Skook News Obituaries: December 22nd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
----------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born in Tamaqua on Tuesday, April 22, 1941 the son of the late Franklin and Julia (Sims) Metzger. James was also predeceased by; his wife Joanne A. (Petrie) Metzger on March 25, 2005.
A 1960 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, James served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. James retired from Air Products & Chemical in 2003 having worked there for 43 years as a Operator Mechanic. A member of Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tamaqua and the Tamaqua American Legion Post 173. James was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and long walks. James belonged to the Coaldale Rod & Gun Club and the American Rod & Gun Club.
Surviving are; son, James J. Metzger and his companion Edward Stusalitus; daughter, April A. Timbush wife of Ralph ; sister, Mary Louise Domansky wife of Ted; grandchildren, Calaen and Haleigh Suarez.
Private Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Interment will be in Sky- View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
He loved all of his dogs, donations can be made to Linda Ann's Greyhound Adoption, www.lindasgreys.com.
------------------------------
.jpg)
Hieu was born in Long An, Vietnam, on October 26, 1950, a daughter of the late Van Son Do & Thi Quit Nguyen.
She was the widow of Vinh O who preceded her in death in 1998.
Hieu was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She had been employed as a seamstress by local textile factories.
Hieu is survived by four sons: Phung O, husband of Hong Phuong Do, and Hoang O, husband of Hanh Thi Nguyen, both of Schuylkill Haven; Phu Roy O, of Laval, Quebec; and Loc O, husband of Jenny O, of Williamsburg, PA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Leslie Nguyen O, Matthew Nguyen O, Heath Moore, Ethan O, Aaron O, Elsie Roy O, and Riley NguyenO & Mia NyugenO, siblings, and nieces & nephews.
Services will be privately held at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 201 Randel St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
------------------------------
.jpg)
John was born in Pottsville on January 3, 1954, a son of the late William & Jean (Witman) Metz.
Married 38 years, he was the husband of Claudette Jocelyn (Berger) Witman.
John had been employed by Fairmont Foundry.In addition to his wife, he is also survived by three daughters: Lara, Tina, & Candy, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
In addition to his parents, John is also preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Miller, sisters: Helen Kramer, & Mary Kauffman, & brother, Leroy Witman.
Private services will be held at the family's convenience.
------------------------------
.jpg)
JoAnn was born in Pottsville on June 3, 1935, a daughter of the late Vincent and Helen (Ellison) Brennan. She was a graduate of the Pottsville High School, and went on to work for and retired as an administrative assistant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
She was a former member of the Holy Family Parish of Minersville, and enjoyed traveling, reading and painting.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent.
JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Lisa, wife of Joseph Doran, Pottsville and Stacy, wife of Michael Hubiak of Coatsville. Five grandchildren, Joseph V. Doran; Jared Doran; Maryn Hubiak; Kylee Hubiak and Caitlyn Hubiak survive, as do four great grandchildren, Nora, Madi Jo, Dylan and Grant.
JoAnn will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Pottsville during private services, and a memorial mass will be held in the near future.
The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, provided services for Joann's family during their time of need.
-----------------------------
Born on May 20, 1937 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Charles Phaon "Pavey" and Mae Bessa Heinbach.
She was a 1955 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
Beverly worked for Penn Dye in Pine Grove. She also had worked at Burkes and Bergers in Pine Grove.
She loved playing cards and bingo, watching her soap operas and sports. She was an avid Duke, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Dodgers fan.
Preceding her in death were a son, Brett Hardenstine and a sister Sandra Purcell.
Surviving are two sons, Jeff and wife Gail Hardenstine of St. Clair, Steve and wife Haley Hardenstine of Pine Grove; a daughter, Janine Stager of Schuylkill Haven; a daughter-in-law, Hazel Shell of N.C.; 6 grandchildren, Charles, Rory, Royale, Agnes and Sophia Hardenstine, and Taylor Stager; two step grandchildren, Tia Seltzer and Kade Haldeman; 3 great grandchildren, Cosmo, Sophia, and Roberto Hardenstine; three step great grandchildren, Ava, Mason and Hudson Seltzer; a sister, Karen Berube of Hanover.
All Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements
-----------------------------
.jpg)
Born in Coaldale on November 3, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Joseph P. “Kupie” and Marie A. (Chinchar) Kupetz. A 1981 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Colleen earned her B.S. in Nursing from DeSales University in 1985. For over thirty years, she served with distinction as the Director of Nursing for the Progressive Surgical Institute of Pottsville. However, she was best known for her brief entrepreneurship from 1997 to 2000, where she and her husband owned and operated Beav’s Bar & Grill, “the best kept secret in Mary-D” (always so crowded, it wasn’t much of a secret).
Colleen is survived by her husband of 39 years, Steven “Beaver” Agosti; sons, Steven Agosti and his wife, Lauren, their son Leo and expected child, David Agosti and his wife, Alyssa, their daughter Emerson and expected child; sister, Marie “Susie” Ritsick and her husband, Bob; nieces and nephews and their loved ones and children: Jessica and Michael Ritsick; Adam, Dominick, and Lu Agosti; Anthony, Nico, Gianna, and Dante Agosti; Kassandra and Gregory Confer; Abbigale, Tavio, and Ava Agosti; and an enormous extended family.
Colleen is also survived by innumerable friends and colleagues who knew her well, loved her deeply, and thought of her as part of their own family. Colleen’s friendship bonds were unbreakable. At 62 years old, she maintained strong connections with childhood friends, a tight- knit group from her days at DeSales, and countless colleagues and other friends she accumulated through life’s travels. Many of these friends joined on her family’s annual beach vacation to Sea Isle City, New Jersey, which she often said was her happy place. But those who knew Colleen know that wherever she was was a happy place.
Some people make you feel like a better person because life is simply better with them in it; that was Colleen. People were drawn to her warmth, kindness, humor, and sly wit. Colleen was a caregiver at her core, and shepherded numerous friends and family through healthcare challenges. Ever willing to lend a helping hand, Colleen always added a little something special and extra to whatever she did. To know Colleen was to know her home in Tuscarora, a sanctuary where she welcomed anyone who crossed its threshold with a smile and open arms. Over the years, her children and extended family brought their friends to visit, and those visitors inevitably left with fond memories and full bellies.
A talented cook, Colleen was famous for her rubber heels, pumpkin and peanut butter pies, and her acclaimed garlic parmesan wings with homemade blue cheese. Beyond being the hostess with the mostess, she loved music, crime TV shows, a well-timed inappropriate joke, sipping Moscow mules, cozy pajamas, and a good nap. An animal lover, Colleen had many pets over the years (both by choice and “donated” by extended family). No one could give gifts quite like Colleen, and her family sends its regards to Amazon, which is now unlikely to make its Q4 earnings.
Colleen and Beav’s relationship embodied the type of love and devotion few people ever find. Beav knew he wanted to marry Colleen the moment he met her, and while Colleen said she never believed this, their love story was a modern fairytale that could rival the best romantic comedy film. Colleen was incredibly proud of her sons and the lives they built for themselves, including her loving daughters-in-law and beautiful, happy grandchildren. Colleen loved being a grandma above all else, and cherished every moment spent with her growing family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held from the funeral home on Friday evening December 26, 2025 from 5 to 7:00 P.M.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 10 o’clock A.M. from Colleen’s home church Saint John XXIII R.C.C. 309 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Interment will be in St. Bertha’s R.C.C. of Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in Colleen’s honor can be sent in care of her husband, Steve, to 728 Broad Street Tuscarora, Pennsylvania, to offset her medical bills.
-----------------------------
Rhoada M. Erdman, 91, of Tower City passed away early Monday morning, December 22, 2025 at Heritage Mill Personal Care Home, Tower City.
Rhoada was born in Klingerstown, on Sunday, January 28, 1934, a daughter of the late Ira "Pit" and Florence Rothermel Hoffman. She was a graduate of the Mahanoy Joint High School.
Rhoada worked for several years at the former Bestok Garment Factory. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker for her family.
She was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Rhoada enjoyed hunting and fishing with her sons, making lasting memories. She also took great pride living on her farm outside of Tower City.
In addition to her parents was preceded in death by her husband, William Erdman; a son, David Erdman and his wife Mary; sisters Dottie Coleman, Betty Reed, and Cleo Hoffman; brothers, Bobby, Jacob and Rodney Hoffman.
Surviving are her son, Rick A. Erdman and his wife Jane, Allentown; two grandchildren Laura Wiland and her husband Dave, and Brandon Erdman and his wife Alicia; three great grandchildren, Ashley and Caleb Wiland and Brianna Erdman; two nieces.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Visitation will be from 10:30-11 at the chapel. Rhoada will be laid to rest alongside her husband in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial donations in her memory can be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891,Washington, D.C. 20090 or Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Activity Fund, 846 Wiconisco Ave., Tower City PA 17980.
Rhoada was born in Klingerstown, on Sunday, January 28, 1934, a daughter of the late Ira "Pit" and Florence Rothermel Hoffman. She was a graduate of the Mahanoy Joint High School.
Rhoada worked for several years at the former Bestok Garment Factory. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker for her family.
She was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Rhoada enjoyed hunting and fishing with her sons, making lasting memories. She also took great pride living on her farm outside of Tower City.
In addition to her parents was preceded in death by her husband, William Erdman; a son, David Erdman and his wife Mary; sisters Dottie Coleman, Betty Reed, and Cleo Hoffman; brothers, Bobby, Jacob and Rodney Hoffman.
Surviving are her son, Rick A. Erdman and his wife Jane, Allentown; two grandchildren Laura Wiland and her husband Dave, and Brandon Erdman and his wife Alicia; three great grandchildren, Ashley and Caleb Wiland and Brianna Erdman; two nieces.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City. Visitation will be from 10:30-11 at the chapel. Rhoada will be laid to rest alongside her husband in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial donations in her memory can be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891,Washington, D.C. 20090 or Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Activity Fund, 846 Wiconisco Ave., Tower City PA 17980.
-----------------------------
Born in Chester, Friday, October 1, 1948, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Hoffacre Sparklin.
She was retired from Alloy Surfaces.
Linda will be remembered for her love of the beach. Above all else, her family was her world. She lived for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by numerous siblings.
Surviving are three sons, Donald Soles (Debbie), Media, Eric Soles, Tremont, and John Soles (Grace), Marcus Hook; three grandchildren, Connor Soles, Media, Zachary Soles (Christina), Alaska, and Kimberly Conrad (Greg), Tremont; three great grandchildren, Faith, Shawn, and Joshua.
Following Linda's wishes, there will be no formal services.
Special thanks to the nurses and aides with Family Home Medical Hospice for taking exceptional care of Linda.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Linda's family.
-----------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
