Skook News Obituaries: March 16, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Thomas was born in Mahanoy City, PA on October 15, 1956, a son of Dorothy (Hughes) Ward and the late Thomas Ward, Sr.
Tom Graduated from Mahanoy Area High School Class of 1974 and then graduated from Stevens Trade School with an Associate degree in Electrical Engineering.
He owned and operated Ward Electric, Mahanoy City.
Tom was an active firefighter and life member of Citizens Fire Company #2 Mahanoy City where he served as a former trustee and former assistant foreman. He was a recipient of the Citizen’s Citizen of the Year Award and the MCFD Person of the Year Award. He was a former EMT and former ambulance director of Mahanoy City Ambulance.
Tom loved to play the trumpet and was the current President of the Upper Schuylkill Marching Band. He also played with the Shenandoah All Star Polka Band and the Mahanoy Area Alumni Band.
He also loved serving his community and was involved with numerous community organizations. He is a former recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Mahanoy City Elks.
In his spare time, Tom enjoyed being outdoors spending time with his family at his camper, boating, fishing, and hunting. He was an active member of the Auburn Boat club.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Faith Ward.
Thomas is also survived by a son, Thomas III, husband of Megan Ward, of Grier City; three sisters, Margaret, wife of Paul Coombe, of Morea; Carol Ward ColAsante, of Pine Grove; Barbara Ward, of Coatesville.
He is also survived by 3 Grandchildren Jilyan, Jianna, & Thomas IV. Also, Jennifer Ward’s Fiancé Warren Seddon.
Tommy is preceded in death by a daughter Jennifer Ward.
A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home, 11 AM on Wednesday, March 29th, with Rev. Fred Crawford officiating.
Friends and family may call Tuesday 6 - 8 PM and Wednesday 9 to 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Tom requested donations to the Jennifer Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view Tribute Video and send sympathy cards.
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John Urban, 67, of Shenandoah, passed away Sunday, March 5, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.
He was born Aug. 6, 1955, in the former Locust Mountain Hospital, a son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Najunas) Urban.
He is survived by his wife, the former Sarah J. Fetter; four sisters, Carol Moran, Theresa McManus (Dennis), Joann Souchak (Steve) and Mary Hillibush (David); and three brothers, Anthony (Marie), Joseph and Gary (Kimberly).
John was a fun, loving guy who loved pets, gardening and working on cars.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Jane Clifford Ritz Funeral Home, 19 E. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, with the Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil officiating.
Friends may call from 9:30am until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to defray funeral expenses, accepted at the funeral home.
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John was born in Shenandoah on September 27, 1941, the son of the late Nazaro and Carmella (Zavaglia) Matino.
After graduation from high school, he entered and served his country in the United States Army. Upon being released from active duty, he began a lifetime of working starting at the former Purolator Products in Ringtown, then as co-owner of Tri-Way Metal Works in Shenandoah, he worked highway maintenance for PenDot for several years, then finally worked for Penske Trucking.
John enjoyed visiting area casinos, had a great love of Italian food, and enjoyed hunting and cars.
He was a member of the former Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Shenandoah, now the Divine Mercy Parish, along with being a member of the former Union Township Fire Company, and the Shenandoah Amvets.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Dominick, Carmen and Peter, and by two sisters, Nora Hinke and Antoinette Ludzinsky. Two infant sons, John and Neal, also preceded him.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann (Cihucki) Matino, and by their two daughters, Denise, wife of Tom Rhoads, Skaneateles, NY and Angela, wife of Tim Reinoehl, of Ringtown. A sister, Josephine Boyle of Bethlehem also survives, as do three grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Kristen Curry (Dan); Morgan Reinoehl; and Corey Reinoehl (Sierra).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian at 11 AM on Thursday, May 25th at 11 AM at the Divine Mercy Parish, West Cherry Street, Shenandoah. A time of visitation will be from 10-11 AM prior to mass. John will be laid to rest privately during family services at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Shenandoah.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown is providing John’s family with services during this time of need.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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