Skook News Obituaries: July 25th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
📩 Daily Schuylkill County Obituary Alerts in Your Inbox
-------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Born in Pottsville on August 26, 1947, she was a daughter of the late Elmer George and Mary Marie (Hock) Miller.
Susan was a graduate of Cressona High School and received her Master of Divinity from Lancaster Bible College.
Susan proudly served her country in the US Army , a reflection of her strength, courage, and dedication. After having children, she worked in management, social services, and health care positions until retirement. Providing faith, support, compassion, and care to others defined her life.
She was a member of St. Marks UCC, Cressona and Faith Assembly of God. Susan devoted her life to her Christian Faith. She was involved in many church activities, bible studies, women's ministries and charitable work. It brought her great joy to volunteer with Helping Harvest Food Pantry.
Susan is survived by daughters Julie Weiser, wife of Kevin, Schuylkill Haven, Susan Kuchinsky, wife of James, Orwigsburg and Jennifer Fabrizi, wife of Rick, Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren Christian and Brandon Weiser, Corey Kuchinsky, husband of Hannah and Cassandra Moritz, wife of Karl, Rocco, Marco, Camilla and Franco Fabrizi; In addition, her two nieces Elizabeth and Alyssa Miller.
In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her brother Elmer Hock Miller.
Though her hands are now still, the warmth of her spirit and the strength of her love remain woven into the lives of family she held dear. Her greatest legacy is the faith she shared freely, unconditional love , and countless memories her family will cherish forever.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, July 27th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Dave Ramsey officiating. A viewing for family and friends will be held at 12:30 PM until time of services. Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be forwarded to Helping Harvest at 117 Morgan Drive Reading, PA 19608 or Gift of Life Donor Program at 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven.
--------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Nancy was born on August 2, 1943, in Pottsville, a daughter of the late Edward Reber and Martha (Heim) Reber.
A lifelong resident of Pottsville, she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and worked for many years for Van Heusen in Schuylkill Haven until her retirement. Nancy loved to shop.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death recently by her long time companion, Tom.
Nancy is survived by several cousins, including Gloria Crowe of Pottsville and Margaret Dean of Gilberton.
Relatives and friends are invited to come together and celebrate Nancy's life on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 West Market Street, Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 10-11 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM.
Nancy will be laid to rest at the Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, immediately following the service.
--------------------------------------------
They were known as Women Ordnance Workers or simply, a ‘Wow’ (W.O.W.) – a word that would follow Margaret for the rest of her days. She recalled making $0.80 an hour, an excellent wage for the era. Her first foray in the war effort consisted of scraping excess glue from components and work stations. Feeling unsatisfied, she boldly asked to be reassigned. It was then that Margaret learned to operate heavy machinery like the drill press, lathe, and milling machine, and she ended most of her shifts covered in grease and oil. Because the factory floor was highly compartmentalized, the workforce never saw a finished product; they worked only on isolated pieces. It was not until much later that she learned Singer was producing receivers for the semi-automatic M1 carbine rifle, as well as aviation and targeting components such as bomb sights, control computers, and artificial horizon instrumentation for combat aircraft. If there was any doubt as to the value of these efforts, many M1 carbines were found on the beaches of Normandy, a distinct letter ‘B’ for Bridgeport stamped on the receivers. Throughout the war, workers were reminded never to disclose what was done behind the factory walls. Decades later, when pressed for details about her time as a Rosie, she was still hesitant to provide details. Her wartime code held fast: “Loose lips sink ships.”
Not long after returning to Pennsylvania, Margaret met and married Joseph Petrole, Sr., (1915-2009) in 1948. Margaret became a vital partner in her husband’s business endeavors, helping to operate the Valley Pool, Drive-In Theater, and Sky Line Lounge, all while raising their four boys in Hometown, PA. Years later, driven by a shift in personal circumstance, Margaret chose to forge her own professional path. She earned her GED and completed Nursing School in 1972, dedicating the next fourteen years to caring for her patients at the Hamburg Center.
She, of course, spoiled those closest to her with homemade goodies: pierogies, nut and poppyseed rolls, unadulterated boilo, and an endless supply of meatballs and sauce. She rarely sat during her summer picnics, as she flew up and down her apartment stairs with a treat for everyone: Watermelon, cheese plates, the best tasting iced-tea, ‘ruby reds’, peppery popcorn, and fresh mojitos with fresh mint!
