Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Schuylkill County Obituaries for July 22nd, 2026

                              


Skook News Obituaries:  July 22nd, 2026

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Michael J. "The Captain" Hoysock, Jr.
, 77, of Cumbola, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

He was born on January 7, 1949, in Pottsville and was the son of the late Michael J. Hoysock, Sr. and Elizabeth (Beury) Hoysock.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Brobst) Hoysock, of Cumbola.

Michael was a former member of St. Joseph Polish National Church in Middleport and was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He was a member of the St. Clair Fish and Game Association, the New Philadelphia Vets and AMVETS.

Michael worked as a welder and pipefitter for Pipefitters Local Union 524. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Ticonderoga aircraft carrier.

In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his son, Michael J. Hoysock, III, husband of Stephanie, of New Philadelphia; his son, Robert M. Hoysock, of Pottsville; his sister, Darlene Stabinsky, wife of Ronald, of Marlin; his brother, John Hoysock, husband of Cheryl, of Orwigsburg; his sister, Karen Pena, of Palo Alto; his sister, Marie Dando, wife of John, of Marlin; his grandson, Michael IV; his granddaughter, Avery; his grandson, Robert Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and interment with military honors will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with the arrangements.

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Oscar W. "Bill" Morrison Jr.
, 88 years of age of Barnesville, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as a guest of Maple Shade Senior Living in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania.

Born Sunday, June 19, 1938 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania the son of the Late Oscar W. and Irene (Smith) Morrison. Bill was also predeceased by his wife, Carole (Rose) Morrison; brother, Eugene Morrison; son, William Morrison; infant daughter, Billy Jean Morrison; granddaughter, Jessica Danielle Tinkham, granddaughter Lauren Ann Garrett, grandson Charles Earl Stoudt Jr.

Surviving are daughters, Heather Tinkham and her husband Matthew, Dierdre Garrett and her husband Van; companion, Gloria M, (Brobst) Gerhard; stepchildren, Charles Stoudt and his wife Suzy, Carolyn Stoudt; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren. Many nephews also survive Bill.

After graduating from Mahanoy Township High School in 1956, Bill dedicated his career to healthcare administration, leading facilities like Rest Haven in Schuylkill Haven, Stroud Manor in Stroudsburg, he was the Senior Vice President of Beverly Enterprises then of HCR Manor care. He was also a gifted athlete who played semi-pro baseball in the Anthracite League. Bill loved bowling and cherished his daily routine of grabbing coffee with friends at the McDonald’s in Hometown, sharing lively conversations where every topic was on the table. He was a faithful member of the local White Church.

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

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Monday august 3, 2026 at 7 o'clock P.M. from Christ U.C.C. Church 132 Church Road Barnesville Pa 18214. A visitation will take place on the evening of services from 6:00 P.M.. until the time of services.

Private interment and graveside service will be held July 23, 2026.

Bill encourages friends and family to contribute to a charity of one’s choice in Lieu of flowers.

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Donna Kay Bowen Rizzuto
, 67, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away suddenly Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.

Born in Pottsville on May 21, 1959, she was a daughter of the late Wayne L. "Babe" Bowen, Sr. & Joyce E. "Sis" (Fessler) Bowen.

She was the widow of Alfred E. Rizzuto.

Donna graduated from Blue Mountain High School, Class of 1977. She went on to earn a degree from Penn State University in 1995, graduated at the top of her class from the East-West School of Massage in 1997, earned an Associate's Degree in Marketing and Management from McCann School of Business & Technology in 1998, completed her Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health Studies at Alvernia University in 2010, and attained her Credentials of Ministry through the Universal Life Church in 2014.

She was a former member of Bethesda (Reedsville) Church. Donna served as a Volunteer Ambassador for the Schuylkill River Trail, and also volunteered with Forever Animal Rescue – River Run.

Donna's first job was working in local garment factories including American Argo Corp., & Alpha Mills, both on Margaretta St., Schuylkill Haven. While working at the factories, she made a complete career change focusing on massage and later becoming a business owner. Donna was a practicing massage therapist for more than 22 years and became licensed in Pennsylvania in 2011. Through her private practice, she specialized in helping individuals living with chronic conditions and cancer, and also provided compassionate care to hospice patients. She earned Board Certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) in 1998 and had been a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) since 2005. She generously volunteered her time and expertise with both organizations.

