Skook News Obituaries: June 23, 2023
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Judy L. Conner, 68, of Pitman, passed away Wednesday, June 21st at her niece’s home in Locustdale.
Born on April 29, 1955 she was the daughter of the late Beatrice (Carl) and George Kukuk Sr.
She attended North Schuylkill High School.
Judy was the wife of the late Richard “RC” Conner who passed away in 2013.
She was of the Methodist faith.
Judy was a homemaker and enjoyed TV, gambling, puzzles, doing fill ins, and cleaning.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by; son Jeremy Conner; son Jason Conner; brother Lincoln Kukuk; sister Mary Kukuk; sister Verna Wagner; sister Beatrice “Joyce” Troutman; sister Irene Grady.
She is survived by; brother George “Butch” Kukuk (Jeanette), Ashland; sister Faye Orser, Lewisburg; sister Kathryn “Kass” Schreiber, Pitman; sister Donna Scully, Locustdale; special niece Veronica Zimmerman, Locustdale; grandson Dakota Conner (Olivia Cuff), Pitman; granddaughter Jazlyn Conner, Ashland; grandson Tyler Sweinhart, Hegins; Colten Conner, AZ; great grandson Carson; many nieces and nephews.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 26th from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev Dana Heckman-Beil officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Paul’s EC Cemetery, Pitman.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandra J Galezniak, 71, of Ringtown, passed away peacefully Wednesday June 21, 2023, surrounded by family.
She was born good lookin’ instead of rich on August 23, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late George P. and Dorothy (Malacusky) Colosimo.
She was a 1969 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School, a retired Licensed Practical Nurse, a long time member of the Shenandoah Fish & Game Protective Association, and an avid Steelers fan.
Sandy had an astonishing ability to make the best out of what she had while enriching the lives of those around her.
She enjoyed cooking and all things food. Thankfully, her food was in fact delicious… And if you had ever had her food you know the amount of love she poured into it. Unfortunately, however, despite all of her best attempts - her children did not inherit her cooking abilities.
She also loved to give zerberts then immediately announce laughing she’d done so - - being barefoot in the grass or garden - - Going for a drive to see the fall foliage..which happened to be the only time she voluntarily became a passenger princess & made the attempt to keep the remarks on the driver's ability to a minimum - - her favorite Holiday was Halloween and she loved all things spooky. She loved to dress in costumes with home-made ones being her favorite kind.
Aside from being an amazing mother - she was a wonderful sister, and a GREAT, in both senses of the word - - Aunt & Grandmother. All of which could vividly remember how she loved to instigate/aggravate. Or her uncanny ability to remember special occasions (such as birthdays, anniversaries and Holidays) that many times would surprise wake you; belting out her famous “all original” song. Some would describe her singing as so beautiful angels would cry. And honestly, any other description of it is a plain ol' lie. She made her best attempts to ensure her singing wasn't recorded..as she didn't want the constant pressure from Nashville or the money & fame to complicate the beautiful life she built.
Because above all, she deeply cherished the time spent with her family.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, two brothers Michael and James Colosimo, and her husband Joseph L Galezniak.
Survived by her son Ted Buriak III and his wife Dawnmarie of Catawissa [family Tonia & Caleb]; and four daughters Kelly Brennan and her husband Tony of Ringtown [family Arianna and Anthony Brennan & wife Kelsey, their children Asher, Paisley, Declan & Brayden]; Joelle Hysock and her husband Jason of Shenandoah Heights[daughters Jocelyn & Kaylee]; Kristina Redanauer and her husband Shawn of Shenandoah Heights[sons Shawn, Christopher, & Nicholas]; & Kimberly McAndrew and her husband Brian of Gordon [son Chance].
Brother George “Tut” Colosimo; Sisters Nellie Makara (wife of the late “Bobo” Makara), Sharon Jones and her husband Harry all of Zion Grove ; Sister Jessica Davis and her husband Rob of Danville.
Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
The family will be honoring Sandy’s wishes in a private service, and is being assisted by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that when you think of her you hug your loved ones extra tight.. If you’re able to do something to make someone smile that day, do it.. Go on the trip, make the memories. And please - Take pictures. Real, authentic pictures. For one day your loved ones will be searching for the “you” they remember..Mismatched pajamas, house a mess, but that smile they know and love.
Andrew Timothy Slovick, 34, of Minersville, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 at home as a result of his on-going battle with epilepsy.
