Skook News Obituaries: February 17th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born January 11, 1947, he was the son of the late Harold and Mary (McMonegal) Burns of Girardville.
Bob was a 1965 graduate of Ashland High School. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland.
Bob was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1966. He was in front-line combat from 1967-1968. He proudly served his country as Sergeant E5, United States Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade APO 96217.
Upon his return from war, he worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber company. In 1972 he started his own anthracite coal mining business.
He served as Butler Township Supervisor for over 20 years.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Michael Burns, in 1972, and his sister Mary Ellen Krevinas, in 2007.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Burns (Grasso), 3 daughters, Michele (Brian) Scavuzzo; Diane Whalen; Nicole (Heath) Leiby; son Bobby (Stephanie) Burns; and 3 brothers Harold (Betty) Burns; Edward (Cathy) Burns; and Gerard (Carol) Burns.
He will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, Aaron and Emily Scavuzzo; Tyler Burns; Gavin and Colin Whalen; Rachel and Jake (Emma) Green; Jaden (Haylee) Leiby; Brady, Brynlee, and Brooke Burns; and one great-grandson, Nash Burns. Many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22nd in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Fr. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant. Friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, February 21st from 5:00 - 8:00 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Fountain Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Adam Taliaferro Foundation, 1710 Kingswood Pl, Clementon, NJ 08021.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville & Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Robert J. Edmondson, Sr., 83, of Trestle Court, Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at home.
Born on April 11, 1941 in Ashland, he was a son of the late Robert and Helen Ross Edmondson.
He was a graduate of Girardville High School and McCann School of Business.
Robert was a U.S. Army Veteran.
He worked for the former Alcoa in Cressona.
Robert enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife and watching sporting events with his son. He had coached biddy basketball and Little League in Girardville.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret Koslosky Edmondson; two sons, Robert J. Edmondson, Jr. and Gerald W. Edmondson; and a brother James Edmondson.
Surviving is a son, Richard Edmondson of Frackville.
There will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr., Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angela M. (Pfeil) Hamm, wife, daughter, mother, sister, 48 years of age of West Penn Township Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Angela passed away as she lived peacefully and with grace on Thursday February 13, 2025, at Jeanes Campus Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after a two year courageous battle against leukemia surrounded by the love of her family.
Born Monday, September 13, 1976 at Travis AFB Fairfield California Angela is survived by; father, Dennis Pfeil; mother, Millie (Chizauskie-Pfeil) Broughton and her husband Doug; beloved husband of 23 years, Johnny D.W. Hamm; her daughters whom she cherished, Bella M. Hamm, Linsey A. Hamm, Sienna G. Hamm, Olivia G. Hamm; brother, Danny Pfeil and his wife Becki who Angela was so proud of as she and her mom were his most ardent fans as they followed his basketball career through high school and college. Angela is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A graduate of Pottsville High School where she was a member of the High School band. Angela matriculated to McCann's School of Business and Empire Beauty School., Angela's sole focus and purpose was providing a stable and loving home for Johnny and her girls. Angela embraced her faith and was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception R.C.C. of Jim Thorpe. Angela enjoyed doing crafts, quilting, sewing, and most of all loved reading. She also loved spending time with dogs Speck, Spaz, and Zeb.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
A Celebration of Angela's Life will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 1 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services. Rev. Ronald J. Minner to officiate.
Angela had one request, dress casual and bring a red solo cup to celebrate her life.
Memorials in Angela's name to:
American Cancer Society
"Hope Lodge Cheltenham Pennsylvania"
P.O. Box 1640
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
David C. Marx, 76, formerly of Tremont, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Dave was born in Tremont on Tuesday, October 19, 1948, a son of the late George and Emma Emma Eberley Marx. He was a graduate of the former Tremont High School.
Dave was retired from Exxon Chemical, Marlin.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Tremont, Tower City Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Tower City American Legion.
Dave was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He enjoyed going out and about and socializing with his friends.
