Skook News Obituaries: January 28th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville on September 16, 1944, he was a son of the late Thomas Franklin & Edna Elizabeth (Hartman) Fickinger.
He was the husband of Judith A. (Dubbs) Fickinger.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Pine Grove High School and earned his associate’s degree in engineering from Penn State University.
For 38 years he worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer for Dupont.
Tom was a Free & Accepted Mason of the Pine Grove Lodge #409. He served as a councilman for the Pine Grove Borough and was proud of his accomplishments working with the water authority, police, and fire departments. Tom loved riding motorcycles, spending time at the gun range, and visiting with family.
Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Vera Ann (Hazmuka) Fickinger in 2001.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his children: Jonathan Fickinger husband of Laura, Burlington, KY, Anne Hansford wife of Kevin, Cypress, TX and Linda Fickinger, Ebensburg, PA, grandchildren: Kate and Andrew Fickinger and Mathew and Zachary Hansford; his sister, Carol Winsheimer wife of Art, Harrisburg, and Judy's son Benedict Dubbs, Harrisburg and her grandchildren: Nathaniel and Alexander Dubbs.
Details for upcoming services will be announced upon completion of arrangements. Tom’s favorite flower was carnations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation for a bench and tree memorial at Sweet Arrow Lake; please indicate “memorial bench/tree” in the designation portion of the form, along with “in memory of Tom Fickinger.” Donations can be made online at www.fspr.org.
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W. Lee Wehr, 82, of Pottsville, passed away Saturday January 24, 2026 at his home.
Born in Pottsville September 10, 1943, he was a son of the late Walter L and Mary (Pastucha) Wehr.
He was a graduate of Pottsville High School. Lee continued his family’s business at Wehr’s Sunoco and later Wehr’s Auto Service on S Centre St in Pottsville, first joining his father Walter and then continuing the legacy with his son Doug and grandson Jared.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Irene Anna (Uranko) Wehr in 2023; a sister Ruth Lishman.
Surviving are a son Doug Wehr and his wife Joanne of Pottsville; Daughter Lisa Wehr of Minersville; Grandson Jared Wehr and his wife Megan of Pottsville; Brother Gary Wehr of Schuylkill Haven; Nieces and Nephews.
Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Dutcavich Funeral Home and Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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She was the daughter of the late John and Dorthea Knapp Haluska. She was predeceased by her brothers, John (Jack) and James Haluska.
She was a graduate of Pottsville High School and retired from the Yuengling Brewing Company, Pottsville, PA. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, PA.
She is survived by two (2) cousins, David Knapp of Bellwood, PA and Sherryl Knapp Clark of Houston, TX and a close friend Edward Zelonis of Minersville, PA.
Services will be at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in the Nuremberg Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville, PA
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Joseph S. Chupasko, 69, of Fountain Springs, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 25th, at his residence.
Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Michael and Bernadine (Ranieri) Chupasko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret.
Joseph is survived by his sister, Roseanne Brown of Bayonne, New Jersey; his brother, Michael Chupasko of Girardville; his partner, Linda Dresher and by numerous cousins.
Graveside services at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Fountain Springs will be announced.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Anna Dietrick.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vincent Ryan and sisters, Mary Lou Whalen and Eileen Wylonis.
She is survived by her loving sister, Rita Dietrick, four devoted children John (Debbie) Ryan, Karen (Alberto) Ruiz, Michael (Jennifer) Ryan, and Kevin (Sandra) Ryan, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, Goddaughter - Suzanne Clews, numerous adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1962. After high school, she worked in the garment industry and then was a homemaker. She was a devoted mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. Faith and family were the most important things in her life. She also loved watching her sports teams including USC, Notre Dame, and the Phillies. If she wasn’t home, you would likely find her eating at a Chinese buffet, playing bingo, or at the casino. Her smile was contagious! She will be missed by so many.
Family and friends are invited to her celebration of life. Viewing will be held at Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, on Thursday, January 29th from 5 to 8pm and again on Friday morning from 8:30 to 10am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 30th at 10:30am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah and will be officiated by Fr. Dominic Pham. Burial will immediately follow in the Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shenandoah Senior Living Community- Activities Department at 101 E. Washington Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976.
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Born in Pottsville, April 4, 1939, She was a daughter of the late John and Violet (Slane) Donaldson
She graduated in the class of 1957 from Nativity BVM High School and went on to earn Degrees from Wilkes University and San Diego State University. She was founding Director of Volunteers of Schuylkill County, Later Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Big impact Group; Elaine was involved in the Helpline of Schuylkill County, Genesis Counseling Services and served two years as President of the Association of Schuylkill County Services; She served as President of the St. Clair School Board and was chosen as a recipient of Tamaqua Area’s “Friends of Education” Award.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Lutzkanin in 2015; 2 brothers William Donaldson and John “Jack” Donaldson;
Surviving are a sister Margaret Brandt and her husband Al of Forest VA;, nephew Anthony Donaldson and his wife Pamela of Pottsville; Nephew Patrick Donaldson and his wife Barbara of St. Clair; Nephew Shawn Donaldson and his wife Jennfier of Mill Creek; Nephew A.J. Brandt of Wilmington, DE ; Nephew Mark Brandt of Rustburg VA; Niece Karen Killian and her husband Michael of Pine Grove. Sister-in-Law Marion Donaldson of St. Clair.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM Thursday January 29, 2026 from Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home 110 N. Second St. Saint Clair, PA 17970. Rev. Bohgan Vasyliv will be officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association 2544 N. Progress Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
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Born on June 8, 1945 in Klingerstown, he was a son of the late Samuel and Anna Snyder Smith.
He was a graduate of Tri Valley High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War.
James was a Machinist and retired from Brubaker Tool and Dye in Millersburg.
He was a member of the International Harvester Collectors Club. In addition to being a machinist by trade, he also made it his hobby as he was always working on something. He was an avid collector and restorer of International Harvester Cub Cadet Tractors. He enjoyed trips to auctions and the Gratz Fair.
Preceding him in death was his wife Linda Kimmel Smith and three brothers, Paul, Larry and Charles Smith.
Surviving are two sons, Brandon and wife Melissa Smith of Schuylkill Haven, Eric and wife Stacey Smith of Lincoln, DE; three grandchildren, Allen, Ella and Hailey Smith; two brothers, Russell Smith of Halifax, John Smith of Mechanicsburg; a sister, Shirley Welker of Gratz; nieces and nephews.
All Services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in Jacob's Cemetery, Pitman.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
