Skook News Obituaries: April 4, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Frackville, he was a son of the late George and Helen Brocious Antalosky. He was employed as an industrial painter for the Allentown Local Painters Union working for several local painting companies.
Russ was a 1963 graduate of the former Frackville High School. After high school, he worked for the department of forestry before enlisting in the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War.
He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a lifetime member of the Frackville Elks BPOE 1533 and the Broad Mountain Archery Club.
Most of all, he enjoyed spending his time with his family especially his grandchildren, Ethan and Alana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: George, John and Ron Antalosky, Harry Trutt and his sister Mae DiCastro.
Russ is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Kieres Antalosky; his son Russell D. and his wife Kelly Antalosky, Frackville; his daughter Melissa wife of Kevin Swatt, Valley View; his grandchildren: Ethan Russell and Alana Nicole and his sister Linda Puscavage and by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12 p.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Baltimore Maryland August 22, 1935 she was the daughter of Walter and Beatrice (Turner) Jester.
Margaret was of Catholic faith and received her education at Saint Phillips and James in Baltimore Maryland.
Margaret or “Toot” or Peggy as she was known to those close to her will always be remembered for her caring nature and absolute devotion to her family. It was her mission to never let you stray from what your values should be and what’s important. She loved hard and was committed to providing the best life for her family. A family that was raised to care for others, treat others with respect, and alway be humble. Margaret was one of the kindest, gentle souls you would ever meet. She taught us well and her legacy will surely be her unconditional love and devotion to her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Michael Oler, her brothers Walter, Thomas and John Jester and her sister Lucille (Sis) Cirri.
Margaret or “Toot” or Peggy as she was known to those close to her will always be remembered for her caring nature and absolute devotion to her family. It was her mission to never let you stray from what your values should be and what’s important. She loved hard and was committed to providing the best life for her family. A family that was raised to care for others, treat others with respect, and alway be humble. Margaret was one of the kindest, gentle souls you would ever meet. She taught us well and her legacy will surely be her unconditional love and devotion to her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Michael Oler, her brothers Walter, Thomas and John Jester and her sister Lucille (Sis) Cirri.
She is survived by her three loving daughters Debbie Dodd and her companion John Stein of Edgewood Maryland, Gina Warhola and her husband Dave of Branchdale, PA, Michele Terway and her husband Tim of Pottsville PA, her adored Niece Joann Cirri Grainger and her husband Tony of Little River, South Carolina, her treasured grandchildren Dina Dodd, Timothy Terway, Chad Dodd, Christina Warhola, Malia Zavoyna and her precious Great Grandchildren Chad Dodd, Bryan Zavoyna, Linden Collett Terway , her Great Grand Pup Sir Pudgie as well as many nieces and nephews who she also loved dearly.
There will be a viewing for family and friends on Tuesday, April 11th from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc. 25 East Main St, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Following Margaret’s wishes, she will be headed back home to Maryland where interment services will be held on Wednesday, April 12th at 12:30 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery 5829 Ritchie Hwy, Baltimore MD 21225
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions in her memory to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
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Ardith was born in Friedensburg, on October 22, 1930, a daughter of the late Ruth (Hain) and Harold Laubenstine.
She was the widow of Ray F. Kull. who died Dec. 31, 2009. Preceded in death by brothers Lyle "Skip" and Larry Laubenstine.
She was an active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Friedensburg, with numerous women's groups, taught Sunday School and was in charge of the Alter Guild.
She retired from Wayne Township as a secretary where she worked for 20 years.
She was chairwomen for numerous years with Friedensburg Womens Republican Club.
A graduate of Cressona High School Class of 1947.
Ardith is survived by three sons Dr. Keith Kull, of Schuylkill Haven; Kenneth, husband of Linda Kull, of Danville PA; Alan, husband of Brenda Kull, of Oxford NJ. Also survived by two grandchildren James and Krista Kull Danville, Michael and Dr. Jody Kull Danville, two great grandchildren Jernna and Gunther Kull and a sister Jean Bittle Harrisburg.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 8th at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Friedensburg, with Rev. James Seibert officiating with a viewing for family and friends from 9:30 - 11 am at church.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 24 Church Road Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Interment at Saint John's Union Cemetery, Friedensburg.
Vincent H. Witherow, Jr., 92, of Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Rosewood Rehab and Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven.
Born on February 11, 1931 in Johnstown, he was a son of the late Vincent H. Sr. and Marie Berg Witherow.
Vincent was in the Army for 4 years during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He then served with the PA Army National Guard for 28 1/2 years as a Mechanic.
He worked several years at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown before entering the service and after retiring from the Guards, he was a custodian for the Pine Grove Area School District for several years. Many kids, as well as staff, would remember him as a happy go lucky man who always had time to stop and have a conversation with them.
Vincent was an active member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont for many years and was involved in maintaining the church grounds and helping with fundraisers.
He was instrumental in fundraising and helping to install the original concession stand and fencing around the Pine Grove Area Cardinal Stadium. He and his wife were very involved with the P.G.A. football and wrestling boosters. You could always find them serving food at the football camp from 1972-1983. Anyone who played football will always remember Mr. and Mrs. Witherow. Most of the time, they were busy running to pick up the food for the concession stand for both football and wrestling. In his spare time, he could be found tearing apart scrap to recycle.
Vincent, also known as Bud, Pap and Dad, married the love of his life R. Virginia Haney on April 19, 1954. He was a great provider for his family, a very hard worker, and family man who always enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood with his six children and grandchildren. When his brothers got together, they really had the stories to tell. He was a friend to all, a great storyteller, a great father and pappy. He will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Paul and James Witherow and a sister Joan Montag.
Surviving are his wife of almost 69 years, R. Virginia Witherow; two daughters, Jacqueline Boughter of Lebanon, Jean and husband David Degler of Reading; four sons, James and wife Linda Witherow, Joseph and wife Donna Witherow, Jeffrey and wife Frances Witherow, Jerry and wife Missy Witherow, all of Pine Grove; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; three brothers, Richard Witherow, Robert Witherow, and Ronald Witherow, all of Virginia; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont with Father Johnson officiating. There will be a viewing on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont, Pa. 17981 in his memory.
Frank R. Diehl, 70, of Hidden Acres Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at home.
Born on November 28, 1952 in Reading, he was a son of the late Frank and Caroline Herman Diehl.
Frank was a Diesel Mechanic and worked for Fisher Leasing in Reading.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Irene Skowronek Diehl; three sons, Thomas and wife Erica Diehl of N.C., Andrew and wife Melinda Diehl, Jimmy Diehl, both of Pine Grove; 4 grandchildren, Hudson, Caroline, Miranda, and Rhett Diehl; three sisters, Carol, Patty and Barbie from Reading.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home.
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Loretta L. Verbash, 81, of Frackville passed away Sunday at her residence.
Born in Warfordsburg, she was a daughter of the late John E and Lucy Mills Mann and a step-daughter to the late Mathiel Mann.
She worked as a sewing machine operator for local garment factories and last worked for the former Boltz Kitting Mill, Pottsville.
Loretta enjoyed nature, feeding the birds and squirrels, and watching the seasons change.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years John Verbash in 2010; a son Jeffery Verbash; in 2014, and a daughter in law Marlene Verbash; in 2012; 2 infant sisters; Mary Ellen and Bessie May Mann; sisters Hazel Fawcett and Rose Hill.
Loretta is survived by two sons; John and Douglas Verbash; grandchildren; Pam and Frank Pritz; Josh Setlock and Troy Marhon; great-grandchildren Olyvia Rohr and Nathan Verbash; a sister Kathryn Shatzer; a brother Charles “Sonny” Mann; nieces and nephews.
As per Loretta wishes, services will private and at the convenience of the family.
Evelyn Hollenbach, 99 of Shenandoah passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at her residence.
Born in Shenandoah on May 23, 1923, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary (Kissel) Hollenbach.
She was a 1941 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.
Evelyn was a retired seamstress in the local garment industry and was a member of the ILGWU.
She was also a member of Divine Mercy Parish formerly Saint Casimir Church and the Glovers Hill Athletic Club Ladies Auxiliary all of Shenandoah.
Evelyn was a kindhearted person who always cared for her family. She was a good neighbor and friend to all.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her sister, Helen S. Godynick; brother, William Hollenbach; three nephews, Kenneth, William and James Hollenbach. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving are her nephew and caregiver, Michael Godynick of Shenandoah; additional nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Religious services will be held on Tuesday morning, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
Matthew J. Ebert, 33, of Cranberry Township, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at UPMC Passavant - McCandless, Pittsburgh.
Born on May 26, 1989, Matthew was the son of Marie Ebert. He was a graduate of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, Marlin.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Joseph Vezo Sr.; grandmother, Althea Ebert; sisters Tiffany Hauman and Angel Gomez; brother, Joseph Vezo; numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the staff at Spring Garden Group Home where he resided for many years.
Graveside services for Matthew will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Bible Holiness Church Cemetery, Dornsife.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Matthew's family.
Barbara M. Ossman, 86, of Tower City, passed away early Tuesday morning April 4, 2023 at Heritage Mills Personal Care Home, Tower City.
A complete obituary will be announced in the future by Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City.
Neal E. Yeager, 68, of Auburn passed away at his home on Sunday.
Born in Pottsville, May 31, 1954, he was the son of the late Ernest J. and Geneva Wildermuth Yeager.
He was 1972 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.
Neal enjoyed sports and was a big fan of all Penn State athletics. He was also a little league coach in his younger years.
Neal is survived by his sister Peggy Yeager and her husband Ray Depew of Naples FL along with several cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
She was the widow of Ray F. Kull. who died Dec. 31, 2009. Preceded in death by brothers Lyle "Skip" and Larry Laubenstine.
She was an active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Friedensburg, with numerous women's groups, taught Sunday School and was in charge of the Alter Guild.
She retired from Wayne Township as a secretary where she worked for 20 years.
She was chairwomen for numerous years with Friedensburg Womens Republican Club.
A graduate of Cressona High School Class of 1947.
Ardith is survived by three sons Dr. Keith Kull, of Schuylkill Haven; Kenneth, husband of Linda Kull, of Danville PA; Alan, husband of Brenda Kull, of Oxford NJ. Also survived by two grandchildren James and Krista Kull Danville, Michael and Dr. Jody Kull Danville, two great grandchildren Jernna and Gunther Kull and a sister Jean Bittle Harrisburg.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 8th at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Friedensburg, with Rev. James Seibert officiating with a viewing for family and friends from 9:30 - 11 am at church.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 24 Church Road Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
Interment at Saint John's Union Cemetery, Friedensburg.
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Born on February 11, 1931 in Johnstown, he was a son of the late Vincent H. Sr. and Marie Berg Witherow.
Vincent was in the Army for 4 years during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He then served with the PA Army National Guard for 28 1/2 years as a Mechanic.
He worked several years at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown before entering the service and after retiring from the Guards, he was a custodian for the Pine Grove Area School District for several years. Many kids, as well as staff, would remember him as a happy go lucky man who always had time to stop and have a conversation with them.
Vincent was an active member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont for many years and was involved in maintaining the church grounds and helping with fundraisers.
He was instrumental in fundraising and helping to install the original concession stand and fencing around the Pine Grove Area Cardinal Stadium. He and his wife were very involved with the P.G.A. football and wrestling boosters. You could always find them serving food at the football camp from 1972-1983. Anyone who played football will always remember Mr. and Mrs. Witherow. Most of the time, they were busy running to pick up the food for the concession stand for both football and wrestling. In his spare time, he could be found tearing apart scrap to recycle.
Vincent, also known as Bud, Pap and Dad, married the love of his life R. Virginia Haney on April 19, 1954. He was a great provider for his family, a very hard worker, and family man who always enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood with his six children and grandchildren. When his brothers got together, they really had the stories to tell. He was a friend to all, a great storyteller, a great father and pappy. He will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Paul and James Witherow and a sister Joan Montag.
Surviving are his wife of almost 69 years, R. Virginia Witherow; two daughters, Jacqueline Boughter of Lebanon, Jean and husband David Degler of Reading; four sons, James and wife Linda Witherow, Joseph and wife Donna Witherow, Jeffrey and wife Frances Witherow, Jerry and wife Missy Witherow, all of Pine Grove; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; three brothers, Richard Witherow, Robert Witherow, and Ronald Witherow, all of Virginia; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont with Father Johnson officiating. There will be a viewing on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont, Pa. 17981 in his memory.
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Frank R. Diehl, 70, of Hidden Acres Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at home.
Born on November 28, 1952 in Reading, he was a son of the late Frank and Caroline Herman Diehl.
Frank was a Diesel Mechanic and worked for Fisher Leasing in Reading.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Irene Skowronek Diehl; three sons, Thomas and wife Erica Diehl of N.C., Andrew and wife Melinda Diehl, Jimmy Diehl, both of Pine Grove; 4 grandchildren, Hudson, Caroline, Miranda, and Rhett Diehl; three sisters, Carol, Patty and Barbie from Reading.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home.
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Born in Warfordsburg, she was a daughter of the late John E and Lucy Mills Mann and a step-daughter to the late Mathiel Mann.
She worked as a sewing machine operator for local garment factories and last worked for the former Boltz Kitting Mill, Pottsville.
Loretta enjoyed nature, feeding the birds and squirrels, and watching the seasons change.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years John Verbash in 2010; a son Jeffery Verbash; in 2014, and a daughter in law Marlene Verbash; in 2012; 2 infant sisters; Mary Ellen and Bessie May Mann; sisters Hazel Fawcett and Rose Hill.
Loretta is survived by two sons; John and Douglas Verbash; grandchildren; Pam and Frank Pritz; Josh Setlock and Troy Marhon; great-grandchildren Olyvia Rohr and Nathan Verbash; a sister Kathryn Shatzer; a brother Charles “Sonny” Mann; nieces and nephews.
As per Loretta wishes, services will private and at the convenience of the family.
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Born in Shenandoah on May 23, 1923, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary (Kissel) Hollenbach.
She was a 1941 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.
Evelyn was a retired seamstress in the local garment industry and was a member of the ILGWU.
She was also a member of Divine Mercy Parish formerly Saint Casimir Church and the Glovers Hill Athletic Club Ladies Auxiliary all of Shenandoah.
Evelyn was a kindhearted person who always cared for her family. She was a good neighbor and friend to all.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her sister, Helen S. Godynick; brother, William Hollenbach; three nephews, Kenneth, William and James Hollenbach. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving are her nephew and caregiver, Michael Godynick of Shenandoah; additional nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Religious services will be held on Tuesday morning, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements.
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Born on May 26, 1989, Matthew was the son of Marie Ebert. He was a graduate of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, Marlin.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his stepfather, Joseph Vezo Sr.; grandmother, Althea Ebert; sisters Tiffany Hauman and Angel Gomez; brother, Joseph Vezo; numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the staff at Spring Garden Group Home where he resided for many years.
Graveside services for Matthew will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Bible Holiness Church Cemetery, Dornsife.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Matthew's family.
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A complete obituary will be announced in the future by Dimon Funeral Home, Tower City.
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Born in Pottsville, May 31, 1954, he was the son of the late Ernest J. and Geneva Wildermuth Yeager.
He was 1972 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.
Neal enjoyed sports and was a big fan of all Penn State athletics. He was also a little league coach in his younger years.
Neal is survived by his sister Peggy Yeager and her husband Ray Depew of Naples FL along with several cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
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