Donna was passionate about massage and wellness education and taught in massage therapy schools for over 15 years. She was an NCBTMB approved CE instructor for PA licensed massage therapists. She had advanced training in oncology massage from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, CranioSacral therapy through Upledger Institute and soft tissue release from The British Sports Academy. She was a Usui and Shamballa Reiki Master and had been teaching Reiki classes for 8 years. In 2013, Donna received training from Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy to become a certified healer and taught introductory crystal classes. She has also established her own line of crystal gem elixirs. She continued her studies at The New York Institute for Aromatic Studies and became a certified level one aromatherapist.

Donna is survived by daughter Amy Elizabeth Houtz, Schuylkill Haven; grandson Davin C. Bowers; siblings Wayne L. "Butch" Bowen, Jr., husband of Jody Bowen, North Manheim Township, Mark Bowen, husband of Deb Hahn Bowen, North Manheim Township; nieces and nephews: Bryce, Caitria, Calista and Chad Bowen, Rick, Paul, Matthew, Tristyn Harrison; and many cousins including Helen Moyer.

In addition to her parents Babe and Sis, Donna was preceded in death by her son Kevin William Houtz; nephew Brenden Bowen; several beloved aunts and uncles including Diane Fessler Stock and Mary Knarr and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 30th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc. in Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Curt Zemencik officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to the Schuylkill River Trail by visiting https://support.schuylkillriver.org/give or Forever Home Animal Rescue, 1170 Route PA-61 Pottsville, PA 17901.

Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.

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Theresa A. Paruch
, 90, of Shenandoah, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.

Born in Shenandoah on May 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Della Dragnosky.

Theresa worked in the local garment industry for many years.

Besides her parents, Theresa was preceded by her husband – Joseph “George” Paruch, and her daughter, Diane Paruch.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24th from 8:30 to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30am in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian.

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Shirley Mengel
, 94, of Frackville, passed away peacefully Friday July 17, 2026 at Shenandoah Senior Living Community.

Born in Pottsville May 15, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary (Mellinger) Lowthert.

She worked at Sears for many years.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Frackville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy W. Mengel, on June 12, 2026; and her daughter, Lori Fischer.

Surviving are her daughter Lisa Dower, and her husband Michael, of Wyomissing; her late daughter Lori’s husband, Samuel Fischer; her grandchildren, Jessica Stabile, Michael Dower, Caleb Fischer, Seth Fischer, and Matt Fischer; her great-granddaughter, Emerson Stabile; her sister-in-law, Nancy Weitz, of Frackville; and nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 25, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 25 South Balliet St. Frackville, PA 17931 with The Rev. Arturo Bautista officiating. Friends may call from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund at the above address. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.

Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.

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Patricia Ann Barnes
, 86, of Dieners Hill, died Tuesday July 20, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Pottsville, January 1, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Galen and Catherine (Hyland) Krieger.

She was a graduate from Pottsville Area High School and retired after working 35 years as a clerk at the former Good Samaritan Hospital.

She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair, Fishing Creek Sportsman Association, and social member at the St. Clair Fish & Game

Pat was preceded in death by a son Galen Barnes on Sept. 6, 1980; 2 sisters; Erma Caruso and Gale Patches.

Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Earl J. Barnes, son Earl F. Barnes and his wife Denise of St. Clair, a grandson Joseph Barnes and his Fiancé Ashley of Pottsville

Funeral services will be held at convenience of family at a later date In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Burial with military honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.

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Evelyn Haven Smyly, Infant daughter of Melissa Maurer and Rex Smyly Jr., passed peacefully July 15, 2026.

She was preceded in death by a Maternal Grandparents, Christine Maurer and Leonard Bridges.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her Siblings Skylar, Benjamin, Breeanne and Braedon; Grandparents Rex Smyly Sr. and Lisa Castillo; Aunts, Uncles & Cousins.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Sweet Grace Ministries, 77 Horst Ave. Chambersburg ,PA 17201

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.

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