Skook News Obituaries: April 21st, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in New Ringgold, on October 22, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Roy & Angeline (Yanus) Bachert.
She was the widow of Herbert John Steinert.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her brothers: Edward, & Joseph Bachert, sisters, Diane, & Doris Bachert, and son-in-law, Carl Long.
Mary was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg.
She worked as a floor supervisor at Fessler's Knitting Mill. Mary was also employed by Growing Tree Learning & Daycare Center.
Mary was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing bingo. She enjoyed attending any events her grandchildren & great-grandchildren participated in.
She is survived by two daughters: Nancy A. Sterner, wife of Robert, & Christine Long, widow of Carl, all of Schuylkill Haven, three grandchildren: Eric Hosler, husband of Justine, Dr. Kevin Long, husband of Rachel, & Nicole Sterner (Billy Webber), her great-grandchildren: Mariah Litton, Cameron, Emily, & Wyatt Hosler, Sophia, Savannah, & Everly Webber, her siblings: Robert Bachert, AZ, Arlene Faust, Hamburg, Anna Goldfeder, Hellertown, John Bachert, Betty Remaly, & Patricia Zellner, all of Coplay, and several nieces & nephews.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg, with Rev. Michael Petresky officiating at 11 AM. A Viewing will be held at the church from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park Schuylkill Haven, PA.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to St. Paul's Lutheran Church 215 North Warren Street Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
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Born in Pottsville May 3, 1939 he was a son of the late Anthony Sr. and Juel Dronick Bertasavage.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine (Ossman) Bertasavage in November 2010; Two brothers Norman Bertasavage and Henry Bertasavage; two sisters Mary Rushanan and Bonnie Bluis; and beloved dog Sparky.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine (Ossman) Bertasavage in November 2010; Two brothers Norman Bertasavage and Henry Bertasavage; two sisters Mary Rushanan and Bonnie Bluis; and beloved dog Sparky.
He worked in construction his whole life as Superintendent and heavy equipment operator, with his latest at Mazzuca Enterprises. He also served as a Branch Township Supervisor for several years.
His hobbies were camping, fishing, hunting and working in his garage with his son Robert.
His hobbies were camping, fishing, hunting and working in his garage with his son Robert.
Surviving are his son Robert Bertasavage and his wife Pamela of Llewellyn; Sister Dolores Evans; Brother James Bertasavage; nieces and nephews; and dog Winnie.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00am Thursday April 24, 2025 at Llewellyn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233 Pottsville, PA. Dutcavich Funeral Home, Minersville is in charge of arrangements.
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James A. Whitaker, age 86, of Pottsville, PA, passed away suddenly, on April 11, 2025, at his residence.
Born in Pottsville, on July 14, 1938, Jimmy was the son of the late Matthew F. and Grace (Fidler) Whitaker.
Jimmy was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1957, where he earned numerous varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a proud member of the Pottsville Area High School All Sports Hall of Fame, a three generation honor he shared with his father Matt, as well as his son, Jamey. Jimmy later attended Perkiomen Preparatory School, where he continued to thrive as a student-athlete, and was recognized as "the greatest halfback to ever wear a Perkiomen uniform", as stated in the 1958 Griffin Yearbook. He wasn't just a dominant force on the field, he was a symbol of determination and always inspired others to push harder, run faster, and dream bigger. Jimmy finished his academic career at the University of Miami, and later returned home to Schuylkill County, to raise his family.
Jimmy was the owner and operator of various successful businesses throughout the years, including Apple Cab Company; Cold Drink Vending; Matson, Incorporated; Pick-a- Pack Beverage; Nugget Coal Company; and presently A.C. Boardwalk Convenience Store.
A devoted fan of life's many joys, Jimmy was known for his passion for sports. He loved playing golf, boxing at the YMCA, running sprints during the dog days of summer, and playing softball for A-PACK-A, in the local men's summer league, often vying for the annual championship against their biggest rival, Club 18. He also appreciated sunny days at the beach, and the thrill of a good casino game of Craps. To know Jimmy, was to know someone who valued time with friends and family. He always enjoyed a good story, and could often be found at Palermo's Italian Restaurant sipping coffee with pals, Joe DiMaria and Dick Yuengling, reminiscing about their lively days with friends, General George Joulwan, Bobby Waters, Jack Fiorillo, Dickie Matthews, Bob Chivinski, the O' Reilly brothers, and many others. Jimmy always lived life with a sense of adventure and fun.
Jimmy will be greatly missed by his Life Partner of 57 years, Diane Luscavage, his loving family and many friends. Surviving are his children: Jamey Whitaker and his wife Mary Jo (Hauptly); Queensbury NY, Christine Whitaker, Scott Luscavage and his wife Heather (Maroukis); siblings, Mike and Missy Whitaker, and his stepmother, Babs Whitaker, all of Pottsville, PA, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, who will carry his memory and legacy with love and pride.
Jimmy adored his family most of all, especially his ten grandchildren; Schuyler, Joey, and Matthew Whitaker; Kyle, Jared, James, and Alexis Luscavage, Brock Maroukis; and Jason and Matthew Mennig, along with his eight great grandchildren; Bodie, Georgiana and Elowyn Whitaker; Hudson, Remi, and Niko Luscavage, and Joey and Adley Mennig.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Nancy (Whitaker) Lazarchick and Peggy (Whitaker) Perron, his wife, Margaret (Hummel) Whitaker, his niece, Jane Lazarchick, his foster brother, Irv Klinger, and his great nephew Isaac Perron.
A celebration of life, for family and friends, will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA
17901, where stories will be shared, tears and laughter will echo, and the spirit of Jimmy will live on in every memory. Private interment will take place at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, PA, immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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Melvin “Rick” Boyer, 80, of Lebanon and formerly of Tamaqua, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Lebanon.
With heavy hearts, we announce Gary Vance Marsh, 67, passed away on April 19th, 2025 surrounded by family, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on August 15, 1957 and lived a life filled with hunting, traveling and camping, and riding his motorcycle. Gary was a history buff, spent much of his free time in the woods and watching westerns. He enjoyed spending his winters at Orchid Lake Resort in Florida, going to the beach and discovering local attractions. Most of all, his granddaughter was a light in his life and he loved his family more than anything. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and cherished friend. Gary graduated from Titusville High School, Class of 1975. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a state certified real estate appraiser and broker for 36 years. Gary and his wife transformed a previous Amish house into their family home where they raised their children and took pride in caring for their property.
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Born in Pottsville, on July 14, 1938, Jimmy was the son of the late Matthew F. and Grace (Fidler) Whitaker.
Jimmy was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1957, where he earned numerous varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a proud member of the Pottsville Area High School All Sports Hall of Fame, a three generation honor he shared with his father Matt, as well as his son, Jamey. Jimmy later attended Perkiomen Preparatory School, where he continued to thrive as a student-athlete, and was recognized as "the greatest halfback to ever wear a Perkiomen uniform", as stated in the 1958 Griffin Yearbook. He wasn't just a dominant force on the field, he was a symbol of determination and always inspired others to push harder, run faster, and dream bigger. Jimmy finished his academic career at the University of Miami, and later returned home to Schuylkill County, to raise his family.
Jimmy was the owner and operator of various successful businesses throughout the years, including Apple Cab Company; Cold Drink Vending; Matson, Incorporated; Pick-a- Pack Beverage; Nugget Coal Company; and presently A.C. Boardwalk Convenience Store.
A devoted fan of life's many joys, Jimmy was known for his passion for sports. He loved playing golf, boxing at the YMCA, running sprints during the dog days of summer, and playing softball for A-PACK-A, in the local men's summer league, often vying for the annual championship against their biggest rival, Club 18. He also appreciated sunny days at the beach, and the thrill of a good casino game of Craps. To know Jimmy, was to know someone who valued time with friends and family. He always enjoyed a good story, and could often be found at Palermo's Italian Restaurant sipping coffee with pals, Joe DiMaria and Dick Yuengling, reminiscing about their lively days with friends, General George Joulwan, Bobby Waters, Jack Fiorillo, Dickie Matthews, Bob Chivinski, the O' Reilly brothers, and many others. Jimmy always lived life with a sense of adventure and fun.
