Skook News Obituaries: July 5th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Richard was the loving husband of Cecelia (Hallick) Gressik, to whom he was married for 49 years.
Richard graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School, class of 1963. He continued his education at Penn State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degrees.
During his high school years, he distinguished himself as a standout football, baseball and basketball player, achieving the milestone of becoming a 1,000-point scorer.
He worked for Dana Corporation as a Welder and Foreman until they closed. He then worked as a caseworker at the Schuylkill County Assistance Office until he retired.
Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army and remained active in his community as a member of the American Legion in Schuylkill Haven.
Richard had a lifelong passion for sports. He enjoyed playing softball and was an avid golfer who cherished time on the course. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and loyal friend whose greatest joy was time spent with those he loved. Above all, he loved being with his family. Whether attending his grandchildren's sporting events, umpiring or cheering from the stands, he was their biggest supporter and rarely missed an opportunity to encourage them.
He also treasured the friendship he shared with his best friend of 68 years, Charles "Yak" Yackenchick.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother Gladys (Frantz) Flaherty; his father Edward Flaherty; brother Edward Gressik; and sister Joan (Gressik) Zidek.
In addition to his wife, Richard is lovingly remembered by his daughter Kristy Sarge, wife of Cory; his grandchildren: Meghan Sarge, fiancée of Kolby Geesey, Ryan Sarge, Rachel Sarge, and Chase Sarge; brother Michael (Marie) Flaherty, sister Debra (Joseph) Nocket; along with nieces & nephews.
Richard will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, dedication to his family, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on July 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the American Legion, 229 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven. Come share stories and enjoy birthday cake in honor of what would have been his 80th birthday.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven;
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Mark A. Paulin, 53, of Middleport passed away peacefully at his home on Friday.
Born in Springfield, MA, he was the son of the late Andrew and Marie Paulin.
Mark was a graduate of Horsham High School. He was self-employed as a plumber in the Northampton Area. He was also employed by R.P.I. Landscaping out of Allentown.
Mark was of the Russian Orthodox Faith.
He was a member of the Portland Hook and Ladder Fire Company.
Mark was married to the former Shari Barr, on October 7, 2024.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children; Mark Paulin, Jr. husband to Anna of Colorado and Kimberly Farris-Neal wife of Jaiver of Colorado. He is survived by his step-sons Ryan T. Phillips husband to Destinee and Shane Phillips. He is survived by his siblings, Tanya Gilbert, Matthew Paulin, and Andrew Paulin along with grandchildren; Zyon, LaRrainna, and Prynce is expected in the Fall. Mark is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Harper Mae Deesign and Issac Joseph Phillips. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Susan Paulin of Colorado.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven, at 11:00 A.M. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhomes.com.
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Born in Coaldale, Mary was a daughter of the late Paul J., Sr., and Catherine (Derr) Kropp. She attended Tamaqua schools and was first employed by Sue Frocks in Tamaqua. After earning her Certified Nursing Assistant credential from Schuylkill Technology Center, she devoted many years to caring for others at Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. More recently, she worked in the facility's central supply department.
Mary had a caring heart and selflessly cared for many of her family members during their later years. She will be remembered as a loving, loyal, and compassionate wife, mother, sister, niece, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed listening to the music of U2, tending her flower gardens, and watching the birds that visited her backyard. She also cherished her two beloved pets, Bella and Sammy. Mary was a member of First United Methodist Church in Tamaqua.
She is survived by her husband, Christopher; two sons, Jason C. Jones and his partner, Wilson K. Solt, III, of Lehighton, and Kyle J. Jones of Tamaqua; two sisters, Catherine Haldeman of Tamaqua, and Anna Lutz and her husband, Raymond Lutz III, of Shillington; a brother, Earl Kropp and his wife, Linda, of Atlanta, Georgia; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul J. Kropp II.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with Pastor Karen Paquette officiating. Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua, will follow the service. Family and friends may call from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to the funeral home.
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In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Rudy, in 1974.
Burial in St. Bartholomew's Catholic Cemetery, Brockton, will be held at a later date.
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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
