Obituaries

Lewis A. Hiller

September 5, 2014

Lewis A. Hiller, 97, formerly of Dunmore, a proud and decorated World War II veteran, died Friday at Granite Farms Estates retirement community in Media, PA.  He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jones Hiller who died in 1997.

Born in Archbald, he was the son of the late Elmo and Hannah Schwartztrauber Hiller and was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School.  Prior to his retirement he was a supervisor for the United States Post Office.

He was active in Dunmore Little League, Boy Scouts, National Association of Retired Federal Employees and many community, church and charitable organizations.  He was a member of the Dunmore Methodist Church.

Surviving are two sons, David E. and wife Peggy (Butler) and John E. and wife Natalie (Durdach), seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Hiller was a member of the U.S. Army 45th “Thunderbird” Infantry Division.  He served in North Africa and participated in the invasion of Italy including critical amphibious landings at Anzio and Sicily as well as Marseille, France.  For his valor, he was awarded the Bronze Star. He also earned three Purple Hearts.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.  Interment will follow with full military honors at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Elmhurst.  Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

John T. Padula

August 13, 2014

John T. ” Hunsen”  Padula of Dunmore died Wednesday at Hospice of The Sacred Heart , Dunmore. His  wife is the former Barbara Sheerer, they were married for forty-eight years. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he was the son of the late William and Jeanette Richards Padula and was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Prior to his retirement he and and his wife were the owners of the Chestnut Street Bingo, Dunmore. He also was the owner of Padula’s Pizza of Dunmore.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their immense compassionate care.

Also surviving are a son John and wife Christine Padula of Dunmore, a daughter Maura and husband Rob Jaramillo of Dunmore, a brother William Padula of Dunmore, and a sister Janet Boyle of Springbrook Township , three grandchildren; Jake, Elisabeth, and Christian and several nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held at the  Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore.  Friends may call Friday from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Lucille M. Ward

August 2, 2014

Lucille M. Ward of Dunmore died Saturday at Home. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mildred Conway Moran and was a graduate of Dunmore High School and Lackawanna College. Prior to her retirement she was an accountant for the Catherine McAuley Center, Scranton. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.

Surviving are a son Robert T.  and wife Sandra Ward of Dunmore, a brother Leo T. Moran of Dunmore, a sister Rita Wesnak of Dunmore, and two grandsons Thomas and Timothy Ward with whom she resided, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment Dunmore Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Betty L. Wicker

July 28, 2014

Betty L. Wicker, 86, of Dunmore died Monday at  home. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward E. Wicker. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Ruth Sanders Miller and was a graduate of  Dunmore High School.

Prior to her retirement she was a receptionist for Penn Security Bank.

Surviving are two sons; Edward Wicker of Houston, Texas and Neil G. Wicker and fiancée’ Susan Finnerty her caregiver of Scranton. She was preceded in death by a son David Wicker.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 A.M. at Abington Hills Cemetery, Clarks Summit. Friends may call at the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.

Joseph E. Dane

July 27, 2014

Joseph E. Dane, 87, died peacefully, surrounded by family on July 27 in Dunmore, PA. He was preceded in death by his wife the former Pauline Zapotsky Dane whom he was married to for 59 years. Joe was born on July 12, 1927 in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late Walter and Kathleen Burt Dane. He was one of five boys, including his twin brother Gavin.

Joe attended Benedictine High School in Richmond, VA. Later in life, he took distance-learning courses through Cornell University, which led to a certificate in business management.  During World War II, Joe joined the United States Coast Guard, serving his country in the Pacific.

Joe enjoyed two very successful careers.  His first, in the supermarket business, lasted close to fifty years and took him to fifteen different cities as he worked his way up the ladder. Joe began his career as a butcher in Wilkes-Barre, PA with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. By the time he left in 1979, he was Director of Store Operations for the Northeast United States, based in Boston.  He moved from A&P to Acme Markets where he spent fourteen years, retiring in 1993 as Regional Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic region, based in Whippany, NJ.  Joe was a consummate businessman, a well-respected leader, and someone who knew the grocery business as well as anyone ever has.

