Skook News Obituaries: February 24th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
--------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville on June 8, 1965, Tom was the son of late Clark Eugene & Frances Adel (Tobias) Keefer; two loving parents who believed in the innate value of their son.
Despite being born with Down Syndrome, they refused to cave to the pressure to institutionalize their precious boy. The Keefers dedicated their lives to raising Tommy as they did their previous three children; with love, dignity, and respect. Over the years, this precedent became a legacy of devotion carried out by the entire family.
Tommy was a 1986 graduate of the Schuylkill IU 29, Mar Lin. From there, he went through the United Cerebral Palsy Vocational Rehabilitation Program. He often recounted his time spent there, and specifically, his days working alongside many a friend in the greenhouse. This program was a stepping stone for his 29-year career at the Schuylkill Haven Borough, where he worked as a custodian. For decades, many people got to know Tom while he was strolling around town with his cleaning cart. He always wore a friendly smile and was eager to catch up with those he considered a friend, which were many. Tommy was a cheerful and dedicated employee and took great pride in his work. He was responsible for cleaning the town’s parks, playgrounds, and streets, as well as the bathrooms at Bubeck park, where there is a park bench in his honor. Up until he passed, he would fondly recount his time working for the Borough alongside his many friends, and proudly point out the locations around town he used to care for. Tommy was a faithful member of the Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene, where he attended since birth. His heart beat for Jesus Christ and his church family. In 2022, he was honored by the Director of the Nazarene Missions International with the Distinguished Service Award for “Faithful service to God and Schuylkill Haven Church of the Nazarene”. As long as his health allowed, if the church doors were open, he was there.
Tom loved his community. He was a dedicated member of Schuylkill Hose No. 2 of Schuylkill Haven for about 25 years. He enjoyed spending time there hanging out with “the guys” and loved recalling the times he tested the town’s fire alarm. He was thrilled to be included in many town parades, and enjoyed riding along in one of the Schuylkill Hose fire engines. On one special occasion, Tommy got to cruise around town in a convertible as Grand Marshall of the 2016 Halloween parade.
Tom spent his free time writing sermons, calling loved ones (from speed dial), and relaxing in his favorite chair with the family dogs Daisy and Mimi. He loved playing his favorite games, Uno and Zingo with family and friends. Every evening he could be found enjoying a bowl of ice cream while watching a rotation of his favorite classic television shows. Before bed, he would diligently study his Bible, whose well-worn pages were evidence of his devotion to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
Tom was lovingly considered “the crown jewel” of his family.
He is survived by two sisters: Christine, wife of John Morrison, of Schuylkill Haven, PA; & Eloise, wife of Dr. Stanley Wood, of Mt. Vernon, OH; nieces & nephews: Leah Adams (Troy), Peter Wood (Rebecca), Rebekah Tolar (Jonathan), Kirsten Carter (Mark), Johanna Morrison (Jeffrey Hughes), Lauren Beecroft & Katybeth Sickinger (Daniel), and great-nieces & great-nephews: Madalynne Schaeffer, TJ Adams, Ethan & Katelynne Tolar, Avrie Brode, Brady Beecroft, Catherine & Esme Wood, Grace, Reuben, Jedediah, Jude, Isaiah, Hope, & Faith Carter, Carter & Kennedy Morrison-Hughes, Payton Miller, and Oliver Sickinger. Tom took great joy in his family, and especially in being an Uncle.
In addition to his parents, Tommy is also preceded in death by his sister and friend, Kay Keefer, whom he loved very much.
In addition to his parents, Tommy is also preceded in death by his sister and friend, Kay Keefer, whom he loved very much.
Words could never sum up the magnitude of Tom’s life, the love of his family, or the gratitude they feel for the gift he was. Anchored in hope, his family clings to the promise of Hebrews 12:28, firmly believing Tommy has at last inherited “a kingdom that cannot be shaken”. A kingdom, as described by C. S. Lewis as “chapter one of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” If ever there was a man who had a “Great Story”, it is without a doubt Thomas Clark Keefer.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene, Schuylkill Haven on Saturday March 1st with Pastor Robert Berry officiating.
