Skook News Obituaries: April 22nd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born Tuesday, August 11, 1964 in Elizabeth, New Jersey the son of the late John Robert and Mary (Stemmler) Gall.
Surviving are; his wife of 30 years, Mary Elizabeth (Jones) Colt; sons, Scott Colt, Travis Colt; brother, Mark Gall; grandchildren, Willow Marie Colt, Travis David Colt, and Brayden Matthew Colt.
A graduate of Tamaqua Area High School Steven worked as a Steel Worker. An avid outdoorsman, Steven enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
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Geraldine was born in Valley View on December 9, 1935, a daughter of Raymond & Naomi (Straub) Hepler.
She was the widow of Robert A. Schneck.
The couple co-owned Schneck's Beer Distributor. Geraldine also worked in plating for the former AMP Inc., now known as Tyco International.
In addition to her parents and husband she is also preceded in death by her siblings: Forrest, & Lynn Hepler
Geraldine was a graduate of Porter High School.
She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove. She also belonged to the Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club.
She is survived by her daughter, Tracie Keefer, wife of Michael, Pine Grove, two grandchildren: Ryan Keefer & his significant other, Shawna, Frackville, & Kyla Morgan, wife of Koty, Elysburg, four great-grandchildren: Riley, Max, Ryder, Isabella, and nieces & nephews.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to Mark R. Shollenberger Scholarship Fund, c/o Pine Grove Area School District, 103 School St., Pine Grove, PA 17963
Graveside Services will be conducted at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 5th.
Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in 1929, Dick was a son of the late Harry L. Houtz and Helen R. (Zeird) Houtz-Heisler and a step-son of the late Ronald Heisler.
Dick enlisted in the United States Navy and served with distinction during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He traveled the world and was stationed in many locations including Guam and Morocco. His primary career was as a Communications Technician and Radio Operator, and his specialized expertise later led him into Naval Intelligence. He retired from the military after two decades of honorable service to his country.
Following his military retirement, Dick returned to Pennsylvania and continued his career for another 30 years. He eventually retired at the age of 70 after a long tenure with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, where he served as a Clerk, Assistant Manager, and Manager at locations in Tamaqua, Shenandoah, and Mahanoy City.
Dick’s life was defined by a deep connection to the Pennsylvania landscape and his community. He fondly remembered childhood days spent at the family cabin in the mountains near White Deer, and throughout his life, he remained drawn to the outdoors. While not a sportsman himself, he was a frequent and welcome fixture on many hunting trips to Potter County with friends.
An avid and lifelong Penn State Football fan, Dick spent many Saturdays cheering on the Nittany Lions. His passion for the team took him on memorable road trips with close friends to witness Penn State compete in the Orange Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl.
In his local community, Dick was a life member of the American Hose Company, #1, where he served in several leadership roles, including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. For many years, he also served as the Treasurer and Manager of the Tamaqua Fire Department Bingo Game. He enjoyed the fellowship of the fire service, and he especially enjoyed playing pinochle.
Dick is survived by three sons, Pete and his wife Denise of Ohio, Rick and his wife Karen of New Jersey, and Chris of Tamaqua; five grandchildren, Luke, Colin, Abbey, Derek, and Zack; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela R. Houtz, in 1982; his siblings, Paul Houtz, Lee Houtz, Sally Hager, and Linda Johnson; and his half-sister, Jeanne Hutchinson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street in Tamaqua. Family and friends may call from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua will follow the service where Dick will be laid to rest alongside his wife and daughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dick’s name may be made to American Hose Co. #1, 39 Mauch Chunk Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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George M. Denchy, 85, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Shenandoah on November 12, 1940, he was the son of the late George and Catherine (Shemansky) Denchy.
George was a 1958 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School in Shenandoah. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. He worked for many years as an HVAC specialist for the State Correctional Facility in Frackville. George was an avid outdoorsman, having truly enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and gardening. In addition to his hobbies, George enjoyed spending time with his family. George also held memberships in the Mahanoy City American Legion, Good American Fire Company in Mahanoy City, and the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695 for many years.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by 2 brothers- Joseph and John Denchy, along with 3 sisters- Catherine Black, Jean Denchy, and infant sister Mary Christine.
His surviving family members include his wife of 60 years, Marian P. (Smith) Denchy; his three sons- Mark Denchy with his wife Caroline Fitzpatrick of Branchdale, Carl Denchy with his wife Amy of Orwigsburg, and Neil Denchy with his wife Kimberly of Barnesville; his daughter- Patricia Denchy of Pottsville; 4 grandchildren- Michael, Justin, Madison, and Morgan Denchy; 2 great grandchildren- Elliott and Freya Denchy; along with several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 24th from 8:30am to 10am in St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am with Father Kevin Gallagher officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements, with the assistance of James Haughney Jr.
Born in Shenandoah on November 12, 1940, he was the son of the late George and Catherine (Shemansky) Denchy.
George was a 1958 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School in Shenandoah. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. He worked for many years as an HVAC specialist for the State Correctional Facility in Frackville. George was an avid outdoorsman, having truly enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and gardening. In addition to his hobbies, George enjoyed spending time with his family. George also held memberships in the Mahanoy City American Legion, Good American Fire Company in Mahanoy City, and the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695 for many years.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by 2 brothers- Joseph and John Denchy, along with 3 sisters- Catherine Black, Jean Denchy, and infant sister Mary Christine.
His surviving family members include his wife of 60 years, Marian P. (Smith) Denchy; his three sons- Mark Denchy with his wife Caroline Fitzpatrick of Branchdale, Carl Denchy with his wife Amy of Orwigsburg, and Neil Denchy with his wife Kimberly of Barnesville; his daughter- Patricia Denchy of Pottsville; 4 grandchildren- Michael, Justin, Madison, and Morgan Denchy; 2 great grandchildren- Elliott and Freya Denchy; along with several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 24th from 8:30am to 10am in St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am with Father Kevin Gallagher officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mahanoy City.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements, with the assistance of James Haughney Jr.
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Jeffrey W. Dvorak, 63, of Weatherly, and formerly of McAdoo, passed away peacefully Friday at his residence in Lake Hauto, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Mary (Hladish) Dvorak and the late Joseph Dvorak, and he was of the Roman Catholic faith.
Jeff was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, class of 1981 and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He was first employed at Zola Plumbing, where he dedicated 20 years as a professional plumber. He later joined JD Trucking as a Lead Mechanic, contributing his technical expertise to the company’s continued success.
Jeff was a passionate motorcycle and car enthusiast, with a special love for his Corvette. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his family—especially his nieces and nephews. He found great joy in being part of their lives, sharing his knowledge and teaching them practical life skills that they will carry with them always.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his father, were his brother, Jimmy and sister, Linda Dvorak.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his siblings, Joseph and wife, Anna Jo of Prospect Park; John and wife, Diane of Still Creek; Mary Garzio and husband, Mark of Lake Hauto; Jerome and wife, Janis of McAdoo; Jene and wife, Kerissa of Palmyra; Jude and wife, Sherry of New York; and Cathy Steffek and husband, Cory of Colorado; longtime girlfriend, Andrea McAloose and her son, Matthew McAloose; nieces and nephews, Joseph and Michael Dvorak (his Godson); Nina Thompson and husband, Chris; Amanda Hadzick and husband, Zane; Julia Dvorak; Levi, Micah, Nicholas and Piper Dvorak; Ava Dvorak; and Olivia and Hannah Steffek; great-nieces and nephews, Stella, Ryker, Knox, Zoey and Azalea; and also survived by many aunts and cousins.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, at 12 p.m. by the Very Rev. Eugene Ritz at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Interment will follow in St. Kunegunda’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers and trees, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Ronald McDonald House of Danville at www.rmdanville.org.
Born in Hazleton, he is the son of Mary (Hladish) Dvorak and the late Joseph Dvorak, and he was of the Roman Catholic faith.
Jeff was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, class of 1981 and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He was first employed at Zola Plumbing, where he dedicated 20 years as a professional plumber. He later joined JD Trucking as a Lead Mechanic, contributing his technical expertise to the company’s continued success.
Jeff was a passionate motorcycle and car enthusiast, with a special love for his Corvette. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his family—especially his nieces and nephews. He found great joy in being part of their lives, sharing his knowledge and teaching them practical life skills that they will carry with them always.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his father, were his brother, Jimmy and sister, Linda Dvorak.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his siblings, Joseph and wife, Anna Jo of Prospect Park; John and wife, Diane of Still Creek; Mary Garzio and husband, Mark of Lake Hauto; Jerome and wife, Janis of McAdoo; Jene and wife, Kerissa of Palmyra; Jude and wife, Sherry of New York; and Cathy Steffek and husband, Cory of Colorado; longtime girlfriend, Andrea McAloose and her son, Matthew McAloose; nieces and nephews, Joseph and Michael Dvorak (his Godson); Nina Thompson and husband, Chris; Amanda Hadzick and husband, Zane; Julia Dvorak; Levi, Micah, Nicholas and Piper Dvorak; Ava Dvorak; and Olivia and Hannah Steffek; great-nieces and nephews, Stella, Ryker, Knox, Zoey and Azalea; and also survived by many aunts and cousins.
A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, at 12 p.m. by the Very Rev. Eugene Ritz at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Interment will follow in St. Kunegunda’s R.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers and trees, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Ronald McDonald House of Danville at www.rmdanville.org.
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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
