Skook News Obituaries: August 22nd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Shenandoah and raised in Mahanoy City, he was the son of the late John B. and Gretchen Fuhrmann Lieberman II.
He was a graduate of St. Fidelis Elementary School and Class of 1955 at Shenandoah Catholic High School. He graduated cum laude at Georgetown University before attending Villanova School of Law where he served as Associate Editor of the Villanova Law Review. In 1963, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar Association where he maintained lifetime membership. He faithfully served as President of the Schuylkill County Bar Association in 1972.
John found his lifetime vocation in the practice of law. He truly loved his work and remained dedicated to his clients until his retirement in December 2025.
John’s greatest commitment and source of joy was his beloved wife Annette, whom he married in 1965, and their children and grandchildren. John was preceded in death by daughter Krista, son John IV, wife Annette, and sisters Carolyn and Gretchen.
John is survived by his adoring children: daughter Gretchen and husband Robert Witman, son Gregory and wife Angela, son Eric and wife Jennifer, son Christopher, daughter Lauren, daughter-in-law Jennifer and husband Lonnie Allbaugh. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth and husband Christian Mehl, Bobby and wife Claire, Christian, John V (Jack), Ava, Anna, Livia, Emma, Luke, Gwenyth, Kaier, Avery, Tyler, and Ryan; and Great-Grandchildren: Warren, Whitney, and Cameron.
John is also survived by sister Anne and husband James Crossen, sister Mary and Edward Goodwillie, sister-in-law Kathleen Haughney, brother-in-law Thomas Fallon and wife Gloria, and brother-in-law Richard Fallon, as well as many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Over the years, John was a loyal member of countless community organizations and charitable entities. He prioritized service above self and generously gave his time and resources. Above all, John’s source of strength and integrity was rooted in his Catholic faith. His love of God and commitment to a life of selfless service were passed down to his family, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, humility, and generosity.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville. Friends may call on Wednesday, Aug 26 from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Mahanoy Township. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to The Nativity Green Wave Association or St. John the Baptist Memorial Fund.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah, assisted by James P. Haughney Jr., oversees arrangements.
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Franklin Carithers, age 85, a former resident of Ringtown, passed away on August 19, 2026, while residing in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina.
Frank was born in Anderson, on April 5, 1941, a son of the late William and Estelle Carithers. He went on to work as a respiratory therapist, and retired from the former Hazleton General Hospital.
Frank had a clever sense of humor, and loved books, travel, golf, and table tennis.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie (Peterson) Carithers of Anderson, SC, along with a son, Chris Carithers of Williamsport, PA, daughter-in-law, Michelle Carithers, of Williamsport, PA, and grandchildren, Sophia and Jack.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, August 28th at 11 AM at the Aurand United Memorial Church on West Main Street in Ringtown. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church.
Frank will be laid to rest immediately following the service at the Methodist Cemetery in Ringtown.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is honored to serve the family during their time of need.
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He was born on April 7, 1930, in Hegins, a son of the late Lawrence D Herb and the late Beulah F (Osman) Herb.
Forrest was a 1948 graduate of Hegins Twp High School. He played soccer, basketball, and was a first baseman on the 1948 undefeated district champion baseball team.
He served in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1949 to 1953.
Forrest was a former coal miner and retired as an electrician from the IBEW Local 143, Harrisburg.
He was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View; where he was a member of the men's chorus, a member and former president of the mens bible class, and volunteered at the annual Father's Day Breakfast for over 50 years.
He was a little league baseball coach for seven years. Forrest was a lifelong Dodgers and Eagles fan, and he enjoyed gardening and fishing in his younger years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be missed immeasurably.
His wife of 61 years, Frances I (Updegrave) Herb, passed away in 2012. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Ray Herb.
He is survived by two sons, Thomas (Lisa) Herb of Lewisberry and Jack (Tina) Herb of Hegins; two daughters, Diane (Harold) Romberger of Valley View and Barbara Herb of Millersburg; four grandsons, Nicholas (Katie) Herb, Daniel Romberger, Jared (Elizabeth) Wolfgang, and Bryson Herb ; a granddaughter, Alexa Romberger ; great-grandchildren, David and Ella Herb and Madelyn and Nora Wolfgang ; a brother, Glenn Herb of Hegins; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris officiating.
A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday at the church.
Burial will be in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View.
A meal will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, is honored to serve the Herb family.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, PO Box 221, Valley View PA 17983
Condolences can be left for the family at buffingtonreed.com.
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Born in Williamstown on Wednesday, July 12, 1944, she was a daughter of the late William and Pauline Michaels Rhoades.
Susie was employed by Indiantown Gap as a project manager.
She was a member of the Jonestown American Legion Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her companion of 39 years, Ralph Hager, 2025; four sisters, Sharon Hoover, Cindy Rhoades, Gloria Rhoades, and Debby Hanson.
She is survived by her daughter, Pearl Kreiser, Lebanon; four sisters, Geraldine Fair, Manheim, Patsy Klouser, Tower City, Karen Palmer, Orwin, Judy Noll, Halifax; a brother, William Rhoades, Arizona; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Susie will be laid to rest privately in the Greenwood Cemetery, Tower City.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Susie's family.
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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
