Skook News Obituaries: August 23rd, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Father Drouncheck is the son of the late Michael Drouncheck and the late Emma (Spinille) Drouncheck. Father Drouncheck is survived by his brother, Michael Drouncheck, and nephews Matthew Drouncheck, Mark Drouncheck, and Eric Drouncheck, as well as several grand nieces and nephews.
Father Drouncheck attended Pottsville Area Elementary School and Pottsville High School, Pottsville. He matriculated to Allentown College of Saint Francis DeSales, now DeSales University, Center Valley, while being formed for the Priesthood at Brisson Seminary. After attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy he continued his studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, where he attained a Masters in Divinity. He was ordained to the Priesthood on 3 June 1989 by His Excellency, Most Reverend Thomas J. Welsh, at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Father Drouncheck served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Peter Parish, Coplay, Saint Ignatius Loyola Parish, Reading, Saint Catharine of Siena Parish, Reading, and Holy Guardian Angels Parish, Reading.
Father Drouncheck also served as a Counselor and later Director of Spiritual Activities at Holy Name High School, Reading, and a Professor of Theology at Reading Central Catholic High School, Reading.
Father Drouncheck also served as Chaplain, Precious Blood Convent, Shillington. He later served as Chaplain, Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem, as well as Chaplain, Saint Luke’s Home Health and Hospice, Bethlehem.
Father Drouncheck’s first assignment as Pastor was at Saint Peter the Fisherman Parish, Lake Harmony. He also served as Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Nesquehoning, and later at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Catasauqua.
During the course of his priestly ministry, Father Drouncheck was a member of the Social Action Bureau Advisory Board. He was also a member and later President of the Diocesan Board of Education.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, by the Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Allentown. Reverend Monsignor John J. Martin, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Peter Parish, Coplay, will serve as the Homilist. In addition to Monsignor Martin, Principal Concelebrants include: Reverend Monsignor William F. Glosser, Vicar Forane of the Schuylkill Deanery and Pastor, Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Saint Clair and Holy Cross Parish, New Philadelphia; Very Reverend Eugene P. Ritz, Vicar Judicial and Vicar for Clergy; Reverend John M. Gibbons, Pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Allentown, Reverend Monsignor Victor F. Finelli, Pastor, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield and Judge, Diocesan Tribunal; and Reverend John S. Pendzick, Pastor, Saint Patrick Parish, Pottsville.
Calling hours will be held at Saint Patrick Church, Pottsville from 9:30a.m. until the time of the funeral.
Father Drouncheck will be laid to rest at Calvery Cemetery, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial.
The Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Father Drouncheck, along with his extended church family.
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Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late John and Mary (Samoroj) Szczerbowicz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Starr and a sister, Mary Jo Zuber.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Morris) Szczerbowicz, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
He is also survived by a daughter, Kathleen Beaulieu and her husband, Cristian, of New Cumberland; and a son, Richard Szczerbowicz Jr., of Norristown; four grandchildren, Adeliene, Kandie, Trekk, and William, as well as nieces and nephews.
Rick was devoted Catholic and member of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah.
Rick lived a life defined by unwavering dedication, quiet pride, and deep devotion to the people and places he loved.
His work life began at Westinghouse in Baltimore, where he worked on electrical systems for space satellites—a piece of history he shared with great pride. Upon returning to Pennsylvania with his young family, Rick became a lineman for PPL. Known as a hard worker, he never turned down a call-out, traveling near and far through severe storms to restore power and light to communities in need. He retired after 40 years of service.
A true Coal Cracker through and through, Rick was fiercely loyal to his roots. His passions were simple and heartfelt. He found peace sitting by the lake, quietly "drowning a worm", as he called it. He and Kas followed the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils long after their own children graduated. He was a diehard Penn State football fan. Famous for his corny dad jokes, his family knows them all by heart. "How are you doing?... Sew-sew, like a tailor". "Have you heard about the fire at the shoe factory? ...Many soles were lost".
Above all else, family was Rick's absolute priority. Married to his high school sweetheart, Kas, as he called her. He consistently put the needs and well-being of his loved ones first. He and Kas traveled constantly to visit family and support or cheer on their grandchildren at their various activities. When encouraged to move closer to family later in life, his love for his hometown remained unshakable: He often stated, "I was born here and I'll die here". Supported tirelessly by his family, friends, and neighbors, Rick passed away peacefully with his beloved Kas by his side. He left behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and deep love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 28th at Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry Street, Shenandoah. A visitation will be held at the church from 8:00 until the time of mass on Friday morning. Interment will follow in St. Casimir’s Catholic Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
A special thank you to the many healthcare professionals who cared for Rick and supported Kas along this journey, including Urology and Oncology teams at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Home Health and Hospice caregivers, the compassionate staff at The Gardens at York Terrace, and the ED and inpatient staffs at Lehigh Valley Schuylkill East
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Rick’s name, to Advantage Home Health and Hospice who cared for him while at home and Compassus Hospice who cared for him while he resided at The Gardens at York Terrace.
Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.
The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements
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Born in Leechburg PA on April 19, 1943 she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Orr) and Chester Mohney.
Donna graduated from Kittanning High School.
She was the wife of the late Charles “Butch” A. Mueller who passed away in 2009.
Donna was of the Protestant faith.
She worked as a florist for many years at Kitty & Dotty’s Flower Shop in Ashland. Donna also worked at The Donut Shop in Ashland.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents; spouse Charles “Butch” Mueller; sister Sheila Paul; brother Robert Mohney.
Surviving are daughter Pamela Martin (Dan), Ashland; son Lance Mueller (Michele), Ashland; daughter Jessica Mueller, Shenandoah; grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Bailey, McKenzie, Keean and Harlie; great grandchildren Anastasia and Bryson; nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services will be privately at at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Brenda was born in Newtown, Sunday, May 14, 1950, a daughter of the late Charles and Irene Mitchell Zerbe.
She was a graduate of Minersville High School. Brenda retired from the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Marlin, where she worked as a teacher's aide for over 20 years.
She was a member of the Most Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish, Tremont, also belonging to the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Brenda was also very active with the Cub and Boys Scouts while her son was a member.
Brenda enjoyed crocheting and watching British detective shows. She could often be found feeding and watching the birds around her home. She had a love for English Setters, owning several throughout the years. Above all else, her family was the center of her world, and she was extremely proud to be a grandmother to her three grandchildren she adored.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Bruce "Charlie" Zerbe.
Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Dennis Wiscount; her son Dennis Wiscount Jr. and his wife Dr. Caitlin Wiscount, Tamaqua; her three grandchildren, Ameila, Dennis, and Nora Wiscount.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 am from Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont. A viewing will be from 10-11 am at the church. Brenda will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon and time of fellowship will follow in the church social hall.
Memorial donations in Brenda's memory can be made to Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St, Tremont, PA 17981.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Wiscount family.
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The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, will announce funeral arrangements.
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Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late William D. and Pearl (Stydinger) Rentschler.
Linda was devoted member of Assemblies of God.
Prior to retiring, she was a dedicated LPN at Manor Care of Reading for 30 years.
Linda was a passionate collector of mouse figurines, with a collection of more than 400 from near and far. Family was most important to Linda. She especially cherished the time she spent with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren lovingly caring for them and enjoying her many hours of babysitting.
Preceding her in death, were her husband, John J. Miller; and several siblings.
Surviving, are her children, Michael, David, and Cheryl Breitenstein, Kathy Harding and Michele Moyer; 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Bryniarski; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 28, at 12 p.m., at Faith Church of McAdoo, 38 E. Washington St.
A calling hour will be held in the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
The Damiano Funeral Home, McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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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