Following Dave's wishes, there will be no formal services, and he will be laid to rest privately in the St. John's Cemetery, Tremont.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Edward Walter Helman, 94, of Seltzer, passed away Friday, February 14th, at his home.
Gerard L. Loftus, 65, of Leck Kill, former Ashland resident, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025. Born in Fountain Springs, February 11, 1960, he was the son of the late Gerard and Mae Jones Loftus. He was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, class of 1978. Jerry was a member of Christ Evangelical Church, Leck Kill. He was preceded in death by his sister Eileen Loftus Schlegel, passing July 17, 2021.
Survivors
Wife: Sharon Snyder Loftus, married 32 years
Sister: Ann Marie wife of Brian Borkoskie, Lavelle
Son: Adrian Tindell, Millersburg
Son: Scott Tindell, Dalmatia
Two Grandsons: Sullivan and Oliver Tindell, Dalmatia
Brother in Law: Robert Snyder and his wife Rachel, Chambersburg
Sister in Law: Elaine wife of Richard Wolfgang, Pitman
Nieces, nephews, Aunts, and Uncles
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jerry’s Life, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 12 Noon, in the Christ Evangelical Church, 5189 Schwaben Creek Road, Leck Kill. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Rothermel. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 AM until service. The family requests memorials be made in Jerry’s name to Christ Evangelical Church. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome. com, to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
James K. Strausser, age 95, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Sunday, February 16th, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospice House, Bethlehem, PA.
Born in St. Clair, PA on January 11, 1930, he was the son of the late Kipling and Elizabeth (Ball) Strausser.
Jim was a graduate of St. Stephen's High School, Class of 1947. He served in the U.S. Army as a Cpl in the Korean Conflict from 1949 till 1952. He worked as a machine operator for Parish Steel in Reading for 36 years until retiring.
Jim was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon and was a lifetime member of the VFW in Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: John, Betram, Robert, Ronald, Edward, and William Strausser and sisters: Jane Mooney, Catherine Chiccini, Nancy Zimmerman, and Beth Runkle.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ellen M. (Brown) Strausser; son James K. Strausser Jr. (Melissa); five daughters: Suzanne Bosche (Richard), Cindy Strausser (fiancée Ed Bealer), Sandra Myro (Michael), Nanette Seladones (Gary), and Tina Rosenbloom (Brett); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Flanagan and Sally Yeager; brother: David Strausser; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair at 11AM on Tuesday, February 25th, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-11AM at the Church.
Interment with Military Honors will be held at the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the St. Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund, 250 East Hancock Street Saint Clair, PA 17970.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
Born on April 11, 1941 in Ashland, he was a son of the late Robert and Helen Ross Edmondson.
He was a graduate of Girardville High School and McCann School of Business.
Robert was a U.S. Army Veteran.
He worked for the former Alcoa in Cressona.
Robert enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife and watching sporting events with his son. He had coached biddy basketball and Little League in Girardville.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret Koslosky Edmondson; two sons, Robert J. Edmondson, Jr. and Gerald W. Edmondson; and a brother James Edmondson.
Surviving is a son, Richard Edmondson of Frackville.
There will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr., 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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Born Monday, September 13, 1976 at Travis AFB Fairfield California Angela is survived by; father, Dennis Pfeil; mother, Millie (Chizauskie-Pfeil) Broughton and her husband Doug; beloved husband of 23 years, Johnny D.W. Hamm; her daughters whom she cherished, Bella M. Hamm, Linsey A. Hamm, Sienna G. Hamm, Olivia G. Hamm; brother, Danny Pfeil and his wife Becki who Angela was so proud of as she and her mom were his most ardent fans as they followed his basketball career through high school and college. Angela is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A graduate of Pottsville High School where she was a member of the High School band. Angela matriculated to McCann's School of Business and Empire Beauty School., Angela's sole focus and purpose was providing a stable and loving home for Johnny and her girls. Angela embraced her faith and was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception R.C.C. of Jim Thorpe. Angela enjoyed doing crafts, quilting, sewing, and most of all loved reading. She also loved spending time with dogs Speck, Spaz, and Zeb.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884
A Celebration of Angela's Life will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 1 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services. Rev. Ronald J. Minner to officiate.
