Skook News Obituaries: January 2nd, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Barry was the loving husband of Jean Marie (Wenrich) Kercher. They were married on April 16, 2005, and celebrated 19 ½ years of marriage. They had a bond that most married couples never shared. Barry was lucky enough to receive a kidney from his wife Jean on February 16, 2010. This extended his life and the quality of life for many years.
Barry enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends. Nothing meant more to him than his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, stepparents, friends and his wife. The smiles he displayed when being with the ones he loved will be remembered most by all those that loved his infectious laugh. He was a hard worker and a caring, loving, dedicated man to all those he came into contact within his daily life. Barry was described as the worst patient and the best patient because he pushed his disabilities aside and proceeded in life naturally.
Barry was born in Reading, PA. He later relocated to the Fleetwood, Oley, and Pottsville area. He was the son of Clarence Kercher and Joanne (Miler) Smith and stepson of Dorothy (Long) Kercher. Barry worked at various Automotive Dealerships throughout his life such as Manderbach Ford, Tom Masano Ford, Sands Ford, and small garages. Barry and two of his brothers had KMK Garage. He later opened his own garage known as Kercher Automotive. In 2001, Barry worked at Reading Muhlenberg AVTS as a para-professional and in 2002, he became an Automotive Repair Instructor. Barry continued his teaching career at Dauphin County Technical School and Schuylkill Technology Center – North Campus. Barry left the teaching arena because of his health conditions in 2016. As a teacher, to enhance the education of his students, Barry was required to be involved with the following organizations AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems), PAA (Pennsylvania Automotive Association), ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and SkillsUSA. Barry was dedicated to his students and the community. He spent many hours teaching Pennsylvania Inspection and Emission classes to help adults enter the Automotive Field. Barry enjoyed receiving phone calls from students, colleagues, and other adults to “pick his brain” on what was necessary to repair a car that they were working on. You could see how Barry’s eyes would light up from helping someone figure out the solution to a repair on cars. Barry was also a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven. Two of Barry’s favorite pastimes were square dancing and camping. He loved when campgrounds would host square dance weekends so he could enjoy both. He also loved swimming, tubing, and boating. A vacation at Raystown Resort was always looked forward to as long as his health allowed it.
Surviving in addition to his wife Jean are his children:
Ahron L. Kercher (his wife – Jessica Kercher, and granddaughters Abigail, Evelyn, and Jocelyn) of Lynchburg, VA
Alyssa S. Albright (her husband – Jacob Albright, and granddaughter Emery) of Minersville
Marissa J. Sheeler (her husband – William Sheeler, Jr. and grandchildren Wyatt, Olyvia, and Landyn) of St. Clair
Barry is also survived by his stepfather Howard Miller, Fleetwood and siblings Richard Kercher, Fleetwood, Howard Miller, Jr., Fleetwood, Tammy Miller, Kutztown, and Scott Miller Kutztown and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sibling Darlene Miller, Fleetwood and granddaughter Rowyn Albright, Minersville.
A viewing will be held at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, 26 Chestnut St., Cressona on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A viewing will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:00 am with the funeral service following at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dauphin County Technical School, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 Attn: Maria Zaharick to establish a scholarship fund for an automotive repair student in Barry’s memory.
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Born in Pottsville on September 25, 1956, she was the daughter of Jane (Moyer) Herring, wife of Thomas, of Schuylkill Haven and the late Warren Snyder.
Connie was a 1974 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.
She was employed as the deli manager at Way-mart in Pottsville. She had also worked at Acme in Cressona.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Friedensburg.
In addition to her mother and step father, Connie is survived by a daughter, Allison, wife of Torrey Schmidt; a son, John Koch, fiancé of Jackie Taylor; and grandchildren, Logan, Lucy, and Lelia. Connie is also survived by a sister, Deborah, wife of David Noecker; a brother, Rodney Snyder; and a step brother, Christopher Herring.
Connie is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kelly.
Connie's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Pottsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and especially her loving friend and staff member, Wendy Mcfarland, for their dedicated years of care to Connie.
A loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Connie will be dearly missed by her family.
A public visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona.
Services and interment will be held privately at the family's convenience.
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Marian M. Katchur, 70, of Minersville, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Geisinger St. Luke's in Orwigsburg. She was born in Pottsville on May 30, 1954, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Katchur and Mary (Sausnock) Katchur.
Marian was of the Orthodox Faith and a 1972 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. She was very proud of her career as a CRTT at Berwick Hospital and was an avid dog lover throughout her life.
She is survived by her sons, Daniel Fritz of Minersville and Jeremy Lutz of Sinking Spring; her brother, Gregory Katchur, husband of Michelle, of Mohrsville; her sister, Melanie Pritiskutch, wife of Joseph, of Pottsville; her grandson, Blaine Fritz of Minersville; as well as nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, with Very Rev. Jeff Zias officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Michael Orthodox Cemetery, St. Clair.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
