Skook News Obituaries: December 13th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Alberta M. Wagner, 89, former Ashland resident, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Orwigsburg Center, Orwigsburg.Born at the former Ashland State General Hospital, Fountain Springs, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Marion (Dibello) Kulengosky. Alberta was a graduate of the former Butler Township High School, Fountain Springs, class of 1955, and was employed as a sewing machine operator for Reidler Mills of Ashland, and Mt. Carmel Fashions of Mt. Carmel, until her retirement. She was a member of the former Saint Mauritius Roman Catholic Church, Ashland, where she was the Leader of Song and church Lector. Active with her church, she volunteered her time for many functions and painted numerous ceramic pieces to be raffled as a fundraiser. Alberta married James C. Wagner, September 2, 1956, they were married 52 years, he was the love of life. At age 15, she started the band “Rhythm and Pals”, playing at local venues. She also played with the “Rockets” and later sang with “Born For Us” chorus.
Alberta joined WPPA radio personality “Willie Whistle” playing and singing on his program. She traveled promoting WPPA interviewing many country artists at the Grand Ole Opry. Alberta was an area Girl Scout Leader for 15 years giving opportunities to area girls to enjoy community projects and the outdoors at Summer Day Camps and visits to Camp Louise Penns Woods Girl Scout Camp. She loved nature, gardening, and, Country music, but nothing could compare to her beloved dachshunds and her grandchildren. Alberta and her husband Jim were avid outdoorsmen enjoying fishing and camping. She was preceded in death by siblings; Mary and David Kulengosky, Theresa (Kulengosky) Polnasek, and Irene (Kulengosky) Yasenchak.
Survivors;
Daughter: Heidi (Wagner) wife of Scott Lapachinsky, Pottsville
Grandchildren: Grant and Grace Lapachinsky, Pottsville
Brother: Charles Kulengosky and his wife Diane, Homesville
Brother: Phillip Kulengosky and his wife Pam, Mission Viejo, CA
Many Nieces and Nephews, and great nieces and nephews
She shared a special bond with her nieces Pamela LePre and Ann Marie Nasek, and her longtime helper and honorary grandson, Gerald Schlegel.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM with Father Guency Isaac as Celebrant. A visitation in the church will begin at 10:30 AM until time of Mass. An internment service will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA. Memorials may be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA. 17901. Condolences may be made to www. Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Brittany M. Kiapes, 39 of Seltzer, a beloved daughter, sister, devoted wife and mother, died peacefully Tuesday December 9, 2025, at home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
She was born on June 6, 1986, in Pottsville, a daughter of Michael H. and Deborah Mackey David, Auburn.
A graduate of Blue Mountain High School in 2004, Brittany continued her pursuit of knowledge at Penn State University, where she graduated in 2008. She then attained her master’s degree from Capella University.
Throughout her professional journey, Brittany dedicated her talents as a Behavior Support Specialist for Clarvida, formerly known as The RedCo Group.
Brittany was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.
Brittany's spirit was indelibly marked with resilience and warmth, qualities that she imparted to everyone she encountered.
Brittany is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Mackey, and her paternal grandparents, Harry and Helen David, as well as her aunt, Maureen Marx, and uncle, Wayne Mackey.
Brittany had a profound love for her family. She shared 14 joyful years of marriage with her husband, John T. Kiapes. Together, they have their two children, Ayden and Ava, instilling in them the same values of kindness and determination that defined Brittany's own character. Also surviving is her brother, Bryan David, and his wife, Heather, of Mohnton, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Her vibrant personality shone brightly through her interests; the color purple encapsulated her spirited essence, while her fascination with hummingbirds reflected her appreciation for beauty and nature. Brittany's ability to uplift others and her unwavering compassion made her a cherished friend and confidante, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts she touched.
