Skook News Obituaries: March 26th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Englewood, Frackville, she was a daughter of the late David and Thelma Kline James. She was a former member of St. Peter’s UCC Church and now a member of First United Methodist Church, Frackville.
She received her RN degree from the former Ashland Hospital School of Nursing and was a life member of Friendship Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James F. Roberts in 1976; four brothers: Lester, Burwell, Melvin and Arthur James and her sister Shirley Sewinsky.
Doris is survived by her four children: Dorene wife of Joseph Achenbach, Englewood; James W. and his wife Joyce Roberts, Northumberland; Tammy E. wife of Michael Roman, York and Beth Ann wife of George Lazusky, Frackville; her eight grandchildren; Amanda (Paul ) Mittan, Nicole (Joshua) Shaffer, Justin Roberts, Joshua (Emily) Lazusky, Sara Achenbach, Brianna (Clay) Chaney, Ashley (David ) Kelsey and Dana Achenbach; her nine great-grandchildren: Keira and Keegan Shaffer, Roman and Deakon Mittan, Reagan and Ryann Chaney, Rosalyn and Josiah Lazusky and Evelyn Kelsey also by her faithful dog Bella. She is also survived by her two brothers: David James, Palo Alto and Ronald (Ruth) James, Frackville; her sister Marlene (Frank) Bolinsky, Frackville and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Doris's wishes viewing, services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions, in Doris name, be made to either Friendship Fire Company, PO Box 157, Frackville ,Pa 17931 or to the Memorial Fund of First United Methodist Church.
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Steve was born in Reading on August 29, 1964, a son of the late Judith (Kenderdine) and Lester C. Weaver.
He is survived by his companion of over 27 years, Faith.
He was a active life member of the Reading Motorcycle Club.
Steve is also survived by his siblings Brenda, wife of Russell Bowman; Michelle McCoy, companion Robert Miller
James Weaver; Scott Weaver, husband of Christine and Michael Weaver, companion Laurie Hill.
He is also survived by Faith's daughter Helena Wawrzyniak & granddaughters Krysta & Kaitlyn and also surviving Steve are his nieces & nephews.
Services are private and entrusted to the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Inc., Orwigsburg.
Benjamin W. Derhammer, 46 years of age of Andreas, Pennsylvania went home to his Heavenly Kingdom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, passing away peacefully at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest after a courageous fight against Leukemia.
Born Wednesday, August 2, 1978 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania the son of the late Daniel R. Derhammer who died on Oct. 14, 2021, Benjamin is survived by; mother, Susan E. (Clark) Derhammer; brother, Joel D. Derhammer; sisters, Rebekah J. Derhammer and her fiance Brian Ginder, Rachel S. O'Brien wife of Larry; niece, Hadassah; nephew, Lawrence II
A 1996 graduate of Northampton Area High School, Benjamin has worked at Fres-Co in Telford as a printing machine operator for over 18 years. Apostolic by faith like his late father, Benjamin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing, and mountain bike riding on the D&L trail. Benjamin missed the companionship of his late German Shepherd Jesse, so he spent time volunteering at Char-Will Kennels of New Ringgold walking their dogs. Benjamin was a member of Hiawatha Hunting Club with the hopes of someday becoming a hunting guide. When Benjamin had any downtime he could be found tinkering on small engine repairs in his garage.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday evening March 31, 2025 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:30 P.M. until the time of services.
Private Interment will be in Odd Fellows, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in his name to:
Char-Will Kennels
2 East Railroad Street
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960
Allen R. Stauffer, Sr., 95, a resident of Zion Grove, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on Monday evening, March 24th, 2025.
Allen was born in Ringtown on December 13th, 1929, the only son of the late Richard and Kathryn (Stauffer) Stauffer.
He was a 1947 graduate of the former Nuremberg High School. Afterwards, he began working on the railroad and then as a welder, retiring from Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company. All though his life, he also worked on his family's farm.
Allen enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling, and he even once bowled a perfect 300 game..
He is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Mildred (Hart) Stauffer. His two children, Allen Jr., and wife Susan and daughter Alice, wife of Robert Dipple also survive.
Two grandchildren, Gail, wife of Robert Becker and Joseph Stauffer and his wife Donna, also survive as do two great grandsons, James and Joseph Becker, along with nieces and nephews.
Honoring Allen's wishes, there will be no public services. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Nuremberg-Weston Fire Company or the Ringtown Fire Company.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Allen's family during their time of need.
Dolores Krissick, 94, a resident of Shenandoah, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Dolores was born in Philadelphia on October 24th, 1930, a daughter of the later Albert Sands Sr., and Anna (Yurgal) Sands.
She married Joseph Krissick and lived in the Philadelphia area, working as a custodian for the Philadelphia school district.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, her two daughters, Susanne Knapp and Mary Ann Gustitus. Three brothers, Albert Sands, Jr.; William Sands; and Charles Sands, along with three sisters, Agnes McDonald, Shirley Matalavage and Christine Skaudis also preceded her in death.
