Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on , including remembrances and available service information for Richard J. Updegrove and Donalene M. Platts.
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Richard J. Updegrove, 65, of Tower City
Richard J. Updegrove, 65, of Tower City, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by his family at the Hershey Medical Center after a courageous three-year battle against multiple myeloma.
Rick was born in Pottsville on Sunday, June 11, 1961, a son of the late Richard and Patricia McAuliffe Updegrove.
He was a 1979 graduate of Williams Valley High School.
Rick was raised Catholic, belonging to the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown. He currently attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tower City, with his family.
Rick was a Payroll Specialist for the 193rd Special Operations Wing with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for 20 years. Following his military career, he retired after 20 years with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was an auditor.
He was a life member and officer of the Williamstown American Legion. Rick also was a member of the Williamstown VFW, was a life member of the Williamstown Fire Company, and was a member of the Lucky Dozen Hunting Club.
Following retirement, Rick enjoyed volunteering in the community. He was an active member of the Tower Porter Improvement Organization, where he was currently serving as president. Rick also was on the Compassion in the Valley Committee and volunteered with Paws For a Cause. He was a former member and past president of the Williams Valley School Board.
Rick currently was employed by Lake Tobias Wildlife Park as a safari bus driver and recently started working as a courier for Mid Penn bank.
He was an avid fan of Penn State football, Philadelphia Phillies and Williams Valley Sports. Rick could always be found cheering on the Vikings from the stands. He will be remembered for his larger than life personality and his ability to light up any room. Rick had a sense of humor second to none, and he loved making people laugh. He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, spending many summers vacationing in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Above everything, his family meant the world to him. His daughter and grandchildren brought him immense joy.
Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Andrea Wollyung Updegrove; his daughter, Morgan Updegrove (Jason Chamberlain); his three grandchildren, Harper, Josie, and Stetson Chamberlain; his sister, Teresa Stalnecker (Scott); his brother, Eric Updegrove (Patti); mother-in-law, Darlene Wollyung; father-in-law, Bill Wollyung, Jr; brother and sister in law, Bill Wollyung III and Lecia Underkoffler; nieces and nephews, Eric and Zach Updegrove, Donald Stalnecker and Alyson Ulmer, and Shane Underkoffler.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 10-12 at the chapel. Rick will be laid to rest with full military honors in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the Williamstown American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory can be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Donalene M. Platts, 95, Formerly of Pottsville
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Donalene M. Platts, 95, formerly of Pottsville, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s residence.
Born in York, PA on September 24, 1931, Donalene was a daughter of the late Clarence and Edith (Baker) Houck.
She was a 1950 graduate of William Penn High School, York PA.
Donalene was the devoted wife of Franklin Paul Platts Jr., whom she was married 62 years before his passing on Christmas Day, 2014.
In addition to her husband and parents, Donalene was preceded in death by her beloved sister Evelyn Ilgenfritz.
She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville.
She worked as a sales associate at Sears.
Donalene is survived by her children Steven Platts, husband of Jayne; Deborah Platts, wife of Van Howard; John Platts, husband of Jacqueline and Theresa Brennan, wife of Scott; grandchildren Michael, Jessica, Steven, Kelly, Joseph and Breana and several great-grandchildren.
Services are private at the convenience of family.
Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements.