Skook News Obituaries: May 15th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Alice was a 1957 graduate of Ashland High School, where she was a member of the Girls Basketball Team and the Try Hi Y club. She was a parishioner of Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ. Throughout her life, she worked briefly for the Ashland Knitting Mill, South Amboy Diner, Steinhilber Bros, and the Gay Store, but her primary and most cherished role was as a mother and loving wife.
Known as a "shutterbug," Alice was rarely seen without a camera in hand and compiled over 50 photo albums documenting her family life. She briefly modeled for a local photographer after high school and was often described by those who knew her as "sweet." She enjoyed soap operas, game shows, and was an avid collector of bells, Avon and Elvis memorabilia. She was also known for clipping newspaper articles to share stories and helpful tips with loved ones.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Alice’s Life, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11 AM, in Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2500 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. Dean Luther, pastor. Visitation in the church will begin at 9:30 AM until the service. Internment will follow in Christ Church Cemetery, Fountain Springs. A viewing will be held, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre Street, Ashland, beginning at 5 PM until 8 PM. Donations in her name can be made to the Hillside SPCA, Inc., 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA. 17901. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.
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Catherine Jane (Jones) Derr, 94, of Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Greenwood Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Born in Tamaqua on April 5, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Catherine (Walters) Jones. Catherine was a lifelong resident of Tamaqua who found her greatest joy in her family. Known affectionately as "Gram" and "Nana," she completely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tamaqua and spent many years working at the former Anchor Deep Seafood restaurant. Outside of family time, Catherine loved doing word find books, going out to eat and never missed a chance to take a fun trip to the casino.
She was reunited in heaven with her husband, Arthur Daniel Derr; her sons, Arthur Jr. "Artie" and Paul Daniel Derr; her grandchildren, Heather Hayes and Bernie Lech; her great-grandson Kenneth Shane Nelson; her brothers, John, Richard, Daniel, Morgan and William Jones; and her long-time companion, Elbert L. "Bert" Stegmeier.
Her beautiful legacy lives on through her daughters: Mary Jane Derr, Donna wife of Bernard Lech Jr., Ellen wife of Leonard Miller and Wendy wife of Thomas Fabrizio. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Connie Derr and her cherished grandchildren: Cheryl Nelson, Michael Hayes, John "Jay" Lech, Amanda "Punky" Tucker, Brian Miller, Jason Derr, Jesse Lincovich, Luke Derr, Elijah Derr, Jonah Derr, Dylan Fabrizio and Matthew Fabrizio along with many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Born in Tamaqua on April 5, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Catherine (Walters) Jones. Catherine was a lifelong resident of Tamaqua who found her greatest joy in her family. Known affectionately as "Gram" and "Nana," she completely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tamaqua and spent many years working at the former Anchor Deep Seafood restaurant. Outside of family time, Catherine loved doing word find books, going out to eat and never missed a chance to take a fun trip to the casino.
She was reunited in heaven with her husband, Arthur Daniel Derr; her sons, Arthur Jr. "Artie" and Paul Daniel Derr; her grandchildren, Heather Hayes and Bernie Lech; her great-grandson Kenneth Shane Nelson; her brothers, John, Richard, Daniel, Morgan and William Jones; and her long-time companion, Elbert L. "Bert" Stegmeier.
Her beautiful legacy lives on through her daughters: Mary Jane Derr, Donna wife of Bernard Lech Jr., Ellen wife of Leonard Miller and Wendy wife of Thomas Fabrizio. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Connie Derr and her cherished grandchildren: Cheryl Nelson, Michael Hayes, John "Jay" Lech, Amanda "Punky" Tucker, Brian Miller, Jason Derr, Jesse Lincovich, Luke Derr, Elijah Derr, Jonah Derr, Dylan Fabrizio and Matthew Fabrizio along with many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Private arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
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Born in Paris, Pennsylvania on October 14, 1945, Jerry was the son of the late Frances (Freshwater) and Harold I. Hooper.
Jerry shared nearly 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gloria (Morozowich) Hooper.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army as part of the Army Security Agency (ASA) from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, and later continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1980. He deeply valued the lifelong friendships formed during his military service and looked forward each year to reunions with his fellow Vietnam veterans.
