Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on , including family remembrances and available funeral service information.
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Elizabeth A. “Betty” Basgil, 87, of New Philadelphia
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Elizabeth A. “Betty” Basgil, 87, of New Philadelphia, passed away Thursday, October 22nd.
Born in Pottsville on December 17, 1938, she was a daughter of the late George & Beatrice (Spotts) Lickman.
She was the widow of Vincent G. Basgil.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty is also preceded in death by her son, Joseph Basgil, granddaughter, Amanda Malanowicz, and siblings: Leona, & Vincent Lickman.
She attended Pottsville High School.
A devoted wife and mother, Betty worked tirelessly as a homemaker most of her life, in addition to working as a CNA for York Terrace, Pottsville.
Betty was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, where she belonged to the Holy Rosary Society.
Betty was an avid Bingo player.
She is also survived by her children: Theresa Basgil Eames (Larry), Cape May, NJ, Peter Basgil (Lori), Sneedville, TN, Kathleen Basgil Navitsky (Daniel), New Philadelphia, John Basgil (Donna), Auburndale, FL, Christine Basgil Malanowicz (companion, Randy Olgan), Kansas City, Missouri, & Judy Shartzer (Lee), Tamaqua, her daughter-in-law, Betty Basgil, Brockton, grandchildren: Joshua Eames, Rachel Eames Marroquin, Jade, Amber, Bree, Colton, & Alexis Basgil, Katelyn Navitsky Wegfhart, & Zachary, & Luke Navitsky, eight great-grandchildren, & her beloved goddaughter, Elaine Warren Basgil, and numerous nieces & nephews.
A Viewing will be held Thursday at Haus Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia from 5-7 PM.
An additional Viewing will be held from 9-10 AM on Friday at Haus Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 30th at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia.
Interment will follow Mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Philadelphia.
Remembrances in the form of contributions in Betty’s name may be made to Ruth Steinert SPCA, PO Box 332, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Extend online condolences by visiting www.gsesfuneralhomes.com.
Haus Bartashus Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, has been entrusted with arrangements.
Paul F. “Yaki” Yacobowsky, 91, of Tuscarora
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Paul F. “Yaki” Yacobowsky, 91 years of age, Tuscarora’s go-to handyman, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp.
Born in Schuylkill County on Friday, June 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Frank and Anna (Lischalk) Yacobowsky. Paul was also predeceased by his son, Paul Gerard Yacobowsky; sisters, Frances Schwartz, Mary Ondeck, and Catherine Berdzak; and brothers, John, Joseph, and Edward Yacobowsky.
Survived by his wife of 64 years, Theresa (Kotch) Yacobowsky; daughter-in-law, Tammy Yacobowsky; grandchildren, Grace and Hope Yacobowsky; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Kotch. Many nieces and his nephew also survive Yaki.
A graduate of the former Blythe Township High School, Paul served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked at General Electric before joining J. F. Kotch Construction, a family business founded by his brother-in-law, which grew to become a leading commercial and residential home builder in the Lehigh Valley.
After retiring to Tuscarora, Yaki earned his reputation as the town’s ultimate “go-to” handyman. Known for his talent with home repairs and quick fixes, he never hesitated to lend a helpful hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike. An avid outdoorsman, Yaki enjoyed hunting deer and turkey throughout Schuylkill County and took great pride in helping stock many of the area’s waterways and ponds with fish. He was a member of the American Legion in Middleport, PA, as well as the local Rod and Gun Club. A perfect Sunday for Yaki always included listening to “Polka Joe” on WMGH 105.5 FM, with a Dallas Cowboys game playing on the television screen. He was incredibly grateful to his son and nephew for giving him the unforgettable opportunity to see his beloved Cowboys play in person at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. Paul was a faithful member of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church of Tamaqua.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 11 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C., 309 Pine Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Interment with Military Honors bestowed in St. Bertha’s R.C.C., Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 309 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.