Skook News Obituaries: January 20th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Michael was born in Philadelphia on June 10, 1944.
After graduating from high school, Michael went on to serve in the United States Army.
Upon his return from the Army, Michael worked for plumbing supplies companies as a representative. He was a very proud member of Plumbers Local Union #690.
Michael was married to the former Fay Williams who survived him after over 40 years of marriage.
Michael loved crafting and woodworking. He and his beloved wife Fay made and sold beautiful hand-made items at craft shows throughout the area for many years.
Michael was a collector for many years. He had a vast collection of comic books, stamps, records, and a variety of World War II memorabilia.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Junie Russo.
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 A.M. at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 until the time of services. Private interment will follow on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 West Arch Street, Pottsville, PA 17901 or The Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901. Family and friends are welcome to share condolences at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com
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Suzanna was born in Sheppton on November 15th, 1932, a daughter of the late Albert and Susan (Yurick) Krieger. She was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School, and also the Empire Beauty School. She married her husband Charles Yurkonis and worked for several years as a hairdresser, but will be remembered buy her family as a lifelong homemaker.
Suzanna enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader and met up daily with her friends at Wendy's in Easton, where they would spend hours socializing.
The last member of her immediate family, Suzanna was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Albert and a sister Bette, and her husband Charles in 1963.
Surviving are her children, Barry Yurkonis and his wife Lynn of Bethlehem; Scott and his wife Karen of Bethlehem; and Sue Patton of Breinigsville.
Three grandchildren, Scott Jr., Lanae and Sara, along with great grandchildren Thea and Ella also survive.
Honoring Suzanna's wishes, she will be laid to rest alongside her husband Charles at St. Mary's Cemetery in Ringtown during private services, which are being provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home.
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Irene A. Carduff, 89, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday. January 18, 2025, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.
Born in Frackville on May 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Josephine Povalitis.
Irene was a graduate of the former Frackville High School and went on to work as a secretary, telephone operator, and Nurse’s Aide for many years. She was very devoted to her faith. She also enjoyed shopping, strolling through the mall, and had a love for nature as she would routinely take walks outdoors.
Besides her mother, she was preceded recently by her husband of 69 years, James P. Carduff in August of 2024.
The surviving family includes 1 son, Nicholas Carduff with Kelly- Frackville, 2 daughters, Kathy Rhoads with Wayne- Zion Grove and Karen Everett with Chris- Zion Grove, also 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom she loved dearly, along with nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 23rd from 8:30 to 10:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Scripture services will be conducted at 10:30am by Msgr. William Glosser. Interment will immediately follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fountain Springs.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory can be made to the Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Born Sunday, February 22, 1942 in Jamaica, New York the daughter of the late Marshall "DJ", and Evelyn (Higbie) Smith. Sandra was also predeceased by; son Steven Murray.
Surviving are daughters, Veronica Kaufman wife of Peter, Wendy Jones, Melissa VanDett; brother, Marshall "DJ" Smith and his wife Carmen; grandchildren, Joseph Wolf, Lisa Nivens, Kayla Leibowitz, Deanna Mehmeti, Amber McFadden, Cassandra Vachon, Douglas Vachon, Anthony VanDett, Alexandria VanDett; great grandchildren, Skyler, Riley, Mariesa, Carson, Maya, Olivia, Arian, Cameron, Emma, Lily, Aria.
A 1960 graduate of Burrs Lane High School, Sandra retired from the Long Beach City School District in Long Island having worked as a bookkeeper for 17 years .Sandra was an avid reader of murder mysteries, enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, and always had a puzzle on the table.
Private arrangements entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884.
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Shannon was born in Harrisburg, Pa. on February 26, 1972, a daughter of the late Kathleen (Wolff) and Thomas A. Baker. She was a graduate of North Schuylkill High School and the Empire Beauty School. She was employed at Rodnick's Discount Groceries where she worked alongside her fiancee' Joe. She was a member of the Minersville Football 5th Quarter Club and the Minersville Little League Auxilary. She loved watching her children participate in football, swimming, basketball and baseball and just seeing them be happy. She enjoyed watching football and was an avid fan of Patrick Mahomes. Hot chocolate from McDonald's was a favorite of hers.
Shannon is survived by her father, Thomas Baker, fiancee Joseph Rodnick III and his daughter Joie, a daughter, Kelsey M. Hoffman, two sons Shane Hoffman, and Jacob Hoffman. Shannon is also survived by two sisters, Amy Baker, and Erin Baker. Also surviving are several Uncles and Aunts, including Sandra Kaufman, nieces and nephews, as well as her former husband, James Hoffman and her beloved dog, Juno.
A Celebration of Shannon's life will be will be held at the convenience of the family.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance
