Skook News Obituaries: October 30th, 2024
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Bob was born on September 29, 1946 in Easton, PA.
He was an owner/operator truck driver leased on to Mason Dixon Lines and ran everywhere in the country for over 40 years.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Free; mother, Reldia (Kale) Free Little; stepfather, Stewart Little, and his sister Carol Zona.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sandra L. Free, with whom he just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on October 9, 2024.
He is also survived by his two daughters, Kelly Free and Karen Davenport; a son-in-law, Corey Davenport; 5 grandchildren, Aiden, Cooper, Parker, and Finn Davenport and Kennedy Free; a brother, Dwight "Ike" Free.
After retirement, Bob was often found tinkering in his garage, caring for his chickens, and butchering with his "over the hill" butcher buddies. He was always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, but mostly loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Bob will be best known for the way he could fix something with a piece of wire, duct tape, a gumby strap, or his family's favorite, an old mudflap.
He will be deeply missed by his family and anyone that knew him.
All services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
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George was born in Pottsville, PA, on March 6, 1945. He was predeceased by his parents, George Erwin Aregood and Frances Moyer Aregood.
He is survived by his beloved wife Anne Robbins Aregood; they were married October 12, 1996. He is also survived by his step-son John Kupstas, his wife Diane, and his only grandchild Mikayla.
George graduated in 1963 from the new Blue Mountain High School. He studied accounting at Albright College and started working at Jones & Co (previously Docherty’s) in Pottsville and continued his employment as an accountant for over 35 years until retirement. George also operated the family farm since he was a young man, planting corn, oats and wheat. George recently told a social worker that the two things he really liked were accounting and farming.
George and Anne enjoyed annual USA vacations and various foreign travels. His favorites were an Alpine trip (Austria, Germany, Switzerland) and a 12-day trip to Scotland and Ireland with John, Diane and Mikayla.
George indulged Anne in her passion for daylilies by opening the farm for participation in a Region 3 Tour for the American Daylily Society in July 2019. Region 3 includes PA, NJ, MD, VA and WV.
George was a lifelong member of Zion’s Red Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 2, from Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Memorial Park, 75 Memorial Drive, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service and interment on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in George’s memory to the Save Our Steeple Fund of Zion’s Red Church, 1287 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 216 West Independence Street,
Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com
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Born on December 29, 1948 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Robert "Hank" and Clara Marie Kline Haldeman.
He was a 1966 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School.
After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from June 1966 to February 1972. He served overseas during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Delta Co. 1st Battalion 5th Marines. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Action Medal. He also received a Certificate of Good Conduct from the United States Marine Corps on June 18, 1969.
John worked at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, in maintenance as the head tree cutter. He also worked as a coal miner, stable hand at Penn National Race Course, at Penn Dye in Pine Grove and at the former Alcoa in Cressona.
He was a member of the Oak Grove Gun Club, Pine Grove VFW Post 3432, Pine Grove American Legion Post 374, Ten Pin Club, Pine Grove Fish & Game, and Hickory Mountain Hunting Club. John welcomed new neighbors to Beuchler Lane, in turn forming the BBT.
John was an avid hunter, fisherman and connoisseur of Yuengling. He had a deep respect for nature and animals, and he loved his dogs more than people.
Preceding him in death were two sisters, Lynn M. Kelly and Betty Jean Haldeman.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Carol Fidler Haldeman; a daughter, Haley (Steve) Hardenstine; a son, William "Bill" Haldeman; a grandson, Kade (Haley) Haldeman; his "other son" Rob and his "other daughter" Kaitlyn; step grandchildren, Rory (Nicole) Hardenstine of Phoenixville, Royale Hardenstine of Saudi Arabia; a step great-grandson, Cosmo Hardenstine; two sisters, LouAnn (Willard) Shiffer of Pine Grove, Heather Haldeman of State College; nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services and interment with military honors will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. There will be a procession leaving the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove promptly at Noon. Anyone wishing to attend the service is asked to be at the Funeral Home by 11:45 to follow in the procession.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 P.M. at the Pine Grove VFW, 140 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove. Family and friends are invited to stop in to share memories of "the colonel."
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made in John's memory to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Anthony Urban Law Offices. P.C.
