Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on , including family remembrances and available funeral service information.
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Robert J. “Bobby” Bainbridge, 53, of Pottsville
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Robert J. “Bobby” Bainbridge, 53 of Pottsville, died Friday October 23rd at home.
He was born December 13, 1972, in Pottsville a son of the late JoAnn Bainbridge Mays.
He was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School.
Bobby was currently employed at the Coney Island, Pottsville.
Bobby will be remembered as a hard-working man with a warm sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his life. He was an avid walker who found enjoyment in the simple pleasures that brought people together, including, hanging out with friends and watching “old” TV shows such as I Love Lucy, a favorite that surely reflected his appreciation for laughter and timeless comedy.
Those who knew Bobby will remember a man whose personality left a lasting impression through both his dedication and his ability to bring a smile to others.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lucas Mays, Grandparents, Helen and Robert Bainbridge.
Surviving are a sister, Kara Mays; best friend, Kevin Bierman, who was like a brother to Bobby, Pottsville; three aunts, Debbie Moser, Pottsville; Mare Bainbridge, Spokane, WA; and Barbara Bainbridge, New Ringgold; cousins and nieces.
A memorial visitation will be held 9-11AM, Thursday, Nov 5th at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. The family would prefer contribution to James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, 1112 W. Market St. Pottsville, PA 17901 to help defray some of the funeral expenses.
Joanne M. Demko, 66, of Ashland
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Joanne M. Demko, 66, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25th, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Carduff) Holden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two nephews, Michael Holden and Philip Koles.
Joanne was a 1979 graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School. She was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland and served her community for many years as an election inspector for the Borough of Ashland.
Joanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Stephen D. Demko Jr. of Ashland; her two sons, Steven Demko and his wife, Rachelle, of Lavelle, and Craig Demko and his wife, Kayla, of Frackville; her brother, Francis Holden and his wife, Roses; and her sisters, Beth Holden, Marcia Hughes and her husband, Kevin, and Seana McFadden and her husband, Shawn. She is also survived by her two cherished grandchildren, Charley and Chase, who brought tremendous joy and happiness to her life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 2nd from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Ashland, with Monsignor Edward Coyle serving as the celebrant.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation at the church on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
To sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, or for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.
The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville and Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.
James C. “Simba” Simatos, 69, of Mechanicsville
James C. Simatos, 69, of Mechanicsville, affectionately known to many as “Simba,” entered into Heaven on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Schenectady, NY on Valentine’s Day in 1957, Jim was the son of the late Jerry and Olive J. (Johns) Simatos. A 1975 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Jim proudly wore the Crimson Tide uniform as a member of the football team and was All-Conference under Coach Flynn. His talents extended beyond the football field and onto the stage, where he portrayed Tevye in his high school’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.
His love of football continued at Lycoming College, where he played on the offensive line for the Warriors and was a member of the 1978 & 1979 MAC Championship team under the legendary coach Frank Girardi and was awarded Offensive Player of the Year. While at Lycoming, he was also a member of Sigma Pi fraternity, a chapter of his life he fondly recalled to his family with a simple but enthusiastic declaration that he “had a blast.” There was probably a good story or two behind that statement.
Jim was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, where he served as an acolyte during his high school years.
Throughout his over 40 year professional life, Jim held management positions with Ames, Staples and most recently, T-Mobile, where he served as a regional manager in Northeast Philadelphia. His career reflected his strong personality, leadership, and ability to leave a lasting impression on those he encountered.
Football and music were two of Jim’s great loves, particularly the sounds of the 1970s. Saturday mornings in the Simatos household were rarely quiet. Before Lycoming football games, Jim made certain the entire family was awake and ready for game day by turning up his favorite music, whether anyone else was ready to get out of bed or not. It was a tradition his children would come to know well, and one that will forever bring a smile when a familiar song comes on the radio.
Jim was a man with a larger than life personality, a quick wit, and a presence that was difficult to ignore. Whether sharing stories from his football days, reminiscing about college, or engaging in a little good-natured banter, he loved his friends and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Olive, his sister, Sally and his beloved dog, Pookie.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Susan (Novicenskie); his four children, Samantha, Jerry, James Jr., and Sarah; and his granddaughter, Sienna.
Though the music may be a little quieter on Saturday mornings, the memories, stories, and spirit of Simba will live on in those who knew him. Simba used to say “When I go, I go. I love you and I had a good ride”
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, PA. Following the service, family and friends are warmly encouraged to stay for a gathering in the church hall, where we hope you’ll share your favorite stories, memories, and laughter as we celebrate the life of Simba. Donations can be made in his memory to Crimson Tide Foundation, Pottsville or The Lycoming College-Warrior Club.
Jerome E. “Jerry” Frederick, 83, of Pottsville
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Jerome E. “Jerry” Frederick, 83 of Pottsville died peacefully Thursday morning at Edenbrook of Greenwood Hill Nursing Home.
He was born September 8, 1943, in Pottsville, a son of the late Irene Frederick.
He was a 1961 graduate of Pottsville High School.
Prior to retiring Jerry started and worked alongside his sons at J. E. Frederick and Sons Electrical Heating and Air Conditioning.
Jerry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville and Chrysler 300 Car Club.
Jerry was a car and motorcycle enthusiast and a collector of many things, bringing energy and enjoyment to the hobbies that meant so much to him. He especially cherished traveling with his wife, Betty, to upstate New York and Canada, journeys that reflected both his adventurous spirit and the pleasure he found in time spent together. He was also known for the personal style and familiar trademarks that made him distinctly himself, including his Marlboro Reds and cowboy boots.
Among the accomplishments that stood out in Jerry’s life was his donation of bulletproof vests to the Pottsville Police Department after a former Pottsville police officer suffered a gunshot injury in the line of duty. That act of generosity reflected his desire to help protect others and to respond in a meaningful way when his community was affected.
He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth J. “Betty” Frederick, on June 28, 2025, and his son, Christopher Frederick, 2024.
Surviving are his son, Bryan Frederick and his wife Lisa; his daughter in law, Brenda Frederick, all of Pottsville; 4 grandchildren, Thomas Bowers and his wife, Brandi; Alysia Frederick, Rebecca Frederick, Jerome Ferderick and his wife Nicole; 3 great-grandchildren, Cayden, Jude Cicero, Skyla Yazujian; nieces and nephews.
Service of remembrance will be held 10AM, Saturday October 31st at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9AM. The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of Jerry be made Salvation Army 400 Sanderson, St. Pottsville, PA 17901 or Meals on Wheels Program C/O Diakon Community Services for Seniors. 2020 W. Norwegian St. Pottsville, PA 17901.
Robert L. Troutman, 96, of Valley View
Robert L. Troutman, age 96, of Valley View, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Orwigsburg Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Orwigsburg.
Please check back shortly for updated obituary and service information.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View is honored to serve the Troutman family with arrangements.