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Raymond J. Hughes, 73, Tamaqua
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Raymond J. Hughes, 73 years of age, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Raymond G. and Mildred (Krynok) Hughes. He was preceded in death by niece Anna Kostura and son-in-law Kenneth Smith.
Surviving are his beloved wife Carol (Fabritz) Hughes; his loving daughters, Sheri Smith and Kimberly Davison; cherished sister, Mary Kostura, her husband David, nephew David and niece Angela and great-nephews.
A graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Class of 1970, Ray was a devout Catholic and a member of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church in Tamaqua.
A highly sought-after and proud dragline operator of 54 years, he worked for Lehigh Anthracite until two months ago. Ray learned his trade under the guidance of his father, whom he deeply admired, starting as an oiler on his father’s rig before becoming an operator himself.
While the sheer scale of those massive machines is hard to comprehend unless seen in person, Ray controlled the dragline with the precision of a surgeon. He shared his operating expertise with many in the strip mining field as well as several U.S. and international groups.
He was mentored by many fine men who had worked in the mines, and he would lovingly share those stories. Ray returned that kindness by offering his training, mentorship and friendship to the younger generation. His professionalism and strong work ethic are passed down to his friends and family. He spoke very fondly of his current group of co-workers.
Ray loved his mining career, and a perfect day included enjoying an early sunrise over the mountain while lowering the bucket from the boom and maneuvering the gears and pedals on his shovel. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America and served for many years as a shop steward.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of deep love and devotion to family and friends. A lifelong Tamaqua resident, he took pride in maintaining his home on the east end of town.
His hobbies included designing and building model draglines, traveling with his family, decorating for Christmas and being a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. Ray cherished his lifelong friends and was known to be a patient and present listener. He was a social member of the Tamaqua American Legion and the East End Fire Company.
Funeral and Visitation Information
Funeral services have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Phone: 570-668-2550.
A visitation will take place Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial in honor of Ray will take place Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 309 Pine Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.
Interment will be in St. Jerome Roman Catholic Cemetery, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to St. John XXIII Church.
A special thank you to the caring staff, nurses and doctors at St. Luke’s.
Robert L. “Bob” Allen, 81, Pottsville
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Robert L. “Bob” Allen, 81, of Pottsville, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Providence Place Senior Living of Pottsville.
Born in Mechanicsville on October 14, 1945, Bob was the son of the late Lloyd T. and Ethel O. (Horn) Allen.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” (Coyle) Allen, with whom he enjoyed 52 years of marriage.
Bob graduated from Pottsville Area High School in 1963 and from Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in 1964. He received a business management degree from Lycoming College in 1968 and a degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1969.
Bob joined the family business in 1969 and became the co-owner of Allen & Pugh Funeral Home, Inc.
In 1975, Bob was elected the youngest mayor in Pottsville’s history and served the city from 1976–1981. After an unsuccessful campaign for the 125th District legislative seat in 1982, he joined the administration of Governor Dick Thornburgh in 1983 as the legislative liaison for the Department of Environmental Resources. He was elevated to the position of Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs in the Governor’s Office from 1985–1986.
Bob was successful in his second attempt to win the 125th District legislative seat in 1988 and served as a State Representative from 1989–2006. He chaired the House Labor Relations Committee from 2003–2006. As reported by the Greensburg Tribune-Review, he was a steadfast and highly effective advocate for Schuylkill County, securing more state infrastructure funds per capita than any other Pennsylvania legislator.
After departing from the State Assembly, Bob founded the government relations firm Bob Allen & Associates. He operated this firm from 2007–2024 and advised clients such as the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority and Schuylkill County Government.
Bob was very devoted to his community and was an ardent supporter of both the arts and sports programs at Pottsville Area High School.
He also served his community as a member of the SED-CO Board of Directors, First United Methodist Church of Pottsville, Pulaski FA&M Lodge #216, Bloomsburg Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite 33rd Degree, Rajah Shrine of Reading, the Pottsville Lions Club, as Schuylkill United Way Campaign Chairman in 1974, and as a member of the former Greenwood Hill Fire Company.
In addition, Bob was instrumental in rallying the business community to fund specialized firefighting equipment for the Yorkville Hose Company. He was awarded the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s James M. Stine Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and the Hawk Mountain Council’s Scouting America Distinguished Citizen Award in 2024.
Bob is survived by a daughter, Megan Allen Mitchell, widow of Keith, of Arlington, MA; a son Tom Allen, husband of Jamie Huffcut, of Havertown; grandchildren Cora Mitchell, Mariel Allen, & Rhys Allen; and his sister Mary Ann (Allen), wife of William C. Pugh, of Pottsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral and Viewing Information
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Pottsville.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. John Wallace officiating. An additional viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services.
Interment will follow at Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville.
Memorial contributions: The family prefers memorial contributions in Bob’s name be made to First United Methodist Church, 330 W. Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901; Yorkville Hose Company, 1972 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville, PA 17901; or other Schuylkill County fire companies.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.