A Viewing will be held at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
At the family's request, donations in Tommy’s memory may be forwarded to Church of the Nazarene 220 West Main Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.
-------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville on October 31, 1953, he was the son of the late Anna (Vernicky) and William H. Moyer.
Married 46 years, Willy was the husband of Patricia Shirley Ann (Lehman) Moyer.
Willy graduated from Blue Mountain High School.
He served in the U.S. Navy.
Willy retired as a machine operator at Omnova Solutions, Auburn.
He was a member of Lost Dutchman Hunting Camp, Tioga County and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton.
In addition to his wife, Willy is survived by three daughters, Desirea Cerillo; Dawn; Dusk; three sisters, Christine, wife of David Darosh; Janice; Mary, wife of Andy Lukach; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Willy is preceded in death by a son, Neil Michael.
Services and interment will be held privately at the family's convenience.
At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Char-Wills Kennels, P.O. Box 132 New Ringgold, PA 17960.
--------------------------------------------
In addition to her parents, preceding her in death were her husband John G. Brady in 2010, a daughter Janet Scherer in 2023, 2 sisters Margaret "Peggy" Evans and Janet Lewis and a brother Joseph D. Lewis Sr..
She is survived by a daughter Joan K. Brady of Pottsville, a son John L. Brady and his wife Theresa of Cary NC, a brother Ivor Lewis of Bethlehem and a sister June Yost and her husband Kenneth of Barnesville, 2 granddaughters Amy and Laurie Scherer as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Schuylkill Center for the compassion and care they provided.Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral on Thursday morning at 11 AM from David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City. The Rev. Robert Adams will officiate. Interment will be at the German Protestant Cemetery in Mahanoy Township.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday morning beginning at 9:30 AM. Contributions in her name to First Congregational Church or the Mahanoy City Public Library would be appreciated and will be accepted at the visitation.
-------------------------------------------
Born in Pottsville, PA on December 10, 1961, he was the son of the late Charles Murphy and Ruth (Jackson) McFarland.
Micheal was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He was very gifted in the sport of tennis, where he started playing at JFK pool in Pottsville. Michael gave back to the youth of the community from Berks and Lancaster Counties by teaching tennis. Michael was an amazing athlete. He was a 5.0 player and high-performance teaching professional. He was able to coach and instruct all ages. Michael was the President of "Set Point Tennis", impacting the lives of young people. He specialized in injury prevention to allow his players to compete at the highest level. Michael's journey also took him to Alvernia University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice Cum Laude and a Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice Magna Cum Laude for Saint Joseph University. Michael was an aggression trainer with USPTA Elite Teaching Tennis Professional. With so many accomplishments, Michael was loved by family, youth, and friends. He will be missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: Robert McFarland Cary McFarland, John Murphy, Kevin McFarland, and Charles Murphy.
Michael is survived by siblings: Rebecca Stubbs, Reading, Wallace "Puggy" McFarland, Pottsville, and James "Murph" Murphy, Husband to Michelle, Cape Coral, FL.; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Saturday, March 1st, with Earl Singleton officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday morning from 9:30-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
-------------------------------------------
Mr. Murphy was born in Pottsville, PA on December 5, 1964, he was the son of the late Charles Murphy and Ruth (Jackson) McFarland.
Charles attended Pottsville Area High School, where he was an outstanding basketball player. He worked for Honeywell Corporation as a HSE Manager for 40 years until retiring. Charles loved family and friends, he enjoyed music and watching and playing golf and tennis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: Robert McFarland Cary McFarland, John Murphy, Kevin McFarland, and Michael Murphy.
Charles is survived by son Evan Ross Ney, Washington DC; siblings: Rebecca Stubbs, Reading, Wallace "Puggy" McFarland, Pottsville, and James "Murph" Murphy, husband to Michelle, Cape Coral, FL.; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Robert A. Evans Jr. Funeral Home, Port Carbon at 11AM on Saturday, March 1st, with Earl Singleton officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday morning from 9:30-11AM at the Funeral Home.
