Skook News Obituaries: January 14th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Palo Alto, PA on August 17, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Michelina (Gigliotti) Romano.
Anna worked as a floor supervisor at Green's 5 and 10 Store in Pottsville and then for Costas Candy until retiring.
She was a member of the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville and she was very active with American Son's of Italy Club in Palo Alto.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dominick D'Alessandro, Sr. who died on August 17, 2010, a son Dominick D'Alessandro, Jr. and a nephew Joseph Romano.
Anna is survived by niece Judith McKendry and her husband Charles, Austin, TX; niece Sandra Beckett and her husband Mark, Pine Grove; nephew Harvey Kohner and his wife Patricia, Austin, TX; nephew Angelo Romano, Jr. and his wife Diane, Carlise; niece Mary Ann Eiden and her husband John, Pine Grove; niece Diane Consugar and her husband John, Seltzer City; niece Judy Strokelitus and her husband Jerry, Mt. Carbon; niece Christine Hilditch and her husband John, Broomall; and several great nieces and great nephews.
A Religious Service will be held at Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Friday, January 17th, with Rev. Edward Connolly officiating.
Interment will be held in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Pottsville.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Friday morning from 9:30-11AM at the Funeral Home.
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Born in Pottsville, PA on November 29, 1929, Don was the beloved son of the late Patrick and Minnie (Schierhoff) Kerns of Darkwater, PA. He was a lifelong parishioner (and unofficial sexton) of St. Stephen’s Church in Port Carbon and, thereafter, a member of Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia.
Don graduated from St. Clair High School in 1947. Following in his older brothers’ footsteps, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Schuylkill County and worked for the A&P grocery store for almost 40 years. He met his wife of 65 years, Winnie, during a deposit run to the Miners Bank in Port Carbon, where she was a teller.
Don lived an energetic, adventurous, and meaningful life. He flourished as a Boy Scout Cubmaster, Port Carbon Borough Councilman, and County Controller of Schuylkill County—a role he took to like water. It was divine providence that after his final reelection loss, he was called upon to help Winnie recover from a devastating stroke. Despite this, he was forever an optimist; his favorite saying was “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
Don worked tirelessly to support his family—both financially and emotionally. He also took on many (many) home construction projects. Throughout his life, he was often seen lying on Valley Street repairing a car—he was a crack mechanic and could fix almost anything! In retirement, Don continued to serve Port Carbon as a board member of the Pottsville Sewer Authority. He was also active in Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He enjoyed travel, puzzles, and woodworking projects. He built birdhouses, crafted toys for his children and grandchildren, and had chipmunks eating out of his hands (literally). Don had a thrill-seeking side, too. He caused great consternation for Winnie when he decided for his 65th birthday (and birthdays thereafter) that he would go bungee-jumping, skydiving, scuba-diving, hot-air ballooning, and run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon—twice.
Always first and foremost, Don was eternally proud and celebrated each of his eight children, all his grandchildren (who lovingly called him “Nanoose”) and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Brian (Kristy Rauch), Colleen (David Garber), Timothy (the late Rebecca Finley), Daniel, Maureen (the late Michael Rutkowski), Kathleen, Anne Michelle (Robert Keefe), and Robert (Hiroko Ota). He was adored by his cherished grandchildren: Padraic, Tai, Mana, Kai, Karina (Ryan), Hannah, Megan, Sarah, Katharine, Caleb, Elizabeth (Evan), Emily (Austin), Matthew (Michal Tapia), Emmett, Ian, Mari, Conor (Brittany), and great-grandchildren Matthias, Mikhael, Abby, and Finn.
Don was predeceased in death by his dearest Winnie, his mother and father, his brothers Patrick (“Junior”), James, Jack, and his sister, Rosemary. His surviving brothers are Thomas and Robert (“Brother Brian”). We will continue to miss and love Don every day.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate Don’s life will be held at a later date when the whole family can be together. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
The Robert A Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
Ann M. McAndrew, 92, of Girardville, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 13th with her loving family by her side.
