Skook News Obituaries: January 5th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in the former Locust Mountain Hospital in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Michael and Mary (Corrigan) Sullivan.
Tom was a 1965 graduate of the former Shenandoah Catholic High School. Following graduation, he spent a year at St. Charles Seminary. After realizing that the seminary was not his calling—an insight sparked while watching nurses at Lankenau Hospital sleigh riding during a snowstorm—Tom’s path soon took a different direction.
He was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and proudly served two years in Vietnam. Following his military service, Tom decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the funeral profession, joking that he already had the black suits from the seminary.
Tom attended St. Francis College in Allentown, where he earned his associate degree. He then went on to graduate from the McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in New York in 1972. In 1976, Tom and Ellen returned to Frackville, where they purchased the former Robert F. Hoppes Funeral Home, continuing a family tradition of service to the community.
Tom was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Frackville, where he faithfully served for 50 years as a Eucharistic Minister. He could always be found flipping “bleenies” at the annual parish festival as well. He was also an active member of the Frackville American Legion Post 398, Frackville Elks BPOE 1533, Knights of Columbus Council 2580 and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Pottsville, the former Frackville Jaycees, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Jack Kehoe Division #1 of Girardville. Tom generously gave his time and leadership by serving on numerous boards, including the St. Joseph Parish Financial Committee and the Cardinal Brennan High School Advisory Board, always working quietly behind the scenes for the good of his community.
For 50 years, Tom dedicated his life to his calling as a funeral director in Frackville. It was never just a profession to him—it was a ministry of compassion. He comforted countless families during their most difficult moments, offering not only guidance and professionalism, but genuine empathy, warmth, and understanding. His ability to ease pain with kindness—and often with perfectly timed humor—touched more hearts than he would ever admit.
A true Frackville landmark, Tom was known for his handsome presence, quick wit, and unmistakable sarcasm. He could make anyone laugh, even on the hardest of days. A gifted storyteller, he often joked that if he ever wrote a book about his life and funeral directing, he would have to classify it as “fiction” because no one would believe it. His children will fondly remember his one liners of “Yes Dear, I’ve been kicked out of better places, and It seemed like a good idea at the time” (referring to having five children, which ironically one of us was born 9 months after an Elks event).
Proudly Irish, stubborn in the best way, and strong-willed to the core, he lived life on his own terms. He was deeply faithful, churchgoing and was loving of God, Country and Notre Dame. He enjoyed a cigarette and a Dewar’s or a Rusty Nail, always paired with good conversation and laughter. Above all else, he loved people—truly and without condition.
Tom was a pillar of the Frackville community, a man of integrity, humor, faith, and uncommon compassion. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, the families he supported, and the stories that will continue to be told for generations.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ellen (Simodejka) Sullivan, of Frackville. He was the devoted father of five children: Thomas B. Sullivan and his wife, Melinda, of Huntingdon; Tara Campton and her husband, Tom, of Boiling Springs; Trisha Przyuski and her husband, John, of Center Valley; Tammy Murphy and her husband, Steve, of Dillsburg; and Timothy M. Sullivan and his wife, Brandy, of Fountain Springs.
He is also survived by a sister, Patricia Giuliani and her husband, Max, of St. Augustine, Florida, and a brother, Michael Sean Sullivan and his wife, Geoff, of Palm Coast, Florida.
Tom was a proud grandfather to his ten loving grandchildren: Ryan, Aaron, Evan, Mason, Grace, Jack, Declan, Liam, Rylee, and Molly. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12th, at 11:00 a.m., from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street, Frackville, with Monsignor William F. Glosser as celebrant and con-celebrants Fr. Guency Isaac, Fr. Brian Miller, Fr. Giuseppe Esposito, Fr. Edward Connolly, Fr. Robert Finlan, and Fr. Adam Sedar.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Sunday, January 11th at St. Joseph the Worker Parish from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Monday, January 12th from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Interment with military honors will be held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.
He was deeply touched by the love and support of so many. In accordance with his wishes, flowers are reserved around the casket from his children and wife only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations/checks be made payable to the “Thomas M. Sullivan Scholarship” and sent to the funeral home at 501 W. Washington Street, Frackville, PA 17931.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Timothy M. Sullivan, FD is in charge of the arrangements.
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Marlene worked a long career as an adult caregiver. She lived her life with bushels of love to give; for her family, and dogs, for dinner dates, disco, country music, and laughing, for her famous pineapple upside down cake, for American Girl Dolls, for story-telling, for traveling, time with her ‘grand-dog’ Gunner, tractor rides, movies, amusement park visits, trick-or-treating, and sleep-overs with her grandchildren. Marlene believed in kindness, generosity, and warmth. She loved tending to the Earth, and to the needs of her fellow man, be them strangers or loved ones. Marlene chose happiness and grace as a daily practice. Her determination, courage, and strength was unmatched. She encouraged others to do good, to dance, and to enjoy the gift of life. Her memory and life’s work inspires and lives on through all who knew her.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children; William Ferguson of Pine Grove, Michele Stewart, wife of Jeffery, of Florida, Lorrieanne Werni, wife of Dennis, of Rehrersburg, and Stephen Ferguson, husband of Lisa, of Schuylkill Haven, her step-children; Dennis Lengle of St. Clair, Kimberly Ann Kramer of Pine Grove, and Heidi Lynn Hoffman, wife of Donald, of Hegins Twp, her siblings; Janet Walker, wife of Lawrence, of Norristown, and Clint "Chip" Moyer, husband of Sandra, of Collegeville, grandchildren; Colton Boud, Cheyenne Ferguson, Jesse Troutman, John Malloy, Shawn Malloy, Tiffany Maksumov, Heather Cesari, Rachael Tucker, Joseph Tucker, Ricky Ferguson, Mikey Ferguson, Tyler Fessler, Zachary Bensinger, Cassandra Bensinger, Donald Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman, Jayden Hoffman, Jacob Hoffman, and great-grandchildren; Selara Boud, Maura Boud, Logan Malloy, Owen Malloy, AnnaRose Frantz, Madison Ferguson-Werni, Aviva Maksumov, Juliette Ferguson, Gracelyn McKeown, and Donald Hoffman, and many foster children, nieces, and nephews.
