Skook News Obituaries: January 2nd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
Born on June 20, 1957 in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Edward Sr. and Ethel Sharp Santai.
He was a 1975 graduate of Pottsville High School and attended Reading Area Community College.
Edward was a Heavy Equipment Operator for PennDot for many years. He was a Past Worthy President and life member of the Grand Aerie Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Preceding him in death were two sons, Nikolai and Edward C. Santai; a step-son, Todd Bradley; and two sisters, Janice Torola and Emmagene Wagner.
Surviving are a daughter, Ethel Mae and husband Zachary J. Rohland of Pine Grove; a grandson, Zachary S. Rohland; two sisters, Sharon Ehlinger Bradley of Deerfield Beach, FL, Theresa and husband Glenn Gaffney of Pine Grove; two brothers, Bertrum and wife Diane Ehlinger of Minersville, Matthew and wife Linda Santai of Pottsville; goddaughter Missy Santai; many nieces and nephews, cousins; and his significant other, Judith Drake of Pottsville.
Smokey will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and gentle but protective nature. He was a friend to all, devoted to his family, and known for his love of karaoke, Philly sports, and Pottsville history.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Father George Kochuparambil officiating. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Peter J. Cherapan, 67, of Brock Steet, Ashland, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his residence.
The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements
Born in Frackville, PA., she was the daughter of the late Robert L. Hahn and the late Marion (Omlor) Hahn. Marion had worked in various factories as a sewing machine operator and was a homemaker.
She is predeceased by a grandson and two brothers, Phillip Hahn, Bobby Hahn.
Surviving are four sons, John husband of Lisa Andrewsky, Shenandoah, PA, Brian Andrewsky, Lost Creek, PA., Joseph Andrewsky, White City, OR, Jeff Andrewsky, Frackville, PA; one daughter, Virginia Yezulinas, Shenandoah, PA; two brothers, John Hahn, FL, Norman Flickinger, Shenandoah, PA; 13 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Mark J Hummel Funeral Home, 48 N Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville. Viewings will be held on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Frackville.
Online photos and memories can be shared with her family at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com
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Leon as he was affectionately known to by family and friends was born December 27, 1973, in Reading, a son of Barbara Conrad, Pottsville and the late Jerry Leroy Gregory.
Leon was a 1992 graduate of Pottsville Area High School where he played on the varsity football and track teams. He later attended Penn Tech.
He worked construction trades for most of his life including 10 years in Las Vegas, NV.
He was of protestant faith
Leon was an accomplished scuba diver while he lived on the west coast. He also enjoyed woodworking and tinkering with things that didn't work. He was also a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by 2 brothers, Jason and his wife Shannon, their children, Cash and Ava, Colorado Springs, CO; Kevin and his wife Nicole, their daughters, Sophia and Abigail, Peru, IN; 3 half siblings, Elaine Bell, Linda Cassidy, Eric all of GA; an uncle Dean Conrad, Pottsville; cousins, Spencer Conrad, Phoenixville; Meredith Martz, York; his furry companion "Peppers"
Service of Remembrance will be held 4PM Sunday, January 4th, at Pine Grove Community Church, with Pastor Robert Kessinger officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 3PM until the time of services. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Leon be made to Hillside SPCA PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