Born in Mount Carmel Twp., she was a daughter of the late Charles and Ruth (Weldon) Krapf. Ann worked most of her life in the local garment factories as a skilled seamstress. She also worked as a library aide for the Ashland Public Library until the age of 78 before retiring. She enjoyed reading to the children for story hour.
Ann was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville, where she also belonged to the Holy Rosary Society. Ann was a member of the Girardville Senior Citizens and the ILGWU.
Ann enjoyed sewing, reading, cooking, listening to music and dancing. She was captain of the cheerleading team before graduating from the former Butler Township High School. Most of all she was a loving mother and treasured her time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard T. McAndrew; a daughter, Karen Weyman; her two sisters: Sue Doyle and Margaret Bechler.
Ann is survived by her three children: JoAnne Webb and her husband James of New Hill, NC; Linda Miller of Girardville; Bernard McAndrew and his wife Melanie of Lavelle; her son-in-law, Ed Weyman of Girardville; her four grandchildren: James Webb, Matthew Webb, Kelly Webb and Allison McAndrew; her 9 great-grandchildren: Destine', Kylie, Bella, Jaxson, Eli, Alex, Ethan, Lukas and Aiden; several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 17th at 10 a.m. from St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville with Rev. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends and relatives are invited to her visitation at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will follow at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Cemetery, Frackville.
Memorial donations can be made, in Ann’s name, to the Ashland Public Library at 1229 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Elizabeth "Betty" J. Coyle, 84, of Pottsville, entered into eternal rest at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg Bethlehem, on January 13, 2025.
Born in Ashland, April 14, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Petrusky) Latsko.
After graduating from Butler Township High School in 1957, she worked for the Department of Revenue, Harrisburg and the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington D.C. She was last employed by the City of Pottsville from 1989 until her retirement in 2002.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Pottsville. She was strong in her faith and loved watching her grandchildren grow.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, John V. Coyle on March 27, 1999 after 37 years of marriage, a sister Frances M. Gasparro and her husband Frank, brothers-in-law Howard McCreary, Thomas Coyle, and Gerald Coyle.
Surviving are two sons, Michael P. and his wife Carole, and John V. and his wife Helene, both of Pottsville; two grandchildren, Rachel Coyle Mickonis and her husband Aaron and Matthew John Coyle, a sister, Lois A. McCreary, Malvern, Pa.; one brother, Peter M. Latsko and his wife Rose, Paoli, Pa; brother-in-law, Msgr. Edward J. Coyle, Emmaus, nieces, nephews. and her grand-dog Walter.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, with The Reverend Msgr. Edward J. Coyle and Father Hubert Asante Kumi will concelebrate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs, Ashland.
Friends and relatives may call from 9am until the time of Mass at the Church.
Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs, Ashland. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville.
Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Josephine B. "Tina" Keip, 87 years of age of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully while in the care of her granddaughter, Heather Kintz and extended family on Monday, January 13, 2025 at home in Tamaqua.
Born Friday, September 10, 1937 in Pottsville the daughter of the late Albert LeRoy, and Helena (Papsaderia) Bair. Tina was also predeceased by; her husband, David T. Keip on January 2, 2025; daughter, Melissa Keip; son, Ray Yocum; grandsons, Raymond Yocum Jr., David Vincent Gallagher-Keip.
Surviving are; son, David J. Keip and his wife Susan; daughter, Jean Marie Scarloss wife of Paul; grandchildren, Heather, Jada, Samantha, Robert, Courtney, Brett, Emma; and a number of great grandchildren.
A member of St. John U.C.C. of Tamaqua, Tina worked in the Textile Industry for many years, and as a waitress at Tommy's in Tamaqua. In her youth Tina enjoyed roller skating, and she and David liked to visit the Casino's.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A joint celebration of Tina's and David’s Lives will be held in the Spring.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
Linda L. Challenger, 82, a lifelong resident of Williamstown, passed away peacefully Monday night, January 13, 2025 at UPMC Hospital, Harrisburg.
