Schuylkill County Obituaries for September 18, 2026

Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area include Catherine “Kitty” John, Pearl E. Yurenko, Mark Stephen Hetrich, Isabel Rhoads, Susan E. Aungst, Jeremy “Jerm” Leatherman, Emil and Alice Harvest, Patrick James Joseph O’Boyle Sr. and Jan L. Moser.

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Catherine “Kitty” John

Catherine “Kitty” John, 95, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Thursday, September 17th, at Schuylkill Center Nursing Home.

Kitty was born in Kyoto Japan, on August 29, 1931.

She was wife of the late Henry J. John.

Kitty worked at the former General Cigar, Mahanoy City and had retired from Sony.

She loved watching the Phillies and crafting.

She was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish Mahanoy City.

Kitty is survived by two sons Francis, of Morea; David, husband of Elizabeth, of Tamaqua; a brother, Fumio Makino, of Japan, and by her daughter-in-law Karen, 8 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild. Nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by her son Patrick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, September 25th at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City, PA with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Friends and family may call from 9 AM to 10 AM on Friday, September 25th at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City, PA.

Interment will follow at St. Fidelis Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

Pearl E. Yurenko

Pearl E. Yurenko, 98, of Orwigsburg, passed away Monday, September 14th, peacefully, at her residence.

Pearl was born in Auburn on August 4, 1928, a daughter of the late Cora (Fegley) and Calvin Dewald. She was the widow of Peter Yurenko who passed away in 2006. They were married on June 4, 1949 at Zion's Red Church.

Pearl was an Auburn High School graduate, class of 1946, and worked for Sears for many years as well as Ethel Maid and Fesslers Knitting Mill in Orwigsburg.

She attended Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven and loved to travel, especially to Bavaria, Hawaii, Alaska and the Smoky Mountains. Pearl served as President of the Womens Auxiliary for Point Loma Nazarene University.

She is survived by her daughter Sherre Yurenko and by nieces and nephews Dale Dewald, Donna Smith and Elaine Kudella whom Pearl and her late husband helped raise as well as being survived by other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brother Darvin Dewald.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday afternoon, September 24th from 4-7 PM at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Orwigsburg. Interment will be private at Drehersville Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Service held at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Schuylkill Haven on Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 PM with Rev. Ted Rathman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated if made in her name to her church. The address is 151 Earl Stoyer St., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

Mark Stephen Hetrich

Mark Stephen Hetrich, 75, of Bernville passed away Sunday, September 13th, at Reading Hospital – Tower Health, West Reading.

Mark was born in Reading on October 2, 1950, the son of the late Forrest W. & Doris Margaret (Trout) Hetrich.

Mark graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School in 1968 and attended York College of Pennsylvania.

He worked as a roofer for several Berks County companies before becoming self-employed.

Mark had a lifelong love of all things automotive and especially enjoyed tinkering with his beloved collection of Oldsmobiles. Mark enjoyed simple pleasures: planting flowers from his local nursery in the spring, a good conversation about football or racing, eating homemade pot pie, repairing rather than discarding broken items, and watching historical documentaries.

He is survived by sister, Mary Davis, wife of Lewis, Sinking Spring; his nephew, Luke Davis, niece Sarah Davis, partner of Matt Vogel, great-nephew, Gabriel, and several cousins.

Services will be privately held at the family’s convenience.

Because of his love for his favorite feline companion, Herbie, whom he adopted from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, contributions in Mark’s memory may be mailed to 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508.

Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Isabel Rhoads

Isabel Rhoads, 100, died peacefully Wednesday, September 16, at her home in Orwigsburg.

Born in Pottsville on February 19, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Starr) and Arthur Lucian Zulick. She graduated from Orwigsburg High School and went on to study English at her beloved Sweet Briar College, graduating with the class of 1947. After graduation, she moved to Philadelphia and worked for the International Resistance Company, where she met her husband, William Wayne Rhoads (“Wayne”), who had just returned from service in WWII. After living on various Naval bases during his service in the Korean War, she returned home to Orwigsburg in 1951, where she lived the rest of her life.

She was a homemaker in the finest sense; raising her children, caring for her aging mother and cultivating strong connections with neighbors, friends, and family. When her children grew older, she worked for a time at the family business, J. S. Zulick and Co., a children's shoe manufacturer that was founded by her great-grandfather in 1893 in Orwigsburg. She and Wayne loved to travel, especially with her sisters and their spouses.