After his retirement from the grocery business, Joe’s second career was focused on raising money for local parishes in the Greater Scranton area.  He applied his tireless spirit and energy to every project he took on, beginning with St. Mary of Mount Carmel parish in Dunmore.  Together with his longtime friend Ang Ciccotti, they combined their skills to chair a very successful Capital Campaign for the restoration of St. Mary’s.  People knew that when Joe and Ang came knocking, they weren’t going to give up until they got what they came for!  As a result, St. Mary’s was able to complete all of the needed renovation and restoration that would bring it back to its original beauty.

In 1990, both Joe and Paula became very active at St. Ann’s parish in West Scranton.  Joe chaired the committee to raise the funds necessary to restore the church after it became eligible to be designated as a Basilica.  Together, Joe and Paula also conceived and spearheaded the effort to create the Memorial Walkway at St. Ann’s, which surrounds the Stations of the Cross.  Thanks to Joe and Paula’s tireless efforts, this walkway continues to live on, prosper, and be cherished by the tens of thousands who visit St. Ann’s every year.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the team at Celtic Health Care including Lorilyn, Karen, Lori, Liz, Michelle and Dave.  Thank you to the Dunmore Health Care Center and all those who cared so much for him and made him feel at home every day.  We would also like to thank Dr. Joe Leo for tireless his care and dedication.

Joe is survived by three sons Patrick J. and wife Marie Dane of Southport , NC; Timothy J. Dane of Beaufort, SC; Michael P. and wife Mary Beth Dane of Chester Springs, two daughters Carole and husband John DeLuca of East Amherst, NY; Deborah and husband Dominic Muracco of Scranton; a brother Tom and wife Joyce Dane  of Bethlehem, sixteen grandchildren, Courtney and husband Justin Beekhuis, Matt and wife Niki Dane, Ashleigh Dane, Ann Marie and husband Ross Comaratta, Brian and wife Nicole DeLuca, John Paul DeLuca, Colleen DeLuca, Dominic and wife Tina Muracco, Dennis Muracco, Chris Muracco, Jennifer and husband Jeff Brown, Rebecca Dane, Will Dane, Katie Dane, and twins Michael and Joseph Dane, nine great-grandchildren; Connor and Colin Beekhuis, Danielle, Patrick, and Riley Dane, Luca and Rosalie Comaratta, Jack, Ava, and Ella DeLuca, Courtnie Muracco, Jacob Brown. Joe was preceded in death by an infant son Dennis, four brothers John, Walter,James and twin brother Gavin Dane.

The funeral will be Wednesday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Entombment Cathedral Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. As with his wife Paula, the funeral procession for Joe will make a stop at St. Ann’s Basilica to pay respect to St. Ann and as a final thank you for all of the blessings she has brought into the lives of Joe and Paula and their family. All those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church on Wednesday morning. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel Parish in Dunmore or to the Memorial Walkway Fund of St. Ann’s Basilica in Scranton.

Mary Ellen Butler Dougherty

July 24, 2014

Mary Ellen Butler Dougherty of Dunmore died Thursday at home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband is Thomas “Doc” Dougherty and they would have celebrated fifty-two years of marriage on September 1.  Born in Dunmore, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Mary E. Kearney Butler. She was a 1958 graduate of Dunmore High School and 1961 graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She a former member of Christ the King Parish of Dunmore and presently a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the staff from Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassion kindness and unwavering support.

Also surviving are three sons, Michael and wife Paula Dougherty, Gerard and wife Karen Dougherty, and Thomas and wife Joyce Dougherty all of Dunmore, a daughter Ellen and husband Matthew Quinn of Waverly; two sisters Peggy and husband Dave Hiller of Drexel Hill; Judy and husband Alfred Gross of North Wales, a brother John Butler of Rehoboth Beach Delaware, eleven grandchildren; Katie Tully, Gerard, Patrick, Alexandra, Kyle, Michael, Tommy, and Rogan Dougherty, Kevin, Jack, and Kelly Quinn.

The funeral will be Monday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore with a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment Dunmore Cemetery. All those attending the funeral are asked to to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre ,PA  18702.

