Skook News Obituaries: August 30th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Lillian was a hardworking woman who spent many years employed in local factories and also shared her talent for sewing with friends and family. She took great pride in her home, decorating it beautifully for every season. Even after moving to Hi Rise, she continued her love of decorating by sharing her cherished decorations and collectibles in the community room for others to enjoy.
She had a deep love for her family and was happiest when surrounded by them. Lillian also enjoyed spending time with friends playing bingo and Pokeno.
She was preceded in death by her son, John Hartz; her sister, Lois Miller of Allentown; and her longtime companion, Joseph Perricone, with whom she worked as a bookkeeper for fifteen years.
Lillian is survived by her loving children: Candy, wife of Peter Matukonis of Tamaqua; Lynn, wife of Frank Navratil of Mahanoy City; Diana, wife of Barry Gerber of Tamaqua; Michelle, wife of Jason Kunkel of Mohrsville; and her sons, Michael, husband of Deborah Hartz of Tamaqua, and Butch Boyle of Tamaqua.
She is also survived by numerous grandchildren: Susan (Ted) Sidoriak, Angela Chickilly, Alicia Hartz, Kyrie Hartz (Matt Bausher), Anthony (Megan) Navratil, Nicholas (Samantha) Navratil, Jade Boyle (Art Rodweller), Macie Kupetz, and Jarek Boyle.
Her great-grandchildren are Emma, Maggie, Sophia, Lydia, Willow, Marlee, Cora, Gunnar, Grady, Elijah, and Everett; and her seven step-grandchildren are Jeremy, Jacob, Jill, Jodi, Barry, Matthew and Myles.
Her sixteen step-great-grandchildren are Lucas, Landon, Hayden, Emma, Rhys, Morgan, Mallory, Jack, JoJo, Lizzie, Rachael, Brianna, Nate, Steven, Sapphire, and Ryker; and her two step-great-great-grandchildren, Ariella and Kaelin.
Lillian’s family was her greatest treasure, and she loved each and every one deeply. Her kindness, warmth, and dedication to those she loved will be remembered always.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550A viewing will be held from the funeral home on Tuesday September 1, 2026 from 5 P.M. to 7 o'clock P.M.
Private interment will be held in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
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Jerri was the cherished daughter of Gerard and Mary Brazil, who predeceased her, along with her beloved brother, Mark and brother in law, Greg. Her legacy is carried on by her devoted husband of 47 years, Charles, her loving children Lee and his wife Rachel, and Kyle, as well as her treasured grandchildren, Aaron and Killian. She also leaves behind her dear brother, Roddy, who will forever hold her memory close. Her mother in law Lola, as well as her sister in laws Connie and Tammy, brother in law Mike, niece Denée, and nephew Gary.
From a young age, Jerri's love for animals was apparent. After graduating from the John Carroll School in Churchville, Maryland, she pursued her passion as a veterinarian tech and became an avid equestrian. Her career as a breeze rider for racehorses at multiple Maryland tracks was only the beginning of her lifelong dedication to the equine world. Jerri's talents and enthusiasm led her to break horses, show, and give riding lessons, sharing her knowledge and love for horses with others.
Jerri was also a skilled entrepreneur, owning and operating two successful tack shops before opening Century House Antiques in Pine Grove, PA. Her talent for antiquing was matched only by her green thumb; when she wasn't working, she could often be found tending to her garden with her loyal dog, Blue, by her side.
Her warmth and generosity were legendary. Jerri had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel as though they had known her for years, welcoming each person with open arms and a radiant smile. She was always on the move, eager to lend a hand and spread joy wherever she went. Even in her final days, Jerri's resilient spirit and high spirits were an inspiration to all who knew her.
In accordance with her wishes, a private ceremony will be held to celebrate Jerri's life. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out during the past several weeks—the love and kindness shown were beyond what anyone could have hoped.
Jerri's life was a testament to love, kindness, and an indomitable spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Dolores was a dignified, quiet, courageous fighter, caring, thoughtful and faith-filled woman. She was a 1958 graduate of McAdoo High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Emil. Dolores had a combined 38-year career in retail sales at J & J Newberry's, Sears, and JC Penney's.
Dolores was an active member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church enjoying many years supporting the pierogi parties, bake sales and tricky tray initiatives. Her faith remained strong until the end with daily mass, rosary and novena devotions.
Dolores was the biggest fan of Jeopardy, watching and challenging herself for decades. She continued her enjoyment of games with the evolving card club/lunch crew over the years playing Pokeno, laughing and sharing lifelong bonds. Dolores loved dancing her entire life. Whether doing the jitterbug, slow dancing with her husband or line dancing, she danced even to her final weeks. The manner and form may have changed however, the spirit never diminished.
Dolores possessed many talents in cooking, baking, gardening and pysanky making that she passed on to her children. Above all, Dolores' greatest love was spending time with her family preparing delicious meals, enjoying game events and relaxing annual vacations. She was known for her beautiful perennial garden and holiday decorating. She participated in Prime Timers for several years enjoying the friendships and traveling events.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emil J. Zapotosky and son, Mark E. Zapotosky. Surviving Dolores are her daughter, Mary Beth Higgins and husband Patrick of Branchburg, NJ; her sister, Mary Ann Pituck and husband Robert of Elizabeth, NJ; Godchildren, Sandra Vansock of Nuremberg and Michael Pituck of Elizabeth, NJ; Dolores was also blessed with twelve additional surviving nieces and nephews.
The family extends a heartfelt Thank You to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Topper Cancer-Schuylkill staff, as well as, the Maylath Valley Health System for the precious gift of time and support in final days, respectively. The care, compassion, and technical skills provided by these organizations were very much appreciated.
Her funeral will be held Thursday, Sept. 3, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. The Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be held Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
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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
