Skook News Obituaries: March 17th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Virginia passed away on March 16, 2025 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA. She was the wife of Edward D. Rakowsky for 57 years. Ginny was born at the Ashland Hospital and lived her entire life in Frackville PA, she was the daughter of the late Russell J. and Ethel Mae (Davidson) Bradbury. Virginia was a 1967 graduate of North Schuylkill High School. She was a Union Rep for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and had worked for Model Garment along with many years at the Frackville election polls and the census. Virginia, commonly known as “Gin” or “Ginny” by most was always a part of the Frackville community and was loved by so many, she served for many years volunteering her time at Altamont Fire Company block parties and fish dinners, with her favorite Dunkin Donuts Coffee in hand.
Those who knew Ginny well will remember all of her famous birthday parties for everyone including her beloved cats, along with her creative ability to give everyone a nickname, some had multiple, and sometimes they were also lucky enough to be added to her many song creations.
Surviving in addition to her husband is one son, Edward D. Rakowsky, Jr, husband of Ida Rakowsky, Schuylkill Haven, PA; one daughter, Lorena D. Rakowsky, wife of John Kershitsky, Camp Hill, PA; brother, David Bradbury; sister, Linda D'ARosa; 2 Grandchildren, John M. and Anastasia M. Rakowsky.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Mark J Hummel Funeral Home, 48 N Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville.
Viewings will be on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Frackville.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in her memory to the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org and click on Donate. Online photos and memories can be shared with her family at http://www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, Frackville has charge.
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Born in Pottsville on December 28, 1963, he was the son of the late Margaret (Zelinsky) and Albert Colna.
Robert was the husband of Susan Alderman of Schuylkill Haven.
He graduated from Schuylkill Haven High School.
Robert was employed as a countertop builder for Pleasant Valley Homes, Inc.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Sami Colna, of Schuylkill Haven;
Bobbisue Colna, partner of Dakota Edmondson, of Schuylkill Haven; Ron Rhoades, husband of Kayle, of Womelsdorf; Steven Rhoades, of Schuylkill Haven; and Courtney, wife of Barry Jenkins, Schuylkill Haven. He is also survived by two brothers, Arlen Colna, of Palo Alto; Paul Colna, husband of Brenda, of Auburn; a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Donton, of Pottsville; and 9 grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by a brother, Allen Colna.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 21st at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc in Schuylkill Haven with Pastor Jim Fidler officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Interment will be held privately at the family's convenience.
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Born in Pottsville on October 12, 1946, he was a son of Beatrice V. (Fidler) Anderson, a resident of Seton Manor and the late Carl F. Anderson. He was raised on his family's farm where he would live his entire life.
Married 57 years, he was the husband of Faye E. (Herring) Anderson.
He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Friedensburg.
Gary was a 1965 graduate of Blue Mountain High School. Active in the Future Farmers of America, Gary's high school project on growing potatoes launched the local produce legacy of Anderson Farms.
As the longtime owner and operator of Anderson Farms, Gary was a fixture at the Hometown & Renninger's Markets, and the family's roadside stand in Friedensburg until his retirement in 2013. After retirement, he continued to provide farming wisdom and advice to his family.
While his children were in school, Gary was active in the Young Farmers Association. He was also an avid hunter.
In addition to his mother and wife, Gary is also survived by four children: Annette Kelly, companion of Roger Kleckner, Pine Grove, Janet Minnich, wife of Clayton, Schuylkill Haven, Sheila Hatter, wife of Kent, Auburn, & Gary C. Anderson II, husband of Amy, Schuylkill Haven, seven grandchildren: Megan Miller, wife of Gabe, Robert Kelly, Keith Minnich, Alec & Colin Sabitsky, and Travis & Bradley Anderson, one great-granddaughter, Andie Miller, and one sister, Karen Souder, wife of H. Douglas, Lebanon.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, March 20th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with Pastor Eugene Eckroth officiating. A Viewing will be held at the funeral home from 9 AM until the time of service.
Interment will follow at St. John's Union Cemetery, Friedensburg.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions in Gary's memory to Parkinson’s Foundation: 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.
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Born in Reading on August 22, 2003, he was a son of Lynann Richardson, of Schuylkill Haven, and Sidney Roy May, Jr., of Georgia.
Justin attended Vo-Tech for welding and graduated in 2022 from Blue Mountain High School.
He had worked for McDonald's, Hydro, & Amazon and was formerly employed by Walco as welder.
In addition to his parents, Justin is also survived by his brother, Blake Richardson, aunts: Jacqueline Gilbert (Dale), & Kimberly Richardson (Matthew Snukis), maternal grandmother, Margaret Richardson, and his niece, Sophia Richardson.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Richardson.
A Viewing for family & friends will be held from 10 AM to 12 Noon on Tuesday, March 25th at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven.
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Julia graduated from Empire Beauty School, Pottsville, PA. She was the owner/operator of Julie's Beauty Salon, Minersville and part owner of the former Hometown IGA, Hometown, PA. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Ermano Agosti, his wife Diane, sister Alice (Agosti) Kupchinsky, and niece Brenda (Kupchinsky) Kern.
Julia is survived by her daughter Rita and her husband Gregory N. Tatusko, son Randall Kubich, wife Cynthia and their fur baby Angel, Fort Worth, TX, grandson Gregory N.J. Tatusko, Madison, WI. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Julia enjoyed spending time with her family, vacationing in Jamaica, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, and organizing bus trips to benefit St. Matthew's Church, Minersville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Julia's memory
Per Julia's wish, a graveside service will be held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Minersville on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM (Eastern) with Father Leo Maletz officiating.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.
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Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret (Moisey) Zurenda.
Irene was a faithful member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo. She was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and the Hazleton State Hospital School of Nursing, where she was a long-standing member of the Nursing Auxiliary.
Prior to retiring, she was employed as a Registered Nurse at the Hazleton General Hospital and also private duty. Irene loved being a nurse and was dedicated to her career of caring for others.
She was an active member of the Kline Twp. Republican Party and served on the Board of the Kline Twp. Municipal Authority.
Irene was also an avid homemaker. She had a true passion and took pride in caring for her home and tending to her yard. She loved her family and friends dearly and will be greatly missed by all.
Preceding her in death, were her husband, Anthony “Tony” Morelli; and sister, Marie Krizansky.
Surviving are her sons, Anthony Morelli and wife, Adrianne, of Doylestown; and Ricky Morelli, of Sugarloaf; grandchildren, Anthony Casper, Allisa and Jack; and several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Friday, March 28. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, McAdoo.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