Interment will be held private.
-------------------------------------------
Elmer "Nick" Allison, 74, of Frackville passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22nd at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Elmer and Elda Allison. He was also preceded in death by several siblings.
Nick is survived by his sister, Sandra Desjardins, Colorado Springs, CO; his daughter and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua at the convenience of the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
Elmer "Nick" Allison, 74, of Frackville passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22nd at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.
Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Elmer and Elda Allison. He was also preceded in death by several siblings.
Nick is survived by his sister, Sandra Desjardins, Colorado Springs, CO; his daughter and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua at the convenience of the family.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Cumbola, PA on November 20, 1944 to the late Robert and Isabelle (Rusatsky) Grady. Tom had a full life of laughter and love for 80 years.
He graduated from Nativity B.V.M. High School and attended Bloomsburg University, but his entire career was dedicated to being a Master Carpenter.
Tom served in the Army Reserves and also played semi-pro football with the Coal Crackers. He was a die-hard Penn State and Phillies fan.
The most joy he found was watching his son Chris compete in football and basketball. Christopher was the light of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Loretta Sapp and her husband Bill, a sister-in-law Roseann Grady and a great niece Amanda Protivnak.
Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra and their son Christopher and his companion Ruby and a brother Bobby, and his son David. He also leaves behind his niece Linda Jackson and her companion Eric, along with Linda's children: Ryan, Erika, and Julia. His niece Bethann and her husband Joe Protivnak and their son Cory and granddaughter Ava.
Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to the Hillside SPCA P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
Janet T. Conville, age 80, of Port Carbon, PA passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at her home.
Born in Port Carbon, PA on July 6, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Wanda (Pawlavloskie) Tray.
Janet was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, Class of 1962. She first worked for Van Heusen in Pottsville and then as a clerk for the District Justice Office in Frackville until retiring.
Janet was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon and the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
Janet always had a smile on her face and was kind to everyone. She enjoyed spending time with friends, shopping, and going to the casinos with her husband, Jim.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Joseph Tray and sisters: Rose Brown, Beth Ann Souchek, Martha Cash, and Gladys Lisnock.
Janet is survived by her husband of 62 years, James G. Conville, Jr; sons: James G. Conville III and his wife Lisa (Chiccini), Shawn M. Conville and his companion Renee Pretti, and Daniel T. Conville and his wife Barbara (Yarnell); grandchildren; a great granddaughter; sisters: Cathy Hepner and Wanda Svrchek; a brother James Tray; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Society of St. Stephen in Port Carbon at 10:30AM on Friday, February 28th, with Rev. Edward Connolly officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Friday morning from 8:30-10:30AM at the Society of St. Stephen.
Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph Cappella Veterans Home Association in Port Carbon.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
-------------------------------------------
Born in Port Carbon, PA on July 6, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Wanda (Pawlavloskie) Tray.
Janet was a graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, Class of 1962. She first worked for Van Heusen in Pottsville and then as a clerk for the District Justice Office in Frackville until retiring.
Janet was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon and the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
Janet always had a smile on her face and was kind to everyone. She enjoyed spending time with friends, shopping, and going to the casinos with her husband, Jim.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Joseph Tray and sisters: Rose Brown, Beth Ann Souchek, Martha Cash, and Gladys Lisnock.
Janet is survived by her husband of 62 years, James G. Conville, Jr; sons: James G. Conville III and his wife Lisa (Chiccini), Shawn M. Conville and his companion Renee Pretti, and Daniel T. Conville and his wife Barbara (Yarnell); grandchildren; a great granddaughter; sisters: Cathy Hepner and Wanda Svrchek; a brother James Tray; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Society of St. Stephen in Port Carbon at 10:30AM on Friday, February 28th, with Rev. Edward Connolly officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Friday morning from 8:30-10:30AM at the Society of St. Stephen.
Interment will be held in the Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery in Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph Cappella Veterans Home Association in Port Carbon.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.
-------------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville