Skook News Obituaries: February 19th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pine Knot, Heckshersville, January 24, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Bridget (McAvoy) Purcell.
She was a graduate of the first class from Nativity BVM High School in 1956.
Jean retired as a Clerk form Kings Department store, also working for Cremos and the State of Pennsylvania.
She was a member of St. Matthew the Evangelist RCC and also the former St. Francis, St. Vincent and St. Kieran. She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and very active in Minersville and Schuylkill County CYO.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 3 sons in infancy; Brother Thomas Purcell; Sisters Kathleen Casey and Ann Marie Foran.
Surviving are her husband of 67 Years Eugene Walacavage; Daughters Michele Walcavage of Portland ME; Chris Murhon and her husband Ray of Pottsville; Maria and her husband Michael Smith of Pottsville; Gene Walcavage and his wife Colleen of Burke, VA; Grandchildren Bridget, Adam, Jessica, Michael, Shannon, Matthew, KY Nick, Clair; Great Grandchildren Ev, Reggie, Lorelei, Gavin, Savannah and Jameson. Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday February 21, 2026 from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church 539 Sunbury St. Minersville PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:30-11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville July 24, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Charles H. and Esther L. (Gauntlett) Dando.
She was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School and retired as the Vice President of the Loan Department at the former Union Bank and Trust Co. Together with her husband, she also owned and operated Yakamavage’s Café, New Minersville.
Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville. She enjoyed gardening and loved babysitting the joys of her life, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan and the biggest cheerleader at her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was everyone’s favorite “Nan”.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Yakamavage in 1990; a Son, David Yakamavage; Sisters, Nancy Bedway, Dorothy Novack, and infant sister Judy Dando; a Brother, Kevin Dando.
Surviving are her Daughters, Terri Leshko (Charles) and Michele Yakamavage, both of West West Terrace; Grandchildren, Lauren Thompson (Keith), Leah Eichenberg (Garrett), Christopher Joseph Leshko; Great- grandchildren, Charlee Thompson, Eli Eichenberg, and Ella Jo Eichenberg; Brothers, Charles Dando Jr. (Jean), Mifflinburg, Richard Dando (Donna), Pottsville, Linda Doyne (William), Georgia, Cheryl Wesnoski, Pottsville, and Terry Dando, Schuylkill Haven; Brothers-in-Law, Albert Bedway, Manheim, and Bernard Novack, Michigan; Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 Randolf St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Patricia A. Schaeffer, 83, of Auburn, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 18th, at home surrounded by her family, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Salamanca, NY on September 18, 1942, a daughter of the late Dorothy (Blackshake) and Walter Jimerson.
She was the widow of Richard D. "Dick" Schaeffer who died in 2011.
She was a 1960 graduate of Salamanca High School and was formerly employed at Alpha Mills.
She was a member of Faith UCC, Landingville and the Landingville Fire Co.
She is survived by four children: Luanne Columbo, wife of Bret, Auburn, Karyn Owens, wife of Keith, Auburn, Steve "Chief" Schaeffer, Schuylkill Haven, & David Schaeffer, husband of Kim; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
In addition to her husband, she is also preceded in death by her siblings: Geraldine Fenstermacher, Tessie Snow, & Lester Jimerson.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday, February 24 at 11 am with Pastor Jim Fidler officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held prior from 9:30 am until the time of the service.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc, Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Survivors:
Brother Robert Proctor, Fredrick, Maryland
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Karen’s Life, February 28, 2026, at 11 AM, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Rose Marquardt. Visitation time with family will begin at 10 AM until service time. The family requests memorials be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., Hillside Road, Pottsville, PA. 17921. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph in 2021and by a sister Helen Donetti and 4 brothers, Edward Merlino, William Merlino, Peter Merlino and Frederick Merlino. As a professional trained vocalist and pianist Rose Marie had a love of music and performing. She grew up singing with many jazz bands and also singing in church. Her parents owned an Italian Restaurant where she learned all her skills in the kitchen where she spent a lot of her time. Rose Marie was very creative and spent many hours sewing, drawing and writing. Most importantly, her family and faith came before anything else. She and her husband Joe were the epitome of true, faithful and honest love. Surviving are 2 sons, Joseph Nebistinsky and Fred Nebistinsky; a granddaughter Paige Updegrove; 2 grandsons Michael and Joseph Nebistinsky; 2 great grandchildren Sebastian and Naomi.
Relatives and friends may call on Monday morning from 9:15 to 10:15AM at St. Ambrose’s Church, Schuylkill Haven. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30 AM. Interment will be in St. Ambrose Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville.
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Born in Reading, April 30, 1985, He was a son of James and Pia (Welikonich-Jones) Murphy of Orwigsburg
A 2004 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, he received his Bachelor Degree in Divinity from Christian Leaders Institute, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude
Christian went on to serve as Youth and Family Pastor for Greenview Alliance Church, Montoursville and was previously a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, St. Clair.
He loved hiking, watching old movies, his Dog Finney and Serving the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Peter and Dora Welikonich; Vincent and Ruth Murphy; Aunts Vera Melniczenko; Carole Welikonich, Richard L. Smith (Uncle Smitty), Uncle Michael P. Welikonich.
Surviving in addition to his parents are Aunts Lola Smith of Orwigsburg; Mary Thomas and her husband John of Orwigsburg; Uncle Peter Welikonich of Pottsville; Cousins including Paula Porter; Denise Grajewski; Jennifer McCabe; Erika Fisher.
A Celebration of life will be held at Noon Saturday February 28, 2026 from Bethlehem Baptist Church 1 N. Front St. St. Clair, PA 17970. Friends are invited for a visitation from 11:00AM-Noon at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Memorial Fund at the above address. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair. Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Richard L. Smith (Uncle Smitty) and an aunt who was named as Caroline and should have been Carole. Thank you
Gale Krieger Patches, 81, of Palmyra, PA passed away on Feb. 18th 2026.
She was born in Port Carbon on Feb. 28th ,1945 to the late Galen and Cathrine Krieger.
Gale is survived by a sister Patricia A. Barnes and her husband Earl J. of Dieners Hill.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Erma Caruso, several aunts, and uncles.
Funeral Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
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She was born in Port Carbon on Feb. 28th ,1945 to the late Galen and Cathrine Krieger.
Gale is survived by a sister Patricia A. Barnes and her husband Earl J. of Dieners Hill.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Erma Caruso, several aunts, and uncles.
Funeral Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