A Journey of Life Service for Brittany will be held at 11AM Saturday, December 20th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Rev Chris Rothharpt officiating. A visitation honoring her life will be held from 9:00AM until the time of services. For those attending the visitation and service the family request that you wear Brittany's favorite color purple. The family would prefer remembrance in the form of contributions in memory of Brittany be made to Living Oncology, PO Box 12863, Chandler, AZ 85248-9998 or at www.livingoncology.org
Arrangements are under the care of the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
Norbert T. Brennan, 79, of Branchdale, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of Norbert and Mildred Mahoney Brennan.
He was a life member of the Branchdale Fire Department and was a member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Branchdale. He was of the Catholic faith.
He is survived by his wife the Mary Ellen Minig Brennan; a son Norbert and his wife Chanelle, West West Terrace; 3 grandchildren, Keera, Rilyann and Bryce; 3 sisters, Ellen Ryan, Mary Estelle, and Bridget Lucas; nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be Thursday at 11 AM at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville. Relative and friends can call at the Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6PM to 8 PM and on Thursday morning from 9AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery, Llewellyn.
Survivors;
Daughter: Heidi (Wagner) wife of Scott Lapachinsky, Pottsville
Grandchildren: Grant and Grace Lapachinsky, Pottsville
Brother: Charles Kulengosky and his wife Diane, Homesville
Brother: Phillip Kulengosky and his wife Pam, Mission Viejo, CA
Many Nieces and Nephews, and great nieces and nephews
She shared a special bond with her nieces Pamela LePre and Ann Marie Nasek, and her longtime helper and honorary grandson, Gerald Schlegel.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM with Father Guency Isaac as Celebrant. A visitation in the church will begin at 10:30 AM until time of Mass. An internment service will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA. Memorials may be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA. 17901. Condolences may be made to www. Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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She was born on June 6, 1986, in Pottsville, a daughter of Michael H. and Deborah Mackey David, Auburn.
A graduate of Blue Mountain High School in 2004, Brittany continued her pursuit of knowledge at Penn State University, where she graduated in 2008. She then attained her master’s degree from Capella University.
Throughout her professional journey, Brittany dedicated her talents as a Behavior Support Specialist for Clarvida, formerly known as The RedCo Group.
Brittany was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.
Brittany's spirit was indelibly marked with resilience and warmth, qualities that she imparted to everyone she encountered.
Brittany is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Mackey, and her paternal grandparents, Harry and Helen David, as well as her aunt, Maureen Marx, and uncle, Wayne Mackey.
Brittany had a profound love for her family. She shared 14 joyful years of marriage with her husband, John T. Kiapes. Together, they have their two children, Ayden and Ava, instilling in them the same values of kindness and determination that defined Brittany's own character. Also surviving is her brother, Bryan David, and his wife, Heather, of Mohnton, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Her vibrant personality shone brightly through her interests; the color purple encapsulated her spirited essence, while her fascination with hummingbirds reflected her appreciation for beauty and nature. Brittany's ability to uplift others and her unwavering compassion made her a cherished friend and confidante, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts she touched.
A Journey of Life Service for Brittany will be held at 11AM Saturday, December 20th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, with Rev Chris Rothharpt officiating. A visitation honoring her life will be held from 9:00AM until the time of services. For those attending the visitation and service the family request that you wear Brittany's favorite color purple. The family would prefer remembrance in the form of contributions in memory of Brittany be made to Living Oncology, PO Box 12863, Chandler, AZ 85248-9998 or at www.livingoncology.org
Arrangements are under the care of the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Born in Pottsville, he was the son of Norbert and Mildred Mahoney Brennan.
He was a life member of the Branchdale Fire Department and was a member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Branchdale. He was of the Catholic faith.
He is survived by his wife the Mary Ellen Minig Brennan; a son Norbert and his wife Chanelle, West West Terrace; 3 grandchildren, Keera, Rilyann and Bryce; 3 sisters, Ellen Ryan, Mary Estelle, and Bridget Lucas; nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be Thursday at 11 AM at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville. Relative and friends can call at the Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6PM to 8 PM and on Thursday morning from 9AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery, Llewellyn.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville