Kevin Francis Miller, born April 22, 2007, son of Dr. Stephen F. Miller and Atty. Caroline (Prebola) Miller of Dallas, was taken by God as an angel to Heaven on Friday, December 21, 2012.Kevin Francis Miller
Died December 21, 2012
Kevin Francis Miller, born April 22, 2007, son of Dr. Stephen F. Miller and Atty. Caroline (Prebola) Miller of Dallas, was taken by God as an angel to Heaven on Friday, December 21, 2012.
To know Kevin was to know happiness. He was the love of his parents and brothers lives. He loved to sing songs, play in his swimming pool, and cuddle with his mother, father, and both brothers. He was one of the most beautiful little boys inside and out. Our hearts are broken.
Kevin was a member of St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre and attended Kindergarten at I’m Big Now Learning Center, Dallas.
Kevin was preceded in death by his cousin Lea C. Sassi on November 4, 2012.
Surviving in addition to his parents are his twin brother Christopher and older brother Stephen, maternal grandparents Thomas and Theresa Prebola, Kingston, paternal grandparents Dr. James and Frances Miller, Bear Creek. In addition are his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Thomas and Lynn Prebola and their children, Joshua and Juliette; Jon and Kristin Sassi and their children Jonathan, Tyler, and Katelyn; Dr. James and Amy Miller and their children Dr. Nicole Randolph, Dr. James and Danielle; Drs. Michael and Deborah Miller and their children, Stephanie, Michael, Erica, David, and Megan; Dr. John and Lisa Miller and their children John and Eric; Drs. Mark and Nicole Miller and their child Adeline; Randy and Christine Lisman and their children Janice, Alan, and Andrew.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Kevin will be held in St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre, at the convenience of the family. There will be on calling hours. Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
David A. Zendzion
Died December 14, 2012
David A. Zendzion, 60 of Plains, Twp., passed away Friday afternoon at Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Township, PA, he was the son of the late Stanley J. and Bessie (Searfoss) Zendzion, Sr.
Dave was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and Lackawanna Jr. College, Scranton. He was a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War and was employed for Stell Enterprise of Plains, Twp.
Dave was an avid fisherman and HotRod Car Enthusiast, a lover of animal’s and Body Art, and was very proud of his many diverse tattoos.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Stanley “Butchie” Zendzion, Jr., and Thomas Zendzion.
Surviving are his daughters Sandra Colleran-Jugus and Tracie Marie Harden, both of Kingston, grandchildren, sisters Catherine Olson and Judy Jordan, both of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, niece Jessica Griffith and sister-in-law Wanda Zendzion, with whom he resided with, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for David will be held Tuesday at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains. Friends may call Monday evening from 5 to 8 pm at the Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Church Food Pantry, 13 Hudson Road Plains, Pennsylvania 18705.
Jean Gill
Died December 7, 2012
Jean Gill, 77, a lifelong resident of the North End Section of Wilkes-Bare, passed away in the early hours of Friday morning, December 7, 2012 in the home of her loving daughter after a brave battle against a ruthless illness.
Jean was born in Wilkes-Bare, PA on October 20, 1935 and was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Palencar) Valko.
She was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1953, and was a member of St. Andre Bessette Parish, North East Section of Wilkes-Barre, and a member of Sacred Heart Slovak Church prior to its closing.
She was employed in various places in Wilkes-Barre during her lifetime, but her calling and joy in life was to be a caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. She is now enjoying the glories of heaven with her dearly beloved husband John who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her brother Raymond Valko and her grandson Nathan Dominick.
Surviving are her two children David Gill and his wife Mary Lou of Luzerne, PA, and Deborah Boline and her husband George of Hummelstown, PA, four grandchildren Rachel Gill, Katie Boline, Ryan Boline, and Sarah Boline, sister Martha Hergert, Wilkes-Barre, nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Monday, December 17, 2012 at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, North End section of Wilkes-Barre, with Father Michael Kloton, officiating. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Slovak Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas, PA. Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to her granddaughter’s school, St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, 329 West Areba Avenue Hershey, PA 17033 or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 83 Main Avenue 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Joseph E. Cardoni, Jr., 64, of Johnson City, New York, and Plains Township, passed away Saturday morning at Commonwealth Hospice at St. Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Joseph “Pepi” and Irene ( Smolenyak) Cardoni , Sr.
Joe was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1966, and Mansfield State University. He was employed for 20 years as a salesman for Smith-Ingalls-French, Binghamton, New York.
Proceeding him in death in addition to his Parents are his Brother; Dennis “Chipper” Cardoni.
Surviving are his brother Wayne Cardoni and his Wife Gayle, Allentown; Sister, Monica Stevens, Plains and Sister-In –Law, Anna Cardoni, Plains; Nephews Dr. Wayne Cardoni Jr., Lt. Col. Christopher Cardoni, Douglas Cardoni and Josh Stevens; Nieces; Maria Cardoni, Elissa DiCarlo and Lia Cardoni; Numerous Great -Nephews and Nieces.
Joe will always be remembered for his Great Love of his family and his Generosity, and will be sadly missed.
According to Joe’s wishes, Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations if desired may be made to The American Cancer Society 712 South Keyser Avenue, Taylor Pa. 18517 or SS. Peter & Paul Food Pantry, 13 Hudson Road Plains, Pa. 18705.
Arrangements entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, Pa, 18705.
Andrea Elizabeth Keown
Died November 26, 2012
Andrea Elizabeth Keown, beloved infant daughter of Amanda Roth and Patrick Keown, died Monday evening at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Plains.
Surviving in addition to her parents are her maternal grandparents Eileen Cunningham and Frank Roth, Paternal grandparents Sandra and Daniel Brendan Keown, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Memorial Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.
Helen Polinchak Moses
Died November 24, 2012
Helen Moses, 92 of Plains, Twp., passes away peacefully at home with her family Saturday.
Born in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine Polinchak.
Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband George, founder of Mozip Sign Service, where she worked as a bookkeeper. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Mary, Sophie, and Frances, and her brothers Daniel and Michael.
Throughout her lifetime, Helen dedicated herself to family and volunteer work, serving in many leadership capacities, notably being the founder and volunteer of the Plains Ambulance Association. She was also a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church of Wilkes-Barre, of which she is a communicant, past president of the Plains Band Parents Association, past president of the Plains Memorial High School PTA, and an active fund raiser for the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. For all her humanitarianism, she was honored in 1980 as the first woman to receive the American Legion’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding community service. Even during her busy volunteer work, Helen was always able to find time for a game of cards or bingo.
Surviving are her children Henry Goldowski and his wife Ceil, Fort Myers, FLA, George and his wife Angela, Forty Fort, Rhoda Ann, Piscataway, NJ, John and his wife Jean, Larksville, and Donna Yefko, Plains, grandchildren David, Henry, Denise, Josef, Lisa, Jason, Carla, Justin, and John Jr., and predeceased by Rachel, 9 great-grandchildren. A true inspiration to all, Helen loved unconditionally and was loved abundantly.
Funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:15 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, 905 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery, Hanover.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Where there is a Mother’s Love, the world is a lovely place.
On November 21, 2012, Marie M. Whitt peacefully began her journey to her heavenly father. She was surrounded by her family and friends.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, July 8, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Reamer and Alice (Pennypacker) Evans.
Marie was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre, and Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter Day Saints, Trucksville, and was retired from Leslie Fay, Wilkes-Barre.
Marie was an entrepreneur and enjoyed her roles as Relief Society President, Sunday School Teacher, Visiting Teacher, and Member of Penn State Gardening Club.
Marie was a loving mother and the foundation of her family. She was strong in her faith and proud to be called Mom, Nana, Auntie, and Sister Whitt. She weaved the tapestry of our lives and created a Circle of Strength and Love. Every joy added more love and with every gathering, the circle grew. Every crisis faced together made that circle stronger. Like the roots of a beautiful tree, her faith and spirituality kept us all firmly planted. We will miss her deeply, but will always have her in our hearts. She is finally home.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roy D. Whitt on July 2, 1996 and her son Donald Whitt in October 10, 2010.
Surviving are her children Donna Bidgood, Wyoming, Sandra Whitt, Lancaster, Susan Strohl and husband Calvin, Luzerne; Roy Whitt and wife Theresa, Plymouth; Debra McCann and husband Joseph, Delaware; Pamela Whitt, Charleston, SC, Edward Whitt and wife Melissa, Pittston; Alison Kuna, Wyoming, Jennifer Policare and husband Robert, Hughestown; grandchildren Heidi, Stephanie, Nicholas, Jessica, Daniel, Robert, Anthony, Abigail, James, Kayla, Catherine, Matt, Chris, Melissa, Mercedes, and Michael; great-grandchildren Mya, Hailey and Liam; sisters Beatrice Connell, Wilkes-Barre, Bernice Foreit, Las Vegas, NV, Carol Krushinsky, Wilkes-Barre, Sharon Simpson, Berwick, brother Reamer Evans, Wilkes-Barre, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Marie will be held Monday at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705 with her sister, Major Beatrice Connell, Salvation Army, Retired, officiating. Interment will be held in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Flowers are appreciated, as are donations in memory of her son Donald, for the Donald Whitt Memorial Scholarship Fund: www.studentportal.luzerne.edu/scholarship.
Rosemarie Thoma
Died November 20, 2012
Rosemarie Thoma, 48 of Forty Fort, passed away Tuesday morning at her home.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Oliver) Farrell.
Rosemarie attended James M. Coughlin High School, and was a homemaker all of her life. She was an avid New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Norte Dame Fan.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Elizabeth (Beth) Rosiak, and Kaylee Farrell.
Surviving are her son Army Specialist Frank Thoma and his wife Shelly, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, daughters Stephanie Thoma, New Hampshire, and Kristen Thoma, Massachusetts, grandsons Hayden and James, brother Joseph Farrell and his wife Ann, Wilkes-Barre, sisters Patricia Zadora and her husband Trent, Warrior Run, and Michele Bitner and her husband Jeffrey, Ashley, Brother-in-law Gary Rosiak, Warrior Run, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 8:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main St. Plains. Friends may call Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Helen L. Belles
Died November 18, 2012
Helen L. Belles, 90 of Plains Twp., passed away Sunday afternoon at the home.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late William & Merle (Rogers) Kelly.
Helen was a homemaker all of her life and was a member of St. Benedict Parish, St. Dominic’s Church, Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Belles on February 17, 1996, her grandson Jason McNeil, sisters Margaret Biniek, and Marion Marko, brothers William, Robert, and Joseph Kelly.
Surviving are her children Dorothy Mazur, Wyoming, Richard Belles and his wife Betty Ann, Suscon, Leon Belles, Paulette Weeks and her husband Ray, Lorraine Giovannini and her husband Ted, and Shirley McNeil and her Husband Rodney, all of Plains, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, sister Ruth Masgay, Plains, Charles Kelly and his wife Ruby, Wilkes-Barre, Donald Kelly, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Francis Kelly and his wife Jo Ann, Plains, many nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Benedict Parish, St. Dominic’s Church, Wilkes-Barre, with Father Joseph A. Kearney, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.
Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Benedict Parish, St. Dominic’s Church 155 Austin Avenue Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Edward B. Hoffman
Died November 13, 2012
Edward B. Hoffman, 69 of Plains, Twp., passed away Tuesday evening at Little Flower Manor, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Verna (Suchocki) Hoffman.
He was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1961, and was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, 109th Field Artillery, for eight years.
Ed was employed as a truck driver for Huttig, Hanover, PA, and was proprietor of ACES Subs of Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his brother James D. Hoffman, and his sister Shirley Hoffman.
Surviving are his wife of 45 years the former Ann M. Jacinski, Plains, son Edward Hoffman and his wife Sandra, Shavertown, daughter Vikki O’Connor and her husband Jim, grandchildren Jessica and Heather Krzwicki, and Lauren M. Hoffman, sister Charlotte Hoffman, Plains, nieces & nephews, his two buddies, Buster and Slugo.
Ed’s family would like to thank all employees on the third floor of Little Flower Manor for taking such excellent care of Ed while he was with you, and a special thank you to Jerry Lock, our best friend.
Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
LEA CAROLINE SASSI
DIED NOVEMBER 4, 2012
Lea Caroline Sassi, born October 28, 2012, infant daughter of Jonathan and Kristin (Prebola) Sassi of Shavertown, was taken by God as an angel to heaven on Sunday, November 4, 2012. She passed away in the arms of her mother and father at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.
Although Lea was only with us for a very short time, she touched the hearts of her entire family and changed their lives forever. She will always be remembered for her courage and strength.
Surviving in addition to her parents is her identical twin sister Katelyn Rose, brothers, Jonathan Adam, and Tyler Christian Sassi. Maternal grandparents, Thomas and Theresa Prebola, Kingston. Paternal grandparents, John and Diane Sassi, Wilkes-Barre. In addition, are her aunts, uncles and cousins: Jill and Scott Neison and son Rocco, Thomas and Lynn Prebola and their children Joshua and Juliette, Caroline and Dr. Stephen Miller and their sons Stephen, Kevin, and Christopher.
Lea's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and counselors at Lehigh Valley hospital in the perinatal unit (Maternal Fetal Specialist), and Neonatal Intensive Care for their care and support of Lea and her family.
A Mass of the Angels will be held in Saint Therese's Church, Shavertown at the convenience of the family, followed by interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wyoming Valley Children's Association 1133 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA 18704 or by visiting their website at www.wvcakids.org.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, Pa 18705.
Stephanie S. Mikula
Died October 28, 2012
Stephanie S. Mikula, 87, of Plains Township, died Sunday afternoon at her home, with her family by her side.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary( Lewan) Skierski.
