hughes with Haley, Dominique Miller with Dylan, Aria Hughes, Liam Hughes, and Brianna Hughes, 2 great-grandchildren- Matteo and Isabella Hughes, along with nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd from 8 to 9:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Burial with military honors will follow at 11am in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project- woundedwarriorproject.org
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He was born on Wednesday, June 23, 1937, in Pottsville, a son of the late Theodore Helman and the late Anna (Voytas) Helman.
John was a 1955 graduate of Pottsville High School.
He served in the US Army.
John worked for a local construction company prior to his retirement.
He was a former member of the Seltzer Gun Club and the Seltzer Fire Company.
He was preceded in death by his parents; by two sisters, Catherine Helman McNamara and Marie Helman; a brother, George Helman, a niece, MaryAnn McNamara Fantini, and a nephew, Martin J McNamara.
He is survived by a nephew, Kevin D McNamara of Seltzer; great niece, Crystal (Chad) Whitman of Valley View; great nephew, William Sterner, Jr of Pottsville; and a great great nephew, Logan Whitman of Valley View.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville, on Wednesday, January 11, 1956, a son of the late Helen Dinger. He was a 1973 graduate of Pine Grove High School.
Steve worked for over 25 years with OMNOVA Solutions.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman who could often be found hunting and fishing. He belonged to the Mountaineers Archery Club, Joliett. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball, riding motorcycles, and shooting pool. He always looked forward to family picnics and spending time with his family. His grandchildren were his world.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Huff.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Debra Brill Dinger; two daughters, Stacey Minnich (Brian), Muir, and Bridget Wolfe, Manheim; a son, Jeremy Dinger, Joliett; four grandchildren, Zach Minnich (Breanna), Williamstown, Marissa Boyer (Josh), Lykens, Cierra Minnich, Williamstown, and Mickayla Wolfe, Tremont; six great grandchildren, Bentley, Aiden, Stanley, Kalani, Granger, and River; a brother, Randy Dinger (Kate), Jonestown.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City. Viewing will be from 10-11.
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William “Mick” McFadden, 81, of Locustdale, passed away with family by his side, Friday, November 28, 2025, at his residence.Born in Ashland, he was the son of the late Leo V. and Mary (Durkin) McFadden. Mick was a graduate of the former Ashland High School, class of 1962. He started working at Tri State Envelope Company in 1967 and retired in 2008. He was married for 60 years and had 5 children.
The following is a listing of Mick’s service to his community:
May 4, 1963, joined the Washington Fire Company, Ashland
1970, Became Assistant Fire Marshall, the position was later renamed 3rd assistant fire chief, holding this position until he retired from Borough Assistant Chief in December 31, 2023
1972, Became captain of the Washington Fire Company, Ashland
1972, One of the founders of the Washington Fire Company Rescue Unit
1973, Became a member of the Washington Fire Community Ambulance Board of Directors
1975, Became captain of the Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance.
November 2013, was awarded the Ashland Elks Citizen of the year
March 7, 2020, VFW Post 7654, Ashland, recognition 57 years of service as a first responder
January 2024, Received a citation from the Ashland Borough Council for his service to the community
Currently, groundskeeper at the Washington Fire Company Park and Trustee of the fire company
Preceding him in death was a sister; Regina Schnee, a brother; Leo J. McFadden, and a son in law; Ray Jones Jr.
Survivors
Wife: Dolores (Wagner) McFadden, married for 60 years
Daughters:
Lori A. Steinhilber (Charlie)
Beth A. McFadden (Paul)
Gail A. Jones, (Ray Jr., deceased)
Kelly A. Wright (Dan)
Son: Bill McFadden Jr.
Grandchildren:
Megan Jones (Cole)
CJ Steinhilber (Erika)
Great Grandchildren: Briella, Ivy
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Mick’s Life, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 12 Noon, in the Washington Fire Company, 1307 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Rose Marquardt. A viewing will begin at 9 AM in the fire station until time of service.
Memorials may be sent to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, 216 South Centre Street, Pottsville, PA., 17901. in care of the Bill McFadden Memorial Fund to benefit the Washington Fire Company and the Washington Fire Community Ambulance Fund. www.sacfoundation.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The following is a listing of Mick’s service to his community:
May 4, 1963, joined the Washington Fire Company, Ashland
1970, Became Assistant Fire Marshall, the position was later renamed 3rd assistant fire chief, holding this position until he retired from Borough Assistant Chief in December 31, 2023
1972, Became captain of the Washington Fire Company, Ashland
1972, One of the founders of the Washington Fire Company Rescue Unit
1973, Became a member of the Washington Fire Community Ambulance Board of Directors
1975, Became captain of the Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance.
November 2013, was awarded the Ashland Elks Citizen of the year
March 7, 2020, VFW Post 7654, Ashland, recognition 57 years of service as a first responder
January 2024, Received a citation from the Ashland Borough Council for his service to the community
Currently, groundskeeper at the Washington Fire Company Park and Trustee of the fire company
Preceding him in death was a sister; Regina Schnee, a brother; Leo J. McFadden, and a son in law; Ray Jones Jr.
Survivors
Wife: Dolores (Wagner) McFadden, married for 60 years
Daughters:
Lori A. Steinhilber (Charlie)
Beth A. McFadden (Paul)
Gail A. Jones, (Ray Jr., deceased)
Kelly A. Wright (Dan)
Son: Bill McFadden Jr.
Grandchildren:
Megan Jones (Cole)
CJ Steinhilber (Erika)
Great Grandchildren: Briella, Ivy
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Mick’s Life, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 12 Noon, in the Washington Fire Company, 1307 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Rose Marquardt. A viewing will begin at 9 AM in the fire station until time of service.
Memorials may be sent to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, 216 South Centre Street, Pottsville, PA., 17901. in care of the Bill McFadden Memorial Fund to benefit the Washington Fire Company and the Washington Fire Community Ambulance Fund. www.sacfoundation.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.
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