She cherished the Orwigsburg community and was proud of her family's deep roots there, tracing back to the mid-1780s as a direct descendant of Frederick Hesser, a drummer boy in Washington's Continental Army who later settled in the area. At her treasured St. John's United Church of Christ, she was a longtime choir member and held countless volunteer roles over the past 70 years. She volunteered at the Orwigsburg Library and was a regular book borrower up until her final days. She was known as a fierce bridge player who created a rich, active social network by participating in a local supper club, the Philanthrops, several book groups, and many other community activities.

Isabel is survived by her daughter, Libby Bernick; her sons, Tom Rhoads (wife Denise) and William Wayne Rhoads Jr. (wife Susan); and her grandchildren, John Rhoads (wife Kathy), Lee Bernick (husband Robby Arnott), Andy Bernick and Nina Bernick, Anna Rhoads and Meg Rhoads (husband Jonah Dolin). Her love for her many nieces and nephews was exceptional. She was predeceased by her husband Wayne and her four beloved Zulick siblings, Betty, Peg, Cinny, and Jack.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 26, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Orwigsburg, with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Visitation in the church will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 216 W. Independence Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961, or St. John's United Church of Christ, 236 E Market St., Orwigsburg, PA 17961.

Susan E. Aungst

Susan E. Aungst, 69, of Pottsville, died Thursday at home.

Private cremation arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.

Jeremy “Jerm” Leatherman

Jeremy "Jerm" Leatherman, 37, of Girardville, passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2026. Jeremy struggled with mental illness, a battle that was often unseen by others. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder that mental illness can affect anyone. He will be remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived and the lives he touched.

Jeremy was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and a bit of a wild card. But he was also the kind of person who would show up when it counted. He'd go to battle for those he loved and never had much trouble speaking his mind or standing up for someone he felt needed it. He was a lifelong Tennessee Titans fan and could tell you a stat from just about any game ever played. He loved to cook, collect rocks, listen to Insane Clown Posse, and tattoo. But above all, Jeremy loved being a dad the most. His son was the most important part of his life and his very best friend.

He is preceded in death by his mother Lori Hauze, paternal and maternal grandparents.

He is survived by his son, Mickie Leatherman; girlfriend, Christyna Purcell; sisters, Rochelle Hauze and Bobbi Jo Leatherman; brothers, Darrin Hauze and Jessie Weikel; father, Eugene Leatherman and his wife, Gretchen Leatherman; and his nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

Jeremy was far from perfect, but he was "Jerm". He had a big personality, his own way of doing things, and when he loved, he gave it his all. He will be missed by the people who knew him, loved him and got to call him family and friend.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to help Jeremy's son, Mickie, to Eugene Leatherman at 328 S. Middle Street, Frackville, PA 17931

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville and Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.

Emil and Alice Harvest

Emil Harvest

Emil Harvest, 92, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born in Frackville, Pennsylvania, Emil carried with him the values of hard work, dedication, and integrity throughout his life. He built a long and respectable career as an insurance agent, earning the trust and respect of both his colleagues and clients through his professionalism and genuine care for others. Emil was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Alice, of 67 years, with whom he shared many cherished years. Together, they built a life rooted in love, companionship, and enduring commitment. Emil will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind nature, and the lasting impressions he made on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the relationships he nurtured throughout his lifetime.

Alice L. Harvest

Alice L. Harvest, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026. Born in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Alice carried with her a warm and gentle spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a loving and devoted wife to her beloved husband, Emil Harvest, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage before his passing earlier this year. Together, they built a life founded on love, faith, companionship, and unwavering dedication to one another. Alice will be remembered for her kindness, gracious nature, and the genuine care she showed to family and friends. Her warmth brought comfort to those around her, and her presence made every gathering a little brighter. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though deeply missed, Alice's life serves as a lasting reminder of the beauty of a life well lived and a heart well loved. Her memory will be cherished always.

Graveside services will be announced.

The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.

Patrick James Joseph O’Boyle Sr.

Patrick James Joseph O’Boyle Sr., 80, of Frackville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Born in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late John “Jack” O’Boyle and Mildred (Schipits) O’Boyle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Edward O’Boyle.