Margaret’s vitality had always been fueled by an incredibly active mind. A voracious reader, spending hours mastering crosswords, knitting small masterpieces, or completing puzzles – her sharp intellect and unmatched recall were no accident. That same restless curiosity made her an insatiable traveler and thrill-seeker. Photographs of her riding a camel in Israel, standing wind-blown atop the Great Wall of China, and posing before St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, are among the family favorites. Her appetite for adventure, in both her youth and very recent years, could shame the bravest of adventurers. She had taken joyrides in a sidecar motorcycle, experienced aerial tricks in a small biplane, taken hot air balloon rides, and flew in helicopters. In the not too-distant past, she confessed that if she had the opportunity, she would happily sign up to zip-line. Her lifelong love of water never waned, either. Even in her advanced years, she could be found climbing the ladder into her above-ground pool just to float around and read a good book. She loved to watch her kids (including the ‘Cannonball Brothers’, grands and great-grands) splashing around. There was only one rule: Don’t get her hair wet!
To think of everything this remarkable woman has witnessed and experienced over the span of a century, would cause one’s head to spin – the dawn of television and commercial air travel, global conflicts, eighteen U.S. Presidencies, the birth of the digital age, and so much more. Yet what is truly astounding is that she lived through history while navigating the ordinary, everyday rhythms that come to us all – a quiet devotion to family, the comfort of lifelong friendships, the trials of health, and the simple joys of personal hobbies. And it all began with a young girl from a coal town who was unafraid to see where life would take her. What a woman. What a life…Wow.
Margaret is survived by her sons: Joseph Petrole, Jr. and his wife, Linda of Hometown; Gerald Petrole, Sr. and his wife, Deborah of Andreas; and George Petrole and his partner Nancy of Lehighton; grandchildren: Gerald Petrole, Jr. and his wife, Nicole; Mark Petrole and his wife, Katie; and Jacqueline Kerlin and her husband, Michael; and four great-grandchildren: Christopher Petrole and Aaron, Meryl, and Nolan Kerlin.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband, son Lawrence Petrole (1960-2023), and daughter-in-law Claudia Petrole (1956-2016).
Annette E. Speidel, 89, of Frackville passed away peacefully on Friday, July 23rd surrounded by her loving family.
Full obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville.
.jpg)
Sean Matthew Kelly, 39, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly of natural causes on July 20, 2026, at Fort Drum, New York. A Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, he was born October 25, 1986, in Augsburg, Germany. Sean was the son of Matthew and Kathleen (Kirby) Kelly, and younger brother of Kristine (Kelly) Deibert. The family moved to Orwigsburg in 1996 when Sean was 9, where he attended Blue Mountain, graduating in 2005 from Blue Mountain High School.
Sean was the heart of any gathering and sparked passionate conversations and debates throughout his life. He connected with people on so many different levels - he loved playing football, from Blue Mountain Midgets through captaining the high school team, listening to music, playing games, and even devoting late-night basement hours to Dungeons & Dragons.
Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2012, Sean attended Widener University before living and working on Folly Beach, South Carolina. His military assignments included Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Grafenwöhr, Germany; Fort Carson, Colorado; and most recently Fort Drum, New York. During his deployment to Germany, his unit spent time in Poland assisting refugees who were displaced by the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In recent years, along with continuing his Army career, Sean pursued higher education. He earned his associate’s degree from Grantham University in 2025, and was working toward completion of his bachelor’s degree in spring 2027. Sean always loved to read and learn, and he avidly discussed books and ideas with friends and family. He happily volunteered his time, energy, and support to many. Most importantly to Sean, he chose sobriety and thrived in the embrace and support of the recovery community which sustained him in Schuylkill County and beyond.
Sean is survived and will be mourned by his parents Matt and Kathi, his sister Kristine, his brother-in-law Steve Deibert, his beloved nephew and niece Silas and Sydnie Deibert, his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by so many friends who are family. Sean was taken too soon. But he would want us to know that in these last years he was living the good, satisfying life he sought, and that he treasured all the laughter, joy, love, and understanding he found with the people in his life. Sean showed us that hope, connection, acceptance, and patience can overcome the heaviest challenges and roadblocks in life, as he was striving to do every day.
