Skook News Obituaries: March 3rd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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She was born on October 20, 2016, in Philadelphia, a daughter of Shawn and Nicole Stock Kutsmeda, Port Carbon.
Braelynn was currently a third-grade student at John S. Clarke Elementary Center in Pottsville, where her charm and vivacity left an indelible mark on her classmates and teachers alike. Her spirited attitude was infectious, bringing joy to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She illuminated the lives of those around her with her loving nature and sassy personality.
Braelynn’s spirit continues to live on through her family and friends, who will honor her memory and cherish the moments shared.
She is dearly remembered by her loving parents, her two brothers, Liam and Dylan Kutsmeda, at home; her maternal grandparents, Bob and Linda Stock, and paternal grandparents, Jim and Beth Kutsmeda; aunts and uncles, including Jen and Kevin Brindle, Kevin and Kristal Stock, Nick and Nicole Kutsmeda, Jeannie Kutsmeda, and Jodi and Alex Baver, as well as numerous great-aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of who will remember her with love and gratitude for the light she brought into their lives She was a young girl whose presence was a gift to all.
Services Celebrating the Life of Braelynn's will be held 11AM Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, with Pastor John Wallace officiating. Anyone attending is asked to please wear Braelynn's favorite color of pink or purple. Family and friend are invited to a viewing from 5-8PM Friday and Saturday from 9:30AM-10:45AM all at the church. There will be no viewing at the funeral home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Braelynn to be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
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Born in Pottsville, July 21, 1948, she was the daughter of the late John and Stella Roland.
Ellen worked as a pre-school teacher throughout her life. She was an animal lover and took care of a variety of animals.
Ellen was of deep Christian Faith and attended several churches.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, John A. Roland.
Ellen is survived by her son Jeff, husband to Lori of Schuylkill Haven. She is also survived by grandchildren, Amanda Leibensberger and Zack Faust, husband to Kelsey and great-grandchildren, Leigha, Sophia, Riley, and Lainey and niece Kelly Roberts. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Davis, wife to Edward.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven is entrusted with services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Born in Pottsville, on September 9, 1954, a son of the late Robert & Frances (Ulmer) Taylor.
He was the husband of Lynne (Martin) Taylor.
Randy was a Pottsville Area High School graduate, following high school he attended HACC, where he obtained his associates degree in Police Administration.
He was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Capitol Police Officer following retirement he was a part time police officer in Port Carbon until fully retiring in 2018.
He was a life member of the Good Will Fire Co. No 1, Port Carbon where he served as Chief Engineer for 46 years.
He was also a member of the Bethany Christian Fellowship Church, Cressona where he was formerly head trustee and Vice President of the board.
In addition to his wife, Randy is survived by sons Brandon Taylor, husband of Tasha, Cape Coral, FL and Christopher Taylor, husband of Tiffany, Naples, FL granddaughters Vivian and Sage and one on the way; and a sister Linda Taylor, of Port Carbon and many nieces and nephews whom he loved and cherished deeply.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
The family requests donations to the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, 88 Washington St., Port Carbon, PA 17965 or Bethany Christian Fellowship, 102 Front St., Cressona PA 17929.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born at Coaldale Memorial Hospital, Paul was the son of the late Paul Franklin Scheitrum (d. August 31, 2014) and Julia Ann (Bergen) Scheitrum (d. October 9, 2009). He was a graduate of St. Jerome’s Elementary School and Tamaqua High School and was a member of the former St. Jerome’s Parish in Tamaqua.
At the age of eight, Paul was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a neurological disorder that affected his balance, vision, and short-term memory. From that point forward, his life required extraordinary courage. And in true Paul fashion, he met every challenge with resilience, dignity, and quiet strength.
Against all odds, Paul graduated from Tamaqua High School at age 20 — a hard-won victory built on years of perseverance and determination. His remarkable achievement was recognized in the local newspaper. Frequent hospital visits and physical setbacks never defined him. His spirit was far stronger than any diagnosis.
After High School, Paul worked at the Beacon Diner and Morgan Knitting Mills in Hometown before retiring due to disability.
Though soft-spoken, Paul possessed a legendary sense of humor. His quiet demeanor and sweet smile concealed a razor-sharp wit. Even fellow residents at his assisted living facility were delighted by his quick, unexpected humor. He didn’t say much — but he didn’t miss much either.
A familiar sight in Tamaqua, Paul could often be seen walking his faithful dog, Buddy, around town. He was an accomplished baker who loved making cakes and his specialty lemon squares alongside his mother, Julia. He was also the Scheitrum family’s devoted videographer, capturing decades of holidays, milestones, and gatherings — his voice lovingly preserved on countless recordings.
Paul was at his best when surrounded by family. He loved being involved at holiday events, backyard picnics, taking drives through the country around Tamaqua, and of course, mini golf at Heislers. He treasured visiting his siblings in California and faithfully joined the weekly family Zoom calls, where stories and laughter flowed freely. He adored his nieces and nephews, who adored him right back — laughing at his jokes, joining in his playful teasing, and cherishing their time with Uncle Paul.