Born October 4, 1988, he was the son of Joseph and Colleen (MacCready) Slovick of Minersville.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Sam and Kathleen MacCready, and Tony and Florence Slovick.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother Joseph Slovick, husband of Brenda, Minersville; a sister Amy Slovick and her significant other, John Lucas, Orwigsburg; and nephew Aidan Slovick, Minersville. Also surviving are aunts and uncles including his godfather Richard Reynolds and Debbie Reynolds, his godmother Nancy Reppy and William Reppy, Sharon Kraus, Richard MacCready & Jean, Glenn and Maria Williams. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, godson Grant, both new and lifelong friends, and his kittens Lucy and Lola.
Andrew was a 2007 graduate of Minersville Area High School and attended Penn State University.
An avid runner, Andrew accomplished many feats in his short life, including 2 marathon runs, a few half marathons and countless 5ks in addition to brain surgery as an attempt to cure his epilepsy. He wished for others to understand more about epilepsy, a complex neurological disease.
He was a member of the Schuylkill County Community Chorus and was set to act in the upcoming Majestic Theatre production of Chicago, in June.
He was a fun uncle who enjoyed picking up Aidan from school, playing in the yard for hours and allowing Aidan to lead their walks throughout town. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed all things Hersheypark, Harry Potter, astrology, Broadway musicals and catching re-runs of Friends. His family will miss his quick wit, love of Nutcrackers, desire to learn new musical instruments, and devotion to spending time with his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would accept donations to the Andrew Slovick Memorial Award to provide future scholarships to youth in the community.
Merlin B. Dronick, 72, of Schuylkill Haven passed away Friday while at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest.
Born December 8, 1950. He was the son of the late Merlin and Frances Bortzel Dronick.
Merlin was a 1968 graduate of Nativity BVM.
He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven. Merlin was a member of the Landingville Fire Company.
Merlin was an avid Miami Dolphins fan and loved the game of baseball. He enjoyed travelling with his wife. They enjoyed sitting by the bonfire with family. In his later years he enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the zoo, Hershey Park, or the aquariums. Merlin loved going to the movies and would often go several times a week. He was also an avid lottery player and wouldn’t miss a day to play his numbers.
Meril is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Theresa Steficek. He is also survived by their children; Merlin Byron Jr. of Auburn, Dean John of Adamsdale, Kris of Schuylkill Haven, Scott of Pottsville, Heather Dronick wife of Paul Hamm of Schuylkill Haven and Jonathan fiancé to Tiffany Fessler of Ashland. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Merlin is also survived by his siblings, Dolores Dronick Malec, Paul Dronick, Francine Dronick and Richard Dronick along with several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven at 11:00 A.M. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Born on April 29, 1955 she was the daughter of the late Beatrice (Carl) and George Kukuk Sr.
She attended North Schuylkill High School.
Judy was the wife of the late Richard “RC” Conner who passed away in 2013.
She was of the Methodist faith.
Judy was a homemaker and enjoyed TV, gambling, puzzles, doing fill ins, and cleaning.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by; son Jeremy Conner; son Jason Conner; brother Lincoln Kukuk; sister Mary Kukuk; sister Verna Wagner; sister Beatrice “Joyce” Troutman; sister Irene Grady.
She is survived by; brother George “Butch” Kukuk (Jeanette), Ashland; sister Faye Orser, Lewisburg; sister Kathryn “Kass” Schreiber, Pitman; sister Donna Scully, Locustdale; special niece Veronica Zimmerman, Locustdale; grandson Dakota Conner (Olivia Cuff), Pitman; granddaughter Jazlyn Conner, Ashland; grandson Tyler Sweinhart, Hegins; Colten Conner, AZ; great grandson Carson; many nieces and nephews.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 26th from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev Dana Heckman-Beil officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Paul’s EC Cemetery, Pitman.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc, 901 Centre St, Ashland PA is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Sandra J Galezniak, 71, of Ringtown, passed away peacefully Wednesday June 21, 2023, surrounded by family.
She was born good lookin’ instead of rich on August 23, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late George P. and Dorothy (Malacusky) Colosimo.
She was a 1969 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School, a retired Licensed Practical Nurse, a long time member of the Shenandoah Fish & Game Protective Association, and an avid Steelers fan.
Sandy had an astonishing ability to make the best out of what she had while enriching the lives of those around her.
She enjoyed cooking and all things food. Thankfully, her food was in fact delicious… And if you had ever had her food you know the amount of love she poured into it. Unfortunately, however, despite all of her best attempts - her children did not inherit her cooking abilities.
She also loved to give zerberts then immediately announce laughing she’d done so - - being barefoot in the grass or garden - - Going for a drive to see the fall foliage..which happened to be the only time she voluntarily became a passenger princess & made the attempt to keep the remarks on the driver's ability to a minimum - - her favorite Holiday was Halloween and she loved all things spooky. She loved to dress in costumes with home-made ones being her favorite kind.
