Skook News Obituaries: February 6th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Susan (Faynor) Koropchak, 96, passed away on February 5, 2025, at her residence in Frackville, PA. Susan (Sue) was born in Mahanoy City, PA on February 11, 1928, to Martin and Catherine (Radiosky) Faynor, the youngest of six of their children. Sue was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School, class of 1945. When she was nineteen, Sue was smitten by a young man named Peter Koropchak, and in 1950, they married in St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Frackville. She worked in many different factories, including Raybin Brothers Ribbon Factory and Glamor Sports. Sue was an active member of St. Michael’s Church, serving as Vice President and President of the Sacred Heart Society, and was actively involved with the Frackville and Shenandoah Seniors. She was loving and generous, loved to dance and sing, and had an infectiously positive outlook on life. One of her favorite songs was “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.” Surviving are her three children, Paul Koropchak of Frackville, John Koropchak and his wife Diane of Salem, Virginia, and Patricia Kristy and her husband Stephen of Fairport, New York; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter; her parents, Catherine and Martin Faynor; her sisters Ann, Kitty and Betty; her brothers John and Martin; and her daughter-in-law, Beth Koropchak.Relatives and friends are invited to attend Sue’s funeral on Thursday, February 13 at 9:15 AM from the Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, 48 N. Broad Street, Frackville. Requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Rev. Petro Zvarych at 10:00 AM in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, with interment in the parish cemetery. Viewings will be held on Wednesday, February 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 with Parastas at 7:00 PM, and Thursday, February 13 from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, it was Sue’s wish that donations be made to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 45 South Second Street, Frackville, PA, 17931
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Michael T. Tobin Jr., 85, of Pottsville, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, with his family by his side.Born in Saint Clair on January 26, 1940, he was the son of the late Anna Hrichak Tobin and Michael Tobin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard J. Tobin, in 1999.
He was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, Saint Clair, where he served as an usher for many years.
Michael was a 1957 graduate of Saint Clair High School, where he was a standout athlete in football, baseball, and basketball. After high school, he was recruited for football and attended Elon University in Elon, NC. He was unable to finish college and enlisted in the US Army in 1959. He served in the Vietnam War and was part of the 101st Airborne Division, stationed out of Fort Campbell, KY.
After serving his country, he played semi-professional football for the Scranton Miners and also played and later coached for the Schuylkill County Coal Crackers. In 2002, he was inducted into the Allen-Rogowicz Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
He served as the Township Manager and Building Inspector for New Castle Township during the construction of the Schuylkill Mall. He also served as a past director and president of the Saint Clair School Board.
Throughout his long life, Mike held many different jobs. Most recently, before retiring, he was President and Owner of several businesses: Four Seasons Window and Siding, Inc., which operated in three states; New Castle Mortgage Brokers, Inc.; Michael T. Tobin Contractors, Inc.; and Tobin Apartments.
Growing up, Mike was raised on surplus food and often told stories about "robbing" fruits and vegetables from the neighbors' gardens in Arnots Addition. He worked hard his whole life and was incredibly proud of the life he built for himself and his family.
Mike never quit and will be remembered for speaking his mind, standing up and fighting for his beliefs, and telling it like it was. It didn’t matter who you were—he spoke the same way to everyone. That's the way he was and the way he will be remembered by his family and friends.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Michele A. Tobin of Saint Clair; his son, Michael T. Tobin III (Loretta Beninsky) of Saint Clair; his grandson, Jacob M. Tobin of Elysburg; his ex-wife, friend, and hairdresser, Anita L. Tobin of Saint Clair; as well as nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare of Assisi Church, Saint Clair, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11 AM with Monsignor William Glosser officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 AM to 11 AM Tuesday morning at the church. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Queen of the Universe Cemetery, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
James H. Evans Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements. To extend online condolences, visit www.jameshevansfh.com.
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Rose Elaine Falco, 81, formerly of Mamaroneck, NY and Ocean Isle Beach, NC, passed away at her residence in Lake Wynonah, PA, on Wednesday, February 5th, at home surrounded by her family.
Born in Manhattan, NY on October 10, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Joseph & Catherine (Bosco) Lentini.
Married 55 years, Rose was the loving wife of Michael A. Falco.
She was of the Roman Catholic faith.
Following high school graduation, Rose earned a bachelor’s degree from NYU.
She worked as a speech pathologist, and a Medicaid eligibility specialist for a long-term care facility.
In addition to her parents, Rose is also preceded in death by an infant brother, and her sister, Marie Tyler.
