Skook News Obituaries: December 30th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
After his military service, Thomas dedicated his career to the US Postal Service and was the owner of Horan’s Turkey Farm in Barnesville. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, and he had a deep passion for his dogs.
Thomas is survived by his loving family: two daughters, Christine, wife of Russel Zweizig, of Schuylkill Haven, and Kelly Conroy, and her companion Kevin Sborz, of Frackville; a son, Thomas W., husband of Louise Horan, of Newtown. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Katie, Matthew, Megan, Emily, and one great-grandchild, Jacob, along with nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John P. Horan, and his sister, Bettsy Hadesty.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 3rd at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. in Mahanoy City, PA, with Deacon Dave Henninger officiating. Friends and family are invited to call from 9 to 11am on the same day at the funeral home.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Born Saturday, June 4, 1932 in Lehighton, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Asher and Naiomi (Werkheiser) Leslie. June was also predeceased by husbands, Joseph Kotch, John Guerrero; sisters, Marlene Fairchild, Barbara McFarland; brothers, Dean, Paul and Warren Leslie.
Surviving are; son, Brian Gilbert; daughter, Robin Gruver; step son, Joseph Kotch; sister, Deana Anthony; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
June dedicated over 38 years of service to J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills before her retirement in 1996. A faithful member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamaqua, June was well-known for her talents as a cook, baker, and gifted seamstress. Whether she was crocheting or preparing a meal for her family, her handiwork was always filled with care.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Funeral Service will be at 11 o'clock A.M. on Monday January 5, 2026 from the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church cemetery Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.
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Born in Pottsville, on November 2, 1953, a son of the late Clara (Kephart) and John Mager.
He was the husband of Jeanette R. (Barnes) Mager.
He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1972. He was employed as a truck driver.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Jared Barnes, Pottsville; grandchildren Trevor and Summer Barnes; siblings John, Martin, Ruth Ann, David, Kate, Mary, Paul and Joe; numerous nieces and nephews.
George is preceded in death by his brother Christopher Mager.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
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Dottie was born in Orwigsburg on September 11, 1929, a daughter of the late Claude & Ellen (Peifley) Heisler.
She was the widow of Harry J. Faust.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Anderson and brother, Kenneth Heisler.
Dottie was a graduate of Orwigsburg High School, and had attended Zion's Red Church, Orwigsburg.
She is survived by her daughters: Carol Faust, Landingville and Bonnie Faust, Deer Lake; her son, Jeffrey Faust husband of Shannon, Auburn; grandchildren Brianna Anderson, Brady and Corey Faust, and Timmy and Ryan Wood; great-grandchildren Lilly and Michael, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 2nd at Zion’s Red Church, Orwigsburg. A Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service.
Interment will be held at a later date.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Zion Red Church, 1287 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Charles and Mabel Trout Bedford.
Bob was a 1948 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. After high school, Bob went on to join the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Bob was the owner of Bedford Motors – Used Cars and Bedford Homes until 1975. In 1978 he began working at Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in the Housing Division. He continued there until his retirement in 1995. During his employment at IGMR, he received the Distinguished Service Award.
Bob was an active member of the American Legion Post #67 and a founding member of the Pottsville Joint Veteran’s Council. He held many positions including Eastern Vice Commander of the American Legion. He was dedicated member of the Military Honor Guard rendering honors for hundreds of fellow Veterans throughout his life.
He was also active in his church and community. Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville where he held many roles. Some of his duties included church Vestry. He was a member and director of Pottsville Pride.
Bob was co-founder and Secretary of Pottsville Tourism Commission. He was also a co-founder and Treasurer of the Pottsville Majestic Theater Association. Bob was also Past-President and coach of Railway Park Little League.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by brothers, Frank, Charles, and William and sisters, Ida, Betty, Florence, and Laura.
Bob is survived by two sons: Randy Bedford of McAdoo and Barry Bedford husband to Laurie of Schuylkill Haven. He is also survived by grandchildren; Rachel wife of Jordan Kehrer and Justin Bedford husband to Brittany; great-grandchildren, Arya, Cameron, Ian, Lyla, and Mikayla.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 5th at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment with military honors will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Memories and condolences can be share at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com
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Born in Pottsville, March 28, 1965, He was a son of the late Richard E and Elaine (Palik) Neade.
A graduate of Blue Mountain High School, he went on to receive his Associate’s Degree from Schuylkill Business Institute in Accounting. He worked at Quality Oil, Port Carbon and as a supervisor at a meat packing facility in Hazleton.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by Grandmother Mildred Palik; Mother-in-law Regina Hertz.
Surviving are his wife of 8 years Cynthia (Hertz) Neade; sister Denise Beury of TN; Aunt Amy Lomozoff of Jonestown; Nieces and Nephews Richard “Bud” Beury, Dylan Beury, Jolie Witlaka, Kelly Witalka, Korey Witalka, Keith Witalka (Stephanie), Amaree Bainbridge, Julian Bainbridge, Azarea Bainbridge Jastun Witalka, Greyson Smith; Father-in-law Andrew Hertz; Sister-in-law Andrea Witalka(Mark); Michael Tippin who was like a son to Ricky.
Ricky and Cindy were together since 2007. They were always together. They loved going to thrift stores, yard sales and just spending time with each other. They shared a love of their fur babies, In 2023 they loss 2 of their beloved dogs - Chico and Goober- who Rick thought of as his 'soul dog'. Surviving Ricky is 2 shih tzus -Lanie and Zoey. Also one cat Gracie.
Rick had many health issues the past 7 years with Cindy being his main caregiver.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30AM Friday January 2, 2026. from St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church 539 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Rev Jojappa Adagatla will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901. Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
