Skook News Obituaries: May 19th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Joseph “Josie” Salukas Jr., 73, of Girardville, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS, on Monday, May 18th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, Allentown, with his family by his side.
Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Nojunas) Salukas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Salukas, and a sister-in-law, Vicki Salukas.
Josie was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Class of 1970. For 51 years, he, alongside his wife, Claire, were the owners and operators of the world famous Tony’s Lunch in Girardville, where he became a familiar face and friend to generations of customers.
An avid golfer and fisherman, Josie also enjoyed playing darts and was known as one of the best pool shooters in the county. He enjoyed playing online poker for fun and was a devoted fan of Dallas Cowboys and Notre Dame football. Josie was also playing fantasy football long before it became what it is today and proudly played for many years with the same close-knit group of friends. Josie loved listening to music and always listened to the words.
He was a lifetime member of the Rangers Fire Company in Girardville. Josie was also known as a great storyteller — where, as family and friends would say, “90% of it was truthful.” His humor, personality, and gift for conversation made him unforgettable to all who knew him.
While Josie leaves behind many cherished memories, his greatest legacy will continue through Tony’s Lunch, which his family will proudly carry on, with his grandson Brady behind the grill, who he trained prior to his illness.
Josie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Claire (Dando) Salukas of Girardville; by his daughter, Jennifer Kowalonek and her husband, Stefan, of Fountain Springs; by his son, Joseph Salukas III and his wife, Angela, of Gordon; by his brother, Michael Salukas of Philadelphia; by his two sisters, SueAnn Bann and her husband, Bernard, of Orwigsburg, and Elaine Kelly and her husband, Dan, of Girardville; and by his five grandchildren, Joseph Salukas IV, Brady Salukas, Claire, Alyza, and Francis Kowalonek. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Josie’s visitation on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 403 West Main Street, Girardville. A prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Lehigh Valley ALS Center – Moments of Joy, 1250 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 405, Allentown, PA 18103.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Nojunas) Salukas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Salukas, and a sister-in-law, Vicki Salukas.
Josie was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Class of 1970. For 51 years, he, alongside his wife, Claire, were the owners and operators of the world famous Tony’s Lunch in Girardville, where he became a familiar face and friend to generations of customers.
An avid golfer and fisherman, Josie also enjoyed playing darts and was known as one of the best pool shooters in the county. He enjoyed playing online poker for fun and was a devoted fan of Dallas Cowboys and Notre Dame football. Josie was also playing fantasy football long before it became what it is today and proudly played for many years with the same close-knit group of friends. Josie loved listening to music and always listened to the words.
He was a lifetime member of the Rangers Fire Company in Girardville. Josie was also known as a great storyteller — where, as family and friends would say, “90% of it was truthful.” His humor, personality, and gift for conversation made him unforgettable to all who knew him.
While Josie leaves behind many cherished memories, his greatest legacy will continue through Tony’s Lunch, which his family will proudly carry on, with his grandson Brady behind the grill, who he trained prior to his illness.
Josie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Claire (Dando) Salukas of Girardville; by his daughter, Jennifer Kowalonek and her husband, Stefan, of Fountain Springs; by his son, Joseph Salukas III and his wife, Angela, of Gordon; by his brother, Michael Salukas of Philadelphia; by his two sisters, SueAnn Bann and her husband, Bernard, of Orwigsburg, and Elaine Kelly and her husband, Dan, of Girardville; and by his five grandchildren, Joseph Salukas IV, Brady Salukas, Claire, Alyza, and Francis Kowalonek. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Josie’s visitation on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 403 West Main Street, Girardville. A prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Lehigh Valley ALS Center – Moments of Joy, 1250 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 405, Allentown, PA 18103.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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He was born on August 9, 1941, in Pottsville and was the son of the late Leonard Riotto and Mary (Beno) Riotto.
Jim is survived by his wife, Anna Marie (Kalochie) Riotto, to whom he was married for 62 years.
Jim was of the Catholic faith and was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He worked as a sales manager for the former Pottsville Republican and enjoyed playing golf in his free time.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose Morley and Elizabeth Meyer, and a brother, Leonard Riotto.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his son, James J. Riotto, Jr., husband of Cheryl, of Deer Lake; his son, Mark A. Riotto, husband of Michele, of Exton; and his daughter, Lisa Riotto Holobetz, wife of Corey, of Pottsville. He is also survived by his sister, Marianne Maberry, wife of Richard, of Pottsville; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Kevin, Brendan, Joshua, Matthew, Corey, and Ryan; a great-granddaughter a, Reagan, and great-grandson Jonah; along with nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in St. Clair with Monsignor William Glosser officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at the church.
Interment will be in Queen of the Universe Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family would appreciate contributions in Jim’s memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 327 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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Born on November 30, 1949, he was the son of the late John F. and Marna (Allen) Handler. John was a proud 1968 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. He spent his career as a dedicated insurance salesman and investment advisor for Prudential Insurance.
John’s life was defined by service to Tamaqua. He was an active member of the Tamaqua Historical Society and the Schuylkill County Republican Committee. His leadership extended to the Tamaqua Library Board, the Bungalow Pool advisory board, and his years with the former Tamaqua Jaycees.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Linda P. (Neifert) Handler. He is survived by his brother, James Handler of Pittsboro, North Carolina.
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 May 22, 2026 at 11 o'clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.
Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in John's name in care of:
The Tamaqua Library
30 South Railroad Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
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Kathleen was born in Pottsville on May 21, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Harry Hughes and Beatrice Finley.
She was a Nativity High School graduate and attended St. Patrick's Church in Pottsville.
She worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Rite Aid in Philadelphia. After retirement, Kathleen worked as a home health aide.
Kathleen is survived by her sister, Rosemary Wiyda, and her nephew, Christopher Wiyda.
A memorial service will be held at the family's convenience.
Haus Bartashus Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., New Philadelphia has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Rita was born in Coaldale, Pa. on March 11, 1940, a daughter of the late Mary (Andreas) and Fredrick Meick.
She was the widow of Robert Lamar Miller. Robert died in 2017. She is survived by her companion, Irwin Lavan.
She worked as a bootie machine operator and was also employed in warehousing.
Rita enjoyed senior citizens meetings and activities.
Rita is survived by
four daughters, Rita Ann, wife of Russell Gernert, with whom she lived;
Rose, wife of Mark Killian,
Roxanne, wife of Mike Morgan
Rochelle, wife of Robert Reaman
a son,Robert Miller, husband of Lisa.
She is also survived by grandchildren Russell IV and Dustin Gernert; Amanda Miller; Charles Brensinger and her sister Theresa Mahoney
She was predeceased by a daughter Ruth Ann Schlicker and grandsons Michael and Justin. and a brother Frederick "Fritz" Meick.
There will be no services. Hamilton-Breiner funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg is honored to have been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born in Hazleton on January 18, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Lillian (Cressman) Rupert.
Evelyn was a 1956 graduate of Ringtown High School. She worked for many years at Jeld-Wen in Ringtown as an Executive Secretary until her retirement. Around the area and beyond, Evelyn was known for her quilting abilities. A seamstress at heart, she won numerous awards and was a member of Quilt Guild for 23 years.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ringtown. Evelyn had previously served as president for the Ringtown Lioness Club, as treasurer for the Ringtown Women’s Club, a member of the Ringtown Area Senior Citizens, and an original board member of the Northern Valley Medical Center in Ringtown.
Her and her husband, James would vacation every summer for the last 40 years in Canada, and the last 11 years in their very own cottage.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her son, James E. Compton Jr.
Evelyn is survived by her husband of 68 years, James Compton, her daughter- Pamela Klase of Washington, 1 brother- Earl Rupert with his wife Carol of Reading, 1 sister- Mary Wilanosky with her husband Joe of Shenandoah, her granddaughter- Sherri Keich with her husband Brian, 2 great grandchildren- Allie and Noah, along with nieces and nephews.
Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc. are entrusted with the 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