Marlene is preceded in death by; her sisters Georgianne Mehan, and Patrice Trainor, her grandson Ryan Fessler, great-grandson Ty Malloy, and her dogs Maize and Shadow.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second Street, Pottsville at a later date; details to follow with Rev. Dr. Kurt K. Kovalovich officiating.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Drive, Pine Grove, PA 17963.
https://www.hillsidespca.com
https://www.rsmspca.org/how-to-help
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He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann (Guers) Boyer.
In addition to his parents and wife, Theron is also preceded in death by two daughters: Christa Fegley, & Lori Lehman, grandson: David "DJ" Fegley, and two brothers: Marlin & Norman Boyer.
He was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1951.
Theron proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Tarawa and the USS Antietam.
He was a member of Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville.
Theron had also belonged to Summit Station AMVETS Post #114, and Auburn American Legion Post #895. He enjoyed camping, golfing, bowling and playing piano.
Theron was previously employed by UPS, Lehigh Valley Dairy, & R&R Auto.
He is survived by three children: Deborah Babb, wife of Steve, Pine Grove, James Boyer, husband of Jennifer, Pottsville, & Robert Boyer, Orwigsburg, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.
Graveside Services with military honors will be conducted at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, January 7th with Rev. Mark Brooks officiating.
At the request of the family, donations in Theron's memory may be sent to Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church, 23 Meadowbrook Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
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Born in Pottsville on January 18, 1947, he was a son of the late William & Mary (Devine) Mulroy. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother, Daniel E. Mulroy, & his sister, Patricia A. Christ.
Jack was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Class of 1965 and earned his Associates Degree from Williamsport Community College.
He served in the U.S. Army as a SP4 in the Vietnam War. Jack earned the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his heroism. He also served in the PA National Guard.
He was a former member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.
Jack was previously employed as a printer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
He enjoyed fishing with his brother, William Mulroy, husband of Marie, Reedville, VA who survives him, as well as his sister, Mary Eilieen "Mernie" Taronis, wife of Charles, Pottsville, and several nieces, nephews, & cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 7th at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. A Visitation will be held in church from 10 AM until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick RCC, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville PA 17901 or Veterans Of Vietnam War Post 29 Joseph C. Cappella Memorial Home, 612 5th St., Port Carbon, PA 17965.
Joseph J. Chattin, 97, of Pottsville, passed away Friday, January 2nd, at his daughters residence.
Born in Pottsville, on April 16, 1928, a son of the late Eva (Wildermuth) and Harry Chattin.
He was the husband of Joan M. (Morrison) Chattin, to whom he was married to for 75 years.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ Pottsville, .
He previously worked for Aetna Steel as a welder, until starting his own business C & D Welding.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughter Susan Hoffmann, wife of Robert, Blandon.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Karen Ney and 12 siblings.
Services are private at the convenience of the family.
Born in Pottsville, on April 16, 1928, a son of the late Eva (Wildermuth) and Harry Chattin.
He was the husband of Joan M. (Morrison) Chattin, to whom he was married to for 75 years.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ Pottsville, .
He previously worked for Aetna Steel as a welder, until starting his own business C & D Welding.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughter Susan Hoffmann, wife of Robert, Blandon.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Karen Ney and 12 siblings.
Services are private at the convenience of the family.
James L. Weinsheimer, 76, of Pottsville, formerly of New York, passed away Friday January 2, 2026 at LVHN Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Born in Beacon NY, April 4, 1949, he served in the US Army during Vietnam. He worked for Apex Cable on Long Island before retiring and moving to Schuylkill County.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and the Knights of Columbus in New York. He enjoyed fishing, yard work and reading.
He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Barbara Watkins.
Surviving are his wife Constance (Zedonek) Weinsheimer; Brother-in-law John Zedonek and his wife bridget of Mar Lin; Nieces Beth Ryan of Minersville; Barbara Mollick of Orwigsburg; Nephews John Zedonek of OR; Jordan Zedonek of TX.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AMThursday January 8, 2026 from Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:00-11:00AM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Larry was a proud graduate of the Mahanoy Area High School class of 1967. He was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City and worked for the former Fiberite in Delano and White Cap in Hazleton. Known affectionately as 'The Buck Master' by his friends, Larry was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Sure Shot Rod & Gun Club. He also enjoyed spending time in his woodshop. He enjoyed NASCAR and attended many races.
Larry was the beloved husband of Mary (Dziadosz) Burke, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his daughter, Amber Burke, and her fiancé, Rube Kerns; his brothers, William Burke, husband of Joyce, of Virginia, and Richard Burke, husband of Deborah, of Florida. Larry also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Jacqueline and Shelby, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, January 10th at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City, PA, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating. Friends and family are invited to call from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, January 9th, and at 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 10th at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. in Mahanoy City, PA.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