Known for her warm heart, and kind soul, Rose was devoted to her beloved family. Rose loved to cook and bake for others. She especially enjoyed entertaining.
In addition to her husband, Rose is also survived by her son, James, husband of Traci Falco, of Schnecksville, PA, and her daughter, Elaine Brown, of Long Island, NY. A loving Grandma, she is also survived by her grandchildren: Kaitlin, Roman, Michael, Kyle, Christopher, Jessica, Jake, & Chad and great-grandchildren: Lillian, Anastasia, & one on the way.
Services will be held at a later date.
Born in Manhattan, NY on October 10, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Joseph & Catherine (Bosco) Lentini.
Married 55 years, Rose was the loving wife of Michael A. Falco.
She was of the Roman Catholic faith.
Following high school graduation, Rose earned a bachelor’s degree from NYU.
She worked as a speech pathologist, and a Medicaid eligibility specialist for a long-term care facility.
In addition to her parents, Rose is also preceded in death by an infant brother, and her sister, Marie Tyler.
Known for her warm heart, and kind soul, Rose was devoted to her beloved family. Rose loved to cook and bake for others. She especially enjoyed entertaining.
In addition to her husband, Rose is also survived by her son, James, husband of Traci Falco, of Schnecksville, PA, and her daughter, Elaine Brown, of Long Island, NY. A loving Grandma, she is also survived by her grandchildren: Kaitlin, Roman, Michael, Kyle, Christopher, Jessica, Jake, & Chad and great-grandchildren: Lillian, Anastasia, & one on the way.
Services will be held at a later date.
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John Pierce Gradwell Jr., 76, of Gordon passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 4th at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville surrounded by his family.
Born in Frackville, he was a son of the late John Pierce Gradwell Sr. and Grace Edwards Gradwell. He was also preceded in death by his brother Ronald “Tic” Gradwell.
He was employed as a mechanic and repairman for Hidden Valley Golf Course, where he performed maintenance on Auburn golf carts and equipment until his retirement.
John was an Air Force Veteran having served during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. He was a past fire chief for the Citizens Fire Co. #1, Gordon from 1979 to 2004 and was a life member. He was also a member of the Ashland American Legion Post 434 and the Ashland Masonic Lodge #294. He was a founding member of the Little Pine Acre Lodge in English Center, PA.
John was a lifelong collector and avid enthusiast of Lionel Trains and also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret “Peggy” Gradwell, Gordon; his daughter, Nicole Anthony and her husband George, Frackville; his son, John Pierce Gradwell III and his wife Bethany, Elysburg; his three grandchildren: George Anthony Jr. and his wife Hannah; Nick Anthony and Grace Anthony; also survived by many nieces, nephews and grandpuppies.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12th from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in John’s memory, to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation – The Pierce Gradwell Memorial Fund, 216 S. Centre St., Pottsville PA 17901.
Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., 501 W. Washington St. Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Nancy A. Palamar, 95, of Buck Run, passed away Tuesday, February 4th, at Orwigsburg Center.
Nancy was born in Pottsville, Pa. on October 7, 1929, a daughter of the late Lillian (Loftus) and Thomas Close. She was the widow of Edward X. Palamar 3/3/2009. A 1946 Graduate of Cass Township High School. A member of the Church of Saint Patrick, Pottsville. A former member of St. Kieran’s Church and Saint Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish. Nancy was a member of Schuylkill County Ceili Dancing, and the Schuylkill Coal Crackers Polka Association.
She was preceded in death by Brothers, Dr. William Close, and Jack Close, and sister, Laverne Lovell.
Nancy is survived by a daughter, Lynn, wife of Mark Puddu, two sons Edward T, husband of Donna Palamar, and Thomas A, husband of Theresa Palamar. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer, husband Eric, Justin Palamar, Jillian Fedoriska, husband Colin, Michael Flickinger, Shannon Muth, husband Dave, Jonathan Ford. Christopher Ford, wife Kayte, Kaityn Chiplonia, husband David, Ryan Palamar, Dylan Palamar, fiancee Jessica. Great grandchildren; Anna, Livia, Emma, & Luke Lieberman, Miranda & Mikayla Muth, Chloie Shafransky, Cole & Jaxson Flickinger, Laurel Young, Julian & Gabriel Chiplonia.
All respectfully invited to attend a Visitation 9:30 to 11:00 am Saturday, February 8th at the Church of Saint Patrick, Pottsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nativity Preservation & Support Foundation Lawtons Hill Pottsville, Pa. 17901 or Church of Saint Patrick Memorial Fund. Interment St. Kieran #2 Cemetery.