Jimmy will be greatly missed by his Life Partner of 57 years, Diane Luscavage, his loving family and many friends. Surviving are his children: Jamey Whitaker and his wife Mary Jo (Hauptly); Queensbury NY, Christine Whitaker, Scott Luscavage and his wife Heather (Maroukis); siblings, Mike and Missy Whitaker, and his stepmother, Babs Whitaker, all of Pottsville, PA, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, who will carry his memory and legacy with love and pride.
Jimmy adored his family most of all, especially his ten grandchildren; Schuyler, Joey, and Matthew Whitaker; Kyle, Jared, James, and Alexis Luscavage, Brock Maroukis; and Jason and Matthew Mennig, along with his eight great grandchildren; Bodie, Georgiana and Elowyn Whitaker; Hudson, Remi, and Niko Luscavage, and Joey and Adley Mennig.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Nancy (Whitaker) Lazarchick and Peggy (Whitaker) Perron, his wife, Margaret (Hummel) Whitaker, his niece, Jane Lazarchick, his foster brother, Irv Klinger, and his great nephew Isaac Perron.
A celebration of life, for family and friends, will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA
17901, where stories will be shared, tears and laughter will echo, and the spirit of Jimmy will live on in every memory. Private interment will take place at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, PA, immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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Born in Tamaqua, he was the son of the late Melvin and Emma (Stine) Boyer. Rick was a 1963 graduate of the Perkiomen Prep School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania and attended Pennsylvania State University. He was a former owner and president of Boyer Printing of Gaithersburg, Maryland and, more recently, worked as an insurance agent for Prudential. In later years, Rick worked for Giant Food Market. He retired in 2000. Rick enjoyed buying and selling antique toys at local flea markets resulting in a substantial toy collection. Considered to be a well-rounded businessman, he was also a former president of the Association of American Boyers, Inc, an organization dedicated to fostering the family spirit of the Boyer people. Rick was of the Lutheran faith.
He is survived by a nephew, William Donato of Gettysburg; a cousin, Valarie; and his companion of 12 years, Nancie Shay of Annville. A graveside interment service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29, at Sky-View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua with the Rev. Dillon Epler officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Gary is survived by his wife, Diane M. Marsh; children Wendy Burns and her husband Brendon and Aaron Marsh and his wife Danielle; granddaughter Emerie Burns; Brothers Eric Marsh and Greg Marsh and his wife Lela; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Karin Regina Marsh, father, Gary George Marsh and brother, Curtis James Marsh.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.
Michael J. Greco, 67, of Ashland passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 18th.
Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Gail Greco Harnish.
Mike owned and operated Greco Trucking for over 30 years. He was last employed as a truck driver for Fox Coal, Mount Carmel.
He is survived by his son, Michael Greco, Shamokin; his grandson, Michael Greco Jr.; his two brothers: Joseph Harnish, Pine Grove and John Harnish, Girardville; his aunt, Judy Bonomo, Girardville and by several nieces and nephews.
“My grandfather was a wonderful role model. Through him I got to know the gentle side of men.”
Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Carolyn A. Kunkel, 88, of West Penn Township, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in St. Luke’s Hospice, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Leon Kunkel. They were married on September 20, 1958, and celebrated 66 years of marriage.
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Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Gail Greco Harnish.
Mike owned and operated Greco Trucking for over 30 years. He was last employed as a truck driver for Fox Coal, Mount Carmel.
He is survived by his son, Michael Greco, Shamokin; his grandson, Michael Greco Jr.; his two brothers: Joseph Harnish, Pine Grove and John Harnish, Girardville; his aunt, Judy Bonomo, Girardville and by several nieces and nephews.
“My grandfather was a wonderful role model. Through him I got to know the gentle side of men.”
Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Prior to retiring, she worked as a sewing machine operator for the former Scotty’s Fashions, Lehighton. Born in Aquashicola, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Shook) Beers. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church, West Penn. Carolyn was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Richard, and a sister, Arlene Silfies.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Leon, are two sons, Gary, and his wife, Debbie, and David, and his wife, Melanie; brother, Robert, and his wife, Loretta; sister, Dorothy Miller; all of West Penn Township; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Services will be private with Rev. Cliffert Herring officiating. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, 184 St. Peter’s Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville