Schuylkill County Obituaries for
Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
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Judith A. Bodenberg
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Judith A. Bodenberg, 73, of Cressona, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Reading Hospital as a result of congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her family when she was called home to be with the Lord.
Born at Warne Hospital in Pottsville on October 3, 1952, she was the eldest daughter of George S. and Margaret E. (Bubeck) Davis.
Judy was a 1970 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Mansfield State College in 1974. The August after graduation, she became the loving wife of Lynn A. Bodenberg, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.
She was employed as a fifth-grade teacher by St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School until her retirement. A skilled musician since age 12, she served as a church organist and choir director at Trinity United Church of Christ in Pottsville, Flieglehorst Chapel in Germany and Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Schuylkill Haven. She retired after serving at Grace for 30 years.
Judy was a member of Grace E.C.C. in Schuylkill Haven, where she directed the Cherub Choir, Teen Choir, Senior Choir, Grace Quartet and Echoes of Grace. After retiring, she volunteered as pianist and director of the Golden Girls.
In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by three children, Jennifer L. Romberger of Pottsville, Rachel K. Brobst of New Ringgold and Scott M. Bodenberg of Reading; seven grandchildren, Chase R. Romberger, Victoria P. Konkus, Gabriel M. Bodenberg, Abigail E. Konkus, Kaylie P. Bodenberg, Bryce A. Bodenberg and Brayden A. Romberger; two sisters, Georgeann Aton of Downingtown and Cheryl Gipe of Pine Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Karen Davis.
A viewing for family and friends will be held at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday, September 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. A second viewing will begin Wednesday, September 30, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life funeral service conducted by the Rev. Ted Rathman at 10:30 a.m.
Interment will follow at Cressona Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided afterward in the church fellowship hall.
At the family’s request, donations in Judy’s memory may be sent to the Music Program at Grace E.C. Church, 151 Earl Stoyer Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Helen T. Bauser Thomas
Helen T. Bauser Thomas, 81, of Shenandoah, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Born in Shenandoah on August 6, 1945, Helen was a daughter of the late Albert and Helen Bauser. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife and aunt who will be deeply missed.
Helen attended Shenandoah Valley High School and Northeastern Hospital School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse and worked at Northeastern Hospital, Locust Mountain Hospital, Ashland Hospital and Danville State Hospital during her career.
In retirement, Helen enjoyed staying active. She was an avid walker and loved to exercise. She enjoyed traveling with her family, especially to Atlantic City, but was also content at home reading, completing crossword puzzles and spending time with her dogs. She learned to play the violin in her 60s.
Helen was very close with her family throughout her life. She was protective and supportive of those around her and always willing to lend a helping hand. She was also very competitive, and holiday gatherings were never complete without her winning a game of Bunco.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Thomas, who died in 1992; two brothers, James and Joseph Bauser; and a sister, Eleanor Fufla.
Helen is survived by her sisters, Eve Bauser and Jane Paul; her nieces, Jessica and Jennifer Bauser and Julie Yagielniskie and her husband, Scott; and her great-niece, Kira.
A visitation for family and friends will take place Monday, September 28, from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc. in Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry Street, Shenandoah, with Msgr. Ronald Bocian officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library or Hillside SPCA in Helen’s memory.
James “Jim” John Abicunas
James “Jim” John Abicunas, 64, of Ashland, passed away September 17, 2026.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he was a son of James E. Abicunas and the late Patricia R. (Lipiec) Abicunas.
Jim moved to the Shenandoah area after graduating from Fairfield University in Connecticut. He worked locally with the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years.
Following his retirement, he became an avid golfer and talented artist. Besides the birth of his son, his proudest moments included shooting a hole-in-one on the second hole at White Birch Golf Course and displaying his paintings in several local art galleries. His creativity and enthusiasm for sports will be sorely missed.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church in Frackville.
Jim was also an organ donor. Following his passing, he was able to provide vital donations to two individuals.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia R. (Lipiec) Abicunas.
Surviving are his companion of 17 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Greenman of Ashland; his son, James N. Abicunas of Ringtown; his father, James E. Abicunas of Ringtown; and his sister, Susan Danne of Aiken, South Carolina.
Jim’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak Street, Frackville, with the Rev. Robert Plichta officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Walukiewicz Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin Street, Shenandoah.
Interment will take place in St. Casimir Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights immediately following the funeral service.
Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home in Ringtown is assisting Jim’s family during their time of need.
Robert John Higgins
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Robert John Higgins, 63, of Fort Myers, Florida, died July 13.
Born in Kingsville, Texas, on September 4, 1962, he was a son of the late Joseph C. Higgins Jr. and Helen (McKeon) Higgins.
He was a graduate of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. He was a former member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church before moving to Fort Myers, where he attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church.
He enjoyed walking, swimming, dancing and puzzle books.
He is survived by two brothers, J.C. and his wife, Cathleen, of Fort Myers, and Patrick and his girlfriend, Bonnie McHugh, of Llewellyn; a sister, Mary Lynn and her husband, Robert Harron, of Shoemakersville; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. October 8 at Our Lady of Calvary Chapel at Calvary Cemetery, 301 Calvary Road, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home in Pottsville.
David E. Leach
David E. Leach, 77, of Ashland, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg.
Born in Lavelle, he was a son of the late George and Leona (Banning) Leach.
David was a 1969 graduate of North Schuylkill High School and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jillian Marie Leach; two brothers, Donald Leach and Harlan Leach; and four sisters, Doris Herb, Dorothy Shadle, Rose Bogetti and Catherine Flannery.
Surviving are his son, Ryan D. Leach of Ashland, and his brother, William Leach.
Burial services will be announced at a later date and held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.
Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home in Frackville has charge of the arrangements. Online photos and memories may be shared with his family at markjhummelfuneralhome.com.