Aside from being an amazing mother - she was a wonderful sister, and a GREAT, in both senses of the word - - Aunt & Grandmother. All of which could vividly remember how she loved to instigate/aggravate. Or her uncanny ability to remember special occasions (such as birthdays, anniversaries and Holidays) that many times would surprise wake you; belting out her famous “all original” song. Some would describe her singing as so beautiful angels would cry. And honestly, any other description of it is a plain ol' lie. She made her best attempts to ensure her singing wasn't recorded..as she didn't want the constant pressure from Nashville or the money & fame to complicate the beautiful life she built.
Because above all, she deeply cherished the time spent with her family.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, two brothers Michael and James Colosimo, and her husband Joseph L Galezniak.
Survived by her son Ted Buriak III and his wife Dawnmarie of Catawissa [family Tonia & Caleb]; and four daughters Kelly Brennan and her husband Tony of Ringtown [family Arianna and Anthony Brennan & wife Kelsey, their children Asher, Paisley, Declan & Brayden]; Joelle Hysock and her husband Jason of Shenandoah Heights[daughters Jocelyn & Kaylee]; Kristina Redanauer and her husband Shawn of Shenandoah Heights[sons Shawn, Christopher, & Nicholas]; & Kimberly McAndrew and her husband Brian of Gordon [son Chance].
Brother George “Tut” Colosimo; Sisters Nellie Makara (wife of the late “Bobo” Makara), Sharon Jones and her husband Harry all of Zion Grove ; Sister Jessica Davis and her husband Rob of Danville.
Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
The family will be honoring Sandy’s wishes in a private service, and is being assisted by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that when you think of her you hug your loved ones extra tight.. If you’re able to do something to make someone smile that day, do it.. Go on the trip, make the memories. And please - Take pictures. Real, authentic pictures. For one day your loved ones will be searching for the “you” they remember..Mismatched pajamas, house a mess, but that smile they know and love.
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Andrew Timothy Slovick, 34, of Minersville, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 at home as a result of his on-going battle with epilepsy.
Born October 4, 1988, he was the son of Joseph and Colleen (MacCready) Slovick of Minersville.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Sam and Kathleen MacCready, and Tony and Florence Slovick.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother Joseph Slovick, husband of Brenda, Minersville; a sister Amy Slovick and her significant other, John Lucas, Orwigsburg; and nephew Aidan Slovick, Minersville. Also surviving are aunts and uncles including his godfather Richard Reynolds and Debbie Reynolds, his godmother Nancy Reppy and William Reppy, Sharon Kraus, Richard MacCready & Jean, Glenn and Maria Williams. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, godson Grant, both new and lifelong friends, and his kittens Lucy and Lola.
Andrew was a 2007 graduate of Minersville Area High School and attended Penn State University.
An avid runner, Andrew accomplished many feats in his short life, including 2 marathon runs, a few half marathons and countless 5ks in addition to brain surgery as an attempt to cure his epilepsy. He wished for others to understand more about epilepsy, a complex neurological disease.
He was a member of the Schuylkill County Community Chorus and was set to act in the upcoming Majestic Theatre production of Chicago, in June.
He was a fun uncle who enjoyed picking up Aidan from school, playing in the yard for hours and allowing Aidan to lead their walks throughout town. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed all things Hersheypark, Harry Potter, astrology, Broadway musicals and catching re-runs of Friends. His family will miss his quick wit, love of Nutcrackers, desire to learn new musical instruments, and devotion to spending time with his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would accept donations to the Andrew Slovick Memorial Award to provide future scholarships to youth in the community.
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Merlin B. Dronick, 72, of Schuylkill Haven passed away Friday while at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest.
Born December 8, 1950. He was the son of the late Merlin and Frances Bortzel Dronick.
Merlin was a 1968 graduate of Nativity BVM.
He was a member of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Schuylkill Haven. Merlin was a member of the Landingville Fire Company.
Merlin was an avid Miami Dolphins fan and loved the game of baseball. He enjoyed travelling with his wife. They enjoyed sitting by the bonfire with family. In his later years he enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the zoo, Hershey Park, or the aquariums. Merlin loved going to the movies and would often go several times a week. He was also an avid lottery player and wouldn’t miss a day to play his numbers.
Meril is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Theresa Steficek. He is also survived by their children; Merlin Byron Jr. of Auburn, Dean John of Adamsdale, Kris of Schuylkill Haven, Scott of Pottsville, Heather Dronick wife of Paul Hamm of Schuylkill Haven and Jonathan fiancé to Tiffany Fessler of Ashland. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Merlin is also survived by his siblings, Dolores Dronick Malec, Paul Dronick, Francine Dronick and Richard Dronick along with several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven at 11:00 A.M. A viewing will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
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