An evening visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 2nd at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 116 S. Liberty Street, Orwigsburg, PA, and again on Monday, August 3rd from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Faith Worship Center, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM in the church on August 3rd. Interment, with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite #1700, Chicago, IL 60601
A. James Gruber, 87, of Centre St., Ashland, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Emmanuel Center for Nursing, Danville. Born in Ashland, January 17, 1939, he was the son of the late Levi and Erdie (Oster) Gruber. Jim was a graduate of the former Ashland High School, class of 1956. Following high school, he was employed at Danny’s Drive In, Asland, for nearly 28 Years. He later became an entrepreneur, owning Darcie-JA, Inc., a gum / vending business, including Darcie’s Sub Shop, and a Slush Puppie delivery business. Active with the young people of the area, he coached Ashland Little League, also was the cub master Ashland Cub Scouts, Troup #45. Jim was a member of the Ashland Rotary, becoming District Governor, and also Christ’s United Lutheran Church. He previously served on the Ashland Borough Council, and the Ashland Water authority. Preceding him in death was a sister, Joan Tesno.
Survivors:
Wife: Darcie (Shuey) Gruber, married 66 years
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, husband, son Lawrence Petrole (1960-2023), and daughter-in-law Claudia Petrole (1956-2016).
--------------------------------------------
Annette E. Speidel, 89, of Frackville passed away peacefully on Friday, July 23rd surrounded by her loving family.
Full obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced by the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville.
--------------------------------------------
.jpg)
Sean was the heart of any gathering and sparked passionate conversations and debates throughout his life. He connected with people on so many different levels - he loved playing football, from Blue Mountain Midgets through captaining the high school team, listening to music, playing games, and even devoting late-night basement hours to Dungeons & Dragons.
Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2012, Sean attended Widener University before living and working on Folly Beach, South Carolina. His military assignments included Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Grafenwöhr, Germany; Fort Carson, Colorado; and most recently Fort Drum, New York. During his deployment to Germany, his unit spent time in Poland assisting refugees who were displaced by the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In recent years, along with continuing his Army career, Sean pursued higher education. He earned his associate’s degree from Grantham University in 2025, and was working toward completion of his bachelor’s degree in spring 2027. Sean always loved to read and learn, and he avidly discussed books and ideas with friends and family. He happily volunteered his time, energy, and support to many. Most importantly to Sean, he chose sobriety and thrived in the embrace and support of the recovery community which sustained him in Schuylkill County and beyond.
Sean is survived and will be mourned by his parents Matt and Kathi, his sister Kristine, his brother-in-law Steve Deibert, his beloved nephew and niece Silas and Sydnie Deibert, his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by so many friends who are family. Sean was taken too soon. But he would want us to know that in these last years he was living the good, satisfying life he sought, and that he treasured all the laughter, joy, love, and understanding he found with the people in his life. Sean showed us that hope, connection, acceptance, and patience can overcome the heaviest challenges and roadblocks in life, as he was striving to do every day.
An evening visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 2nd at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 116 S. Liberty Street, Orwigsburg, PA, and again on Monday, August 3rd from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Faith Worship Center, 1168 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM in the church on August 3rd. Interment, with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite #1700, Chicago, IL 60601
--------------------------------------------
Survivors:
Wife: Darcie (Shuey) Gruber, married 66 years
Daughter: Debbie Hall, Ashland
Daughter: Donna wife of Richard Kuczawa, Lewisburg
Son: John Gruber and his wife, Janelle (Hoenich), Pine Grove
Grandchildren: Sarah wife of Kyle Mumper, Wesley Kuczawa and his wife Anna (Neuhard), David Hall, Joanna Gruber, Jillian Gruber,
Two Great Grandchildren, Bailey and Oliver Mumper and a baby boy due in October 2026.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a Celebration of Jim’s Life, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland. Officiating will be Rev Brian Beissel, pastor. A viewing will begin at 9 AM until the service time. Jim’s family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Christ’s United Lutheran Church. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to share condolences with Jim’s family. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Two Great Grandchildren, Bailey and Oliver Mumper and a baby boy due in October 2026.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a Celebration of Jim’s Life, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland. Officiating will be Rev Brian Beissel, pastor. A viewing will begin at 9 AM until the service time. Jim’s family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Christ’s United Lutheran Church. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com to share condolences with Jim’s family. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
--------------------------------------------
Obituaries from the past 7 Days
--------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