Angela had one request, dress casual and bring a red solo cup to celebrate her life.
Memorials in Angela's name to:
American Cancer Society
"Hope Lodge Cheltenham Pennsylvania"
P.O. Box 1640
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
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Dave was born in Tremont on Tuesday, October 19, 1948, a son of the late George and Emma Emma Eberley Marx. He was a graduate of the former Tremont High School.
Dave was retired from Exxon Chemical, Marlin.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Tremont, Tower City Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Tower City American Legion.
Dave was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He enjoyed going out and about and socializing with his friends.
Following Dave's wishes, there will be no formal services, and he will be laid to rest privately in the St. John's Cemetery, Tremont.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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Edward Walter Helman, 94, of Seltzer, passed away Friday, February 14th, at his home.
Edward was born in Seltzer, on January 2, 1931, a son of the late Martha (Kreager) and Charles Helman. He was the widower of Joan Ann (Burnett) Helman. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Pottsville. Edward was a proud Marine who served his country faithfully during the Korean War. He was employed as an Operating Engineer in the construction field. A Lifetime Member of the Seltzer Hose Co. and a member of the Pottsville AMVETS.
In addition to his parents, and his wife, Joan, he was preceded in death by a Daughter, Maryann Helman, Brothers; Glennwood M.I.A. shot down in the Korean War, and Russell Helman, a sister, Thelma Keister.
Edward is survived by two daughters, Karen E., wife of Charles Pretti, and Regina F, wife of William Summers.
Interment with Military Honors 10:30 am Monday February 24 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Gerard L. Loftus, 65, of Leck Kill, former Ashland resident, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025. Born in Fountain Springs, February 11, 1960, he was the son of the late Gerard and Mae Jones Loftus. He was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, class of 1978. Jerry was a member of Christ Evangelical Church, Leck Kill. He was preceded in death by his sister Eileen Loftus Schlegel, passing July 17, 2021.
Survivors
Wife: Sharon Snyder Loftus, married 32 years
Sister: Ann Marie wife of Brian Borkoskie, Lavelle
Son: Adrian Tindell, Millersburg
Son: Scott Tindell, Dalmatia
Two Grandsons: Sullivan and Oliver Tindell, Dalmatia
Brother in Law: Robert Snyder and his wife Rachel, Chambersburg
Sister in Law: Elaine wife of Richard Wolfgang, Pitman
Nieces, nephews, Aunts, and Uncles
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jerry’s Life, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 12 Noon, in the Christ Evangelical Church, 5189 Schwaben Creek Road, Leck Kill. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Rothermel. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 AM until service. The family requests memorials be made in Jerry’s name to Christ Evangelical Church. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome. com, to leave condolences. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Born in St. Clair, PA on January 11, 1930, he was the son of the late Kipling and Elizabeth (Ball) Strausser.
Jim was a graduate of St. Stephen's High School, Class of 1947. He served in the U.S. Army as a Cpl in the Korean Conflict from 1949 till 1952. He worked as a machine operator for Parish Steel in Reading for 36 years until retiring.
Jim was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon and was a lifetime member of the VFW in Pottsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: John, Betram, Robert, Ronald, Edward, and William Strausser and sisters: Jane Mooney, Catherine Chiccini, Nancy Zimmerman, and Beth Runkle.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ellen M. (Brown) Strausser; son James K. Strausser Jr. (Melissa); five daughters: Suzanne Bosche (Richard), Cindy Strausser (fiancée Ed Bealer), Sandra Myro (Michael), Nanette Seladones (Gary), and Tina Rosenbloom (Brett); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Flanagan and Sally Yeager; brother: David Strausser; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair at 11AM on Tuesday, February 25th, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning from 9-11AM at the Church.
Interment with Military Honors will be held at the Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery in Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the St. Clare of Assisi Church Memorial Fund, 250 East Hancock Street Saint Clair, PA 17970.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville