Skook News Obituaries: June 4th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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He was pre-deceased by three sisters, Marie Gradwell (Allentown, PA), Helen Stair (Akron, CO), and Anna Zack (Richmond, VA). He is survived by his prior spouse, Carmen L. (McClure) Snitzer, and the children they shared together, Christian J. Snitzer (Shenandoah, PA), Matthew M. Snitzer (Frackville, PA), Kimberly A. Wickersham (Shenandoah, PA), Joseph P. Snitzer (Frackville, PA); 8 grandchildren, Abigail, Madison, Isabelle, Mason, Morgan, Sierra, Rebecca, and Anthony; 2 great grandchildren, Hudson and Harper.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 139 South Center St., Frackville, PA. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 139 South Center St., Frackville, PA, 17931. Online photos and memories can be shared at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge of his arrangements.
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Marie (Donaldson) Forney, a resident of Rosewood Nursing Home, passed into the loving hands of our Lord on this day, June 2, 2026.
Marie’s entire life revolved around the enrichment and love of her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren always brought a special smile to her tired eyes. Ever the one to show up at someone’s home with tools, paint and brushes to do any necessary job and would expect nothing in return but a thank you or I love you, Nana.
Saturdays always found her making time for summer yard sales or hiking the trails and mountain roads with her sisters and brother-in-law Dinny. Marie’s other passion, besides her cats, was foster parenting numerous infants and young children. Many were fortunate to come through her care.
During her time as an employee at a local nursing home, she played an important role with the local union to help better working conditions of fellow employees.
Our mom, Nana, Gram will always be remembered and sadly missed. She is survived by her a daughter Anita Rich, son Robert Forney, husband of Debbie, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Marie is predeceased by her parents, Julia and Frances Donaldson, husband, Robert Vincent Forney, son, David Robert Forney, daughter, Linda Marie Fegley, sisters, Rita Hinchey and Eleanor McNamara, brothers James, Robert and Teddy, son-in-laws Kenneth Rich and John Glass and her lifelong friend Joan Moser.
In lieu of flowers send a donation to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville PA 17901.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 9th at 12 Noon. A Viewing will be held from 11 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Mount Laurel Cemetery in Pottsville.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Pottsville.
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Edward J. Slane, 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, June 2nd, at his residence surrounded by loved ones including his beloved dog, Murphy.
Born in Pottsville on August 2, 1947, he was the son of the late Kathryn (Burke) and Thomas A. Slane and was raised in Minersville. He graduated from Minersville High School in 1966.
He was the husband of Rose Mary (Whalen) Slane.
He was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia.
He served in the U.S. Army.
He was formerly employed by Allied Chemical in the research and development department. He then retired from the PA Department of Corrections, Mahanoy as a safety manager after 20 years.
Edward was a dedicated member of numerous fire companies throughout his life, including the Good Intent, Fire company in New Philadelphia, where he proudly served as a past chief. He was also a member of the Tuscarora Fire Company, Mountaineer Fire Company, in Minersville, and Phoenix Fire Company in Pottsville. Additionally, he served as a past assistant fire chief in Pottsville, and was a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, instructor, sharing his knowledge and passion for the fire service with others. Beyond his fire service, he was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society. An avid Hunter and trap shooter. Ed greatly enjoyed the outdoors and the camaraderie that came with the sport. He proudly served his community as a former mayor of New Philadelphia Borough.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kelly McCormick wife of Michael, Bethlehem; grandchildren Kathleen "Kacey" and Brandon McCormick; brother in law James Whalen, Florida; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 on Monday, June 8th at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in New Philadelphia.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 7th at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held prior at the Church from 10 am until the time of the Mass.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Holy Cross Church, Hillside SPCA or a fire company of the donor's choice.
Haus Bartahsus Funeral Home, New Phildelphia has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Karen Barbara Modesto, 78, of Seltzer, passed away Tuesday, June 2nd, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
Karen was born in Pottsville, on January 22, 1948, a daughter of the late Arlene (Smith) Wagner and Francis Smith.
She was the wife of Salvatore R. Modesto.
She was a former Dietary Hostess at the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic.
Karen is survived by her husband, Sal, a son, Jason “J.T.”, husband of Karen Modesto. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nico Salvatore Modesto, and Natalie Marie Modesto. Also surviving is a sister, Cindy Ellison.
All Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, entrusted with the arrangements.
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Janette L. Freiler, 82, of Ashland, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Gerald and Ruth (Ney) Aaron. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Gerald J. Freiler; and her sister, Ruth Ann O'Donnell
Janette is survived by her son, Jerry Freiler and his wife, Susan, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; her daughter, Mary Ann Henning and her husband, Ron, of Ashland; her grandchildren, Nicole Henning, Ryan Henning (Crista), Meghan Martin (Cade), Morgan Freiler, and Clary Newsome; her great-granddaughter, Malina Henning; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A 1961 graduate of the former Ashland High School, Janette was a proud member of the school's majorette corps and served as head majorette during her high school years.
Janette was known for her generous heart, kind spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. She loved cooking and took great joy in preparing meals for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who could use a helping hand. Whether it was providing a home-cooked meal, driving someone to an appointment, or caring for children, Janette was always there for others without hesitation.
Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and rarely missed an opportunity to attend their activities, sporting events, and special occasions. Her unwavering support and presence were gifts that her family will forever treasure.
In her later years, Janette enjoyed working on puzzles, playing bingo, and spending time with those she loved most.
Private services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Janette's name, to the Hillside SPCA online or at PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Marie’s entire life revolved around the enrichment and love of her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren always brought a special smile to her tired eyes. Ever the one to show up at someone’s home with tools, paint and brushes to do any necessary job and would expect nothing in return but a thank you or I love you, Nana.
Saturdays always found her making time for summer yard sales or hiking the trails and mountain roads with her sisters and brother-in-law Dinny. Marie’s other passion, besides her cats, was foster parenting numerous infants and young children. Many were fortunate to come through her care.
During her time as an employee at a local nursing home, she played an important role with the local union to help better working conditions of fellow employees.
Our mom, Nana, Gram will always be remembered and sadly missed. She is survived by her a daughter Anita Rich, son Robert Forney, husband of Debbie, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Marie is predeceased by her parents, Julia and Frances Donaldson, husband, Robert Vincent Forney, son, David Robert Forney, daughter, Linda Marie Fegley, sisters, Rita Hinchey and Eleanor McNamara, brothers James, Robert and Teddy, son-in-laws Kenneth Rich and John Glass and her lifelong friend Joan Moser.
In lieu of flowers send a donation to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville PA 17901.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 9th at 12 Noon. A Viewing will be held from 11 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Mount Laurel Cemetery in Pottsville.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Pottsville.
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Born in Pottsville on August 2, 1947, he was the son of the late Kathryn (Burke) and Thomas A. Slane and was raised in Minersville. He graduated from Minersville High School in 1966.
He was the husband of Rose Mary (Whalen) Slane.
He was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia.
He served in the U.S. Army.
He was formerly employed by Allied Chemical in the research and development department. He then retired from the PA Department of Corrections, Mahanoy as a safety manager after 20 years.
Edward was a dedicated member of numerous fire companies throughout his life, including the Good Intent, Fire company in New Philadelphia, where he proudly served as a past chief. He was also a member of the Tuscarora Fire Company, Mountaineer Fire Company, in Minersville, and Phoenix Fire Company in Pottsville. Additionally, he served as a past assistant fire chief in Pottsville, and was a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, instructor, sharing his knowledge and passion for the fire service with others. Beyond his fire service, he was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society. An avid Hunter and trap shooter. Ed greatly enjoyed the outdoors and the camaraderie that came with the sport. He proudly served his community as a former mayor of New Philadelphia Borough.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kelly McCormick wife of Michael, Bethlehem; grandchildren Kathleen "Kacey" and Brandon McCormick; brother in law James Whalen, Florida; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 on Monday, June 8th at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in New Philadelphia.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 7th at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held prior at the Church from 10 am until the time of the Mass.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Holy Cross Church, Hillside SPCA or a fire company of the donor's choice.
Haus Bartahsus Funeral Home, New Phildelphia has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Karen was born in Pottsville, on January 22, 1948, a daughter of the late Arlene (Smith) Wagner and Francis Smith.
She was the wife of Salvatore R. Modesto.
She was a former Dietary Hostess at the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic.
Karen is survived by her husband, Sal, a son, Jason “J.T.”, husband of Karen Modesto. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nico Salvatore Modesto, and Natalie Marie Modesto. Also surviving is a sister, Cindy Ellison.
All Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Gerald and Ruth (Ney) Aaron. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Gerald J. Freiler; and her sister, Ruth Ann O'Donnell
Janette is survived by her son, Jerry Freiler and his wife, Susan, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; her daughter, Mary Ann Henning and her husband, Ron, of Ashland; her grandchildren, Nicole Henning, Ryan Henning (Crista), Meghan Martin (Cade), Morgan Freiler, and Clary Newsome; her great-granddaughter, Malina Henning; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A 1961 graduate of the former Ashland High School, Janette was a proud member of the school's majorette corps and served as head majorette during her high school years.
Janette was known for her generous heart, kind spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. She loved cooking and took great joy in preparing meals for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who could use a helping hand. Whether it was providing a home-cooked meal, driving someone to an appointment, or caring for children, Janette was always there for others without hesitation.
Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and rarely missed an opportunity to attend their activities, sporting events, and special occasions. Her unwavering support and presence were gifts that her family will forever treasure.
In her later years, Janette enjoyed working on puzzles, playing bingo, and spending time with those she loved most.
Private services will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Janette's name, to the Hillside SPCA online or at PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Girardville, is in charge of 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