Stephanie was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, and was employed for the Bon Ton of Wilkes-Barre for 20 years and as a waitress for many years last working for Convention Hall, Pittston. She was a member of SS Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
Stephanie was a wonderful cook and believed strongly in the Polish Traditions of Holiday dinners.
She is preceded in death by her Husband Rudolph on November 11, 1981 and Sister; Anne Kudcey.
Surviving are her Son, Randy, Plains; Daughters; Deborah Wargo, Wilkes-Barre and Sheila Bucci and Husband Bob, Plains; Grandchildren; Carissa Wargo and A.J. and Matthew Bucci; Sister; Florence Yencho, Plains; Brothers, Stanley Skierski, Plains and Frank Skierski, Endicott, New York; Nieces and Nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Oblates of St. Joseph, Pittston at the convenience of the family. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations if desired may be made to the Oblates of St. Joseph, 1880 Highway 315 Pittston Pa. 18640 or Hospice of the Sacred Heart 600 Baltimore Drive, Plains, OA 18702.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Audrey Phalen Cameron
Died October 25, 2012
Audrey Phalen Cameron, 86 of Laflin, and formerly of Newmarket, New Hampshire, and Pinehurst, North Carolina, passed away Thursday evening in the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Northwood, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Park) Phalen.
Audrey was a graduate of Newmarket High School, class of 1943, and was employed as Program Director of Harness Horseracing at Pocono Downs, Plains, Twp., for 20 years, retiring in 2000. Audrey was a lover of horses and enjoyed training them. She was also very proud of and enjoyed tending to her garden, cooking, knitting, sewing, and playing cards with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dana Cameron in 1961, sisters Leona Batchelder, Beatrice Walker, and Irene Grochmal, brothers George and Rodney Phalen.
Surviving are her daughter Judy Cameron, Laflin, sister Janet Doherty and her husband Frank, Ararat, NC, dear nephew James Phalen, Brentwood, NY, dear friends Terri Phalen, and Angie Spernoga, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements will be held in Newmarket, NH at a later date.
Barbara Joan Javick
Died October 23, 2012
Barbara Joan Javick, 76, of Plains Township, passed away Tuesday morning at the Laurels Nursing Center, Kingston.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late Louis Popko and Helen (Poplowski) Popko Wolyniec.
Barbara was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1954, and attended Dickinson Law School. She was employed as Office Manager for Prestige Shoe Company of Wilkes-Barre until its closing and was last employed as a Luzerne County Deputy Sherriff for 21 years retiring on September 15, 2001 as the first female Captain of the Sheriff’s Department. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Bocci.
Surviving are her husband John “Babe” Javick, Plains; Brothers Thomas Popko, Mountain Top, Joseph Wolyniec, Plains; Sister, Rosalie Cullagh, West Pittston; several Nephews and Nieces.
Funeral services will be held Private and held at the convenience of the Family.
Arrangements are by the Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
Roy F. Ramsey Sr.
Died October 20, 2012
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Roy F. Ramsey Sr., 82, of Bear Creek, passed away Saturday morning at the Inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Cambridge, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late George and Marion (Spots) Ramsey.
Roy was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict, and was employed by Transcontinental Gas Pipeline as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement.
Roy and his wife the former Nancy Robinson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on January 26.
Surviving in addition to his wife Nancy are his daughter Sidney Ryan and her husband Michael, Ontario Canada; Son Roy Jr. and his wife Diane, Buck Township; Grandchildren; Chad Ryan and his wife Michelle; Nicolette Bator and husband James; Kyle Ryan and fiancée Aimee; Christopher Ramsey and wife Julie; Great-grandchildren; Sarah, Jayden, Ryder, Jackson , Kaydence and Gaige.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday evening at 8:00 pm from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
Friends may call Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations if desired may be made to Hospice Community Care 601 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston Pa. 18704.
Norma A. Gambini
Died October 20, 2012
Norma A. Gambini, 86 of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday morning at Hampton House Nursing Home, Wilkes-Barre, with her granddaughter at her side.
Born in the Keystone section of Plains, she was the daughter of the late Gerolomo & Santia Vinciarelli.
Norma was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1943, and was employed for Plains Blouse as a seamstress until her retirement. She was a member of St. Benedict’s Parish, Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre.
She was preceded in death by her husband Evro in 1977, daughter Claudia O’Boyle on January 4, 1991, and her son Glenn on February 23, 2011. Also preceding her in death are her brothers Elwood and Baldino Vinciarelli.
Surviving are her granddaughter Claudette June and her husband Joseph, Pittston, great-grandchildren Joseph IV and Courtney, Companion of over 30 years Peter Hohol, Luzerne, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hampton House and Hospice Home Health for the wonderful care Norma received.
Funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20
South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Benedict’s Parish, St. Dominic’s Church, 155 Austin Avenue Wilkes-Barre, PA. Interment will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming, PA.
Friends may call Monday evening from 5 to 7 pm.
Nancy Jean Zadora
Died October 14, 2012
Nancy Jean Zadora, 79 of Jenkins Twp., and formerly of Dallas, passed away Sunday morning at United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, where she had been a resident for the past three years.
Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Rose (Hale) Morrow.
She was a graduate of Elmer L. Meyers High School, and Wilkes-Barre School of Nursing. She was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Sunny Side Nursing Home, Wilkes-Barre, and various nursing homes in the valley. One of Nancy’s greatest enjoyments was traveling extensively and camping across the United States.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Zadora.
Surviving are her daughters Sharon Kreitzer, Dallas, Nancy Rothenbecker and her husband Tim, Plains, and Dawn Ann Kreitzer, Wilkes-Barre, 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Hannon, Wilkes-Barre, and brother Robert Morrow, Glen Mills, PA, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 6:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705, with Rev. Barbara Roberts, Officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, 209 Roberts Road Pittston, PA 18640.
Deborah Ann Darling Belenski
October 13, 2012
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Wife, daughter, sister, and friend, Deborah Ann Darling Belenski, 51, passed away at the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, on Saturday October 13, 2012, after suffering a brain aneurysm. Debbie was born November 15, 1960 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and resided in Dallas. She graduated from Dallas High School, Class of 1978 and was employed by Prudential Securities in Moosic, PA.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 26 years, Mark Adam Belenski of Dallas; father and mother Norman and Mary Darling of Dallas, formerly of Plains; brothers Norman and wife Debbie, Paul and wife Nicole, Joseph and wife Sandra all of Dallas; sister-in-law Betty Ann Adamski and her husband Larry of Pringle, Christine Ramsay and her husband Norman ; nephews Michael, Jason, Bryan, Logan, and Steven Darling, Rick Schofield, Keith Adamski and his wife Sheri; nieces Katherine and Rebecca Darling, Kristie Adamski, Jessica Schofield; great nephews Patrick and Colten Adamski; great nieces Oliva and Stella Schofield, and Keira Adamski.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Samuel Darling and grandmother Rebecca Blaydon Darling of Plains; maternal grandfather John Pavidus and grandmother Josephine Klimaszewski Pavidus of Exeter.
Growing up on her family’s farm, Debbie embraced her family life and her strong work ethic. She was successful in her professional life through her hard work and dedication to whatever she did. Debbie was an active member of her community working with numerous charity organizations. Her favorite place to be was spending time with her best friend and husband Mark, as well as members of her family and dear friends. She had a love of traveling and embraced her life to the fullest. She gave of herself unselfishly to all that knew her and to anyone she could help. She was a lifelong member of Gate of Heaven Church in Dallas, where she and her husband Mark served as Eucharistic Ministers. Debbie’s enormous ability to give to others throughout her life will continue on as an organ donor. Debbie was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 11:00 am in Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas, celebrating Debbie’s Great Love for her family and friends. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am till the time of mass. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.
John B. Grady
Died October 12, 2012
John B. Grady, 79 of the Hudson section of Plains, Twp., passed away Friday evening at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Plains.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John & Catherine (Konopka) Grady.
John attended Wilkes-Barre area schools and was employed at ATCO Pulley Co, Wilkes-Barre, Suburban Publishing, Pittston, and last at SAM’s Club, Wilkes-Barre, until his retirement.
John was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre; was an avid Penn State Football fan, and enjoyed spending his weekends at the area flea markets. John especially enjoyed his trips to Daytona Beach, Florida with his wife of 51 years, June (Renshaw) Purvis Grady, who passed away on November 22, 2003.
In addition to his wife June, he was preceded in death by his sons Robert and Donald Purvis, sisters Claire Stucker, Catherine Grady, and brother Patrick Grady.
Surviving are his children Carol Kurovsky and her Fiancée Patrick Lipka, Wilkes-Barre, William Purvis and his wife Patricia, Hudson, and Kathy Scott and her husband, Lee, Wyoming, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Marie Purvis, Hudson, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with Rev. Mary Laufer, Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, Officiating. Interment will be held in Fern Knoll Burial Park, Dallas. Friends may call Monday evening from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Dr.
Suite 3, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Joseph M. Lavix
Died October 7, 2012
Joseph M. Lavix, 74 of the Hudson section of Plains, Twp., passed away Sunday afternoon at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Plains, Twp., after suffering a heart attack.
Born in Hudson, he was the son of the late John J. and Anna A. (Lukus) Lavix.
Joe was a graduate of Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1955, and was employed as a Sales Representative for Gerber Baby Food for 33 years, retiring in 1995.
Joe served as a Plains Township Commissioner from 1972 to 1984 representing the First Ward. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains, and a former member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains; the Plains American Legion, Joseph E. Conlon, Post 558; the Itlo Club, Hilldale Section of Plains, and a member of the R.O.M.E.O. Club which met daily at 7:00 am at Michael’s Restaurant.
He and his wife the former Genevieve Grabko celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on September 17, 2012.
Surviving in addition to his wife Genevieve are his daughters Lisa Harding and her husband Joseph, Plains; Carol Lavix and her partner Shirley Knelly, Annapolis, Maryland; sister Rebecca Kulbaski, Ashley; nephews and nieces.
The family would like to pay special acknowledgement to Pauline Calebrese for her companionate care and friendship.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 12:00 pm in SS. Peter & Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains, at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Wednesday morning from 11:00 am till the time of service at SS. Peter & Paul Church.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Gift Processing Center PO Box 5018 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018, or the Osterhout Free Library, Plains Branch 126 North Main Street Plains, PA 18705, in Joe’s Memory.
Died October 5, 2012
Richard G. (Dick) Evans Jr., 73, of Dallas died Friday evening at his home.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Richard G. Sr and Frances Evans.
Dick was a graduate of GAR High School at age 16, Class of 1956 and was a member of the marching band. He received his Bachelors Degree in Commerce and Finance from Wilkes University and attended the University of Hawaii.
Dick served his country as an Air Force Veteran.
Dick’s family was the founders and former owners of WYZZ radio station where he served as Vice-President. He and his wife Mary Lou were the founding partners of Sew Fine Draperies and Interiors.
Dick was a member of the Irem Temple Shrine, Dallas Lions Club; a board member of the Back Mountain Library and Auction, and a board member of the Luzerne Merchants Association and a member of the Newberry Home Owners Association.
Surviving are his Wife the former Mary Lou McKeown, Dallas; Son, Dr. Richard Evans III and his wife Cheryl, Lewisberry, Daughter Susan Naperkowski and Husband Mark, Ashley; Son, Robert J. Evans, Eagan Minnesota; Son, Justyn Newman and Wife Tanya, Spring Hill, Florida; Brother; Robert L. Evans and Wife Mary Ann, Wilkes-Barre; Grandchildren; Arianne, Patrick and Oliva Evans; Mark, Erica and Ryan Naperkowski; Andrew, Caroline and Matthew Evans and Justyn Newman Jr., Nephews and Nieces; and Dick’s “Best Friend” Magic.
Dick had a great passion for his family and friends; he loved music, food and golf and had fond memories of his travels to Hawaii and Antigua.
The family gives special thanks to Dr. Patrick Kilduff and Dr.David Greenwald and associates and the kind nurses from Erwine Hospice and Home Health and last but not least, Dr. Calese, his “Guardian Angel.”
A Life Celebration for Dick will be announced.
Memorial donations if desired may be made to Back Mountain Library Association
‘ALOHA MY DICK’
Felix Bechetti
Died October 4, 2012
Felix Bechetti, 97, of Bear Creek Township, died Thursday morning at United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, Jenkins Township.
Born in the Keystone section of Plains, he was the son of the late Raele and Genoeffa Bensi Bechetti. Felix attended Plains Memorial High School and was an Army Veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theater.
He was employed as a truck driver for Addy Asphalt of Keystone until his retirement. Felix was recording secretary for the United Steel Workers of America for Twenty Five years. He was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin and the Plains American Legion Joseph E. Conlon Post 558 and the Perugia Beneficial Society, Keystone.
Felix is preceded in death by his Brother, Frank Casaia and Sister Josephine Pascucci.
Surviving are his Wife of 61 years, the former Lillian Pascucci, Bear Creek Township; Sons; Daniel and his wife Susan, Bear Creek Township; Geno and his Wife Holly, Chino Valley, Arizona; grandchildren; Chris and Greg Naylor; Dan Bechetti Jr., Great grandchildren; Cody, Harmony and Miles; Nephews and Nieces.
Funeral with Military Honors will be held Monday at 11:15 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 pm in St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church ½ hour before the funeral mass. All are invited to join them.
Interment will be in Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming.
Friends may call Sunday from 1 to 3 pm.
Frank A. Geskey
Died October 2, 2012
After a courageous 12 year battle with cancer, Frank A. Geskey died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Frank was born Aug. 7, 1949 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa to Frank J. and Frances (Kuchinskas) Geskey.
Frank lived most of his life in the rural community of Orange, located in Franklin Twp. While growing up he enjoyed many outdoor sports, especially hunting and fishing.
Upon graduation from Dallas High School, Frank entered Carpenters Union Local 514. His apprenticeship was interrupted when Frank was called to serve in the Vietnam War, in which he completed 18 months of active duty with the US Naval See Bees. After returning home, he continued in the carpenter trade until his illness.
Frank was also an accomplished musician, and for many years led the musical group ‘Reflections”, well known throughout the area.
Frank was able to fulfill his life-long dream of learning to fly an airplane. He spent many happy hours flying and working on his airplane at the Wyoming Valley Airport.
Before his illness, Frank was an active member of St. Francis X Cabrini Parish, serving as Eucharistic Minister and Financial Council member.
Frank was married for 41 years to Celeste Barbacci Geskey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Christopher Geskey of Brick, NJ, Frank and his wife Christen Geskey and the proud grandfather of three grandsons, Dylan, Logan and Talan, all of Dallas, as well as sisters Anne Marie Steinhauer, Dallas and Patricia Spudis, Tunkhannock. Frank was loved by many sisters and brothers –in-law, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10:00 am at St. Francis X. Cabrini Church, Carverton, with Father Vincent Dang, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas. Friends and family are invited to go directly to Church Friday morning.
Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18702.
Robert J. Mattick
September 30, 2012
Robert L. (Bob) Mattick passed away quietly, early this past Sunday morning, Sept 30, 2012, in Rochester N.Y.
Bob was born August 5, 1922, in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Anthony and Ethel Mattick. Bob grew up in Parsons, Pennsylvania with his brother Tony.
After James M. Coughlin High School, Bob joined the Army, spent several years training troops state side, and then served 11 months in France and Germany. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart during the Hurtgen Forrest Battle in Feb., 1945.
After the war he met Anne Donohoe, a registered nurse he hired to help care for his ailing mother. They were married Oct. 28, 1950.
Bob and Anne spent most of their married life in Buffalo, N.Y., where Bob worked for the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad, which became the Erie Lackawanna Rail Road, retiring from Conrail in 1980.
Bob and Anne raised four sons. The family camped most of each summer while the children grew up. Bob loved to fish. While the boys were young, the family made an annual fishing trip to Lake Nippasing, Ontario, Canada. They were enthusiastic members of the Thundering Herd Camping Chapter of Buffalo N.Y., and Bob’s clear voice could often be heard from camp fire sing-a-longs.
They were devoted parents and supported their boy’s athletic, musical and educational pursuits. Bob and Anne attended hundreds of football games, swim meets and music performances. One of Bob’s goals was that each of the boys finishes college and he saw that to fruition in 1981.
When the last son finished college, Bob and Anne bought a van and drove around the United States for several years, visiting children and relatives and seeing the country. They eventually settled in the Florida Keys during the winters, where Bob continued to enjoy fishing, returning to New York in the summers.
Anne passed in February, 2011. Bob is survived by his four sons: Robert J. Mattick and his wife Therese, and daughter Kathleen, Rochester N.Y.; John A. Mattick and his wife Donna and their son, Nicholas, and daughter Sara, Nashville, Tenn.; Michael J. Mattick and his wife Vicki Shaw, and his daughter Molly, son Alex, daughter Rose Peck, her husband Joe, their children Stella and Henry, Eugene, Ore.; and William A. Mattick, his wife Karen, and sons Ben and Dan, Littleton Colo.
Bob is also survived by family in the Wilkes-Barre area: nephew Tony Mattick, Jr., nieces Sheila Kulikowich, Sharon Solinski, and Mara Dryfoos. Bob is also survived by relatives and close friends on Anne’s side including cousin Sally Anne Healey and her partner Mary Scheib; Jimmy Healey and his wife Beth; Margaret Goodsir, Mary Moran and close family friend Eleanor (Norsie) Klein.
Bob lived his life large and well and much on his own terms.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 8, at 9:30 am, at the Holy Savior Church, East End section of Wilkes-Barre, with Father Michael Kloton officiating.
Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 7 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., Plains.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the hospice of one’s choice.
Eugene R. Roebuck, Jr.
Died September 30, 2012
Eugene R. Roebuck, Jr., 59 of Hanover Twp., passed away Sunday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Plains, Twp.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Eugene R. and Ruth A. (Rovinski) Roebuck, Sr.
Gene was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Class of 1971, where he played football. He was employed as a Die Maker and Polisher for Bridon American Corp. of Hanover Twp., since 1975.
A devoted husband, father, brother, father-in-law, and uncle, Gene was an avid Baltimore Orioles, Penn State Football, and Indianapolis Colts Fan, and loved hanging out with his buddies at Alexis’ Tavern, Hanover Twp.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years the former Theresa L. Acernese, Hanover Twp., son Gino Roebuck, Hanover Twp., daughter Courtney Parise and her husband Nick, Pittsburgh, sister Arlene Williams and her husband Arthur, Luzerne, brothers Ronald Roebuck and his wife Lora, Drums, Joseph Roebuck, Kingston, David Roebuck and his wife DeAndrea, Forty Fort, and Robert Roebuck and his companion Lisa Mulvey, Plains, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 7:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with Father Michael Kloton, officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 pm.
John A. Spagnuolo
Died September 18, 2012
John A. Spagnuolo, 88, of Plains Township died Tuesday morning at the Inpatient Unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in the Hudson section of Plains, he was the son of the late John and Antionette (Merlino) Spagnuolo.
John was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School and was employed as a Meat Cutter/Butcher and later for Valley Crest Nursing Home. He was an Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II and was a member of the Plains American Legion, Joseph E. Conlon, Post 558. He was a former member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains and currently was a member of S. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Sarah L. Alberico on July 9, 1985, Brothers Armand, Fred and infant brother Frank and Sister Edith Pascucci.
Surviving are his son Mark Spagnuolo and his wife Mary Ann, Kingston, Grandchildren Carisa Pinnacoli and her husband Frank, Kingston and Alena Spagnuolo, Perth Amboy, NJ, Great Grandchildren Frankie, Joey and Lily, Brothers Frank Spagnuolo, Wilkes-Barre and Carl Spagnuolo, Quakertown, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Friday morning from 8 am to 9:30 am.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Catherine E. Kelly
Died September 15, 2012
Catherine E. Kelly, 72, of the Keystone section of Plains, died Saturday morning at her home surrounded by her family.
Born in Pittston, she was the daughter of the late David and Helen (Norton) Williams.
Catherine was a homemaker and enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin.
She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Kelly on October 10, 2005, Brother Thomas Williams and daughter Linda Cole.
Surviving are her sons, Michael Kelly, Keystone, David Kelly, Raleigh, NC and William Kelly, Plains, daughters Brenda Ragugini, Plains, Rita Kelly, Pittston, Jean Dipierdomenico, Buck Twp., and Crystal Kelly-Gonzalez, Raleigh, NC, 12 Grandchildren, 12 Great-Grandchildren,. Sister Ellen Shannon, Wilkes-Barre, dearest friend Evelyn Kochell, numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Thursday at 9:30 am at St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin. Friends and family are invited to go directly to church. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church ½ hour before the funeral mass. All are invited to join them.
Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Jon W. McNew
Died September 11, 2012
Jon W. McNew, 59, of Wilkes-Barre, died Tuesday morning at the Wilkes-Barre General
Hospital.
Born in Indianapolis Indiana, he was the son of the late Charles & Emily Walker McNew.
Jon was a graduate of Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre and was a Certified Public Accountant. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan, and enjoyed discussing politics with family and friends. Jon loved and cherished his 10 grandchildren with all his heart.
Jon was preceded in death by his wife Cecilia Marie McNew on July 7, 2010 and granddaughter Christine Marie McNew.
Surviving are his children; Jon Patrick McNew, Wilkes-Barre; Jason McNew and his wife Genevieve, Aspers, Pa.; Brian McNew and his wife Roberta, Luzerne; daughter, Sarah McNew, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren; Alexandra, Logan, Conner, Rosella, Brian Jr., Casey Lynn, Morgan Rae, Christopher Walker and Erin Emily McNew; Brother Charles and his Wife Sharon Ambler, Pa., and Sister Susie Suchoski and her husband Edward, Bear Creek; Mother In Law, Alice Sennett, Wilkes-Barre; several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 am in the First Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre, with Rev. Dr. Robert M. Zanicky, officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Friends may call Thursday evening 5 to 8 pm.
John “RUSH” Million
Died September 6, 2012
John “RUSH” Million, 90 of the Keystone section of Plains, Twp., passed away Thursday evening at United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, Jenkins Twp.
Born in Keystone, he was the son of the late Constantine & Catherine (Chirinko) Million.
RUSH was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1939, and was an Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II, serving in China, Burma, and India. After his honorable discharge from the service in 1946, he was employed as a shipping manager for Ma's Old Fashioned Root Beer of Wilkes-Barre for many years, and last for Luzerne County Human Resources in transportation until his retirement.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, a 60 year member of the Wilkes-Barre Shriners Club, the Blue Lodge #61 of the Free & Accepted Masons, and The Irem Temple. RUSH was an avid Penn State Football Fan and enjoyed his morning and afternoon coffee With The Guys.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, the former Jennie “Piccina” Stella on May 3, 2010, and his sister Mary Moskowitz.
Surviving are his son John Million and his wife Donna, Keystone, grandchildren Cari Million, Plains, Siobhan Huck and her husband Jonathan, Pittsburgh, and Jarrod Million, Plains, uncle Sam Shirinko, Harvey’s Lake.
Funeral Services will be held Monday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains with Father David Shewczyk, officiating. Parastas services will be held Sunday evening at 7 pm. Interment will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming.
Friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 pm. Plains Lions Club will meet at 6:30 pm at the Funeral Home to pay their respects.
Memorial donations if desired may be made to United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, 200 Roberts Road Jenkins Twp., PA 18640.
Regina D. Flanagan
Died September 1, 2012
Regina D. Kelley Flanagan, a resident of Laflin, died Saturday in the Inpatient Unit at Hospice Community Care in Dunmore. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Attorney Joseph F. Flanagan.
Born April 29, 1938 in Philadelphia, Regina was the daughter of the late Judge Bernard J. Kelley and Agnes Callahan Kelley. She was a 1956 graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Marywood University, graduating magna cum laude, in 1960.
Regina devoted her life to the care of her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Regina was a faithful member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, where she served as President of the Parish Council. She also was a member of the Luzerne County Legal Auxiliary. Regina was a talented artist and an avid reader.
Surviving in addition to her husband Joseph are a son, Michael J. Flanagan and his wife Linda, Laflin; two daughters, Maureen A. Flanagan, Duryea, and Attorney Sheila Flanagan-Sheils and her husband Robert, Clarks Summit; two brothers, Bernard J. Kelley and Attorney Thomas J. Kelley, both of Philadelphia; a sister, Kathleen Davis, Somerdale, New Jersey; six grandchildren: Erin and Kelley Flanagan, Laflin; Ryan and Kaitlyn Flanagan, Duryea; and Bobby and Clare Sheils, Clarks Summit.
Regina was preceded in death by a brother, Attorney John P. Kelley.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice Community Care for the compassionate and dignified care that they provided to Regina in her final hours and for the hospitality and support they extended to the family.
Funeral will be held Wednesday at 9 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church ½ hour before the funeral mass. All are invited to join them.
Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Pittston.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18509.
Florence G. Kelly
Died August 24, 2012
Florence G. Kelly, 84, of Plains Township died Friday evening at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Kunegunda (Niedzielska) Gosiewski.
Florence was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1946 and was employed as a Seamstress for Plains Manufacturing and Harbour Casuals until her retirement. She was a member of the I.L.G.W.U. , a former member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains and currently was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
She was preceded in death by her husband John L. Kelly on January 26, 2001, Brothers, Frank and Stanley Gosiewski, Sisters, Mary Stavish, Sophie Dreabit, Lottie Westawski and infant sister Josephine.
Surviving are her son John A. Kelly, Plains, Daughter Lois Phillips and husband Nick, Plains, Grandchildren Lori Murphy and her husband Dr. James Murphy, Philadelphia, Kelly Phillips, Middletown, Conn., Nick Phillips, Plains, Great Grandchildren Emma Kelly Murphy and Cara Grace Murphy, Sister Genevieve Sabatini, Chicago, Ill, nephews and nieces.
Funeral will be held Tuesday at 9 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc, 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 pm.
Elizabeth “Betty” Gulick
Died August 21, 2012
Elizabeth "Betty" McDonald Gulick passed away on August 21 , 2012 after an 11 year struggle with Alzheimer's. She spent her last days in beauty, peace and dignity thanks to the wonderful staff at William Hill Manor Nursing Home in Easton, MD.
Born on Nov 22, 1927 in Wilkes Barre PA to William J. McDonald and Mary Boyle McDonald, Betty graduated from Coughlin High School in 1945 and completed her Registered Nursing degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1948. She was in the last graduating class of the cadet nursing program. In 1954 Betty married Edmund J. Gulick from Ashley, PA, a graduate from King's College in 1950. They settled in Bucks County Pa in 1964 and Betty lived in Richboro, PA until 2001 when she moved to Arden Courts Assisted Living Facility in Warminster, PA; she then moved to a Nursing Home in Easton, MD in 2003.
In addition to Mercy Hospital, Betty worked as a nurse at Coopers Hospital in Camden NJ, Holy Redeemer Hospital in Huntingdon Valley PA, St Joseph's Manor as a private duty nurse and lastly at Philadelphia State Hospital Forensics Ward where she retired in 1989.
Along with nursing, Betty loved to travel (especially to Ireland), knit, and play cards. She was an active member in the Bucks County Chapter of To Live Again (TLA) from 1985 to 2001, in which she served a term as President and New Member Chair. She was diehard Notre Dame, Eagles & Phillies fan. But what she loved most was being "MomMom" to her three grandsons and one granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edmond "Eddy" Gulick (1985), her mother Mary Boyle McDonald Karolchyk (1995), her father William McDonald (1960) and her brother PFC William "Billy" McDonald (1949).
Betty is survived by her two daughters - Kathy Meehan (Easton, MD) and Mary Beth Grater and her husband Steve Grater (Chalfont, PA), her grandchildren - Jason Scairato and his wife Jenny , (Trappe, MD), Gregory Scairato (Easton, MD), Matthew Meehan (Easton, MD), Courtney Lake Buchanan and her husband Corporal Jonathan Buchanan (Bonsall, CA) and her step-grandson Stephen Grater and his wife Tamera (Coatesville, Pa). Betty also had one great-grandson Caden Michael Robert Buchanan, son of Courtney Lake Buchanan, and her second great grandchild, child of Jason Scairato, is due in April 2013. She is also survived by her brother Joseph McDonald and his wife Shirley (Dallas, PA), her sister Grace Reposh and her husband Don (Bear Creek, PA), her brother Michael McDonald and his wife Dian ( Mabank, TX) and many loved nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral will be held Monday at 10:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains. Friends may call Monday morning from 9:30 am till 10:30 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation (www.alzfdn.org).
Mark R. Willis
Died August 21, 2012
Mark R. Willis, 55 of Plains Twp., passed away Tuesday evening at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Ralph and Alice (Geverakas) Willis.
He was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School and was formerly employed as a Press operator for Suburban Printing and Quebecor Printing.
Surviving are his fiancée Marie Rossi, with whom he resided in Plains, and his step-daughter Ashley, and his beloved dog Jo Jo.
Funeral arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., Plains, PA.
William Sorokin
Died August 16, 2012
William Sorokin, 67 of Plains Township, died Thursday August 16th in a weather related boating accident while fishing on Lake Michigan with his friend Ray “Finny” Finholm.
Born in Jackson Township, he was the son of the late John and Julia (Novak) Sorokin.
Bill was educated in Lake Lehman Schools and the U.S. Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, TN for Aviation Mechanics. He worked as an Auto and Refrigeration Mechanic, was a Truck Owner and Operator and Electrician/Lineman and Dispatcher for Detroit Edison. He recently retired as Fleet Operations Mechanic from Sears Logistics Services, Wilkes-Barre.
Bill was a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of the Irem Temple Motor Corps, George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531, Lifetime member of A.B.A.T.E of Pennsylvania, National Rifle Association, Electric City Harley Owners Group, Boy Scout Troop 146, Jackson Township and Cub Scout Pack 232 Dallas.
Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, vegetable gardening and the challenge of growing new cultivars of backyard fruit trees. He treated his grandchildren to the Irem Shrine Circus every year and enjoyed making “caaandy ap-ples”as much as the kids enjoyed the vendors cheerfully selling them. Bill took great pride in his many successful creative projects, especially the electrical, plumbing, concrete and structural renovations of his 100+year old home in Plains. He just completed a three-year renovation of his 30-year old fishing boat, the “Brandi Gee,” in which he died salmon fishing in the waters of Lake Michigan. Had he returned safely from the storm, he was only hours away from closing on the purchase of his next project, a 3-acre horse farm in Ludington, MI along the shores of Lake Michigan, where he planned to retire to permanently.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Alex and John Sorokin and Sister Mary McGlynn.
Surviving are his daughter Amy Huntington and her husband Dr. Richard Huntington, Dallas, Son William A. Sorokin Sr. and his wife Sharon, Harding, Grandchildren Anthony, Christopher, Michael and Marigrace Cecelia Huntington, Brandi Marie and William A. Sorokin, Jr., Sister Kathryn Mezaber, Old Bridge NJ, former wife Christina Florio Daugert, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 10 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 pm.
Thomas Mosko
Died August 14, 2012
Thomas Mosko, 80 of Plains Township, died Tuesday morning at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in the Hilldale section of Plains, he was the son of the late Michael and Frances (Yanko) Mosko.
Tom was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School and was employed in Production in local Manufacturing and later was self employed. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Inkerman and currently St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.
Tom enjoyed Baseball and going to local games, reminiscing about the “good old days” and spending time with his nieces, nephews and family.
He was preceded in death by his brother John Mosko, sister Theresa Sokaloski and twin sister Evelyn Szortyka.
Surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
Friends may call Friday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Walter Hutz, Jr.
Died August 14, 2012
Walter Hutz, Jr., 82 of Bear Creek Township, passed away Tuesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.
Born in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Sheplock) Hutz, Sr.
Walter was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1948 and was employed as a Truck Driver for Blue Ribbon Interstate Bakeries and was later self employed until his retirement. He was a former member of Sacred Heart Slovak Church, North Wilkes-Barre and currently a member of St. Andre Bessette Parish, the North End Slovak Club and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 401, Wilkes-Barre.
He and his wife the former Bernadine “Beanie” Check celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on May 1, 2012.
Walter was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Saksa and Catherine Gruver.
Surviving in addition to his wife Bernadine are his daughter Cheryl Schattan and her husband Glenn, Shrewsbury, PA , Sisters Anne Lahr and Marie Petrin, both of Miners Mills, several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the Hutz family for visitation and remembrance on Saturday morning from 9 to 10 am in St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 666 North Main Street, North End section of Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Slovak Cemetery, Dallas.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Walter’s memory.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Stella M. Dragon
Died August 10, 2012
Stella M. Dragon, 83 of Exeter died Friday morning at the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Hanover, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Stella (Brezinski) Stelmachovicz.
Stella was a graduate of Hanover High School, Class of 1947 and was employed as a Foster Grandparent for Pittston Primary Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Dragon on Feb. 2, 1976, Brothers John, Frank and Stanley Stelmack and Sisters Lottie Talmon and Helen Ritz.
Surviving are her Daughters Loretta Troynacki and her husband David, Exeter and Carol Gustinucci and her husband Dennis, Bear Creek, Grandchildren Stacey Lokuta and her husband Joseph, Bear Creek, William Stroud III and his wife Hillary, Baltimore, MD, Great Grandchildren Lindsey, Joey and Avery Lokuta, Brother Joseph Stelmack, Essex, MD, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, In., 20 South Main Street Plains. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek.
Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 pm or Tuesday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Community Care, 385 Wyoming Ave. Kingston, PA 18704 or to the SPCA of Luzerne County 524 E. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Bernard Francis Chandler, Sr.
Died August 8, 2012
Bernard Francis Chandler, Sr., 83, of Plains Township, passed away at the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre, on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.
Born April 20, 1929, in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Dr. Fred H. Chandler and Isabelle K. (Gallagher) Chandler.
Bernard was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1947 and a 1960 graduate of Wilkes College. He also attended Temple University and the State University of New York at Albany. He taught Math and Science at Coughlin High School and Plains Junior High School, retiring after thirty-three years. He was a member and treasurer of the WBEA. He also was a member of the WBAEA and the PSEA.
Before becoming a teacher, Bernard was an aviation cadet at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. He was also assistant manager at the Planters Peanut Store in Wilkes-Barre and manager of the Planters store in Poughkeepskie, NY.
Bernard was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Miners Mills, where he received all his Sacraments. Upon closure of Blessed Sacrament, he was a member of Saint Benedict Parish.
He was preceded in death in 2011 by his wife of 61 years, the former Bernice Alice Smith; sister Rose Chandler Hughes; brother Frederick Chandler; sons-in-law Edgar Strong Massey, Jr., and Edward Eugene McCarthy.
Bernard is survived by daughters, Catherine Oliveira and her husband Victor Hugo Oliveira, Saint-Lazare, Quebec, Canada; Deborah Zuzelski and her husband Louis, Hudson; Barbara Massey Goglia and her husband Michael, Towson, MD; Alison McCarthy, Laflin; Susan Finn and her husband Thomas, Mt. Penn; sons, Bernard F. Chandler, Jr. and his wife Deborah, Bel Air, MD; and Steven Chandler and his wife Holly, Exeter; grandchildren, Caitlin Oliveira Vilar, Steven Oliveira; Louis Zuzelski, Jr., Juliann Mosley; Julia Cortese, Catherine Massey; Edward Jr., Alissa and Aileen McCarthy, Erin Grosz; Jessica, Kimberly and Leisa Chandler; Kelly Steffy, Thomas and Caleb Finn; Shane and Ian Chandler; twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 13, 2012 at St. Benedict’s Parish, St. Dominic Church, 155 Austin Ave., Parsons. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church. There will be no additional calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bernard Chandler may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains Township, PA 18705.
Paul Robert Krubitzer
Died July 28, 2012
Paul Robert Krubitzer, 56 of Plains passed away peacefully Saturday, July 28th at the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Born July 27, 1956 in Plains, he was the son of the late William and Eileen (Shovlin) Krubitzer.
Paul was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1973 and was employed as a Construction Worker.
Paul was a member of the Perugia Beneficial Society, Keystone and the Henry Citizens Club, Plains, the ACLU and the Laborers Union. He was a member and Elder of Langcliffe Presbyterian Church, Avoca.
Paul was a great Pontiac enthusiast and his pride and joy was his 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible. He enjoyed going to many car shows and was a member of the Pontiac Oakland Club. Paul also enjoyed going to the gym at the Saxon Pavilion in Edwardsville where he had many friends. He was a music lover and took great pleasure in attending concerts. His favorite group was The Beatles. Paul had a special place in his heart for animals and loved going to his favorite restaurant, Lonestar Steakhouse in Wilkes-Barre.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are his wife, the former Peggy Orloski, brother Robert Krubitzer and his wife Mary, Hummelstown and sister Dr. Mona Stecker and her husband Dr. Mark Stecker, Long Island, NY, former Brother-in-law Rob Baran, Niece Holly Krubitzer, nephew Michael Krubitzer , Great Nephew Noah Krubitzer and many cousins.
The family would like to thank everyone at Hospice Community Care for their care and support during this difficult time.
Funeral will be held Tuesday at 10 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Daniel J. Marinelli
Died July 25, 2012
Daniel J. Marinelli, 39, of the Keystone section of Plains Twp, died suddenly of natural causes on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.
Born in Keystone, he was a son of the late Italo and Elizabeth (Kinney) Marinelli.
Daniel was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1992. He has been an employee of The Home Depot for 15 years, as well as serving as a Pennsylvania State Constable where he served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Luzerne County Association.
Daniel is known for always having a smile on his face. The joy of his life was his 8 year old son, Daniel Jr. They shared a special father/son bond that radiated with happiness. The death of our beloved Daniel has left us in shock. We cannot understand how one minute this person was here and the next he is gone. The truth is that those we love are never truly gone. The body may have run its course, but the soul lives forever.
He is survived by his beloved son, Daniel, Jenkins Township, Brothers and Sisters, Elizabeth Latona and husband Joseph of Plains Twp; Linda Serafin and husband Robert of Bear Creek Twp; Martha Kelly of Plains Twp; Louis Marinelli and wife Kathleen, Plains Twp; Margaret Foisy and husband Paul of Newport, North Carolina; and Jacqueline Marinelli, of San Antonio, Texas. Daniel has over 25 nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Saturday at 9:15 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Therese’s Church, Shavertown. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Gulf Tower 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1916
William H. Scutt, Sr.
Died July 22, 2012
William H. Scutt Sr., 86, formerly of Plains and Bear Creek Township, died Sunday Morning at the Home of his son William Scutt Jr., Levittown, surrounded by his family.
Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Richard and Ada (Hands) Scutt.
Bill was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School and was a Navy Veteran of World War II serving in France and served aboard the USS Sampson N.Y; Lion Three, CTF 127 and USS President Warfield; he was awarded the European and American Theater Ribbon and the Victor Medal.
He was employed for Miner Hillard Milling Company for 24 Years.
He was a member of the Plains American Legion Joseph E. Conlon Post 558; was a founding member of the Plains Ambulance Association and a member of the Thornhurst United Methodist Church where he served as a Lay Minister, and a former member of the Plains United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Plains Civil Defense.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife the former Jean (Davies) Scutt in 1993, and his Sister Ellen Griffiths.
Surviving are his Sons; William H. Scutt Jr. and his Wife Diane, Levittown; Richard S. Scutt and his wife Dawn, Gouldsboro; Grandchildren Catherine (Heaman) Weaver; William, Richard, Jeremiah, Scutt; Lynn & Jeromy Sexton, Sara Scutt; Great-Grandchildren Jeremiah, Richard, Kyler, William, Connor, Ian, Tristan, Owen, Kaylee, Madison, Mark and Luke ;Nephews & nieces.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10 AM from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, with Reverend William “Bud” S Davies, his nephew of Bellevue Presbyterian Church Gap, PA, officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held in Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Carverton.
Friends may call Tuesday 4 to 7 pm at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers a memorial tax deductible donation may be sent to: Hopewell Hospice Foundation Of America 1 877-7HOPEWELL 525 route 70 West Suite B15 Lakewood NJ 08701
Donna M. Chiampi
Died July 19, 2012
Donna M. Chiampi, 52 of Yatesville, passed away Thursday morning at the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Old Boston, she was the daughter of Joan (Pascoe) Chiampi Maloney of Larksville, and the late Charles Chiampi.
Donna was a graduate of Pittston Area High School, Class of 1978 and was employed as a Sales Agent and in Purchasing for Elliot and Frantz of Plains Township. She was an animal lover who volunteered her time with the SPCA and was an avid Dart Player, being awarded the MVP of the Northeastern Pocono Dart League. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston.
Surviving in addition to her mother are her son Dominic Kustrin, Plains, Brother Charles Chiampi and his wife Janet, Mechanicsburg, Nephews Christopher and Matthew Chiampi, Aunt and Uncle Anthony and Mary Jo Chiampi, cousin Joleen Lazecki, all of Old Boston, former husband Bill Kustrin, her step-father James Maloney, and her three cats: Bailey, Gypsy, and Putzy.
According to Donna’s wishes she would like to offer a special Thank You to Maureen Murtha Canning. A friendship formed in 1965 and continued throughout the years, which never wavered the test of time. For all her love and support was greatly appreciated.
Funeral will be held Monday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at JDRF
26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or to the S.P.C.A of Luzerne County 524 E. Main Street, Fox Hill Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
John “Jack” Connelly
Died July 17, 2012
John “Jack” Connelly, 81, of Kingston died Tuesday morning, July 17 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
He was born in Archbald on Sept. 7, 1930, the son of the late John and Mary O’Hara Connelly. He married the former Eleanor McGrady on Oct. 10, 1959 at Sacred Heart Church in Plains.
Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He recently retired from Luzerne Optical, where he worked for 25 years.
Jack was an avid Notre Dame fan and he supported all of his grandchildren’s endeavors, athletic or otherwise. They were his pride and joy and nothing made him happier than being with his grandkids. He was a Little League coach and youth basketball coach in Kingston for years. Jack could always be found solving his puzzle books and enjoyed spending time with his family and his best pal, Thunder.
He was a member of St. Ignatius Church in Kingston.
Preceding him in death were his son, Brian; brothers Robert E. and Joseph Connelly and sisters Gloria Bastian and Patricia Duddy.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, the former Eleanor McGrady, daughters, Judy, Kingston; Maureen Shandra and her husband, Scott, Pittston Twp.; Jacqueline McNulty and her husband, William, Kingston; sons, Michael, Wilkes-Barre; and Patrick and his wife, Melissa, Tannersville; grandchildren, Matthew Connelly; Brian, Collin, Kelley and Devin Shandra; Tyler McNulty; Rowan, Aidan and Jack Connelly; Brendan, Padraig, Siobhan and Cormac Connelly; sisters Sharon Tierney and her husband, Jack, Concord, N.C.; and Sister Mary Patricia, Georgia; many nieces and nephews and his loyal dog, Thunder.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Ignatius Loyola Parish , Kingston. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to National Shrine of St. Jude Claretian Missionaries, 205 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, Il 60606.
Alice Finn Bogacki Seidel
6-17-1917 to 7-16-2012
Alice Seidel completed her long journey through life and went home to be with those who went before her Monday, July 16th at Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre
Alice’s life had many rewards and challenges, all of which she met head on.
She was born June 21, 1917 in Miners Mills, the ninth of ten children born to John Finn and Anna Burke Finn. Her parents being pioneers in the soda industry, having started the Finn’s Bottling Works, brought Alice in at an early age as a bottle washer. After attending school in Wilkes-Barre, and leaving the “bottling works “she started her work in the retail field at Neisners Department store.
She met Joseph her first husband at Pat Toole’s Inn in Bear Creek .The Toole’s being relatives, she would frequent the inn with her friends, and listen to the bands. Joe playing Trumpet in one of the bands caught Alice’s eye and to the tune “Stormy Weather” they fell in love, married on January 28th, 1940, and brought four children into the world. Sadly God called her youngest and only son, Joseph, home at the tender age of six weeks.
Seeing her children heading into independence Alice felt the need to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She entered the first Licensed Practical Nursing School of Wilkes-Barre and began the career she always felt called to do, caring for people as a nurse. Her first job at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital gave her so many fulfillments. Recognizing her abilities Alice was asked to be the first LPN to work the new Intensive Care Unit at the General. During this time her beloved Joe passed away on November 5th, 1974. Her work filled the space left by an aching heart.
Leaving the General, Alice took a post at the VA hospital in Wilkes-Barre where she stayed until her retirement. She met Al Seidel at this time and allowed her heart to once again enter into the world of love and sharing. They married August 24th, 1982. Although they were granted only ten years together, they were years filled with adventure, travel ,shared love and respect. She lost Al July 18th, 1992.
Alice spent the remainder of her years surrounded by family, friends, and great memories.
Preceding Alice and waiting for her besides her parents, husbands and son is her granddaughter Tara Ann Sowul, brothers, John, James, Thomas Joseph, Thomas, and Gerald Finn. Sisters, Agnes McCartney, Mary Fallon, Jane Letchko.
Surviving Alice and keeping her memory alive are her daughters: Mary Jo (Matthew) Sowul, Colts Neck, New Jersey, Ann (Jack) Morgan, Hanover, and, Alice (Thomas) Gilmore, West Pittston. Eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Step Children, Richard Seidel, West Pittston, Robert, Duryea, Neil (Melinda) Evansville, Indiana, Carolyn (Thomas) Gibbon, Hanover. Eight step grandchildren and fourteen step great grandchildren .Many nieces and nephews.
The family of Alice would like to give a heartfelt” thank you” to all who cared for her at Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre. They do not have staff working, there they have angels.
Funeral will be held Thursday at 9:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Benedict Parish, St. Dominic’s Church, 155 Austin Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains, at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Little Flower Manor Nursing Home 200 Meade Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 in Alice’s memory.
William E. Bartkus, Jr.
Died July 11, 2012
William E. Bartkus Jr., 46 of Wilkes-Barre, died Wednesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of William E. Bartkus, Sr. and the late Rita (Suda) Bartkus.
Bill was a graduate of Hazleton High School and the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed as a Senior Project Engineer for Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc, West Hazleton. Bill was an avid Hunter and Fisherman and was a member of the Triangle Club, Wilkes-Barre and the Italian Club, Plains. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
Surviving in addition to his father are his wife, the former Michele Pavlak, daughter Melissa and son Jeremy, both at home, brother Vince Bartkus and his wife Barbara, Hazleton, sisters Janet Petrisko and her husband John, Drums, Josetta Clatch and her husband Anthony, Drums and Karen Craver, Weatherly, several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Friends may call at the church from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.
Arrangements are by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., Plains.
Janet R. Berkowitz
Died July 10, 2012
Janet R. Berkowitz, 88 of Wilkes-Barre, died Tuesday evening at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains.
Born in Freeland, she was the daughter of the late Bill and Beulah (Lesser) Richards.
Janet was a graduate of Freeland High School and was a 1945 Graduate of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Nursing School. She had additional training at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Wound care was her lifelong passion. Janet worked as a RN at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Leader Nursing Home and Hampton House until she retired in 1975.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Maurice ‘Moe” Berkowitz and her brother William Richards.
Surviving are her son William T. Berkowitz Sr., Wilkes-Barre, Grandchildren William Thomas Berkowitz, Jr., Edward Daniel Berkowitz, Jonathan Nathaniel Berkowitz and Rebecca Rose Belch, and always special in our hearts and souls, daughter-in-law Catherine Belch (Kelly Green), cousin Ann Lesser Funk, Red Lion, Pa and nephews William Thomas Richards, Jacksonville, Fl and Donny Lesser, White Haven.
Funeral services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc, Plains.
Thomas H. Price
Died July 9, 2012
Thomas H. Price, 89 of Bath, PA, and formerly of New Jersey, passed away Monday evening at Phoebe Manor, Allentown. He resided in Bath for 25 years.
Born in Plains, Twp., PA on January 21, 1923, he was the son of the late Richmond and Mary (McCormick) Price.
He was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1940, and attended Mansfield University until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1942.
A Navy Veteran of World War II, Tom attained the rank of Boatswain’s Mate in the Amphibian Service where he drove Landing Craft Tanks (LCT’s). He participated in campaigns in the European Theater of Operation in North Africa, Anzio, and OPERATION OVERLORD in Normandy, France on D-Day, and he also served in the Pacific Theater.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tom spent his adult life in New Jersey, residing in Elizabeth, and Hunterdon and Somerset counties. He was employed in car sales at Somerville Ford and Somerville Nissan on RT. 22, serving as Fleet Manager and General Manager for over two decades. He worked at Bound Brook Ford and Bergenfield Ford for several years. Prior to auto sales, Tom worked at Johnson and Johnson’s Ortho Pharmaceutical in Raritan, NJ, and Lehigh Valley Coal Co. In the early 1950’s, he owned a Sunoco station in Dunellen, NJ.
He was preceded in death by his sister Edith Driscoll.
Surviving are his daughters Linda Wolfson and her husband, David, Wayne, NJ, Laurie Moshier and her husband Matthew, Bethlehem, PA, Kimberly Price, Clinton, NJ, Pamela Ross and her husband James, of Suffolk, VA. Grandchildren include Gabrielle and Andrea Moshier, Bethlehem, PA, Benjamin Wolfson, Wayne, NJ, and Henry Ross, Suffolk, VA. His sister, Marjorie Driscoll, lives in Riverton, NJ. Mr. Price had several nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 666 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Interment with Military Honors will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Friends may call Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm at Corcoran’s.
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alz.org., of Washington, D.C., to support Alzheimer’s and Dementia research.
Alice (Conway) Morrow
Died June 25, 2012
Alice (Conway) Morrow, 74 of Chokoloskee, Florida died Monday evening, June 25th at her home.
Born in Taylor, PA, she was the daughter of the late James and Alice (Corcoran) Conway.
Alice was a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School, Class of 1957. She was formerly of Tonawanda, NY where she was employed for Kmart for many years; she was last employed for Small Woods Museum in Chokoloskee.
She was preceded in death by her son John Reemy and brothers William Conway and infant brothers John and Patrick Conway.
Surviving is her husband Myron, Chokoloskee, Florida and son Patrick of Pineville, NC, Brothers and Sisters Mary Eileen Williams, James Conway, Bridget Komnath, John, Joseph, Thomas, and Patrick Conway, Judy Paralis, Irene Kelly, and Michael Conway, several nephews and nieces.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday at 11:30 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains. Visitation will be from 11 am until the time of Service.
Memorial donations in Alice’s memory can be made to Chokoloskee SmallWoods Museum, Post Office Box 367, Chokoloskee, Florida 33925.
Julie T. Anders
Died June 21, 2012
Julie T. Anders, 90 of Plains, died Thursday evening at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Lottie (Kulwicz) Kulikowski.
Julie was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1939 and Wilkes-Barre Business College, which was affiliated with the University Of Pennsylvania Wharton School Of Business. She enjoyed volunteering at Little Flower Manor and was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Plains.
Her husband, Anthony was a 23 ½ year Veteran of the US Navy and Julie resided with him at various locales across the United States, including Newport, R.I., Vallejo, CA and San Diego, CA.
She was preceded in death by her husband Anthony A. Anders and brothers Richard (Dick), Edwin and Anthony Kulikowski.
Surviving are her sons Bruce Anders and his wife Kathy, Kingston and Anthony Anders and his wife Juanita, Potomac, MD, Grandchildren Robert, Kara, Rachael and Alex Anders, Brothers Joseph Kulikowski, Maryland, and Chester Kulikowski, Stroudsburg, Sister Helen Barna, Plains and Sister-in-Law Janice Kulikowski, Allentown, numerous nephews and nieces.
Funeral will be held Tuesday at 9 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery.
Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Bernadine (Shovlin) Johnson
Died June 20, 2012
Bernadine (Shovlin) Johnson, 83 of Kingston, died Wednesday afternoon at Little Flower Manor Nursing Home, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Abie (Miller) Shovlin.
She was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was a homemaker all of her life. She was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Wilkes-Barre.
Bernadine was a very caring and loving mother, grandmother, and sister, who loved the company of children and loved history and current events.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald on May 24, 2004, son Donald on August 3, 1990, and great-granddaughter Brittany.
Surviving are her sons Bernard Johnson and his wife Debbie, Clifton, N.J., Glenn Johnson and his wife Catherine, Tafton, PA, daughter Mollie Raff and her husband Mitch, St. Augustine, FLA, daughter-in-law Eileen, Garfield, N.J., grandchildren Alphonse, Donna Jean, Erik, Erin, Mark, Dana, and Bernard, great-grandchildren Leslie, Gabrielle, Zoey, Ashley, and Anna, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Saturday at 8:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Church, Wilkes-Barre at 9 am. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Church, 134 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18701 or Little Flower Manor 200 Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Marie J. Dominick
Died June 13, 2012
Marie J. Dominick, Ridgewood Road, Keystone, Plains Township passed away on June 13, 2012. She was born on June 24, 1924 and is the daughter of the late Guiseppe and Linda Mancini.
She attended Plains High School. She along with her husband Anso (Amos) owned and operated Marie’s Diner, Conyngham Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. She had been employed by McDonalds Restaurant, Wilkes-Barre.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anso (Amos) and sister, Fannie Ledoretti.
Surviving are her daughters, Charlotte Dominick and Linda Dominick both of Plains, three grandchildren, Amy Adamczyk Taylor (Greg), Louisville, KY, Joy Adamczyk Harris (Michael), Philadelphia and Aaron Norakus, Philadelphia and sister, Alvira Dominick.
A celebration of life will be held at Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin at 10:00 a.m on Saturday, June 16, 2012.
The Dominick family will receive friends at church from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m..
Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Marie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Erwine Home Health and Hospice and to Wesley Village.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Inc., 270 Pierce St., Suite 101, Kingston, PA
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., Plains.
Paulette M. Bellumori
Died June 7, 2012
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Paulette M. Bellumori, 56, of Woolwich, New Jersey and formerly of Mountaintop died Thursday June 7, 2012 after a 6 ½ year battle with Cancer.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of Carmela (Saracino) Rovinski of Mt. Top and the late Joseph Rovinski.
Paulette was a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School, Class of 1973, Wilkes-Barre and College Misericordia, Dallas.
Paulette brought sunshine wherever she went. Strangers became friends and conversations flowed easily. She and husband, David met while in college and they moved 13 times since they married 34 years ago. Paulette left a legion of friends along the way and continually added to her Christmas card list. As she collected friends so did she collect discarded animals. She took them in and made them part of her family. She took her sunny smile and blue eyes to the cancer treatment center . There she took that bad situation and became a cheerleader for other patients making a bad situation palatable. She fought that lung cancer battle for 6 ½ years always with optimism.
When she went shopping for herself she always came back with things for the children instead .
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother Gary Rovinski, E01 USN SeaBees.
Surviving are her husband, David, children, Dino, Manassas, VA and Maria, and Gina, both of Newark, Del. Mother, Carmela Rovinski, Mt. Top, sister, Mary Catherine Costigan, Mt. Top, brothers, Joseph Rovinski, Mt. Top, Anthony Rovinski, Pittston, and Thomas Rovinski, Las Vegas, NV and many close cousins.
A Mass of Celebration of Paulette’s Life will be held Wednesday at 9:30 Am in St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive Laflin. Friends are invited to go directly to Church.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 PM at Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Memorial Donations may be made to Cooper University Cancer Center, 900 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043 or the American Lung Assoc., 630 Churchmans Rd., Suite 202, Newark, DE 19702.
Donald T. Wadkins
Died June 5, 2012
Donald T. Wadkins, 67 of Bear Creek Twp., passed away Tuesday morning at the Dept. of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Plains, Twp., after a lengthy illness.
Born in New York, he was the son of the late Rose Walker.
Donnie was a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War and was employed as a carpet installer until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Harry Walker and Daniel Deikman.
Surviving are his wife the former Carol Zaykoski, Bear Creek Twp., step-daughters Michelle Dominick-Coffay and her husband John, Wilkes-Barre, and Kariann Iskra, Hudson section of Plains, grandson Jack Coffay.
Funeral services for Donnie will be held Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 7 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans C/O DAV Memorial Program P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Frances B. Dezinski
Died June 2, 2012
Frances B. Dezinski, formerly of Exeter and Plains Township, died Saturday evening at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital surrounded by her family.
Frances was born in the Plainsville section of Plains on April 1, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Francis and Sophia (Krawetz) Park.
She was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1959, and worked for Prestige Shoe Company of Wilkes-Barre until her retirement.
Frances was active in Scouting serving as a Den Leader and Cub Master of Troop 100, Plains, PA.
She is survived by her Daughter Jean Patla, Tampa Florida; Sons Larry, Jr. Exeter, Michael, Edwardsville, and Peter, Exeter; grandchildren Katherine Bickert and her husband Matthew, Ann Dezinski, and Francis Dezinski; great-grandchildren William and Isabella Coulter, and Gabrilla Cosme.
Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family in accordance with Frances’ wishes.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.
Robert L. Spagnola
Died May 26, 2012
Robert L. Spagnola, 91, of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, died Saturday evening at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Miners Mills, Bob was the son of the late Anthony and Virginia Picarelli Spagnola.
He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Plains and was a Navy Veteran of World War II. He was a former member of St. Francis Church, Miners Mills where he was a member of the Holy Name Society, and the Choir and now is a member of St. Benedict’s Church, Parsons. Bob was a founding member of the Triangle Club, Miners Mills, and served as its manager for many years.
Bob was well known for his wonderful voice, singing at family and friend’s weddings and funerals and he also sang in many Minstrels throughout the Wyoming Valley.
He was employed for Wilkes-Barre Area School District as a Bus Driver and retired as the district’s Bus Dispatcher.
Bob and his wife, the former Marian Ploplis, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on February 12, 2012.
Bob was preceded in death by his son Anthony, and granddaughter Anne Marie, Sister Rosa Spagnola; Brothers, Morris, Dominick, Nicholas, Anthony, John, Harry and Joseph Spagnola.
Surviving in addition to his Wife Marian , are his daughters; Mary Carol Spagnola, Plains and Terese Williams and husband Ric, Montgomery Pa.; Grandchildren; Brian and Wife Linda, Michael, Scott, Melissa and Jessica Spagnola; Great-Grandchildren; Kelsey and Santino (Sonny); Nephews and Nieces.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 6 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Wednesday afternoon from 4 to 6 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Miners Mills Triangle Club Youth Activity Fund.
Robert Joseph Polachek
Died May 20, 2012
Robert Joseph Polachek, Sr., 79, of Plains passed away May 20, 2012 surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren following a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
He is survived by his loving wife Theresa Rakowski Polachek (Rocki) who was at his side for forty-seven years.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on August 7, 1932, Bob was the son of the late Joseph Polchek and Helen (Kraynanski) Zeldenrust. Following his graduation from James M. Coughlin High School, Bob held several positions before becoming a school bus driver at Williams Bus Line. He retired in 2005 after 32 years of services to Williams Bus Line.
A man of few words, Bob rarely complained and lived a complete life always enjoying his family and a good game of cards. As a result, he will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, family and his countless friends.
Bob’s kind demeanor, genuine humbleness and his ability to endure all that life gave him was what defined him as a truly good man. In his better days, Bob was known for his quick step and quest for simple pleasures like a game of golf, a hand of cards or watching a rerun of M*A*S*H*. He was an avid high school sports fan, driving the students of Wilkes-Barre Area to hundreds of sporting events over the years.
Bob’s genuine love for life was evident in everything he did and was only overshadowed by his love for his wife, his children, 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his family, and many friends.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his six children; Robert Polachek, Kingston; Richard Polachek, Esquire & his wife Colleen, Moosic; Chris Polachek & his wife Brenda, Saint Joseph, Missouri; Jay Polachek & his wife Paula, Hanover Twp.; Judge Tina Polachek Gartley & her husband Scott Gartley, Esquire, Plains; Deborah Egidio & her husband Dr. Anthony Egidio, Plains, Sixteen grandchildren; Bobby, Caroline, Julianne & Danny Polachek, Kingston; Marina Polachek, Moosic; Shawn Polachek, Saint Joseph, Missouri; Senior Airman Steven Polachek and his wife Danielle, Altus, OK; Sarah Polachek, Colorado; Marissa & Kelsey Polachek, Hanover Township; Shamus, Joshua & Ian Gartley, Plains; Tony, Matthew & Joseph Egidio, Plains, and two great grandchildren; Steven and Charleigh Polachek, Saint Joseph, Missouri, brother Richard Polachek and his wife Nancy, Syracuse, NY, and sister Carol Graff and her husband Bob, Duryea.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Benedict’s Parish, 155 Austin Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Friends are invited to go directly to church on Thursday. Interment will be held in St. Mary’s of the Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 9 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Luke’s Villa 80 E. Northampton Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.
Susie Bonanni
Died April 29, 2012
Susie Bonanni, 97 of Plains Township, passed away Sunday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Plains.
Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Amelia (Cocchini) Marzocchi.
She was employed as a seamstress for Joan Dress of Plains, Twp. and was a member of the I.L.G.W.U.
She was preceded in death by her Husband Paul Bonanni, her son Paul (Piey) Bonanni, great-granddaughter Cassidy Thomas, sister Celia Shandra, and her Brother Dino Mazarki.
Surviving are her daughters Emily Butch and her husband Thomas, Plains, Joan Barba and her husband Joseph, Pittston, daughter-in-law Marie Bonanni, Dushore, her grandchildren, Susan Schintz, Thomas Butch, Jr., Rochelle Meek, Sue Ann Shamnoski, Joseph Barba, Marie Bonanni, Paula Robinson, and Damoni Pedro, 11great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Bruno and his staff for the excellent care of Susie over the years, and the staff of the 6th Floor at Geisinger Wyoming Valley for their wonderful care of Susie.
Graveside services will be held Thursday at 10:00 am in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.
Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA 18517 or the charity of one’s choice in Susie’s memory.
Mary Soska
Died April 29, 2012
Mary Soska, 84 of Pittston, passed away Sunday morning, April 29, 2012 in Highland Manor, Exeter.
Born in Pittston on April 20, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Bessy (Picone’) Marcino.
She attended Pittston City schools, and was employed in the area garment factories. She was a member of the I.L.GW.U.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank C. Soska in 2007, infant son Thomas in 1955, sister Adriana, brothers Angelo and Liborio.
Surviving are her son Frank A. Soska and his wife Judy, and her daughter Adrianne Perks and her husband Larry, all of Pittston. Also surviving are her 6 grandchildren: Frank Soska, U.S. Air Force, and his wife Scarlett, California, Matthew Soska and his wife Heather, Kingston, Robert A. Simonson, N.C. National Guard, Lenoir, N.C., Danielle M. Simonson, Wilkes-Barre, Rebecca Perks, Phoenix, AZ, and Brian Perks and his wife Jenn, Pittston Twp. ; 2 great-granddaughters: Lillianna Marie and Aurora Elizabetta Soska, daughters of Frank and Scarlett; sister Carmella Rinaldoni and her husband Leo, Moscow, PA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 9:30am in St. John the Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston. Interment will be held in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Exeter. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Ann’s Basilica 1250 Saint Ann Street Scranton, PA 18504.
Yolanda Tancredi
April 24, 2012
Yolanda Tancredi, 98 of Exeter, passed away Tuesday afternoon at United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, Jenkins Twp., where she had been a resident for the past 2 ½ years.
Born in the Old Boston section of Jenkins Township, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Raefulucia (DeStefano) Nardone.
She attended Jenkins Township schools, and was employed in the area garment factories. She was a member of St. Joseph Marello Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston and its Altar and Rosary Society for many years and the Parsons Woman Club. “Ci Ci Ya Ya” as she was affectionately known was a resident of Exeter for the past 60 years. She was well known for her crocheting and sewing abilities and her baking recipes, especially her lemon meringue pies and biscotti cookies.
The family would like to thank the staff of Wesley Village, South Unit, for their excellent care of Yolanda for the past 2 ½ years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Patsy Tancredi in 1988, sister Victoria Nardone, brothers Alexander “Sandy”, Joseph, and Frank Nardone.
Surviving are her brothers Victor Nardone and his wife Norma, Plains, Samuel “Mike” Nardone, Old Boston, Sisters Ann Presciutti and her husband Naz, Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, and Margaret Aquilina and her husband Tony, Dupont, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9:15 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston. Interment will be held in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Friends may call Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm.
John M. Boyle
Died April 18, 2012
John M. Boyle, 77 of the East End Section of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains, Twp. John had been a resident at Timber Ridge Nursing Home for the past 18 months.
Born in East End section of Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Michael and Susan (Bonner) Boyle. He was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was a Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict.
John was employed as a Lather Carpenter in the construction industry until his retirement. He was a member of St. Andre Bessette Parish, Holy Saviour Church, East End section of Wilkes-Barre, and was very active in their Rosary Group, a member of the Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers International Union, The Donegal Society of Wilkes-Barre, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians – St. John Neumann Division, Wilkes-Barre.
The family would like to thank the staff of Timber Ridge for their excellent care of their father for the past 18 months.
He was preceded in death by his wife the former Doris “Pinky” Thompson on January 6, 1980, his son John “Nook” Boyle, Jr. on July 3, 2009, and his grandson Paul John Schiel on July 1,2005.
Surviving are his sons Scott Boyle and his wife Erin, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, Jeffrey Boyle and his wife Carol, Buffalo, NY, daughter Maura Schiel and her husband Danny, Plains, daughter-in-law Donna Boyle, Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, grandchildren Shawn, Nicole, Kyra, Joseph, Michael, Margaret, and Sarah Boyle, brothers Hugh Boyle, East End Section of Wilkes-Barre, and Charles Boyle, Poconos, sisters Helen Sutcavage, Pittsburgh, Peggy Scoville, New Hampshire, Rose Ryan, East End Section of Wilkes-Barre, and Patsy Koch, New Ringgold, PA, many nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Saturday at 8:45 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at Holy Saviour Church, 54 Hillard Street, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Timber Ridge Resident Activity and PEER Group 1555 East End Blvd. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.
Betty L. MacCartney
Died April 6, 2012
Betty L. MacCartney, 64 of Plains, passed away Friday April 6, 2012 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital due to complications from a chronic illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.
She was born September 29, 1947, the daughter of the late George and Sophie (Haczewski) Baltusavich of Plains.
She was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1965, where she was a majorette. Betty was employed at several area banks as a Data Processor and last worked at TRL trucking prior to her retirement in 2007.
Betty enjoyed the simplest of pleasures in life, coffee with friends, visits to Atlantic City, more recently Mohegan Sun and family. She was always ready to take a trip anywhere. She took an interest in the history of Russian Tzar Nicholas II, so in 2002 she and her husband Jack along with her Aunt Joz traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia. They also visited the city of Moscow during the journey. She enjoyed trips to watch Penn State play or made sure her Saturdays were free to watch them on television. Being a wife and mother were her priorities in her life and she gave so much never asking for anything in return, but by far, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Her wit and laugh will be remembered by those who knew her and the void created in our hearts by her loss will never be filled.