Born in Williamstown, Wednesday, December 9, 1942, a daughter of the late Harry and Alma Brown Michaels. She was a 1960 graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
Linda was retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture.
She was a member of the former Ebenezer EC Church, Williamstown, where she served on the church council. Linda also was a social member of the Williamstown American Legion.
She could often be found tending to her flowers beds and enjoying the company of her pets over the years, especially Smokey. Linda loved anything that had to do with panda bears, and this was evident by her large collection of memorabilia. She will be remembered for her love for her family. They could always count on her for her opinion and advise.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mike Carl, granddaughter, Megan Carl, and five brothers, William, Marlin, Clair, Ralph and Alvin Michaels.
She is survived by husband Mark V. Challenger to whom she was married 26 years, celebrating over 41 years together; her children, Chris Reed and Jody Carl both of Williamstown; three grandchildren, Jessica Adams, Jonathan Ferron and Elijah Reed; a great grandson, Elliott and twin great grandsons expected any day; two sisters, Carol Deiter, Williamstown and Kay Williams, Carlisle; nieces and nephews.
Following Linda's wishes she will be laid to rest privately in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Williamstown with Pastor Amanda Bressler officiating.
Memorial donations in Linda's name can be made to the Williamstown EMS, P.O. Box 74, Williamstown, PA 17098.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Challenger family.
Thomas Greico, Jr, age 40, of Hegins, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on Sunday, April 8, 1984, in Hoboken, NJ, a son of Thomas Greico, Sr of Keansburg, NJ and the late Florence B (Parks) Greico.
He was a 2002 graduate of Panther Valley High School.
He was a correctional officer at the Northumberland County Jail prior to becoming ill.
Tommy enjoyed working on cars, family activities, traveling, and spending time with his children.
He is survived by companion of twelve years, Kimberly L Sulham of Hegins; a son, Thomas Greico, III; a step son, Dylan A Blum; a daughter, Erika R Greico; three brothers, Joey Garthaus of California, Scotty Kneisler of New Jersey, and Kenny Greico of New Jersey; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial balloon release will be held at the Hegins Park, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12:00 pm..
A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Mount Carmel Twp., she was a daughter of the late Charles and Ruth (Weldon) Krapf. Ann worked most of her life in the local garment factories as a skilled seamstress. She also worked as a library aide for the Ashland Public Library until the age of 78 before retiring. She enjoyed reading to the children for story hour.
Ann was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville, where she also belonged to the Holy Rosary Society. Ann was a member of the Girardville Senior Citizens and the ILGWU.
Ann enjoyed sewing, reading, cooking, listening to music and dancing. She was captain of the cheerleading team before graduating from the former Butler Township High School. Most of all she was a loving mother and treasured her time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard T. McAndrew; a daughter, Karen Weyman; her two sisters: Sue Doyle and Margaret Bechler.
Ann is survived by her three children: JoAnne Webb and her husband James of New Hill, NC; Linda Miller of Girardville; Bernard McAndrew and his wife Melanie of Lavelle; her son-in-law, Ed Weyman of Girardville; her four grandchildren: James Webb, Matthew Webb, Kelly Webb and Allison McAndrew; her 9 great-grandchildren: Destine', Kylie, Bella, Jaxson, Eli, Alex, Ethan, Lukas and Aiden; several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 17th at 10 a.m. from St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Girardville with Rev. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends and relatives are invited to her visitation at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will follow at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Cemetery, Frackville.
Memorial donations can be made, in Ann’s name, to the Ashland Public Library at 1229 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born in Ashland, April 14, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Petrusky) Latsko.
After graduating from Butler Township High School in 1957, she worked for the Department of Revenue, Harrisburg and the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington D.C. She was last employed by the City of Pottsville from 1989 until her retirement in 2002.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Pottsville. She was strong in her faith and loved watching her grandchildren grow.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, John V. Coyle on March 27, 1999 after 37 years of marriage, a sister Frances M. Gasparro and her husband Frank, brothers-in-law Howard McCreary, Thomas Coyle, and Gerald Coyle.
Surviving are two sons, Michael P. and his wife Carole, and John V. and his wife Helene, both of Pottsville; two grandchildren, Rachel Coyle Mickonis and her husband Aaron and Matthew John Coyle, a sister, Lois A. McCreary, Malvern, Pa.; one brother, Peter M. Latsko and his wife Rose, Paoli, Pa; brother-in-law, Msgr. Edward J. Coyle, Emmaus, nieces, nephews. and her grand-dog Walter.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, with The Reverend Msgr. Edward J. Coyle and Father Hubert Asante Kumi will concelebrate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs, Ashland.
Friends and relatives may call from 9am until the time of Mass at the Church.
Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs, Ashland. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Patrick Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville.
Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Born Friday, September 10, 1937 in Pottsville the daughter of the late Albert LeRoy, and Helena (Papsaderia) Bair. Tina was also predeceased by; her husband, David T. Keip on January 2, 2025; daughter, Melissa Keip; son, Ray Yocum; grandsons, Raymond Yocum Jr., David Vincent Gallagher-Keip.
Surviving are; son, David J. Keip and his wife Susan; daughter, Jean Marie Scarloss wife of Paul; grandchildren, Heather, Jada, Samantha, Robert, Courtney, Brett, Emma; and a number of great grandchildren.
A member of St. John U.C.C. of Tamaqua, Tina worked in the Textile Industry for many years, and as a waitress at Tommy's in Tamaqua. In her youth Tina enjoyed roller skating, and she and David liked to visit the Casino's.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A joint celebration of Tina's and David’s Lives will be held in the Spring.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
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Born in Williamstown, Wednesday, December 9, 1942, a daughter of the late Harry and Alma Brown Michaels. She was a 1960 graduate of the former Williamstown High School.
Linda was retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture.
She was a member of the former Ebenezer EC Church, Williamstown, where she served on the church council. Linda also was a social member of the Williamstown American Legion.
She could often be found tending to her flowers beds and enjoying the company of her pets over the years, especially Smokey. Linda loved anything that had to do with panda bears, and this was evident by her large collection of memorabilia. She will be remembered for her love for her family. They could always count on her for her opinion and advise.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mike Carl, granddaughter, Megan Carl, and five brothers, William, Marlin, Clair, Ralph and Alvin Michaels.
She is survived by husband Mark V. Challenger to whom she was married 26 years, celebrating over 41 years together; her children, Chris Reed and Jody Carl both of Williamstown; three grandchildren, Jessica Adams, Jonathan Ferron and Elijah Reed; a great grandson, Elliott and twin great grandsons expected any day; two sisters, Carol Deiter, Williamstown and Kay Williams, Carlisle; nieces and nephews.
Following Linda's wishes she will be laid to rest privately in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Williamstown with Pastor Amanda Bressler officiating.
Memorial donations in Linda's name can be made to the Williamstown EMS, P.O. Box 74, Williamstown, PA 17098.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Tower City is honored to serve the Challenger family.
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He was born on Sunday, April 8, 1984, in Hoboken, NJ, a son of Thomas Greico, Sr of Keansburg, NJ and the late Florence B (Parks) Greico.
He was a 2002 graduate of Panther Valley High School.
He was a correctional officer at the Northumberland County Jail prior to becoming ill.
Tommy enjoyed working on cars, family activities, traveling, and spending time with his children.
He is survived by companion of twelve years, Kimberly L Sulham of Hegins; a son, Thomas Greico, III; a step son, Dylan A Blum; a daughter, Erika R Greico; three brothers, Joey Garthaus of California, Scotty Kneisler of New Jersey, and Kenny Greico of New Jersey; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial balloon release will be held at the Hegins Park, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12:00 pm..
A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
