Skook News Obituaries: March 19th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Ed proudly served his country in Vietnam before spending most of his career at the Tobyhanna Army Depot. He was known as someone who would help anyone without hesitation — steady, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand.
He loved the outdoors and found joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. Above all, Ed cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. He was a caring and loving father to Regina Hoffman and Eddie Seibert, and a loving brother to Susan Seddon, of Barnesville, James Seibert, of Orwigsburg, and Norman Seibert, of Barnesville.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Florence Seibert, and by his grandson, Trevor. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great‑grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his strength, kindness, and spirit.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, his love of the outdoors, and the generous heart that made him the center of his family. His presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Services 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, view the tribute video and send sympathy cards.
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Born on January 17, 1956, in Hazleton Pennsylvania, Donald was the beloved son of the late Norman Paisley, Jr. and Karyl Schmeer Paisley who currently resides in Tamaqua. He carried with him the values they instilled of hard work, loyalty, and kindness that he showed everyday.
Donald was a dedicated and highly skilled union carpenter who took great pride in his work. He spent many years honing his craft, earning the respect of those who worked alongside him. A proud graduate of Tamaqua High School, Class of 1973, he remained deeply connected to his roots and the community he called home.
He had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in the simple things especially fishing spending time at Rabbit Run and the West Penn Rod and Gun Club. Those who knew Donald knew he wasn’t just passionate about his hobbies he was passionate about his people. He had a quiet way of showing up for others.
Donald was a compassionate mentor and a steady source of support to many through his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous. He was proud of his 26 years of sobriety and he gave his time, guidance, and his heart to those who needed it most and never asking for recognition in return.
Above all, Donald was a father and grandfather who loved his family deeply.
He is survived by his daughters, Sadie Paisley of Pottsville, Elise Paisley of Bloomsburg, and step son Jason Sylvester of Tamaqua. His siblings; Jayne Burns of Freeland; Rick Paisley and his wife Betsy of Tamaqua; Norman “Buddy” Paisley of Tamaqua, and Karl Paisley and his wife Nancy, also of Tamaqua. He is proceeded in death by his long term partner Diane Sylvester of Pottsville.
He was a proud grandfather to Ryleigh, Michael, Layne, Sutton, and Croy, who brought him immense joy and who will carry his memory forward as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donald will be remembered for his strength, his generosity, and the quiet but meaningful impact he had on so many lives.
A celebration of his life will be held April 11, 2026 at The Keystone Fish & Hunt Club in Tamaqua from 12pm-4pm. Friends and loved ones are invited to share their condolences and cherished memories
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In September of 1978, she moved to Shenandoah Heights, and became a member of St. Georges Church in Shenandoah, where she worked at the weekly Bingo games and assisted with holiday decorating. She chaired the 100th year celebration social dinner event and was a generous contributor to all the requests for the upkeep of the church. She also served as lector and Eucharistic Minister for the home bound and nursing home residents.
Barbara worked as the Personnel Director for the former Ashland State Hospital, retiring after 35 years. She was a member of several area associations including the Schuylkill County Womens Club, the Ashland Hospital Auxillary, Shenandoah Senior Citizens, PA Association of Retired State Employees.
Barbara is survived by an extended family of friends and relatives including her cousins, Dorothy Leach, Jason Banonis, Timothy Leach, Lisa Leach, Christopher Leach, Virginia Butcher, John Kaplafka, Robert Kaplafka, John Kaplafka, Robert Kaplafka, Andrew Banonis and Zachary Banonis.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian at the Divine Mercy Parish, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah at 10 AM on Tuesday, March 24th, 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barbara’s family from 9-10 AM prior to mass.Barbara will be laid to rest at the Calvary Hill Cemetery immediately after mass.The Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, is assisting Barbara’s family during their time of need.
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Dennis was born in Berwick on October 9, 1943, a son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Dawson) Hower.
A very mechanically inclined man, he worked for many years in the local area at Meyers in Hazleton and Tri Way Metal Works in Shenandoah as a welder and fabricator before retiring.
Involved in the community, Dennis was very active in the former Ringtown Ambulance Association, and was a member of the Aurand Memorial United Methodist Church in Ringtown. He was a fan of Penn State Football and the Philadelphia sports teams.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer Hower.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy (Vought) Hower; and by two daughters, Ann, wife of Richard McCord and Sue, wife of Paul Baddick. Four grandchildren, 4 great grand daughters and 1 great grandson survive, along with a sister, Trudy Frace.
Honoring Dennis's wishes, private services have been provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home in Ringtown.
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Barry was born in Pottsville on February 2, 1948, a son of the late Muriel (Behler) and Harry Deibert.
He was the widower of Wilma E. (Rilling) Deibert.
He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Prior to retiring, he worked as a machinist at Progressive Machine Works. Barry was a member of the NRA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loving and caring for all his cats.
Barry is survived by two daughters, Jennifer, wife of Robert Dougherty; Wendy Cunningham and her companion, Keith Strouse and his son, Chuck Cunningham; grandchildren Dylan and Darren Dougherty, Carter Strouse, Hailee Cunningham, Justin German. Two great grandchildren Damian and Sawyer as well as his sister, Barb, widow of Robert Sterner. He was predeceased by his nephew Trevor.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
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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