Dolores is survived by a brother, Kenneth Sands, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great great grandson, along with nieces and nephews.
Dolores will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 10:30 AM following graveside services at the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery prior to the service.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Dolores' family during their time of need.
Todd Toof, born on October 27, 1965, and long-time resident of Pottsville, PA, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, March 15th, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown after a lengthy illness. While our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Todd is now witnessing the grand heavenly St. Patrick’s parade — a sight far more magnificent than anything we could have mustered here in the county.
Todd lived with a generous spirit, embodying the belief that it is more blessed to give than to
receive. He was always ready to share his time, talents, and warmth with anyone he met. His kindness and selflessness left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jean Toof, and his brother, Randy Toof.
Todd lived his life the best way he knew how, always hoping that those he cherished would find peace and safety in this unpredictable world. Though his absence leaves a void in our hearts, we are comforted knowing he is no longer in pain.
And finally, the man who taught us to “laugh at the days to come” is now safely in the arms of Jesus, dancing joyfully at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Burial will take place on Friday, March 28th at 10am in the RO Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.
Gerald E Mealey, age 88, of Minersville passed away Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East. Born September 18, 1936 he was the son of the late Gerald J. and Minnie (Quinn) Mealey. He was a 1954 graduate of Minersville Area High School and member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish (previously St. Vincent de Paul).
After graduating high school, Gerry owned and operated a small neighborhood grocery store in Pottsville while also working for the Van Heusen Corporation. After several years, Gerry moved on to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board where he worked in our local liquor stores as both a clerk and assistant manager. After retirement from the PLCB, he became a beloved crossing guard at the Minersville Area Elementary School.
Second only to his family was his love of sports. He was a lifelong, dedicated fan of the MAHS sport programs and his favorite Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. More than just a spectator, he was the founder of the Minersville Modified Softball League, as well as the coach of numerous adult men’s softball and basketball teams through the years. In the 1980’s he was a member of the MAHS football coaching staff and was a longtime member of the MAHS Fifth Quarter Club. He was also a PIAA registered official for high school football, basketball and baseball. Friends, players and colleagues in these circles knew him as the “Chief.”
Gerry served as both member and President of the Minersville Area High School Board of Directors. He was a lifetime member of the Independent Hose Co. (Minersville) and West End Hose Co. (Pottsville). As a lifetime resident of Minersville,
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Born Wednesday, August 2, 1978 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania the son of the late Daniel R. Derhammer who died on Oct. 14, 2021, Benjamin is survived by; mother, Susan E. (Clark) Derhammer; brother, Joel D. Derhammer; sisters, Rebekah J. Derhammer and her fiance Brian Ginder, Rachel S. O'Brien wife of Larry; niece, Hadassah; nephew, Lawrence II
A 1996 graduate of Northampton Area High School, Benjamin has worked at Fres-Co in Telford as a printing machine operator for over 18 years. Apostolic by faith like his late father, Benjamin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing, and mountain bike riding on the D&L trail. Benjamin missed the companionship of his late German Shepherd Jesse, so he spent time volunteering at Char-Will Kennels of New Ringgold walking their dogs. Benjamin was a member of Hiawatha Hunting Club with the hopes of someday becoming a hunting guide. When Benjamin had any downtime he could be found tinkering on small engine repairs in his garage.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday evening March 31, 2025 at 7 o'clock P.M. from the funeral home. Friends may call from 5:30 P.M. until the time of services.
Private Interment will be in Odd Fellows, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
Memorials in his name to:
Char-Will Kennels
2 East Railroad Street
New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960
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Allen was born in Ringtown on December 13th, 1929, the only son of the late Richard and Kathryn (Stauffer) Stauffer.
He was a 1947 graduate of the former Nuremberg High School. Afterwards, he began working on the railroad and then as a welder, retiring from Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company. All though his life, he also worked on his family's farm.
Allen enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling, and he even once bowled a perfect 300 game..
He is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Mildred (Hart) Stauffer. His two children, Allen Jr., and wife Susan and daughter Alice, wife of Robert Dipple also survive.
Two grandchildren, Gail, wife of Robert Becker and Joseph Stauffer and his wife Donna, also survive as do two great grandsons, James and Joseph Becker, along with nieces and nephews.
Honoring Allen's wishes, there will be no public services. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Nuremberg-Weston Fire Company or the Ringtown Fire Company.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Allen's family during their time of need.
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Dolores Krissick, 94, a resident of Shenandoah, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Dolores was born in Philadelphia on October 24th, 1930, a daughter of the later Albert Sands Sr., and Anna (Yurgal) Sands.
She married Joseph Krissick and lived in the Philadelphia area, working as a custodian for the Philadelphia school district.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, her two daughters, Susanne Knapp and Mary Ann Gustitus. Three brothers, Albert Sands, Jr.; William Sands; and Charles Sands, along with three sisters, Agnes McDonald, Shirley Matalavage and Christine Skaudis also preceded her in death.
Dolores is survived by a brother, Kenneth Sands, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great great grandson, along with nieces and nephews.
Dolores will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 10:30 AM following graveside services at the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery in Shenandoah Heights. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery prior to the service.
The Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, Ringtown, is assisting Dolores' family during their time of need.
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Todd Toof, born on October 27, 1965, and long-time resident of Pottsville, PA, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, March 15th, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown after a lengthy illness. While our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Todd is now witnessing the grand heavenly St. Patrick’s parade — a sight far more magnificent than anything we could have mustered here in the county.
Todd lived with a generous spirit, embodying the belief that it is more blessed to give than to
receive. He was always ready to share his time, talents, and warmth with anyone he met. His kindness and selflessness left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jean Toof, and his brother, Randy Toof.
Todd lived his life the best way he knew how, always hoping that those he cherished would find peace and safety in this unpredictable world. Though his absence leaves a void in our hearts, we are comforted knowing he is no longer in pain.
And finally, the man who taught us to “laugh at the days to come” is now safely in the arms of Jesus, dancing joyfully at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Burial will take place on Friday, March 28th at 10am in the RO Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are entrusted with the arrangements.
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After graduating high school, Gerry owned and operated a small neighborhood grocery store in Pottsville while also working for the Van Heusen Corporation. After several years, Gerry moved on to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board where he worked in our local liquor stores as both a clerk and assistant manager. After retirement from the PLCB, he became a beloved crossing guard at the Minersville Area Elementary School.
Second only to his family was his love of sports. He was a lifelong, dedicated fan of the MAHS sport programs and his favorite Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. More than just a spectator, he was the founder of the Minersville Modified Softball League, as well as the coach of numerous adult men’s softball and basketball teams through the years. In the 1980’s he was a member of the MAHS football coaching staff and was a longtime member of the MAHS Fifth Quarter Club. He was also a PIAA registered official for high school football, basketball and baseball. Friends, players and colleagues in these circles knew him as the “Chief.”
Gerry served as both member and President of the Minersville Area High School Board of Directors. He was a lifetime member of the Independent Hose Co. (Minersville) and West End Hose Co. (Pottsville). As a lifetime resident of Minersville,
Gerry was known by many, of all ages, throughout the community. He always had a warm smile, sense of humor and endless conversation which he loved to share. Of all his accomplishments and life experiences he was most proud of his family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Kimberly (Moreland) Mealey.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (Haluska) Mealey, children Patrick Mealey and Carolyn Denest, son-in-law Mark Denest, grandchildren Jessica, Emily and Jacob Mealey, and sister-in-law Rosellen Frantz.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1st with calling hours from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville with Rev. Jason F. Stokes officiant.
Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to the MAHS Girls Basketball Boosters. Donations can be mailed to Minersville Area School District, Attn: Girls Basketball Boosters, 40 High School Lane, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.
James R. Petch Jr., 91, of McAdoo, passed away Monday at the Broad Mountain Health and Rehab Center, Frackville.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late James R. and Esther Petch Sr., and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, White Haven.
James was a Vietnam War veteran and served in the U.S. Army. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
Prior to retiring he was employed at SCI Mahanoy. James enjoyed trips with his family to the Jersey shore, where he loved to go fishing and crabbing.
Preceding him in death, was a brother Edward Petch.
Surviving are wife of 65 years, Elizabeth A. (Acker) Petch; son, Keith Petch and wife, Andrea, of Paxinos; grandchildren, Lamberly and Terrence Petch, John Avellino and wife Devin, and Holly and Heather Avellino; great-grandchildren, Ashley and James Avellino, and Logan Millhouse; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 4, at 11 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Rev. Janell Wigan will officiate the service. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
A calling hour will be held Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Kimberly (Moreland) Mealey.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (Haluska) Mealey, children Patrick Mealey and Carolyn Denest, son-in-law Mark Denest, grandchildren Jessica, Emily and Jacob Mealey, and sister-in-law Rosellen Frantz.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1st with calling hours from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville with Rev. Jason F. Stokes officiant.
Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to the MAHS Girls Basketball Boosters. Donations can be mailed to Minersville Area School District, Attn: Girls Basketball Boosters, 40 High School Lane, Pottsville, PA 17901.
Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville is entrusted with the arrangements.
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James R. Petch Jr., 91, of McAdoo, passed away Monday at the Broad Mountain Health and Rehab Center, Frackville.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late James R. and Esther Petch Sr., and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, White Haven.
James was a Vietnam War veteran and served in the U.S. Army. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
Prior to retiring he was employed at SCI Mahanoy. James enjoyed trips with his family to the Jersey shore, where he loved to go fishing and crabbing.
Preceding him in death, was a brother Edward Petch.
Surviving are wife of 65 years, Elizabeth A. (Acker) Petch; son, Keith Petch and wife, Andrea, of Paxinos; grandchildren, Lamberly and Terrence Petch, John Avellino and wife Devin, and Holly and Heather Avellino; great-grandchildren, Ashley and James Avellino, and Logan Millhouse; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 4, at 11 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., McAdoo. Rev. Janell Wigan will officiate the service. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
A calling hour will be held Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville