Skook News Obituaries: April 9th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
📩 Daily Schuylkill County Obituary Alerts in Your Inbox
---------------------------------------------------
Nathan was a remarkable little boy whose joy for life was evident in his love for singing and dancing, as music lived deeply within his soul. He cherished dinosaurs and Spider-Man, often sharing his dream that one day he would be just like Spider-Man himself. Nathan also aspired to become a police officer, admiring Officer Charlie Kovaleski of the Mahanoy City Police Force as his hero. Though illness prevented Nathan from meeting Officer Kovaleski, whom he credited with saving his life by swiftly bringing him to the hospital after a troubling CAT scan, this connection remained a source of hope and admiration for him.
His laughter, radiant smile, and unwavering strength even amid hardship left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Nathan’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and boundless love. Above all, he wished for doctors and scientists to persist in their tireless efforts to find a cure for the devastating disease that claimed his young life.
Nathan is lovingly remembered by his devoted mother and father, Deborah Forker-Leso and Nicholas Forte Sr., as well as his birth parents, Alexis Fritz and Nathan Forker, who all held him dear. He was his daddy’s best friend and "Bub-bubs," and his mommy’s best friend and "Monkey." He is also survived by his grandparents Cathleen (G) and Jack Leso, his "Nanny," the special friend who knew him as "Choochie Bear" or Charlie, and extended family including grandparents Robert Forte Sr., Denise and Jack Graham, Colleen Coleman, as well as his brothers Nick Forte Jr. and his wife Amy with their son Nicholas Jr., Austin Forte and his wife Amber with their daughter Gracie, Bailey Forte and his wife Kourtney, Noah, Nico, and Nevan Forker. His sisters Alishza, Ashley, Aniston, and Mavis Forker, and numerous uncles – Rob Forte and his wife Harriet, Pat Leso and his wife Valerie, Rickey Crossley, Lucas Forker, Vince Forte, Gary Bakley, Harry Warren, Shaun Rickman, and Jeff Taylor – along with his aunts Diane Neiswender and her husband William, Shianne Aviles and her husband Emmanuel, Jennifer Forker and her husband Anthony, Patricia Robinson and her husband Rich, Denise Camarto and her husband Rich, Ayla Forker and her husband Josh, Leslie Leso and Sis Taylor, Kasa Brennan, Andrea Babarsky, Theresa Kaufman, Linda Peiffer, and Shanna Forker, Barbara Daugherty, Dina Quinn , ,all loved Nathan deeply.
Particularly close to Nathan were his niece and nephew, Aspyn and Orion Forker-Leso, and his cousins Harlee Dougherty, James Leso, and Alexis Leso, as well as his Uncle Tim Leso, who dedicated countless hours researching potential treatments to help Nathan. His aunts Kaylie Dougherty and her husband Nate, Uncle James Dougherty and his wife Krista, Aunt Colleen Marushak and her husband Rick, Aunt Lacey Coleman and her husband Dom, Felicia Vidzicki and her husband John Michael, as well as uncles Edward Forker Jr., John Simon, and Joseph Kase, were beloved family members supporting Nathan and cherishing his memory. Nathan also had numerous other cousins and family members who loved him dearly.
Nathan received exceptional care from his hospice nurses Bill and Brook from Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, as well as dedicated doctors and nurses from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Riley Children's Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and nurses from Aveanna Home Care in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who provided compassionate support throughout his illness.
He was preceded in death by his brother Derreck Forker-Leso; grandparents Victoria and Butch Slatick, Shirley Bakley and William Rulon, and Edward Forker Sr.; uncles Brandon Fritz, Todd Forker, Bruce Forker, Adam Forker, and Robert Babarsky; aunts Jessie, Jody, and Ginny Forker, and Tracey Rickman; sister-in-law Brittany Zelinsky; and niece Aadilyn Forker-Leso.
A viewing to honor Nathan’s memory will be held on Sunday April 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and again on Monday April 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., located at 300 West Center Street, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. A Celebration of life Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 13th with Chaplain Matt officiating.
Nathan Forker - Leso’s gentle spirit and courageous heart will forever remain in the memories of all who were blessed to know him. His light will continue to shine brightly in the love he shared and the inspiration he leaves behind.
We are deeply grateful and profoundly touched by the outpouring of love and generosity shown in Nathan’s name. Our hearts are filled with appreciation for the meaningful contributions made by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, ThinkBIG for Pediatric Cancer, So So Strong Foundation, and Violet Foundation. Your kindness and support in honor of our sweet boy mean more to us than words can ever express.
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.
---------------------------------------------------
David Rockwell Sr., 70, of Preston Avenue, Girardville, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, with his family by his side, at his residence. Born at the former Ashland Hospital in Fountain Springs, October 8, 1955, he was the son of the late Marlin and Matilda (Erdman) Rockwell. He attended North Schuylkill High School, and was employed as a Machinist in Boiler Maintenance. David enjoyed riding on his motorcycle in his free time. He was a member of Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, Ashland, and was a former scout leader with the Ashland Boy Scouts. Preceding him in death was a brother R. Kevin Rockwell, passing June 2020.
Survivors
Son: David Rockwell Jr., and his fiancé Christy, Girardville
Son: Kyle Rockwell, Benton
Daughter: Heather wife of Brian Beury, Mt. Carmel
Sister: Louise wife of Robert Horan, Ashland
Sister: Janet Powell, Florida
Sister: Eda wife of Gale Campell, Trevorton
Sister: Carol wife Stephen Wilson, Ashland
Brother: Marlin Rockwell, Trevorton
Seven Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Dave’s life, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12 Noon, in the Christ Church Cemetery, 134 Broad Street, Fountain Springs, Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Dean Luther, pastor of the Zion’s Reformed Church of Christ, Ashland. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born Friday, November 13, 1970 in Pittston, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Louis J. and Gloria (Sposs) White. Lori was also predeceased by; sister, Patricia Reshater.
A graduate of Hazleton High School, Lori had worked at the former Pottsville Lamp Factory. Lori enjoyed doing arts and crafts. Throughout her disability, Lori was gracious and kind. Her optimism will be greatly missed by many.
Surviving in addition to Jeffrey, are brother, Michael White and his wife Nicole, sisters, Carol Branz, Rose Marie Wickersham; niece Michelle Hunsinger; mother-in-law, Rose Marie Weaver; sister-in-law Tina Stianche and her husband Michael. A large extended family also survives Lori
Private Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
---------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
She was born on June 6, 1945, in Baltimore, MD, a daughter of the late Francis X. and Eileen E. Rehnert Burns.
She was a 1963 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville.
Prior to retiring Eileen worked for Hallmark at the Cressona and Fairlane Village Malls.
She was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Eileen had a profound love for flowers, finding joy and tranquility in their beauty and serenity. Her passion for bowling was another facet of her lively spirit, bringing her moments of friendly competition and camaraderie. Yet, above all, Eileen’s deepest fulfillment came from caring for her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to their well-being, nurturing and supporting them with unwavering love.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick E. Burns.
Surviving are her husband Michael J. Yanni with whom she would have celebrated 60 years of marriage with on May 14th; a son Michael F. Yanni and a daughter, Janelle Yanni, all of Schuylkill Haven; a niece, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held 11AM Tuesday, April 14, at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 10AM until the time of services. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville. The family would prefer remembrances in the form to contributions in memory of Eileen be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
---------------------------------------------------
Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Emil and Margaret (Bohenek) Howarth, and a member of St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo.
Preceding her in death, were her sister, Diane (Howarth) Snyder and nephew Brian Snyder.
Surviving are her sisters, Barbara Howard, of Erie and Mary Ann Lubinensky and husband Gary, of Schnecksville; and also nephews.
The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Gregory Hosler on Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m. in St Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.
The Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family.
---------------------------------------------------
Kevin was born in Pottsville, Pa. on November 21, 1955, a son of the late Constance (Adolphson) and Melvin Thornburg.
He was the husband of Marie C. (McNellis) Thornburg to whom he was married to for nearly 44 years who was always by his side.
He was a 1973 graduate of Pottsville Area high School.
He ran his own painting business until his retirement. Kevin was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He enjoyed classic rock music, concerts, the beach, and a soak in the hot tub.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Marie, a daughter, Dr. Kristina M. Thornburg., & a son, Kevin J. Thornburg Jr. Kevin is also survived by two sisters, Kim Murphy and Lori Kilpatrick, and a brother, Alan Thornburg. Also surviving his Aunt Joan Adolphson.
All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:00 to 11:00 am on Monday, April 13th at St. Michael's Chapel of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, MSC officiating.
Interment Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to either the Holy Family Parish memorial fund or Relay for Life of Schuylkill County.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., entrusted with the arrangements.
---------------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, PA on October 29, 1950, he was the son of the late Francis X. and Anna (Celep) Docherty.
Doc was a graduate of Saint Clair High School. He retired from Fairmont Foundry in Hamburg. Doc was an avid Fisherman and Philadelphia sports fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Cheryl Frantz and Denise Wagner
Doc is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann (Wonchalk) Docherty; son Bryan Docherty and his wife Michele; daughter Nicole Reidler and her husband Michael; son Christopher Docherty; granddaughter Kayla Docherty and her companion Brent Markus; step-grandchildren: McKayla and Michael Reidler; sister Donna Docherty; brother Richard Docherty and his wife Irene; and nieces and nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Monday, April 13th, with Deacon John Matalavage officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Monday morning from 9:30-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment private Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. Clair.
---------------------------------------------------
Obituaries from the past 7 Days
--------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
