Skook News Obituaries: March 29th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Dr. Eugene E. Laigon, Sr. and Loretta (Sobolowski) Laigon.
Dr. Laigon was a 1969 graduate of Panther Valley High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science from Muhlenberg College in 1973. He continued his education at George Washington University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree in 1977.
He completed his internship and residency training in Philadelphia, including service at the Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he specialized in otolaryngology. He later served in various roles within the medical field, including positions in surgery and clinical care, and was licensed as a physician and surgeon in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For several years during the early 1980s, he also operated his father’s internal medicine practice in Coaldale. His most recent vocation was as an epidemiologist.
Dr. Laigon was a member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill. He was a man of wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity. Among his many pursuits were electronics, mechanics, woodworking, home improvement projects, music, reading, astronomy, and travel. He also enjoyed physical activity, including weightlifting, skiing, swimming, and other outdoor recreation, as well as cooking and caring for his cats.
He is survived by extended family and friends and was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow Street, Summit Hill, with The Rev. Eric Gruber officiating. Interment in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown, will follow. Friends are invited to call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carbon County Friends of Animals, 77 West 13th Street, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, or online at ccfoa.info. Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Gloria Yesavage, 75, of Tuscarora, and formerly of Slatington and Brockton, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 23, 2026, at her residence. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Yesavage, with whom she would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this coming April.
Born in Pottsville, Gloria was a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Melochnick) Marko. She graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1969 and attended Ford Business School in Pottsville. Early in her career, Gloria served as a medical secretary at the former Coaldale State Hospital. Later, she worked in a secretarial role at the former Pine Street School in Tamaqua, from which she retired in 1976.
Gloria was a faithful member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Brockton, where she took part in numerous parish activities, with a special dedication to fundraising efforts. She was also an active community volunteer, including the Tuscarora Fire Company where she was a life member, the Tuscarora Fire Company Community Club, and contributing her time to the Schuylkill Township on Prevention of Drug and Alcohol (STOP) program. Known for her joyful spirit, Gloria often embraced the role of Mrs. Claus during the holiday season at various venues throughout Schuylkill Township. She had a passion for decorating, took great pride in her extensive snowman collection, and found much joy in gardening and caring for her plants.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Joseph Yesavage of Tuscarora; a sister, Marian Frank of Tuscarora; two nieces, Stephanie Bernardyn and her husband Mark, and Janelle Tewksbury and her husband Justin; and six great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Eugene Marko.
The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 230 Green Street, Brockton. Interment in the parish cemetery in Tuscarora will follow the service. Friends and family may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church.
Memorial contributions in Gloria’s name may be made to St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, c/o 621 West Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948, or to the Truck Fund at Tuscarora Fire Co., PO Box 19, Tuscarora, PA 17982.
Online condolences may be shared at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
Born in Pottsville, Gloria was a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Melochnick) Marko. She graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1969 and attended Ford Business School in Pottsville. Early in her career, Gloria served as a medical secretary at the former Coaldale State Hospital. Later, she worked in a secretarial role at the former Pine Street School in Tamaqua, from which she retired in 1976.
Gloria was a faithful member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Brockton, where she took part in numerous parish activities, with a special dedication to fundraising efforts. She was also an active community volunteer, including the Tuscarora Fire Company where she was a life member, the Tuscarora Fire Company Community Club, and contributing her time to the Schuylkill Township on Prevention of Drug and Alcohol (STOP) program. Known for her joyful spirit, Gloria often embraced the role of Mrs. Claus during the holiday season at various venues throughout Schuylkill Township. She had a passion for decorating, took great pride in her extensive snowman collection, and found much joy in gardening and caring for her plants.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Joseph Yesavage of Tuscarora; a sister, Marian Frank of Tuscarora; two nieces, Stephanie Bernardyn and her husband Mark, and Janelle Tewksbury and her husband Justin; and six great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Eugene Marko.
The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 230 Green Street, Brockton. Interment in the parish cemetery in Tuscarora will follow the service. Friends and family may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church.
Memorial contributions in Gloria’s name may be made to St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, c/o 621 West Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948, or to the Truck Fund at Tuscarora Fire Co., PO Box 19, Tuscarora, PA 17982.
Online condolences may be shared at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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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