Kathryn L. Thomas

July 21, 2014

Kathryn L. “Kay” Thomas of Scranton died Monday at the Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late David and Margaret Gillespie Thomas. She was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School class of 1965. Prior to her retirement she was self employed as a graphic artist and also worked as a technical illustrator for Ingersoll-Rand Corporation.  She also worked for PDQ Print Center of Scranton. She was a member of Saint  Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton.

Surviving are cousins, Patricia Durkin of Clarks Summit, Miriam Zielinski of Clarks Summit, Tim Gillespie, Maryland; Diane Grassi, Bruce Pirotte, Kathy Pirotte, all of Maryland; and Janice McCann of New Cumberland.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street with a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Peter’s Cathedral 315 Wyoming  Avenue, Scranton. Interment Saint Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Wednesday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Elizabeth J. Urquhart

July14, 2014

Elizabeth J. Urquhart, 96, of Colorado Springs Colorado and formerly of Dunmore died Monday at Pikes Peak Hospice, Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert C. Urquhart. Born in Dalton, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Mary Evelyn Newton Pringle. Prior to her retirement, she was a manager for a dress shop and was a orthodontic assistant.

She is survived by her son  Robert A. and wife Barbara Urquhart of Colorado Springs, CO; two daughters Betty J. Breckenridge of Texas and Patricia Pennell of Arizona fifteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter Gloria.

Graveside services will be held on Monday July 21, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. at Dunmore Cemetery, Church Street Dunmore.

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.

Mollie Maloney Conway

June 24, 2014

Mollie Maloney Conway of Dunmore passed away peacefully Tuesday evening in Scranton surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Attorney Mark J. Conway.

Born on April 17, 1964 to the late Eileen Kelly Maloney and Robert Joseph Maloney, she was a long-time resident of Dunmore and a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul’s Church in Scranton. Mollie attended St. Paul’s School, Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton.

She married the love of her life, Mark, on December 30, 1988 and they celebrated 25 years of marriage this past December.

Mollie spent her life completely devoted to her family, her friends and her community. Her all-encompassing and unceasing love for her husband, her four sons, three daughters and their beloved dog, Quincy was obvious to all who were privileged to have witnessed it. Their homes in Dunmore and Lake Ariel were filled with laughter, kindness, a lot of noise and above all, love. Her enormous generosity was often anonymous in support of food pantries, social services or a friend who was carrying a cross too heavy to bear. She was, at her core, genuine and unafraid to extend her graceful hand without being intrusive to anyone who needed help.

After a stunning cancer diagnosis in October of 2011, Mollie, a very private person, began a journey that she shared with thousands of people. She became a beacon of hope, an example of tremendous strength and a constant reminder of the power of faith.

Mollie was selected as the Scranton Times-Tribune Mother of the Year in May 2013 for her spirit and dedication to her seven children. She received the Tribute to Courage award from the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in November 2013 for the bravery and tenacity she exhibited as she fought for so many in the battle against cancer. Most recently, she was the honoree in May at this year’s record-breaking Coaches vs. Cancer event, where she was recognized for setting a standard for hope and an example for living life.

She is survived by her husband, Mark; her children, Kelly, Philadelphia; Max, Maddie, Jack, Bob, Caroline and Patrick, all at home. Also surviving are her siblings, Sharon Quinn; Brian Maloney and wife, Angela; Tim Maloney and wife, Nancy; Kerry Maloney and wife, Jody; Margi Clark and husband, Brian; Eileen Lyons and husband, Tom; Noreen Rowland; Kelly Lyons and husband, Charlie; Katie Kucharski and husband, Stanley; her second Conway Family, Kim Callejas and husband, Al; Mari Donnelly and husband, Billy; Jack Conway and wife, Susan; Billy Conway and wife, Ann. She was honored to be called Aunt by over sixty nieces and nephews and forty great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Casey Conway; her parents, Eileen Kelly and Robert J. Maloney; her mother- and father-in-law, Marjorie Wenzel and John F. Conway; and her brother-in-law, Doug Rowland.

The Conway family would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated professionals who extended compassion and exceptional care and support to Mollie over the past two-and-a-half years, specifically, Dr. Lisa Thomas, the entire staff at Northeast Radiation Oncology Center, and Dr. Edward Cullen.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Interment, Dunmore Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church. To offer an online condolence, visit ODonnellfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer of NEPA, Mollie Conway Memorial, 712 South Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517.

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.

Marie L. Giannetta

June 23, 2013

Marie Lavina Giannetta, 94, of Dunmore, passed away on Monday morning at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania. She was the wife of the late Anthony J. Giannetta. They had been married for fifty-five years.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Marie McLaughlin Parsons. Marie was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School. She cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. One of her greatest delights was caring for her grandchildren. She enjoyed all family gatherings, Sunday bingos and occasional trips to the Atlantic City casinos. Marie was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and for years belonged to the Dunmore Women’s Club.

Surviving are a son, William and wife Helen, Dunmore; a son-in-law, Frank Brown of Roaring Brook Township, grandchildren  Alicia Insley and husband, Sean, Roaring Brook Township, Frank Brown and wife, Valarie, Palmetto Florida, Lauren Tur and husband Joseph, Dunmore, Anthony Giannetta, Dunmore; three great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by a daughter, Marie Brown and a sister, Thelma Mizenko.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the third floor staff at the Jewish Home for the loving care they extended to Marie. Because of their kindness and compassion, Marie was able to live her final years feeling comfortable and content.

The funeral will be Saturday from the  Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street, Dunmore. Interment Saint Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, 1101 Vine Street, Scranton, PA 18510. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellfuneral.com.

Rose A. Bewick

June 24, 2014

Rose A. Bewick, 93,  of Dunmore died Tuesday at Moses Taylor Hospital. She is survived by her husband John “Jack” Bewick. They were married for sixty-six years. Born in Dickson City, she was the daughter of the late Owen F., DDS. and Ellen McGovern Tackney. She was a graduate of Dickson City High School and the Powell School of Business.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.

Also surviving a daughter Ellen B. and husband Dale Matthews of Dickson City, two sons,  John Bewick of Old Forge, and Thomas O.  and wife Susan Bewick of Dunmore,  six grandchildren; Jeff Matthews, Shaun Bewick and wife Jackie, Jennifer Allen and husband Chris, Christopher Bewick, Tom Bewick, Jr., and Gina Bewick two great-grandchildren; Lily Matthews, and McKenna Bewick,  and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister Anne Tackney.

The funeral will be Friday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment Dunmore Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellfuneral.com.

Fredrick R. Kapmeyer

June 10, 2014

Frederick R. Kapmeyer of Dunmore died Tuesday in the VNA Hospice Unit at Geisinger – CMC Hospital in Scranton.

A lifelong resident of Dunmore, he was the son of the late Frederick Kapmeyer and Robert and Dorothy McClymer Coyne. He was a graduate of Dunmore High School and a veteran of the United States Army. Prior to his retirement he was employed by Kaman Industrial Technologies, where he received many awards for achievement.

He was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore where he actively volunteered with the youth group.

An avid fan of Dunmore football, he was devoted to the team and acted as treasurer of Friends of the Bucks.

Surviving are two sons, Frederick and wife Shannon of Throop, and Brian and wife Bridget of Dunmore, a sister Judy Roche and husband Frank of Leesburg, Virginia, two grandchildren William and Kevin and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The funeral will be Saturday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment will follow at Saint Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. All those attending the funeral should proceed directly to the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of the Bucks 300 West Warren Street, Dunmore. To offer an online condolence visit O’Donnellfuneral.com.

Hope Narsavage

June 9, 2014

Hope Narsavage of Dunmore died Monday at the VNA Hospice Unit at Geisinger-CMC. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of Stanley F. and Mary Jean Stolarik  Narsavage of Dunmore and was a graduate of Dunmore High School. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Dunmore.

Also surviving are  her fiancé Jason Smith, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart for all the compassion and care shown to Hope and her family in their time of need. The family would like all memorial contributions sent to Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment  will  be private. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellfuneral.com.

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.

Elise B. Rivera

June 7, 2014

Elise B. Rivera of Fleetville died Saturday at the Lackawanna Health and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness. Born in Camden, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late James B. Rivera and Barbara Ackerson Mason. Elise was raised in Dalton and was a graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School. She received her bachelors Degree from the York Academy of Arts. Prior to her illness, she had been a graphic artist for the CATO Institute in Washington D.C.

Surviving are two brothers Jaime Rivera of Northhampton, and Bruce A. Rivera of Factoryville, three sisters Luz Mila Pilar Rivera of Hershey, Leslie Mason Moran of Scranton, and Penny Mason of Clarks Summit and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a goddaughter, Clara Korbutiak.

The family wishes to recognize the nurses and staff of the Lackawanna Health and Rehabilitation Center and all the medical professionals who have taken care of Elise over the years.

A memorial service will be held on June 29, 2014, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn, PA.

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore

Robert A. Kries

May 25, 2014

Robert A. Kreis, 84, a resident of the Gino Merli Veteran’s Center passed away on Sunday May 25, 2014. Born and raised in Dunmore, son of the late Albert A. Sr. and Helen Hadden Kreis, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Marie C. Buckley Kreis in 2000 and his son, Michael in 1999. Bob was a proud graduate of Dunmore High School, Class of 1947. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Scranton in 1952, and an Associate of Science degree in Electronics from Temple University in 1957.A Korean War veteran, Bob served in the 194th Engineer Battalion.  He was a member of the McHugh-Bushweller  Post 3474 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Dunmore. Bob was also a lifelong member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church and it’s Holy Name Society.

With his father, and brother, Al, he spent his career as an owner and operator of A. A. Kreis and Sons Jewelry and Appliances, a mainstay at the Dunmore Corners for 80 years.  In his retirement, Bob was an able assistant to his son, Joe, co-owner of Cordaro Electric.

Bob is survived by two daughters, Jeannie McDonald and husband, Kevin of Dunmore and Kathleen Boyd and husband Tim, Whitehall; two sons, Timothy and wife, Denise, Lake Ariel, and Joseph and wife Erin of Dunmore; five grandchildren; Senior Airman William Kreis, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, SC, Robert Kreis, Philadelphia, Samantha Kreis, Dunmore, and Ian and Jonathan Boyd, Whitehall; sisters-in-law Betty Gavin, Scranton, and Cathy Abdalla and husband, Mike, Moosic; brother-in-law, Bill Buckley, Moosic;  nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins. Bob was also preceded in death by his brother Albert A. Kreis, Jr., and sisters Jeanne Walsh and Mary Stuckart.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of the Gino Merli Veteran’s Center for the compassionate care Bob received during his stay.  Always treated with the utmost dignity and respect, their many kindnesses to Bob and his family will never be forgotten.An avid fan of the Dunmore Bucks, Bob was devoted to the teams and attended games until his health precluded him from doing so.

The funeral will be Friday from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore with a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut Street Dunmore. Interment with full military honors at Dunmore Cemetery. Friends may call  on Thurssday from 4:00 P.M.  to 7:00 P.M.   Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Dunmore High Booster Club, 300 West Warren St., Dunmore, PA 18509. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellFuneral.com.

Joan M. Dietz

May 17, 2014

Joan M. Dietz, 83, formerly of Dunmore, died May 17 at Allied Skilled Nursing Center.
Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Loretta M. Sheridan Dietz and was a graduate of Dunmore High School. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.

Surviving are a brother, Jack Dietz, Dunmore; a nephew, Patrick and wife, Chris Dietz, Clarks Summit; a niece, Ann Wasnetsky, Dunmore; great-nieces and great-nephews; and cousins.

She was also preceded in death by a nephew, Thomas J. Dietz; and a sister-in-law, Dolores Dietz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Interment will be private.

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore. To offer an online condolence, visit ODonnellFuneral.com.

Alice Rainey Remmett

May 10, 2014

Alice Rainey Remmett of Scranton died Saturday at the Green Ridge Health Care Center, Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis M. Remmett who died August 2, 1996. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth Thayne Rainey and was a graduate of Saint Patrick’s High School, Scranton. Prior to her retirement she was the Chief Auditor for the International Correspondence School for over fifty years. After retirement Alice was a volunteer at Moses Taylor Hospital for many years. She was a member of Saint Patrick’s Church, West Scranton. She was an avid reader.