Surviving are her husband John, Plains, daughters Joanne Wychock and her husband James, Pittston, Dianne Kasisky and her husband Andrew, Plains, grandsons James Thomas, and Robbie John Wychock, Andrew John Kasisky and step-granddaughter Kyla Sunday Kasisky. Also surviving are her sister Joan Stroup, Harrisburg, and her brother George Baltusavich, Plains, several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Carey, Dr. Delehanty, and Dr. Elis for the excellent care they provided Betty over the years. She truly gave them a run for their money. They would also like to thank the staff at the Wilkes-Bare General Hospital, especially Ken and Marlene in the CCU for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 5 – 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120 Chicago IL 60693 or the American Lung Association 3000 Kelly Lane Springfield IL 62711.
Frank L. Lewicki
Died April 5, 2012
Frank L. Lewicki, 86, of Plains Township, passed away Thursday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains.
Born in the Hudson section of Plains, he was the son of the late John and Bertha (Borowski) Lewicki.
Frank attended Plains Memorial High school and was an Army Veteran of World War II serving with the 182nd Infantry Regiment, Company L. in the Pacific Theatre. Frank was honored in September 2011 with the Bronze Star Medal from US Senator Bob Casey for his service in the Philippines and Solomon Islands during World War II.
He was employed as a Senior Lab Technician for Airco Labs of Union, NJ. Frank was the town fix-it Handyman, loved to go to the Sunday Polka Dances in Dupont , go for long walks and was proud of his time spent at Airco Labs in New Jersey. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains and the Dupont V.F.W. Post 4909.
Frank and his wife the former Anne Gemski would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June of 2012.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Chester, John and Stanley Lewicki, sisters Anne Dalton, Josephine Smar, Mary Kozelski and Theresa Gallagher.
Surviving in addition to his wife Anne are his son Joseph Lewicki, Eureka, Montana, daughter Dianne Munkittrick and her husband Mark, Santee, SC, Grandchildren Kyle Munkittrick, Queens, NY and Hana Munkittrick, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, brother Leonard Olander and his wife Rebecca, Plains, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Tuesday at 9 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment with Military Honors will be held in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming.
Friends may call Monday from 6 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 71 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.
Florence (Nancy) Lavelle
Died March 21, 2012
Florence (Nancy) Lavelle, 78 of Plains Township, passed away Wednesday morning at Timber Ridge Health Care Center, Plains.
Born in Wilkes-Bare, she was the daughter of the late John and Florence (McCarthy) Smith.
Nancy was educated in St. Nicholas School, Wilkes-Barre and was employed as a Secretary for Blue Cross, Wilkes-Barre. She was a member of St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre.
She was preceded in death by her husband Francis Earle Lavelle on June 3, 1996, son Anthony Lavelle, Sister Jeanie Pudim, Brothers John and Daniel Smith.
Surviving are her daughter Mary Anne Mulcahy and her husband Jim, Wilkes-Barre, Grandsons Jason Morgans, Plains and Jesse Morgans, Ambler, PA, Great-Grandchildren Jasmyne, Eli and Ruby Morgans, Sisters Marilyn Grant, Dallas and Irene Evans, Mountaintop, sister-in-law Carol Smith Bear Creek, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were private and held at the convenience of the family. Entombment was held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Daniel F. Quigley
Died March 21, 2012
Daniel F. Quigley, 62 of Pittston, died Wednesday afternoon at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Daniel was born, raised and resided for most of his life in Bear Creek. The past five years he was a resident of ACS Christian Manor, Pittston. He was the son of the late Robert Quigley Sr. and Margaret (Adams) Quigley.
Daniel was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1967, and was employed in Distribution for the Times Leader and Pocono Beef Inc., Mt. Pocono.
Surviving are his brother Robert Quigley and his wife Dorothy, Forty Fort, Nieces Jacqueline and Albert Nocerine, Forty Fort, Carolyn and Jason Aben, Shavertown and Kristin and Olin Smith, Dallas, Great Nieces Samantha Aben, Margaret Smith and Emily Smith and Great Nephew Zachary Aben.
Funeral Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street Plains, PA.
In honor of Danny’s great love of animals, donations in his memory may be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Frank H. Torchia
Died March 13, 2012
Frank H. Torchia, 90 of Plains Township, died Tuesday afternoon at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.
Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Carmella (Basta) Torchia.
Frank was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School and was employed as a Sheet Metalist for Boeing Aircraft. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and a member of Plains American Legion, Joseph E. Conlon Post 558.
He is preceded in death by his sisters Elizabeth Holko and Mary Angela Torchia.
Surviving are his Brother Michael Torchia, Detroit, Michigan and Sister Josephine Bartolomei, several nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Interment was in Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains.
Josephine “Josie” Shifflett
Died March 13, 2012
Josephine “Josie” Shifflett, 76 of Mountaintop, passed away suddenly Tuesday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains, Twp., after suffering a heart seizure.
Born in Inkerman, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Evelyn (Armillei) DeNardo.
Josie was a graduate of Jenkins Twp., High School, and was employed as a Sales Assistant for TRANE of Dupont, until her retirement.
Josie enjoyed having a great time with her family and friends and loved to make them laugh. She loved to go to the Casino, making great meals, and spending time with her three buddies Cleo, Stella, and Pearl.
She was preceded in death by her son Tony Shifflett.
Surviving are her daughter Donna Shifflett, with whom she resided with in Mountaintop, grandchildren Chad, Danielle, Ryan, Kristen, 4 great-grandchildren, sister Jerry Stakowiak and her husband Gene, Baltimore, MD, Kay Young, a special person who was like another daughter to Josie, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services for Josie will be held Friday at 11:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with Father Kenneth Seeger, officiating. Interment will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming, at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Friday morning from 9:00 am till 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Josie’s memory.
Narcus J. Gemski
March 12, 2012
Narcus “Narcy” J. Gemski, 82 of Miners Mills went to be with the Lord and his wife Irene. He passed away Monday morning after a lengthy illness in the Hospice Unit of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains, Twp.
Narcy was born March 17, 1929 in Plains, the son of the late Martin and Stella Gemski.
He attended school in the Plains Area until his enlistment in the US Army in 1946. He then enlisted in the US Navy and he was also a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes. He was a member and custodian of the Polish American Veterans, Hudson, and was a member of the Plains American Legion, Joseph E. Conlon Post 558. He worked at Prestige Shoe, Brookside; Atlas Chain, West Pittston; and Trion Industries, Wilkes-Barre.
Narcy enjoyed his family vacations in Canada, his greenhouse, hunting, fishing, carpentry, spending time on his relatives Dairy Farms, his card tricks and jokes, listening to Polkas, his wife’s cooking and her holiday decorating, family picnics, making Kelbasi, his summer place in Bradford County and his Cat , Baby. He was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. His greatest enjoyment came from being with his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene in 2009, siblings Stanley, Albert, Ted, Joe and Mary.
Surviving are his sons Jamie and his companion Janice Surrett, Laceyville, and Tim and his companion Maria Coolbaugh, Miners Mills, granddaughter Katie Gemski, step grandchildren Jenna, Chantel, Christie, Marissa, and Amanda, sister Ann Lewicki, Plains, brother-in-law Charles Trabish, Miners Mills, Sisters-in-law Terry Boyle, New Jersey, and Emily Pittarelli, Reading, numerous nieces & nephews.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Home Sweet Home, Diversified Nursing, and the VA Hospital.
Funeral will be held Thursday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment with Military Honors will be held in the Parish Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 57 North Franklin Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.
Roswitha (Rose) Carr
Died February 26, 2012
Roswitha (Rose) W. Carr, beloved Wife, Mother Grandmother and friend, of Plains Township, died Sunday evening at her home.
Born in Fulda, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Gustav and Elsa (Nimmerichter) Polzer.
Rose was educated in Germany and was the wife of Jeffrey Carr, and together they celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on May 19, 2011.
Rose was preceded in death by her daughter Jaclyn in 1988.
Surviving in addition to her husband Jeffrey are her daughter Christina Rodzinak and her husband Robert, Wilkes-Barre, Granddaughters Alyssa, Shawna, and Kayla Rodzinak, Sisters Brigette Friedrich and Erika Revay, both of Germany.
A private family memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., Plains.
Walter S. Ciolek
Died February 22, 2012
Walter S. Ciolek, 70 of Swoyersville, passed away Wednesday evening at the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Plymouth, he was the son of the late Walter J. and Anna (Govlier) Ciolek.
Walt was a graduate of Plymouth High School, Class of 1959, attended Wilkes College, and graduated from Wilkes-Barre Business College. He was employed as a bookkeeper for The Lion Brewery, retiring after 20 years, and was currently employed for Penn-Lee Footwear, the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains, where he served as a lector and a Eucharistic Minister.
Walt was an avid athlete and excelled at many sports throughout his life. He was active in Semi-Pro Baseball Sunday Leagues from 1961-1971. He played slow pitch softball for many years with numerous teams. He was a member of Royal Courts and The Athletic Club where he enjoyed playing in racquetball leagues and tournaments for 20 years. He loved cycling throughout Pennsylvania and also went on many out-of-state tours. He coached and officiated basketball for SS. Peter & Paul grade school, Plains, was a P.I.A.A. Basketball official, and umpired Little League games for many years.
Surviving are his wife the former Monica Kryzneski, Swoyersville, sister-in-law Rita Ives-Collins, Nanticoke, niece Dr. Mary Thompson and her husband Declan, nephew Thomas Ives and his wife Margaret, grand nieces and nephew Abigail and Charlotte Ives, and Erin and Aidan Thompson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming. Friends may call Monday evening from 5 to 7 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Friends are invited to go directly to church Tuesday morning.
Memorial donations may be made to JDRF (The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) 225 City Line Avenue Suite 104 Philadelphia, PA 19004, or to SS. Peter & Paul Church Food Pantry 13 Hudson Road Plains, PA 18705.
Fernando (Freddie) Spinosi
Died February 21, 2012
Fernando (Freddie) Spinosi, 62 of Wilkes-Barre, died Tuesday afternoon at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Plains, he was the son of the late Fernando and Mary (Siena) Spinosi.
Freddie was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1967 and attended Wilkes College. He was employed for Sapa of Mt. Top, formerly MidEast Aluminum for 38 years and was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
He and his wife the former Connie Pizzella celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on June 19, 2011.
Freddie is preceded in death by his sister Nicolina (Nicki) Cinti.
Surviving in addition to his wife Connie are his daughter Tammy Corwin and her husband David, Jenkins Twp., Granddaughter Rachel, who he loved so much and was his helper in his garden, Sister Marie Spinosi, Plains, numerous nephews and nieces.
Funeral will be held Saturday at 8:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 71 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18702.
Ruth Soley “Mema” Verespy, aged 85, fought the good fight, lived a good, faith-filled life and died at home firm in her faith surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Emily Zofcin Soley of Larksville, Pennsylvania.
She graduated as salutatorian of the Class of ’44 from Larksville High School. She was employed at Old Fashion Bottling Company for several years and then at various sewing factories in the Plains area.
She and her late husband District Justice Joseph P. Verespy celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death in 1998. They were the parents of three children, Nancy Verespy, International Executive Director of the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. & The Veterans Coalition in Pittston, PA married to Peter J. Forbes; Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Dupont, PA and George C. Verespy, beloved son who died in 1969. They also celebrated their joy with their one and only grandson, Jonathan R. Curley, his wife, Trish and the lights of her life, great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Irelyn Curley of Jenkins Township, PA filled her heart with joy. In Australia she is survived by Duncan and Kylie Forbes and their children, Amanda, Dakota and Taylor; Moire and David Binch and their daughter, Fayth and Katherine and Beth Forbes.
Her brothers and sisters included: Rosalie Robinson, who helped “Mema” in her ”Passing Over”;Dolores Adkins; Robert; Joseph; Thomas, Anne Marie Antol, Shirley Fisher and Barbara Drust. Her brother Michael Soley died in 2000. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. One of her numerous friends, Mary Drew, became like a “sister” to Ruth and helped her to remain at home.
She was an active member of her community. Her gardens were her pride and joy and she continued to do all of her own gardening with the help of her neighbor Tommy until her passing. She was a 28-year Red Cross volunteer also having donated seven gallons of blood over the years. She also volunteered her time at the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. & The Veterans Coalition – always ready on short notice - fast and capable. She also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen. She enjoyed her participation in her neighborhood Breakfast Club.
Family and friends always told her that she should own stock in Hallmark since she rarely missed anyone’s birthday and sent cards for all occasions.
She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains and progressed to SS. Peter and Paul Church in Plains after the closure. She was a 50-year member of the Plains American Legion Auxiliary, Post 558, member and volunteer with the Ladies of Charity; past officer of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and she held all of the various offices of the Sacred Heart, Plains, Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a faithful member of the Sacred Heart “Tabernacle” Choir.
She gave a number of years to the Plains Township Senior Citizens Association serving as their treasurer. She was a proud Pierogi maker at Sacred Heart Church, Dupont. Bus trips were an important part of her life – her motto was “when the bus goes I go.” Mema was greatly loved by all.
Funeral services for Ruth will be held Friday, February 25, 2012 at 10:30 am from The Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Funeral Mass, in celebration of the life of Ruth, will be held at 11:00 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains, with Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, her son, officiating. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Thursday evening from 4 to 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial Donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 East Jackson Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
John “Jack” P. McIntyre
Died February 12, 2012
John “Jack” P. McIntyre, 70, of Plains Township died Sunday morning at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late John and Florence (Sheeran) McIntyre.
