Skook News Obituaries: January 12th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
Ronnie Merinsky, 71, of Mahanoy City, passed away on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ronnie was married for 50 years to his best friend and devoted wife, Loren Whitecavage Merinsky, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories.
Ronnies greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, Sonny and Sienna, who lovingly knew him as “Pop Pop”. He cherished every moment spent watching Sonny play baseball and Sienna play volleyball, rarely missing a game and always cheering them on.
A devoted family man, Ronnie spent many cherished years fishing with his family at Black Lake in New York and vacationing in Wildwood, where the beach brought him endless happiness. He was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan, faithfully supporting the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers. He also enjoyed trips to the casino and trying his luck with scratch-off tickets, which always brought a smile to his face.
Ronnie worked for International Paper for 43 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He retired in 2019, looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying the activities he loved.
Ronnie dedicated many years to coaching, giving his time and heart to youth sports. He coached his daughters in CYO basketball and Mahanoy City softball, leaving a lasting impact on countless young athletes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Victor Merinsky, and his sister, Marie Robinson.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Loren; his daughters, Shannon (Santino) Napoli and Becky (John) Chelak; his sister, Ann Ryan; his cherished grandchildren, Sonny and Sienna; and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Ronnie will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements with assistance from James Haughney Jr..
Ronnie was married for 50 years to his best friend and devoted wife, Loren Whitecavage Merinsky, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories.
Ronnies greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, Sonny and Sienna, who lovingly knew him as “Pop Pop”. He cherished every moment spent watching Sonny play baseball and Sienna play volleyball, rarely missing a game and always cheering them on.
A devoted family man, Ronnie spent many cherished years fishing with his family at Black Lake in New York and vacationing in Wildwood, where the beach brought him endless happiness. He was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan, faithfully supporting the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers. He also enjoyed trips to the casino and trying his luck with scratch-off tickets, which always brought a smile to his face.
Ronnie worked for International Paper for 43 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He retired in 2019, looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying the activities he loved.
Ronnie dedicated many years to coaching, giving his time and heart to youth sports. He coached his daughters in CYO basketball and Mahanoy City softball, leaving a lasting impact on countless young athletes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Victor Merinsky, and his sister, Marie Robinson.
Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Loren; his daughters, Shannon (Santino) Napoli and Becky (John) Chelak; his sister, Ann Ryan; his cherished grandchildren, Sonny and Sienna; and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Ronnie will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements with assistance from James Haughney Jr..
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