He loved tinkering with electronics and spent so much time at Radio Shack that some of his siblings joked he must work there. He could often be found on his computer playing games, sending emails, or creating playful satirical essays about life in Tamaqua.
Paul’s life was not defined by disability, but by perseverance, humor, and love. He was, in many ways, the strongest and most resilient of the Scheitrum siblings — a gentle soul whose courage quietly inspired everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his six siblings: Glenn P. Scheitrum and his wife, Lynne, of San Mateo, California; Mark E. Scheitrum and his wife, Margaret, of San Jose, California; Ellen, wife of Tony Cardoso, of San Diego, California; Carl J. Scheitrum of Bluffton, South Carolina; Ward M. Scheitrum and his wife, Sonia, of Fresno, California; and Gail, wife of Darrell Hoffman, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania.
He is also lovingly remembered by sixteen nieces and nephews and nineteen great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom cherished their Uncle Paul.
Paul’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of Complete Care at Lehigh for their excellent, loving care and friendship with Paul over thelast two and a half years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 6, 2026 at 11 o’clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Contributions in his name may be made to:
The Tamaqua Public Library,30 South Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 2025 Year End Donation or to the Neurofibromatosis Network at https://nfnetwork.org/
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Alan R. Rhen, 78, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, March 1st, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Schuylkill, E. Norwegian St., Pottsville.
Born in Pottsville on December 8, 1947, a son of the late Mary (Moyer) Rhen and Lester Rhen, Sr.
Alan was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High school and went on to obtain his associate’s degree. Alan was a self-employed Electrical
Consultant and an Engineer for the Chicago Tribune.
He served in the US Army Reserves.
Alan is survived by two sisters, Charlotte Foran, of Pine Grove, and Dolores Rhen, of Harrisburg, his brother, Lester Jr., Husband of Cynthia, of Schuylkill Haven, niece Danielle Rhen, Germany, and two great nephews, Nico and Yannick. Alan is also survived by his beloved dog Millie.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven on Friday, March 6th at 10:30 am.
The family would prefer remembrances in the form of donations to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville PA 17901.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc, Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Yolanda (Pizzico) Demcher, 91, of Minersville, passed away peacefully Saturday, surrounded by her loving family at her home.
Yolanda was born in Minersville, May 25, 1934, a daughter of the late Lena (Sanza) and Constantino Pizzico.
She was the wife of the late John Demcher Jr. whom she was married to for 62 years, prior to his passing
She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville and a member of the Women’s Sodality.
She graduated from Minersville High School and was a proud Minersville High School cheerleader.
She was a former secretary at DiRenzo Coal Company.
She was a volunteer worker for St. Nicholas Parish for many years.
Her favorite pastimes were attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the Philadelphia Phillies, cooking Sunday dinners for her family and attending daily mass.
The most important part of Yolanda’s life was her Faith and her Family. “Gram” will be sadly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband John, she was preceded in death by a brother Nicholas Pizzico, and a sister, Lucy Ciotti.
She is survived by her children, Connie Brophy, Ann, wife of Ronald Weachock, Christine Rinaldo, and John, husband of Carrie Demcher. Grandchildren, Shannon Brophy, Casey, wife of Josh Polonio, James Brophy, Ryan, husband of Jessie Weachock, Cole, husband of Katie Weachock, Kelsey, wife of John Schleicher, Hannah, wife of Zach Brommer, and Lucas Rinaldo, John William Demcher and Jayson Demcher. Great grandchildren, Mack, Margot, Adam, Nolan, Walker, Lilly, Chloe, Scottie, and Baby Boy Weachock on the way.
Yolanda is also survived by her brothers, Ernest Pizzico, Constantino Pizzico, and Steven Pizzico. Her sisters, Maryann Romansky and Antoinette Ryan. Nieces and nephews.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation Friday 8:30 to 10:30 am at the Mahal Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville.
A Funeral Service will held at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville with the Reverend Mark Fesniak officiant.
Interment St. Nicholas Ukraininan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to either the St. Nicholas Memorial Fund of the St. Nicholas School Fund.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements
John Patrick “Pat” Bohannon, 98, of Port Carbon, passed away peacefully in his home in the early hours of March 1, 2026.
Yolanda was born in Minersville, May 25, 1934, a daughter of the late Lena (Sanza) and Constantino Pizzico.
She was the wife of the late John Demcher Jr. whom she was married to for 62 years, prior to his passing
She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville and a member of the Women’s Sodality.
She graduated from Minersville High School and was a proud Minersville High School cheerleader.
She was a former secretary at DiRenzo Coal Company.
She was a volunteer worker for St. Nicholas Parish for many years.
Her favorite pastimes were attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the Philadelphia Phillies, cooking Sunday dinners for her family and attending daily mass.
The most important part of Yolanda’s life was her Faith and her Family. “Gram” will be sadly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband John, she was preceded in death by a brother Nicholas Pizzico, and a sister, Lucy Ciotti.
She is survived by her children, Connie Brophy, Ann, wife of Ronald Weachock, Christine Rinaldo, and John, husband of Carrie Demcher. Grandchildren, Shannon Brophy, Casey, wife of Josh Polonio, James Brophy, Ryan, husband of Jessie Weachock, Cole, husband of Katie Weachock, Kelsey, wife of John Schleicher, Hannah, wife of Zach Brommer, and Lucas Rinaldo, John William Demcher and Jayson Demcher. Great grandchildren, Mack, Margot, Adam, Nolan, Walker, Lilly, Chloe, Scottie, and Baby Boy Weachock on the way.
Yolanda is also survived by her brothers, Ernest Pizzico, Constantino Pizzico, and Steven Pizzico. Her sisters, Maryann Romansky and Antoinette Ryan. Nieces and nephews.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation Friday 8:30 to 10:30 am at the Mahal Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville.
A Funeral Service will held at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville with the Reverend Mark Fesniak officiant.
Interment St. Nicholas Ukraininan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to either the St. Nicholas Memorial Fund of the St. Nicholas School Fund.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements
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Pat was a lifelong Port Carbon staple, born in the very same home in 1927 to father Patrick Bohannon and Mother Jennie Burns Bohannon. Having weathered nearly 100 years and multiple floods that forced him to restore this home with his own hands, Pat was a fixture of the community and could always be found on the front porch in nice weather with a sunny disposition to match. He leaves behind a profound legacy, having raised five children in his family home, leading to seven grandchildren, and six more great grandchildren as of his passing.
He was a lifetime member of Saint Stephen Church in Port Carbon, where he regularly attended Mass until its closing, at which point he moved to St. Clare of Assisi Church in St. Clair. Pat led a lifetime of service to his country, service to the community, and hard work that all should aspire to, having served honorably as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. From there, he undertook a decades-long career as a lineman and supervisor for PP&L. He further found time to coach Port Carbon Biddy-League Basketball, serve as President of the Port Carbon Little League, and act as Chairman of the Port Carbon Zoning Hearing Board for more than two decades.
Retirement scarcely slowed him down, as he could be regularly seen working hard maintaining his home personally well into his 90s, often to the chagrin of his family who would chide him to slow down and relax. This, however, was simply not Pat Bohannon’s way. Even his down time was marked by his desire to connect with others as he made multiple trips to his ancestral homeland of Ireland where he enjoyed time with extended family, soaked up the area’s history, and quickly formed friendships with the locals. Closer to home, the towns of Cape May and Wildwood Crest were beloved and regular vacation spots. With over 40 years of travel to those areas, he also developed and maintained many close friendships there. Pat was a devoted husband of nearly 50 years to his wife, Evelyn “Evie” Adams Bohannon, who preceded him in death in 2005, and was often recalled fondly by Pat to friends and family. He spent the vast majority of his life dedicated to caring for a family that was beyond fortunate to have had him in their lives.
He is survived by his five children, Kathleen Bohannon of Wyomissing; Janie Bohannon Shields Wessner and her husband, Wade, of Auburn; John Bohannon of Bridgeport, CT; Sandra Bohannon Wanniski and her husband, Bill, of Forrestville; and Michael Bohannon, who lived in the same home and cared for him in his twilight years. He was affectionately known as “Pap” to younger generations (both direct family and their friends) a loving and devoted grandfather to grandchildren who survive him: Conor Shields and his partner, Grainne Lynn, of Philadelphia; Dominic Angelo and his partner, Kara, of Greenville, SC; Alison Angelo Matteo and her husband, Chris, of Hoboken, NJ; Caitlin Shields Connolly and her husband, James, of Pottsville; Courtney Shields Soares and her husband, Justin, of Milford, CT; Keara Bohannon of Los Angeles, CA; and Makailah Bohannon of Daytona Beach, FL. In recent years, Pap also became a great-grandfather of six more children: Grant Shields Skibiel, Livia Matteo, Rocco Matteo, Cara Lynn Shields, Alexander Shields Connolly, and Peter Shields Soares.
Pat was always a warm and inviting presence that attracted both friends and family to his orbit frequently, hosting “Happy Pappy Hour” at his handcrafted basement bar, which he restored almost single-handedly after multiple floods. Most recently of which, included a Herculean effort at the age of 90. An excellent bartender and raconteur, Pat could often be found regaling others with a Miller Lite draft in hand and a game on in the background surrounded by friends and family. He enjoyed sharing sincere and meaningful conversations with almost everyone fortunate enough to meet him.
Finding those with an ill word to say about him would be a difficult task indeed. Pat’s family and friends will remember him for his sound advice, warmth, and good nature. He will be dearly missed.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM till time of Mass on Friday, March 6th at St. Clare of Assisi Church at 250 E. Hancock St. in St. Clair, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Clare of Assisi Church.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Port Carbon. The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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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
