Skook News Obituaries: February 18th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pottsville, March 18, 1957, he was the son of the late William and Mildred McCord Goetz.
Joseph was a 1975 graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School, where he was a standout athlete. After high school, Joseph went on to serve in the United States Army where he excelled as a boxer. Upon returning from the Army, Joseph continued to box and was a member of the Police Athletic League.
Joseph was employed at the former Cressona Aluminum and recently retired from Hydro Extrusion early last year.
He enjoyed nature and loved to hike and birdwatch. Throughout his life, he supported animal rescue and rehabilitation. He left friends and family with countless memories of time spent fishing and enjoying music.
In addition to his parents, Joseph is preceded in death by his sisters, Colleen Filanowski and Beverly Southam.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna Dabashinsky Goetz. He is also survived by his daughter, Bobbi Jo Mitchell, wife of Stephen, and his granddaughter, Reagan, of Lake Wynonah. Additionally, he is survived by siblings, Patricia Davis, Louise Kollmann, William Goetz, and Dorothy Salata, along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven at 11:30 A.M. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Joseph’s memory to: Red Creek Wildlife, 300 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com
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He was born in Diener's Hill on June 24, 1934. He was a son of the late Wassil and Pearl (Ponchar) Draovitch.
Following his graduation from St. Clair High School, class of 1952, Wassil went on to serve in the US Navy in the Korean War. As a radio operator, he was assigned to the mine sweepers USS Swift and USS Prestige.
Wassil retired following a 40-year career with the US Postal Service, of which 19 years was spent as Postmaster of Gilberton, St. Clair, Mary D, and Port Carbon post offices.
He was a very active member of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, Saint Clair, where he served over 40 years as Treasurer, liturgy bell ringer, and choir member. One of his favorite roles was helping his church family with the making of goods such as homemade perogies and paska bread.
Wassil was also a member of the St. Clair American Legion Post 719. He was a former member of the Good Intent Fire Company, where he participated on the bowling team. Wassil was also a Port Carbon Little League Coach in the 60s and 70s.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two older sisters, one younger sister, and six older brothers.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Georgine (Naradko) Draovitch; two sons, Peter Draovitch and his wife Debra of Jacksonville, FL; Paul Draovitch and his wife Janie of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Kathleen Draovitch Modica of Orwigsburg; and his eldest sister, Ethel Daderko of Summit Hill. Wassil also has six grandchildren: Tyler Draovitch and his wife Jen, Victoria Draovitch, Ana Draovitch, Daria Draovitch, Francesca Modica, Dimitri Modica, Great-granddaughter Annie Draovitch, and nieces and nephews of 3 generations.
Wassil was admired by all for his kindness, positivity, care for others, and unconditional love for the Lord and his family. Wassil’s family and friends cherished his sense of humor and his contagious smile. He was a valued servant of God and his community, and he will always be remembered for the imprint he made on everyone’s hearts and the earth.
Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM Friday from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 105 North Morris Street St. Clair, PA 17970. The Rev. Monsignor Myron Grabowski will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 AM Friday from the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Burial with military honors will follow church services at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
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Born in Long Island, NY on February 3, 1956, he was the son of the late Jacqueline (Moore) and George Hall.
Married 33 years, George was the widower of Janet Hall.
George is survived by his companion, Sharon Skrobak.
George was employed as a mechanical engineer for JDM.
He was a Mason at the Cressona Lodge #222.
George is survived by his two daughters, Jacqualyn Hall, significant other to Keith Shaup, of Schuylkill Haven; Karen J.E., wife of Matthew Strauss, of Pottsville; and a son, Christopher, husband of Candace Hall, of Orwigsburg. Beloved "Pop Pop," he is also survived by grandchildren: Meghan, Mason, Ayva, McKenna, Elijah, Keenan, Amelia; stepfather: Hans Vallert; brothers: Gary Hall, husband of Annie, of Long Island, NY, Kurt Lechner, husband of Debbie; a nephew, Kyle; and nieces, Marissa, Michelle, and Jessica.
In addition to his wife and parents, George is preceded in death by a son, Georgie Hall; and brothers, Danny Lechner and Ricky Hall.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 3rd at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901.
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Frances C. (Dolly) Hendricks, 88, of Orwigsburg, passed away Saturday, February 15th, at Green Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Pottsville.
Dolly was born in West Brunswick Township on October 28, 1936, a daughter of the late Pauline (Felty) and James S. Turner. She was the widow of Earl (Drick) J. Hendricks.
She was a 1954 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School. Prior to retiring, Dolly
worked at Reneer Films in Auburn, which then became Omnova. Dolly was very supportive of her grandchildren in their sports and racing activity. She donated her time and was accepted into the Coal Region racing hall of fame.
Dolly is survived by
a daughter, Sandra Hendricks, of Pine Grove, PA;
two sons Richard Hendricks, husband of Kate, of Auburn, PA; Glen Hendricks, companion of Kathy Tuttle, of New Ringgold, PA.
Grandchildren are Ricky, Joey, Doug, Jake & Luke. Great grandchildren are Albi, Chase, Parker and Brynnley. She is also survived by her sister Kathryn Bretz, Orwigsburg and a brother James Turner, husband of Kathy, also of Orwigsburg.
She was predeceased by her son David E. Hendricks
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Dale Reigle, 92, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Saturday, February 15th, at his residence., with his wife Shirley at his side.
Dale was born in Ringtown, PA on March 7, 1932, a son of the late Theresa (Balliet) and Clayton Reigel.
He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War and he was a supervisor in the Plumbing Industry in Connecticut before retiring here to Pennsylvania.
He was the husband of Shirley ( Drey ) Reigle.
Services will be private.
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Born in Pottsville, August 28 1945 he was the third of four sons of the late Clarence B. Woodford and Merle Anna (Jones) Woodford.
Norman graduated in 1963 from Minersville High School. After graduation he worked briefly at a local bank until he enlisted with the Navy. Norm served honorably fulfilling his enlistment duties primarily in Meridian, MS. Norman then returned to his hometown where he worked at First National Bank on Sunbury. In the early 80's Norman returned to school to further his education at Alvernia University in Reading, where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in accounting. He was hired by the state and worked until his retirement at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Auditor General.
Norman was a quiet and reserved man to most who knew him and those who knew him best had a wonderful and fun friend. He was a guy who did many things that most never knew much about. He shared his expertise in retirement helping the elderly fill out tax returns. Delivered Meals on Wheels, was a Minersville area School Board member City Treasurer and Helped the needy with transportation to hospitals, a good man to many in need. He was a lifelong Mason.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved brother Robert Woodford; his sisters-in-law, Jean and Olive and 3 nieces.
Norman leaves to honor his memory his oldest brother Loren Woodford of Lewellyn, his youngest brother, C. Lee and his wife Nancy of Manhattan, KS. He was close to his many nieces and nephews. Also, mourning his loss are his many, many friends who met with him daily.
A visitation will occur from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday February 19, 2025 from Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Schuylkill Memorial Park.
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Born on November 6, 1951 in Centralia she was the daughter of the late Helen M. (Pesarchick) and Anthony Connor.
Mary was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Charles Borromeo in Ashland. She graduated from Lourdes High School in 1969.
Mary was the wife of the late Leonard J. Humpf who passed September 15, 2016.
Mary was a homemaker most of her life. Before that she worked as a secretary and at Snyder’s Restaurant in Ashland. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially watching birds and other wildlife in her backyard.
Mary is survived by; son Brian Humpf (Heidie), Virginia Beach VA; son Chris Humpf, Baltimore MD; sister Helen Loeper (Tom), Shamokin; sister Tina Connor, Mt Carmel; 7 grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday February 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo, 1115 Walnut St, Ashland PA 17921. A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday morning at the church from 9:00-10:00 AM. Burial will follow services at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Ashland.
Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
