Skook News Obituaries: February 26th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born August 15, 1964 In Pottsville, he was the son of the late George and Marguerite Haller. He attended Blue Mountain Schools. He devoted several years of work to Northeast Prestressed Products, LLC in Cressona.
Smoke was known as the family MacGyver; if he couldn’t fix it, it probably wasn’t possible. He could usually be found in his garage fixing vehicles, having a few cold ones with family and friends, and helping everyone else with whatever needed fixing. He would drop what he was doing at any time to help another.
He is survived by his Loving Wife Joann Haller and 3 stepchildren: Melissa Umbenhauer husband of James Umbenhauer, Wilbur Shaw, & Bobbie Jo Knight, and his cherished grandchildren: Travis Umbenhauer, Zachary Shaw, Damian Faust, Austin Shaw, Devin Faust, & Makayla Umbenhauer. Smoke is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Kieryn Umbenhauer, the late Kinleigh Jo Umbenhauer, Colson Faust, Layla Shaw, Bohen Faust, & Isiah Shaw. He also had a hand in raising his niece Carol Hunt and is also survived by 3 sisters out of 11 siblings: Betty, Joy, & Suzanne.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 19th at 6pm at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1 N Front St., Saint Clair.
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He was born in Pottsville in 1942 to John and Doris Thompson.
Robert attended Pottsville High School before joining the Army and serving in Vietnam.
He spent his entire career as a professional roofer, spanning over 55 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila, his partner of 55 devoted years of marriage. Surviving family include his five children: Robbie, Ronald, and Jennifer Thompson; Bobby and Frankie
Dougherty; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Robert was an avid fan of Penn State and Philadelphia sports. He also enjoyed following and attending Pottsville sporting events. In retirement, he found his greatest joy in spending time with and caring for his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man who gave more than he took, whose life was marked by selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.
The Cremation Society of Schuylkill County has been entrusted with arrangements.
Born at the Ashland State Hospital on April 14, 1950 she was the daughter of the late Helen (Kohan) and Michael Chrin.
She was of the Lutheran faith and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland.
Theresa graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 1968 and from the Schuylkill Technology Center, Licensed Practical Nurse Program.
For over 52 years was the wife of George H. Williams, they were married August 11, 1973.
Theresa became a LPN in 1970 and worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville. She also worked for Payne’s Flowers for many years prior to her retirement.
Theresa enjoyed going out on day trips, vacations to Atlantic City, going to the movies, attending Penn State football games at State College and tailgating at Bloomsburg University football games to watch her 2 great nephews play football. Theresa was especially fond of her granddaughter Paige whom she greatly adored.
In addition her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister Mary Ann Gower.
Surviving are her husband George H. Williams, Ashland; daughter Lori T. Hess (Peter), Tamaqua; granddaughter Paige Hess; sister Helen DeLuca (Philip), Girardville; brother Michael Chrin, Frackville; several nieces & nephews.
A viewing for family and friends will be on Sunday March 1st from 6:00-8:00 PM and Monday morning from 9:00-10:00 AM at the funeral home. Services will follow Monday morning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Christ Church Cemetery in Fountain Springs.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Theresa’s memory to Ruth Steinert SPCA, PO Box 332, Schuylkill Haven PA 17972.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.kullfuneral.com.
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Ray was born in Mahanoy City on October 1, 1969, son of Dolores Seritsky and Raymond Miller
He graduated from Mahanoy Area High School Class of 1987.
Ray worked as a coal miner, and for Hecla Construction Allentown.
He loved to go hunting and fishing.
Ray is survived by two daughters, Brittany Miller, Kerri Miller and by two brothers, Randy, and his companion Robin Andrewsky, of Morea: Jeff, and his fiancé of Mary Ann McCabe. 6 Grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 6 to 8PM on Tuesday, March 3rd at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. in Mahanoy City, PA.
Interment private at convenience of the Family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Louie enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He left the day after his high school graduation, excited to travel the world. He served aboard the USS Epping Forest where he did multiple tours of the far east both on sea and on land. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
After the Navy, he met his future wife. They settled in Mahanoy City and lived there for many years on East Pine Street. He worked for over 30 years with PENN DOT. He later resided in his final years at Celebration Villa in Lebanon, PA, where he had many friends. Louie was proud of his Italian heritage and his family. He was a loving and supportive father and grandfather. He enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to baseball games. He loved to attend their sporting events, concerts, and shows. He was a Philly sports fan, but he could tell you anything about every team in every sport. He loved to go for walks, whether on a path or in the woods. Louie was a fine example of how to be a kind spouse, a great parent, and a friend to everyone you meet.
Louis is survived by his son Louie and his wife Christine, daughter Lisa and her husband Jason; grandchildren Angelo and his wife Vanessa, Alexandra and her husband Matthew, Samantha, Mark and his fiancée Sydnee, Anthony, Aliya and her partner Alex; great-grandchildren Luca and Nadia; brothers Joseph and his wife Mary, John and his wife Barbara, Robert; and sister Pauline; along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call Monday March 2nd at St. Richards Church Barnesville from 10 to 11am. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am with Reverend Robert T. Finlan officiating. Committal will be private at the convenience of the family.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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Valerie (Ferrence) McAvoy, 74, of New Ringgold died peacefully Monday afternoon February 23, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospital Anderson Campus, Easton.
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She was the wife of Rae W. McAvoy and was the love of his life. She and Rae were married August 18, 2001.
Born in Coaldale Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Helene Ferrence and step father Soloman Lechleitner.
Valerie was a 1969 graduate of Jim Thorpe High School and was a member of St. Joseph of the Panther Valley Roman Catholic Church.
She was employed by Mattress Firm as a mattress professional. Previously she worked as a model, seamstress and sold furniture and mattresses in Allentown, PA.
Valerie was a former West Penn Lion and volunteered to help at the Carbon County Fair.
She loved to travel by cruise ship and go to remote Canada and fish.
Surviving in addition to Rae are her stepson Rae and stepdaughter Keri. In addition are her three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She also loved her dogs.
Graveside services will be held at St. Joseph of the Panther Valley Cemetery Bloomingdale at a later date.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or in lieu of flowers you can plant a tree in her name.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960.
Born in Coaldale Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Helene Ferrence and step father Soloman Lechleitner.
Valerie was a 1969 graduate of Jim Thorpe High School and was a member of St. Joseph of the Panther Valley Roman Catholic Church.
She was employed by Mattress Firm as a mattress professional. Previously she worked as a model, seamstress and sold furniture and mattresses in Allentown, PA.
Valerie was a former West Penn Lion and volunteered to help at the Carbon County Fair.
She loved to travel by cruise ship and go to remote Canada and fish.
Surviving in addition to Rae are her stepson Rae and stepdaughter Keri. In addition are her three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She also loved her dogs.
Graveside services will be held at St. Joseph of the Panther Valley Cemetery Bloomingdale at a later date.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or in lieu of flowers you can plant a tree in her name.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960.
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John J. "Jack" Graeff Sr, a lifelong resident of Newtown and the heart of his family, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, at the age of 86.
Bom March 30, 1939, Jack was truly a man who could fix anything. After graduating from Tremont High School, followed by Ford Business School, Jack soon became a Technician for Ehrlich Pest Control. A role he enjoyed and held for over 37 years. He spent his retirement doing what he loved, which encompassed spending time outdoors as an avid hunter or in his garage fixing anything and everything, reading, watching his beloved Dodgers or Eagles, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Kay, spent many wonderful years together in Newtown where they raised their family.
Jack was a member of the Newtown Fish and Game, of which he spent many years as President and spent countless hours caring for the grounds for all to enjoy. He was also a founding member of the Trails End Hunting Club in Potter County.
He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart RCC, Newtown until its closing, followed by Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont.
Jack has now been reunited with his parents William and Anna (Karoly) Graeff, his daughter Ruthann Williams and brothers Tom and George Graeff.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Cleary), son Jay Graeff and his wife Karen; daughter Chris Dinger and her husband Wayne; grandchildren Jess Yeastadt and her husband Jesse, Jackie Wiliams and her husband Brett, Sam Webster and her husband Marcus, Jacob Dinger and his wife Megan, Johnny Graeft and his wife Alyssa; great grandchildren Charlee, Marcus (Trip), Olivia, Wrenlee, Skylar, a brother Bill and his beloved dog Pepper.
Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Steve and Mary Bracey. Grace dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a Certified Nurses Aid at Broad Mountain Nursing Home, where she not only provided compassionate care but also took pride in overseeing activities and assisting with physical therapy for residents. Her warm personality and genuine concern for those she served left a lasting impression on many families.
Grace was an active member of the Frackville Elks and the Goodwill Hose Company. She was also a devoted and faithful member of Trinity EC Church in Frackville, where her faith was an important part of her daily life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert H. Phillips.
She is survived by her five sons: Steven Phillips and his wife, Kim; Robert Phillips and his wife Jane; Michael Phillips and his wife, Tania; William Phillips; and David Phillips and his wife, Kayann. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Stephen, Joseph, Amanda, Daniel, Andrew, Jacob, Mikaela, Alyssa, Breanna, Dylan, and Kevin; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to Grace's Memorial Service at Trinity EC Church, Frackville, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20th with Pastor Jeff Merwine officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in Grace's name, to Trinity EC Church at 56 N. Balliet Street Frackville, PA 17931.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmssullivanfuneralhome.com.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., 200 West Main Street, Valley View, PA 17983.
Burial will be in Fountain Community Cemetery.
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Shirley was born in Reinerton, on Sunday, April 9, 1933 a daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred Dreisigacker Moyer. She was a graduate of the former Porter Township High School.
She drove school bus for 33 years for the Williams Valley School District. She truly enjoyed her trips down Clarks Valley, often finding peace and happiness in the familiar route and beautiful scenery.
Shirley was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Reinerton.
She had been very active with Tower-Porter Ambulance Association, where she was a dispatcher and driver.
Shirley enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies. She was wonderful mother, who always put her family's needs above her own. She was very proud of her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, B. Karl Bohr, 1983 and a sister, Pauline "Polly" Moore.
Surviving are her four children, Karlyn Bohr, Pine Grove, Stacey Blantz, Lancaster, Lisa Messner, Tower City, and Lee Bohr (Liza), Myerstown; five grandchildren, Stephen and Andy Bohr, Jeremy Messner, Ashley Myers, and Joshua Blantz; seven great grandchildren, Stephen Jr., Theo, Brandon and Nick Bohr, and Taylor, Austin and Madison Blantz; two great great grandchildren, Remington and Jayden Bohr.
Shirley's family wishes to thank Geisinger Hospice who took exceptional care of their mother in her final days.
Following Shirley's wishes, services will be private with Pastor Annette Shutt officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Shirley's name can be made to the Muir Fire Company, 107 W Church St, Muir, PA 17957 or Hillside SPCA, Inc. PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve the Bohr family.
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Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dana (Ator) Sabatell.
Roseann was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo, and a graduate of Hazleton High School, class of 1953.
Prior to her retirement, Roseann dedicated 44 years of service to the Hazleton Area School District, where she worked as an aide and secretary at the McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School. Throughout her many years there, she was a true pillar of the school community.
Hardworking throughout her life, Roseann was also employed over the years at O’Lears Catering Services, Booty’s Prep Kitchen, McAdoo Footwear and faithfully served her community as a Judge of Elections for Kline Twp. for more than 50 years.
In her spare time, Roseann enjoyed baking, especially bread and a variety of pies to share with her family and friends. She was a life-time member of the McAdoo Fire Co. and also a member of the Red Hat Society, Christian Mothers’ Society, McAdoo Prime Timers, and a dedicated ‘Ravioli Lady’ for her church.
Preceding her in death, were husband Russell Vigna; and sons, Russell ‘Rusty’ and Joseph Vigna.
Surviving are her son, Anthony Vigna and wife, Dawn, Haddock; daughter, Francine Geusic and husband, Joseph, Tresckow; daughter-in-law, Patricia Vigna, Kelayres; grandchildren, Russell Vigna and wife, Amanda; Adria Folk and husband, Joe; Joshua Geusic and wife Angela; Evan Vigna and wife Abigail; and Sarah Vigna; great-grandchildren, Miles, Owen, Lainey, Jacob and Harper; and nieces and nephews.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo. Interment in St. Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours are Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo.
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Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