Surviving are several nieces and nephews including Judy and Ed Henning and Shirley Powell her caregivers and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Rainey, Madelyn Mawn and Elizabeth Andres; seven brothers Walter, Cyril, Edward, Francis, Jerome, Harry, and Donald Rainey

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel 1605 Oram Street, Scranton. Interment Cathedral Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday morning at the church from 10:00 A.M. until mass time. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellfuneral.com

Arrangements Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore.

Monsignor Chester A. Gajewski

May 2, 2014

Monsignor Chester A. Gajewski, a resident of Villa Saint Joseph, Dunmore, died on Friday, May 2, 2014.

Monsignor Gajewski, son of the late Louis Joseph and Mary Zlotowski Gajewski, was born in Nanticoke on March 3, 1926. He received his early education at Saint Mary’s School, Nanticoke and graduated from Nanticoke High School. Monsignor Gajewski received his A. B. from Mount Mary’s College, Orchard Lake, Michigan in 1946. He completed his studies for the priesthood at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan and was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1950 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, PA, by the Most Reverend William J. Hafey, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Monsignor Gajewski served as assistant pastor at Transfiguration, Hazleton; Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Scranton; Sacred Hearts, Dupont; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Dunmore. He was appointed Director of the Catholic Youth Center, Scranton on September 10, 1968 and served in that capacity until his appointment as Administrator of Saint Michael’s Church in Olyphant in 1971. Monsignor was appointed as Pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Scranton on September 4, 1973.

Monsignor Gajewski was named a Prelate of Honor by His Holiness, Pope Pius VI, on September 22, 1973. Along with his pastoral duties he served as a Diocesan Consultor; as Moderator of the Diocesan Councils of Catholic Men and Catholic Women; Chaplain of the Catholic Daughters of America; and the Junior Catholic Daughters. He was a Chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America and coordinated a campaign for Federal Tax Credit Legislation.

Monsignor Gajewski is survived by his nephew Reverend Jerry Prusakowski, O.F.M. He was preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Leonard Gajewski; and his sisters Stella Prusakowski and Leona Cieplick.

Viewing will take place at Transfiguration Church, 213 West Green Street, Hazleton, PA, on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Transfiguration Church, Hazleton.
A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Scranton, on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Transfiguration Church, Hazleton. Viewing will also take place Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Nanticoke.

Funeral arrangements provided by Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, Dunmore, PA.

Floyd A. Zawacki

April 29, 2014

Floyd A. Zawacki, 87, of Olyphant died Tuesday at Moses Taylor Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife the former Rose Mecca. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Anthony and Cecelia Ostroski Zawacki and was educated in the Scranton School District. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II. Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Cinram Corporation. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Dunmore.

Surviving nieces and nephews are James and Teresa Skaluba his caregivers,  Jean Skaluba, Sandy Gabriel, Paul Skaluba, Fred Skaluba, and many great nieces and nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by a sister Dorothy Skaluba and two nephews Robert and David Skaluba.

A special thanks to Mark and Dorothy Kavalow for always being there. He also loved to travel, he had a great love for all his dogs, and last but not least he enjoyed his hand radio that he listened to every night.

Friends may call on Saturday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge Street Dunmore. Interment  at Saint Catherine’s Cemetery Moscow will be private. To offer an online condolence visit ODonnellFuneral.com.

Betty J. Scholla

April 16, 2014

Betty J Scholla. 83 of Dunmore, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Dunmore, daughter of the late Rudolph and Hanna Gettings Scholla , she was a graduate of Dunmore High School Class of 1947. Betty was a member of Christ The King church and Immaculate Conception Church. She was a long time employee of the University of Scranton in the Annual Fund Department. Her fun loving spirit and quick wit brightened many lives .

Betty is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Joan Ardizoni, Lynn Fidiam, Clem and Ed Palevich.

She was preceded in death by her 4 sisters, Mary Farrell, Mimi Palevich, Ann Ryan, Jean Ardizoni and 3 brothers Bob, Frank and Billy Scholla.

The funeral will be Tuesday. from the Albert P. O’Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Mon. from 4:00 P.M. to 7: 00 P.M. .To offer an online condolence visit O’Donnell Funeral.com.