Pat was truly a jack of all trades, a man whose talents and willingness to help others touched many lives throughout the community. Pat earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Temple University. He worked as a vocational instructor in the auto body and sheet metal departments, where he shared his knowledge and skills with countless students. He later worked as an insurance adjuster and served on the Frackville Borough Council. He also ran the Frackville Streets Department for many years.

Regardless of the job or role he held, Pat was generous with his time, always willing to lend a helping hand, and never hesitated to put someone else’s needs before his own. If someone needed help, Pat was the type of person who would simply show up and find a way to get the job done.

Pat was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Frackville; the Friendship Fire Company, Englewood; the former Jaycees of Frackville and Brothers of the Brush in Frackville.

Pat was also a proud United States Air Force veteran who served his country honorably.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendi Magro and her husband, Vinnie; his son, P.J. O’Boyle and his wife, Maria; and his siblings, John O’Boyle and his companion, Barbara; Theresa Sweador; Mary Swartz and Anne Marie O’Boyle; his grandchildren, Pat O’Boyle, Krista O’Boyle, Jordan Marconi and her husband, Chris, Ashlee Wilcox, and Breanna Inabinet; his step-grandchildren, Madelyn Rose Carvajal, J.J. Carvajal, and Eli Mohl; and his great-grandchildren, Aurora, Adeline, Carson, Mason, and Miles. He is also survived by his companion of 34 years, Margaret Bettinger; his longtime friend of 45 years, Doug Naftzinger as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat will be remembered as a man who could do just about anything, but more importantly, as a man who was always willing to do something for someone else. His generosity, willingness to help, dedication to his family, and service to the Frackville community will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 22nd, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street, Frackville with Rev. Adam Sedar as the celebrant.

A viewing for Pat will be held on Monday evening, September 21st, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 501 West Washington Street, Frackville. There will be no calling hours on Tuesday morning prior to the Mass. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in the Englewood section of Frackville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in Pat's name, to St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 7 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville, PA 17931

The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville, is in charge of the arrangements.

Jan L. Moser

Jan L. Moser, 62, of Catherine Street, Fountain Springs, Ashland, passed away at his residence on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on January 7, 1964, Jan was the son of the late James and Vivian (Michael) Moser. He was a 1981 graduate of Wilson High School in Reading.

Jan spent 23 years working for Reading Sheet Metal, where he built not only a career but also many lasting friendships. He later worked for Razor Industries in Reading, Pennsylvania, for 16 years. Most recently, Jan was employed by JELD-WEN Door and Window Company on Keystone Boulevard in Pottsville, where he worked as a forklift operator.

Jan was also a member of the Pike Township Sportsman Association.

Jan was a man who loved his family deeply. Jan wasn’t one to openly express his emotions or put his feelings into words, but the love he had for his family was always there. His daughters, grandsons, Sarah and her children, and his twin sister each held an important place in his heart. Those who knew Jan best understood that beneath his tough exterior was a man who felt deeply, even when he had a difficult way of showing it.

Jan was also the kind of friend you were lucky to have. He valued his friendships and was someone his friends knew they could count on. He loved all things Harley-Davidson and had a passion for all kinds of racing. An avid outdoorsman, Jan enjoyed hunting, fishing, and simply being at camp.

Jan is survived by his daughters, Kristy Lyn Moser and Brittany Lee Hoffert, wife of Wyatt Hoffert; his beloved grandsons, Waylon Jan Hoffert and Brooks Zachary Scott Hoffert; his fiancée, Sarah E. Zendrosky; his stepdaughter, Natasha E. Zendrosky; his stepson, Gerald Zendrosky; and his twin sister, Judy Ann Halteman; his nephew, Ryan M. Mengel. He also leaves behind extended family and many dear friends.

Jan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vivian (Michael) Moser.

Jan was tremendously loved, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. His family will miss him more than words can express and will carry their love for him, and the memories they shared, with them always.

Jan’s daughters would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sarah for the love, care, and companionship she gave their dad throughout the years. Knowing that he was loved and cared for means more to them than words can say.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Jan’s Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Engine Room of the Blandon Fire Company, 36 W. Wesner Road, Blandon, PA 19510.

Condolences may be shared with Jan’s family through the Fritz Funeral Home website.

The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ashland, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Friday, September 18, 2026