Skook News Obituaries: January 27th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Mae was born on October 28, 1937, in Ashland, Pa., to Harold and Sara Schilling. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Education degree with a concentration in mathematics from Bloomsburg State Teaching College in 1961.
Mae married her high school sweetheart, Matthew T. Burns. She began her career as a full-time math teacher for the Pennridge School District before choosing to dedicate herself to raising her family as a full-time mother. Later, she returned to teaching as a substitute for the North Penn School District and worked part-time as a receptionist for Lansdale Borough.
Mae was deeply devoted to her husband and family. A proud grandmother, she cherished family visits and the time spent with loved ones. After moving to Lansdale in 1961, Mae was a faithful member of St. Stanislaus Church.
She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by her sons Matthew H. Burns (Andrea Wild) of Portland, Oregon; Robert M. (Michele Burns) of East Greenville; and Stephen E. (Jennifer Burns) of Quakertown. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Matthew, Jocelyn, Angela, Brianne, Carley, Dylan, Phoebe, Landen, and Amber and a great grandchild, Temperance. In addition, she is survived by her siblings Anne DiZio of Lansdale and Fred Schilling and her sister in law Diane Schilling of Ashland.
She is predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Matthew T. Burns, William Schilling of Green Lane and Joseph DiZio of Lansdale.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446. Her family will receive friends in the Church prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30am. Inurnment will follow at the Lansdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Lansdale Volunteer Medical Corps or The Fairmont Fire Company.
The families would like to thank everyone who helped Mae age in her home. Her wish was to be able to live out her final days in her home. With the care and love that she received from all her wonderful aides, her wish was realized. Mom loved and appreciated each and every one of you! You are all truly amazing people.
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Born July 30, 1928, in Mt. Carmel, PA, he was the son of the late Casimir and Ursula Vasilauskas. Married Eleanor Andrulevich on May 28, 1949. She preceded him in death in March 2022. They were married for over 70 years.
Ed enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in South Korea. Ed graduated from Bloomsburg University (Bloomsburg State College) in 1951 with a degree in Accounting and accepted a job as a Business Education teacher in the Renovo School District. In 1952, he enrolled at Bucknell University and received a Masters of Science in Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1955 while still teaching at Renovo.
In 1956, he applied to the Pine Grove School District for a position as the head of the new Business Education department for the new high school and was unanimously elected by the school board. He developed the Business Education curriculum and taught Business Law, Office Practice, Typing, Shorthand and Computer Science. In his early years at PGHS he was an assistant varsity football coach. He was also the Official Scorekeeper for PIAA District 11 High School Basketball.
In 1960-1961 he and his brother Johnny built the family home at 117 American Legion Blvd. Ed really enjoyed working with his hands and doing jobs around the house. He also enjoyed scenery and history, which led him to plan many family trips to take advantage of both. Ed was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the Yankee, Notre Dame and the Packers.
He started working in the summers at Ft. Indiantown Gap as a bookkeeper then later in the 60’s worked at Canoe Mfg. as their Accountant. He worked at Canoe until 1985.
In 1978, Ed completed a second Masters Degree in Business Education from Bloomsburg University.
He retired from Pine Grove High School after 37 years of teaching in June 1993. He enjoyed photography and golf. Ed was also a member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont.
He is survived by two sons, David and wife Mary Anne, living in Lancaster, PA, and Ronald and his wife Pamela, living in Sykesville, MD. He is also survived by a granddaughter Rebecca, her husband Pat Dougherty, great granddaughter, Carley and great grandson, Junior, living in Taneytown, MD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Noon at the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont with Father George Kochuparambil officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont, Pa. 17981 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
Frederick I. "Fritz" Lehr, 90, of Sparrow Lane, Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Providence Place, Pine Grove.
Born on September 4, 1934 in Molleystown, he was a son of the late Irwin and Eva Wertz Lehr.
He was a 1952 graduate of Tremont High School and attended Manbeck's Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Frederick was a United States Navy Veteran having served during the Korean War.
Fritz was a life long Farmer and worked at the former Fox Knapp Mfg., Pine Grove on the Cutting Floor for 30 years. In 1986, he purchased Lehr's Feed & Farm Supply in Pine Grove and operated the business for 30 years.
Fritz was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He provided for his family and passed on his Faith, valuable knowledge and life skills of Farming, Butchering, and Raising Livestock to his family as well as the customers in the community at the Feed Mill.
He was a member of the Pine Grove Community Band and the Dutch Masters Orchestra.
Preceding. him in death were his wife, Nancy L. Fisher Lehr, whom he married on January 15, 1955 and a sister, Elsie Archer.
Surviving are his four children, Mark and wife Debra Lehr of Schuylkill Haven, Timothy Lehr of Pine Grove, Linda and husband Eugene "Bim" Maidenford of Pine Grove, Stephanie and husband Kendall Martin of Pine Grove; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Lehr and Edward Lehr, both of Pine Grove; two sisters, Ruth Moyer of York and Dorothy Spancake of McAlisterville; nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Manbeck's Church, 110 Wild Cherry Rd., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Kyle Roth officiating. There will be a viewing on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be in Manbeck's Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Manbeck's Church, c/o Deborah Reiter, 159 Spittler Rd., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
Dorothy A. (Hornberger) Setcavage, 82, a resident of Weston Place, Shenandoah, passed away Saturday evening, January 25th, 2025 at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Dorothy was born in Shenandoah on June 12th, 1942 a daughter of the later Charles and Dorothy (Zack) Hornberger. She attended St. George's Catholic School in Shenandoah and was a graduate ioVilla Joseph Maria Academy in Newton, PA. Dot holds a degree in elementary and secondary education from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA and has done graduate work at Assumption College in Worcester, MA, Catholic University in Washington DC and Bloomsburg, PA. She also studied at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT.
Dot taught Foreign Languages at Tamaqua High School for many years. She was active in extracurricular activities along with her husband James, and accompanied student and adult groups to may parts of Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, South America and the United States.
During her lifetime, Dot volunteered at her home parish of St. George where she played the organ for many years, as well as helped in the parish office and parish fundraisers. She and her husband also have given much time in helping to establish the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries in the United Stated and continued to work with them as they expanded their work across the country.
Dot was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, formerly St. George's Church, a 4th degree and very active member of the Knights of Lithuania Anthracite Chapter, Council 144.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, James E. Setcavage, along with several cousins, including Christopher Falcone, who resided with her, Mary Jane Zemalis (Ken), Texas, and Karen Footner (Richard), MA, along with her sister in law, Cathy Mogel (Arnold), Schuylkill Haven and brother in law, Michael Setcavage, Lebanon. A nephew MJ, a great nephew Liam and great niece Lauren, a special friend Scott Barron, along with many other friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be con-celebrated by Rev. Robert Potts and clergy of the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries at the Divine Mercy Church, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah, PA at 11 AM on Friday, January 31st, 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the church from 9 AM until 11 AM prior to the Mass. Dorothy will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights, immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Knights of Lithuania, 14 West Frack Street, Frackville, PA 17931 or the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries, 829 Main Street, Northampton, PA 18067.
The Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Ronald Widitz, 62, a resident of Oneida, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025.
Ronald was born in Hazleton on March 22, 1962, a son of the late Donald and Anita (Lenz) Widitz. He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Sheppton.
He was a long time employee of Bradley Caldwell, Inc. in Hazleton, and a very talented artist and carpenter, who was also an avid New York Rangers fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Donald Widitz and brother in-law, David Jenkins.
Ronald is survived by his sisters, Karen Jenkins of Coaldale and Cindy, wife of Karl Swankoski of Northampton, PA.
Private services with burial in St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery are being provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home in Ringtown.
Patricia A. Horst, 83, of New Ringgold, formerly of Bernville, passed away Sunday, January 26th, at her residence. .
Patricia was born in Reading on October 21, 1941, a daughter of the late Ada (Dobbins) and George Herman Frye. She was the widow of John Horst..
Pat was a graduate of Reading High School and before retiring was employed by Ehrlich Pest Control for 30 years
She was an avid reader and had a close relationship with the Orwigsburg Library
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Lisa, wife of Randy Kramer, of New Ringgold, two sons, Dave Schittler, husband of Missy and John Schittler, husband of Grace. Grandchildren- Peggy Reimels, Angelo Oudinot, Shawn Kramer, husband of Laura, Kassidy and Connor Kramer and several great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband John, she was predeceased by her son, Roger Schittler, as well as her lifelong friend, whom she considered to be her sister, Karen Jones, wife of Bill.
Services are private at the convenience of family. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Orwigsburg Free Public Library, 216 W. Independence Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or Char-Will Kennels, 2 E. Railroad Avenue, New Ringgold, PA 17960
Steven Craig Hatter, 71, of East Main Street, Hegins, passed away Saturday, January 25 at Tremont Health and Rehab.
He was born on November 12,1953 in Pottsville, a son of Glenn and Ethel Wolfgang Hatter.
Steven was a graduate of Tri Valley High School Class of 1971.
He was a coal miner for the former Mercury Coal Company, and also worked for Miller Brothers Construction until his retirement.
Steven was a member of Hegins Valley Fire Rescue. He loved hunting and fishing, watching football, and playing the lottery.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Lenwood and Dennis Hatter, sister Sharon Miller, grandchild, Christianna Martin.
Steven is survived by his wife Jane Kembel Hatter, to whom he was married for 50 years.
He is also survived by son, Brent Hatter of Hegins; stepdaughter, Erica Klinger and husband Joe of Lykens; three Grandchildren, Gage Hatter, Amanda Klinger, Jeffrey Klinger; four brothers, Terry and wife Diane Hatter, Duane Hatter, Glenn Hatter, Brian Hatter all of Hegins; sister, Michelle and husband Glenn Strouphauer of Pine Grove.
Burial will be made in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA 51 SPCA Road Pottsville, or Ruth Steinhart SPCA,18 Wertz Dr, Pine Grove, PA
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Ed enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in South Korea. Ed graduated from Bloomsburg University (Bloomsburg State College) in 1951 with a degree in Accounting and accepted a job as a Business Education teacher in the Renovo School District. In 1952, he enrolled at Bucknell University and received a Masters of Science in Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1955 while still teaching at Renovo.
In 1956, he applied to the Pine Grove School District for a position as the head of the new Business Education department for the new high school and was unanimously elected by the school board. He developed the Business Education curriculum and taught Business Law, Office Practice, Typing, Shorthand and Computer Science. In his early years at PGHS he was an assistant varsity football coach. He was also the Official Scorekeeper for PIAA District 11 High School Basketball.
In 1960-1961 he and his brother Johnny built the family home at 117 American Legion Blvd. Ed really enjoyed working with his hands and doing jobs around the house. He also enjoyed scenery and history, which led him to plan many family trips to take advantage of both. Ed was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the Yankee, Notre Dame and the Packers.
He started working in the summers at Ft. Indiantown Gap as a bookkeeper then later in the 60’s worked at Canoe Mfg. as their Accountant. He worked at Canoe until 1985.
In 1978, Ed completed a second Masters Degree in Business Education from Bloomsburg University.
He retired from Pine Grove High School after 37 years of teaching in June 1993. He enjoyed photography and golf. Ed was also a member of the Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Tremont.
He is survived by two sons, David and wife Mary Anne, living in Lancaster, PA, and Ronald and his wife Pamela, living in Sykesville, MD. He is also survived by a granddaughter Rebecca, her husband Pat Dougherty, great granddaughter, Carley and great grandson, Junior, living in Taneytown, MD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Noon at the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont with Father George Kochuparambil officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., Tremont, Pa. 17981 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
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Born on September 4, 1934 in Molleystown, he was a son of the late Irwin and Eva Wertz Lehr.
He was a 1952 graduate of Tremont High School and attended Manbeck's Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Frederick was a United States Navy Veteran having served during the Korean War.
Fritz was a life long Farmer and worked at the former Fox Knapp Mfg., Pine Grove on the Cutting Floor for 30 years. In 1986, he purchased Lehr's Feed & Farm Supply in Pine Grove and operated the business for 30 years.
Fritz was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He provided for his family and passed on his Faith, valuable knowledge and life skills of Farming, Butchering, and Raising Livestock to his family as well as the customers in the community at the Feed Mill.
He was a member of the Pine Grove Community Band and the Dutch Masters Orchestra.
Preceding. him in death were his wife, Nancy L. Fisher Lehr, whom he married on January 15, 1955 and a sister, Elsie Archer.
Surviving are his four children, Mark and wife Debra Lehr of Schuylkill Haven, Timothy Lehr of Pine Grove, Linda and husband Eugene "Bim" Maidenford of Pine Grove, Stephanie and husband Kendall Martin of Pine Grove; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Lehr and Edward Lehr, both of Pine Grove; two sisters, Ruth Moyer of York and Dorothy Spancake of McAlisterville; nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Manbeck's Church, 110 Wild Cherry Rd., Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Kyle Roth officiating. There will be a viewing on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Interment will be in Manbeck's Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Manbeck's Church, c/o Deborah Reiter, 159 Spittler Rd., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
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Dorothy was born in Shenandoah on June 12th, 1942 a daughter of the later Charles and Dorothy (Zack) Hornberger. She attended St. George's Catholic School in Shenandoah and was a graduate ioVilla Joseph Maria Academy in Newton, PA. Dot holds a degree in elementary and secondary education from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA and has done graduate work at Assumption College in Worcester, MA, Catholic University in Washington DC and Bloomsburg, PA. She also studied at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT.