Jack was employed as a Salesman last working for MCI Corporation until his retirement. He was a very good friend and supporter of Bill W. and his friends for the past 19 years. He was an Army Veteran serving in the National Guard. Jack was a graduate of Pace University, New York and Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA.
He is survivied by his wife, the former Sherian Rasiewicz, Sons Todd and Scott McIntyre of New Jersey, Grandchildren Jenna and Drew McIntyre, Brother Robert McIntyre, Seattle, Washington.
Funeral service will be held Thursday at 7 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains with Pastor Josh Masland of the First United Methodist Church, West Pittston officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 7 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc.
Memorial donations may be made to the Luzerne County SPCA, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or the American Heart Association, 71 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18702.
Ida Vanchure
Died February 10, 2012
Ida Vanchure of Edwardsville and formerly of Wilkes-Barre, died Friday morning at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Marjorie (Leonard) Fonzo.
Ida was a very giving and selfless person often putting the needs of others before her own.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Harriet Rhodes and Sister Ella Jaco.
Surviving are her children Angelina England and her husband John, Williamstown, MA, Donna Pesotski and her husband Brian, Peach Tree City, GA and Tony Vanchure, Boca Raton, Fl, grandchildren Michael Esser, Jennifer Esser and her fiancé Carl White, Anthony, Wesley, Dominic, A.J. and Gabby Vanchure, Matthew Nikolas and Riley England and Bryan Jacob Pesotski, Great-Grandchildren Tessa and Audrey Esser, brother Anthony Greene and many beloved friends.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday evening at 7 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm.
Florence M. Snee
Died February 10, 2012
Florence M. Snee, 80 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday evening at her home.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Edward & Mary (Shedlock) Dulsky.
She was a graduate of Jenkins Twp. High School, and was employed as a factory worker in manufacturing.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Anne Giza, Mary Dooley, Sophie Dougherty, and Jean Walkowiak, and her brother John Dulsky.
Surviving are her sisters Helen Wolczyk, Wilkes-Barre, Margaret McCarroll, Hampton, NJ, Shirley Yonkoski, Laflin, and Josephine Ward, Tacoma, WA, brother Joseph Dulsky, Totowa, NJ, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 9:45 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming. Friends may call Thursday morning from 8:30 am till 9:45 am.
Irene Cardoni
Died February 8, 2012
Irene Cardoni, 87 of Plains Twp., passed away Wednesday morning at ManorCare Health Services, Kingston.
Born in the Brookside section of Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Peter & Bertha (Piska) Smolenyak.
Irene was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, class of 1942. She was employed as a floor lady for LP Sportswear, and as a bookkeeper for Tavella & Cardoni Trucking, both of Hilldale; a member of the I.L.G.W.U. and a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains, and currently a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph “Pepi” Cardoni, son Dennis “Chipper” Cardoni, brother Peter Smolenyak, and an infant brother.
Surviving are her children Wayne Cardoni and his wife Gayle, Allentown, Joseph Cardoni, Johnson City, NY, and Monica Stevens, Plains, grandchildren Dr. Wayne Cardoni, Jr., Maria Burke, Elissa DeCarlo, Lt. Col. Christopher Cardoni, who is currently serving our country in Afghanistan, Douglas Cardoni, Lia Cardoni, and Josh Stevens, 11 great-grandchildren, brother John Smolenyak, Port St. Lucie, Florida, several nieces & nephews.
Funeral will be held Friday at 10:30 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be held in the Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming, at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Friday morning from 9:00 am till 10:30 am.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Betty M. Moran
Died January 29, 2012
Betty M. Moran, 90 of Kingston, passed away Sunday evening at the inpatient unit of Northeast Hospice of Pennsylvania, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Scranton, PA.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late William and Lillian (Schuler) Hoar.
She was a graduate of Elmer L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1942. Upon graduation, Betty volunteered in a chain link factory as a laborer during World War II to aid in the war effort. She was later employed as a Car Saleswoman for Al John’s Pontiac of Kingston, until her retirement.
Betty was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, and the Church Choir and the Women’s Club. She was specially cared for by her granddaughter Lindsay Marie Stevenson, R.N.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harry J. Moran on June 9, 1976; sisters Audrey Joseph and Edna LaBell.
Surviving are her son Darryl Moran and his wife Jane, Roswell, GA; daughters Patricia Pupa and her husband John, Pittston, Twp., and Stephanie Stevenson and her husband John, Harvey’s Lake; 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made at Lackawanna County Health & Rehab 1 Sturges Road Olyphant, Pennsylvania 18447.
Mary Klogy
Died January 22, 2012
Mary Klogy, 85 of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, died Sunday January 22, 2012 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late John and Julia (Hludzik) Pazahanich.
Mary was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Miners Mills.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank G. Klogy, Sister Helen Lokuta, Brothers Peter Pazahanich and Michael Balla.
Surviving is her daughter Frances Stacey Klogy-Deal, West Chester, Pa and Priscilla Klogy.
A Blessing Service was held with Rev. Joseph Kearney officiating.
Marie McHugh
Died January 21, 2012
Marie McHugh, 99 of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, died Saturday morning at Little Flower Manor, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Pittston, she was the daughter of the late William and Agnes (Marion) Golden.
Marie was a graduate of West Pittston High School and completed a Post Graduate Course at St. John’s Business School, Pittston. She was employed as a Librarian’s Aide for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District until her retirement. Marie was a member of the Miners Mills Community Club, Wilkes-Barre Democratic Committee Woman, Past President of the Miners Mills American Legion Auxiliary and was the Honorary Grand Marshall of the Wilkes-Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1998. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Miners Mills and the Altar and Rosary Society and was currently a member of St. Benedict’s Church, Parsons.
Marie will be dearly missed and remembered for her hospitality and friendship to her family and many friends whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband John (Jack) McHugh on July 31, 1955, brothers Richard and William Golden and Sister Josephine Spagnola.
Surviving are her six daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen Umphred and her husband Mark, Miners Mills, Anne Yale and her husband Earl, Millersville, MD, Mary Ellen Jordan and her husband David, Laflin, Patricia Crahall and her husband Adam, Dallas, Margaret Torbik and her husband Tom, Moosic and Jacqueline Boyle and her husband Michael, Miners Mills, 16 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren, nephews and a niece.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am in St. Benedict’s Church, Parsons. Friends are invited to go directly to Church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Friends may call Monday from 4 to 8 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc.20 South Main Street, Plains.
Memorial donations may be made to Little Flower Manor, 200 South Meade Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, St. Benedict’s Church 155 Austin Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 or to the Luzerne County SPCA, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Elizabeth L. Crahall
Died January 19, 2012
Elizabeth ‘Betty” L. Crahall, 88 formerly of Courtdale died Thursday morning at St. Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Pringle, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (Sapar) Hornack.
She was a graduate of Pringle High School, Class of 1941 and was a homemaker all her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband Frank D. Crahall on July 22, 2005, sisters, Anna Figler, Mary Edford and Helen Hornack, Brothers Paul Hornack and Edward Hornack.
Surviving are her brothers Nicholas, Trucksville and John, Sister Margaret Christ, Prescott, Ariz., several Nieces and Nephews.
In 2003, Frank and Betty established the Crahall Foundation. The Foundation provides annual endowed scholarships to qualified students at Luzerne County Community College, King’s College, Wilkes University, Misericordia University and Penn State University, Wilkes-Barre Campus.
Dorothy M. Gaiteri
Died January 16, 2012
Dorothy M. Gaiteri, 87 of Plains, died Monday morning at Riverstreet Manor Nursing Center, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary (Michaels) Rehoski.
She was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School and was employed by Triangle Shoes, Edwardsville, Misericordia University, Dallas, and The Redevelopment Authority of Kingston after the Agnes Flood of 1972 and last as a Printer for the Times Leader until her retirement.
Dorothy was an avid New York Yankees fan; she enjoyed reading biographies, several daily newspapers and keeping up with current events. She loved all her family and was especially close with her Grandson Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Gaiteri on March 19, 1997, Brother Edward Rehoski, Sisters Theresa Radzville, Helen Wojick and Margaret Dziedzic
Surviving are her son Robert and his wife Denise, Plains, Grandson Joseph Gaiteri, North Carolina, several nephews and nieces.
Funeral will be held Friday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc. 20 South Main Street, Plains with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.
Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the SS. Peter & Paul Church Food Pantry, 13 Hudson Road, Plains, PA 18705.
Nicholas P. Cunningham
Died January 9, 2012
Nicholas P. Cunningham, 69 of Huntington Mills, passed away Monday afternoon in the inpatient unit of Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his family.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Frank and Evelyn (Whalen) Cunningham.
Nick was employed in the construction field mainly as a house painter until his retirement.
He and his wife the former Anne L. Kay, would have celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on Friday, January 13, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his brother Frank Cunningham, sisters Sue Granahan, Greta Robinson Hartman, and Rose Ammons.
Surviving in addition to his wife Anne Cunningham, are his children, James Cunningham, Colorado Springs, CO, Raymond Hudson, Gainesville, VA, Jeffrey Hudson, Tampa, FLA, Rose Holshouser, Hartselle, AL, Patricia Cunningham, Plains, Debbie McGlynn, Hanover Twp., and Diane Cunningham, Colorado Springs, CO, 12 Grandchildren, sisters Patricia Llovet, Springhill, FLA, and Evelyn Spencer, Larksville, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Mary M. Patrick
Died January 7, 2012
Mary M. Patrick, of Plains, Twp., and formerly of Inkerman, passed away Saturday morning at Cedarbrook Nursing Facility, Allentown.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Argonis) Labashousky.
She attended school in Jenkins, Twp., and was employed for Consolidated Cigar of West Pittston, until her retirement. She was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin, the Friendship Club of Wyoming, and The Cosmopolitan of Exeter.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Frank Oley, her second husband Paul Patrick, daughter Nancy Alexis, sister Theresa Kosek, brothers Charles, Anthony, Joseph “Coal”, John, and Peter Labashousky.
Surviving are her daughters Elaine Beggs and her husband Joseph, Plains, and Marlene Steele, Mayfield Heights, OH, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be held Thursday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Maria Goretti, Church, 42 Redwood Drive Laflin, with Monsignor Neil Van Loon, Pastor, officiating. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the Church ½ hour before the funeral mass. All are invited to join them.
Interment will be held in St. Casmir’s Cemetery, Pittston, at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of The Alzheimer´s Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17115.
Natale “Barb” Barbacci
Died January 7, 2012
Natale “Barb” Barbacci, 93 years old, died comfortably with his loving family at home in Dallas on January 7, 2012.
Barb, son of Dominick and Josephine (Brozzi) Barbacci, was born May 3, 1918 in Reynoldsville, PA.
Barb in his early years, distinguished himself in the boxing ring with a record of 23 – 0, earning a shot at the Golden Gloves in Philadelphia. Later he would be inducted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame. He enjoyed bowling in local leagues, having bowled several perfect games. Barb, while employed by Okanite Corp. of Wilkes-Barre, in the early 1950’s, began the successful operation of “Barbacci Bottle Gas.” He served families for many years through the Wyoming Valley, eventually selling the business to Suburban Propane. This gave him the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning and operating “Barbacci’s Picnic Grove.” Barbacci’s Grove provided many happy memories for residents of the valley on summer days.
He was preceded in death by his wife the former Anna Mazzanti on January 10, 1999 after 59 years of marriage, brothers Herman, Julio, James, and Gino Barbacci, sisters Rosa Ragugini, Viola Donini, Orella Caparoni, and Irene Bechetti.
He is survived by his children Basil Barbacci and his wife Jane, Harvey’s Lake, Barbara Lussi and her husband Richard, Plains, Celestine Gesky and her husband Frank, Jody Pearson and her husband Dave, and Robert Barbacci and his wife Barbara, all of Dallas, 15 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, sisters Clementine (Tillie) Cross, and Louise Yanoshak, both of Plains, brothers John Barbacci, North Carolina, and Orlando Barbacci, Ohio, many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their care and comfort of their father.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:00 am in St. Francis Cabrini Church, Mount Olivet Road, Carverton. Friends and family are asked to go directly to church Wednesday morning. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive Wilkes- Barre, PA 18702.
Jason E. Iams
Died January 4, 2012
Jason E. Iams, 41, of Plains Twp, and formerly of Kansas, died Wednesday morning at his home.
Born in Topeka Kansas, he was the son of Frank Iams of Kansas and Pamela (Phillips) Iams of Atlanta, Georgia.
He was a Navy Veteran of the Persian Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm, serving aboard USS Kauffman, and was self-employed as a carpet installer.
Surviving in addition to his Parents are his brother David, Kansas; and companion Stephanie Duncan with whom he resided.
Funeral will be held at the convenience of the family.
There will be no calling hours.
Rose M. Florio
Died January 1, 2012
Rose M. Florio, 88 of Plains, Twp., passed away Sunday evening at Riverstreet Manor Nursing Home, Wilkes-Barre.
Born in Plains, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Clara (Siani) Florio.
Rose was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1941, and was employed as a seamstress for Plains Blouse.
She was a live long member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains, and a current member of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains, and the Plains Senior Citizen’s Organization.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Clara, Minnie, and Mary Florio, and Margaret Ciali, brothers James, Anthony, and Joseph Florio.
Surviving are her brothers John Florio and his wife Olga, Plains, and Robert Florio, Broomall, PA, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held Thursday at 9:00 am from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church, Plains. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Church 13 Hudson Road Plains, PA 18705.