Jerry spent his career with Weirton Steel Corporation, where he worked as an Electrical Supervisor until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his daughters, Janet Hooper (Ray Hulings) and Lisa Hooper (Don Goepfert); his grandchildren, Alicia Zuk, James Goepfert, Mila Goepfert, and Ellie Goepfert; and his great-grandsons, Paul Zuk III and Luke Zuk.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Steven Hooper, and his brother, Leonard Hooper.
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona.
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Born in Minersville on October 16, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Cesare and Adelina Eramo Taglieri.
Anna was a 1957 graduate of Minersville High School, going on to earn a Bachelor’s in Education from West Chester University in 1961, and a Masters of Science from Adelphi University in 1973.
Anna enjoyed a fulfilling 34-year career as a science and math teacher, retiring from East Meadow High School in East Meadow, NY in 1995. She inspired and impacted countless students with her compassion and knowledge.
Anna was a long-time participant and leader with Landmark Education, known for her generosity, kindness and big heart among the wide circle of friends she enjoyed in that community.
Anna loved to travel all over the world, and especially to visit her family spread throughout the East and West coasts. Anna enjoyed many extended stays in her parents’ hometown of Carrito, Italy, where she renovated a small apartment in the building where her father was raised so that her family could visit and connect with their Italian heritage.
Anna described herself as a “born again Catholic” and was an active supporter of Our Holy Redeemer church in Freeport. One of her favorite Scripture passages was Philippians Chapter 4.
Anna was a beloved aunt, sister, and friend to many, and her influence was felt deeply by those who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family and friends, and the love and laughter she generously shared with all those around her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Dante Taglieri; Dora Mitchell; Carmine Taglieri; Barbara Roesch and Julius Taglieri.
Surviving her are beloved sisters Dena Shapella; Lena Sokola; Mary Bowers; along with many cherished Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Monday May 18, 2026 at St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church 539 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:45-10:45 AM at the church. Burial will be held privately in St. Barbara Cemetery, Llewellyn. The service will be livestreamed from the Dutcavich Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DutcavichFH/
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charitable organization of your choice. Anna believed strongly in supporting causes that reflect one’s own passions and values. Or, we invite you to make a memorial gift to West Chester University Foundation, Anna’s alma mater and an acknowledgment of her commitment to education. Please make checks payable to WCU Foundation, Memo: In Memory of Anna Taglieri,, and mail to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. Gifts can also be made through the Foundation’s secure website at https://www.wcufoundation.org/g/memorial-gifts.
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Born on May 15, 1973 in Lebanon, he was a son of and Linda Venszl and husband Vincent Kulbitsky of Pine Grove and the late John J. Venszl.
He was a 1991 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and attended Penn State University.
John was a Press Operator for Engineered Materials Solution in Hamburg.
He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
John enjoyed riding motorcycle, going on patrol with his daughter Zoey and taking his children fishing.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are three children, Cameo Martin of Ravine, Adam Venszl and Zoey Venszl, both of Pine Grove; two grandchildren, Owen and Jasper; a brother Jared Venszl of Schuylkill Haven; a niece and nephew, Angel Venszl of Valley View and Noah Venszl of Pine Grove.
There will be a visitation on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 312 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
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Born on January 20, 1948 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Karl Sr. and Madelyn L Wendling Witmer.
He was a 1965 graduate of Tremont High School.
Dean was a heliport Supply Specialist at Fort Indiantown Gap for 33 years and then worked for the Lebanon County 911 Center for 17 years, creating the maps for the city.
He was a member of the Tulpehocken Rifle and Pistol Club, Pine Grove. He loved nature, especially flowers and gardening and was a music lover and enjoying playing his coronet.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Donna Rainbow Witmer; four children, David Witmer and fiancé Erica Rivera of Mahanoy City, Dawn and husband Greg Newlin of Hummelstown, Daniel Witmer of Waymart, Debra and husband Mike Schoffstall of Hummelstown; 12 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a brother, Karl Jr. and wife Ann Witmer of Tower City.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor John Ritchey officiating. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
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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