Dot taught Foreign Languages at Tamaqua High School for many years. She was active in extracurricular activities along with her husband James, and accompanied student and adult groups to may parts of Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, South America and the United States.
During her lifetime, Dot volunteered at her home parish of St. George where she played the organ for many years, as well as helped in the parish office and parish fundraisers. She and her husband also have given much time in helping to establish the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries in the United Stated and continued to work with them as they expanded their work across the country.
Dot was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, formerly St. George's Church, a 4th degree and very active member of the Knights of Lithuania Anthracite Chapter, Council 144.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, James E. Setcavage, along with several cousins, including Christopher Falcone, who resided with her, Mary Jane Zemalis (Ken), Texas, and Karen Footner (Richard), MA, along with her sister in law, Cathy Mogel (Arnold), Schuylkill Haven and brother in law, Michael Setcavage, Lebanon. A nephew MJ, a great nephew Liam and great niece Lauren, a special friend Scott Barron, along with many other friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be con-celebrated by Rev. Robert Potts and clergy of the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries at the Divine Mercy Church, 232 West Cherry Street, Shenandoah, PA at 11 AM on Friday, January 31st, 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the church from 9 AM until 11 AM prior to the Mass. Dorothy will be laid to rest in Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights, immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Knights of Lithuania, 14 West Frack Street, Frackville, PA 17931 or the Apostles of Jesus Missionaries, 829 Main Street, Northampton, PA 18067.
The Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
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Ronald was born in Hazleton on March 22, 1962, a son of the late Donald and Anita (Lenz) Widitz. He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Sheppton.
He was a long time employee of Bradley Caldwell, Inc. in Hazleton, and a very talented artist and carpenter, who was also an avid New York Rangers fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Donald Widitz and brother in-law, David Jenkins.
Ronald is survived by his sisters, Karen Jenkins of Coaldale and Cindy, wife of Karl Swankoski of Northampton, PA.
Private services with burial in St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery are being provided by the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home in Ringtown.
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Patricia was born in Reading on October 21, 1941, a daughter of the late Ada (Dobbins) and George Herman Frye. She was the widow of John Horst..
Pat was a graduate of Reading High School and before retiring was employed by Ehrlich Pest Control for 30 years
She was an avid reader and had a close relationship with the Orwigsburg Library
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Lisa, wife of Randy Kramer, of New Ringgold, two sons, Dave Schittler, husband of Missy and John Schittler, husband of Grace. Grandchildren- Peggy Reimels, Angelo Oudinot, Shawn Kramer, husband of Laura, Kassidy and Connor Kramer and several great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband John, she was predeceased by her son, Roger Schittler, as well as her lifelong friend, whom she considered to be her sister, Karen Jones, wife of Bill.
Services are private at the convenience of family. Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Orwigsburg has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Orwigsburg Free Public Library, 216 W. Independence Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or Char-Will Kennels, 2 E. Railroad Avenue, New Ringgold, PA 17960
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He was born on November 12,1953 in Pottsville, a son of Glenn and Ethel Wolfgang Hatter.
Steven was a graduate of Tri Valley High School Class of 1971.
He was a coal miner for the former Mercury Coal Company, and also worked for Miller Brothers Construction until his retirement.
Steven was a member of Hegins Valley Fire Rescue. He loved hunting and fishing, watching football, and playing the lottery.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Lenwood and Dennis Hatter, sister Sharon Miller, grandchild, Christianna Martin.
Steven is survived by his wife Jane Kembel Hatter, to whom he was married for 50 years.
He is also survived by son, Brent Hatter of Hegins; stepdaughter, Erica Klinger and husband Joe of Lykens; three Grandchildren, Gage Hatter, Amanda Klinger, Jeffrey Klinger; four brothers, Terry and wife Diane Hatter, Duane Hatter, Glenn Hatter, Brian Hatter all of Hegins; sister, Michelle and husband Glenn Strouphauer of Pine Grove.
Burial will be made in St. Andrew's Cemetery, Valley View at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA 51 SPCA Road Pottsville, or Ruth Steinhart SPCA,18 Wertz Dr, Pine Grove, PA
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville