Skook News Obituaries: January 20th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Philip graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1969, where he was a member of the Blue Raiders football team. He earned a B.S. in History from Gettysburg College and later acquired an MBA from Temple University. He dedicated his career to human resources, holding positions at Conrail, The American College in Bryn Mawr, and VWR Corporation. Earlier in his career, he briefly taught at Montoursville High School. An avid reader and an accomplished artist specializing in oils, Philip found joy in painting landscapes and street scenes, skillfully capturing the essence of the people within them.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Edith (Ditchey) Burkey; his daughters, Cathlin M. Burkey and Nora D. Burkey; his sister, Kathleen M. Burkey; and the cherished family dogs, Sufi and Lucy.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Memorials in Philip's name may be made to his daughter's non-profit, The Chain Collaborative, which supports coffee-farming families living in poverty: The Chain Collaborative, 133 Federal Walk, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
You may also reach out to the family at eburkey@comcast.net to purchase a painting of Philip's. Proceeds will support: The Pay to Participate Fund of Tamaqua Area School District.
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Ellen E. Benfer, 91 of Pottsville, formerly of Sunbury, died peacefully Tuesday January 13th at Providence Place, Pottsville.
She was born December 28, 1934, in Sunbury, a daughter of the late Stewart and Bessie Persing Knarr.
She was a 1952 graduate of Sunbury High School.
Ellen worked for Miller's Furniture Store, Westinghouse Electric Company and Susquehanna Frozen Food Center all of Sunbury.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Parker D. Benfer, Sr., 2023; and a grandson, Welsey Dewart.
Surviving are her son, Park D. Benfer, Jr. and his wife Tammy, Auburn; Bonnie Dewart, Bernville; Timothy Benfer, Plymouth; grandchildren, Chad Benfer and his wife Heather, Burnham; Aimee Yeandriseaits and her husband Ryan, Reading; Trevor Dewart, Hamburg, Tiffany Benfer, Hughesville; 6-great-grandchildren.
Private cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, James B. Humphrey, F.D., Pottsville.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
