Obituaries by LocationNorman Gelber
(November 15, 1917 - February 19, 2017)
U.S. Veteran
Norman Gelber, 99, of East Stroudsburg, died peacefully in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 19.
He shared his story, with his son Ben, a meteorologist on NBC4 in Columbus, in “A Journey Through Alzheimer’s” to help support other families going through similar experiences.
Born in the Bronx, New York, on Nov. 15, 1917, he was the son of Benjamin and Mollie (Drucker) Gelber. He was an English professor at East Stroudsburg University from 1961 until retirement in 1985, although he continued to give guest lectures in the community on writing and literature.
During the 1930s, Norman Gelber joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, before taking a position in advertising on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
In December 1941, he enlisted for flight training with the U.S. Army Air Corps, and later completed his military career in the B-29 engineering program, while working in Ontario, California.
After World War II, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then traveled overseas for further academic work at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where he earned a postgraduate diploma. He went on to teach in the English department at the University of Frankfurt in Germany, before returning home to be with family in New York City, when his father was terminally ill.
Norman later earned a master’s degree in English at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, and enrolled in the doctoral program. His specialization was Elizabethan literature. During the course of his academic studies, he met his future wife, Judith Frisch, who lived near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and they were marriage
on June 27, 1954, after a short romantic courtship.
His teaching career resumed at Seaford High School in Delaware, before accepting a position as an English instructor at the University of Kentucky for several years.
Norman Gelber joined the faculty at East Stroudsburg State College (ESSC) in the fall of 1961, where he had a distinguished 25-year teaching and playwriting career, and was voted as one of the most popular and endearing professors-particularly for his intellectual puns. He composed six one-act plays, one of which was produced on campus, and wrote “Reading Plays for Pleasure.”
He was also an avid model airplane hobbyist who built and flew planes, and enthusiastically shared his skills with friends and neighborhood children. He was a member of Temple Israel in Stroudsburg, for 50 years, both teaching and delivering guest sermons on theology and literature.
Norman Gelber was a loving, gentle father and deeply devoted husband of wife Judith, who passed away in 2010. He is survived by two devoted sons, Ben of Hilliard, Ohio, a meteorologist with NBC4 (WCMH), who writes weather articles for the Pocono Record, and Daniel, a music teacher and band director, of Flower Mound, Texas; grandsons Austin Jacob, Justin, Joshua and Jordan, and granddaughter Rachel; niece Isrella (Frisch) Knopf; and nephews Michael Frisch and Mark Frisch.
The funeral service will begin at noon on Thursday, February 23, at Temple Israel, 711 Wallace Street, Stroudsburg. Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Middle Smithfield Township.
In holding with Jewish tradition, no flowers will be accepted. The family requests that memorial remembrances be made to Temple Israel of the Poconos.
Charles C. Heeter
(May 24, 1930 - February 17, 2017)
U.S. Veteran
Charles C. Heeter, 86, of East Stroudsburg, passed away Friday evening, February 17, 2017, at Kindred Hospital in Dover, NJ. He was the husband of Joan (Stellmer) Heeter with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.
Born May 24, 1930, at home in East Stroudsburg, he was a son of the late Claude and Elsie (Hoffecker) Heeter and was a lifetime resident of East Stroudsburg.
He was a Korean War Veteran having served in the United States Navy for four years on the U.S.S. Pittsburgh ship.
Charles worked at Patterson Kelly in East Stroudsburg from 1955 until retiring in 1996.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1106 in Stroud Township, American Legion in Bushkill, and the Barger Lodge #325 F&AM.;
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Terry Heeter and wife Brenda of Lexington, KY; two granddaughters, Tara Bauman of East Stroudsburg and Abbey Heeter of Lexington, KY; a great-grandson, Bennett Bauman; and his canine pal, Jake. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Ray Heeter and David Charles Heeter; and a sister, Lois Halterman.
Viewing will begin at 12:30PM followed by the funeral service at 1:30PM on Wednesday, February 22, at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg. Pastor Mertice Shane will officiate. Burial will follow at Keokee Chapel Cemetery in Paradise Valley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to Monroe Animal League, P.O. Box 23, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Larry P. Post, Sr.
(February 25, 1948 - February 9, 2017)
U.S. Veteran
Larry P. Post, Sr., 68, of Smithfield Township, died suddenly early Thursday morning, February 9, 2017, upon arrival at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono in East Stroudsburg after being stricken at home. He was the husband of Joellen (DeHaven) Post with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.
Born on February 25, 1948 in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of the late Preston G. "Jake" and Virginia (Fabel) Post and was a lifetime resident of Monroe County.
He was a Vietnam veteran having served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.
Larry was a custodian for the Stroudsburg School District until retiring five years ago.
He was a member of Thomas P. Lambert Post 2540 VFW in East Stroudsburg and Twin Borough Invitational Pool League.
In addition to his wife, surviving are two sons, Larry and Matthew Post both of Marshalls Creek; two grandchildren, Steven and wife Ronna of Manchester, CT and Emily and fiance Ahren of Marshalls Creek, a sister, Dianne Thorn of East Stroudburg; two brothers, Emmett Post and wife Diane and Allen Post and wife Esther all of Phoenix, AZ; several nieces and nephews; and his best pal, Max.
As per Larry's request, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.
Richard F. "Dick" Romansky, Sr.
(May 17, 1928 - February 10, 2017)
U.S. Veteran
Richard F. "Dick" Romansky, Sr., 88, of Stroud Township, died Friday morning, February 10, 2017 at Grace Park in Stroudsburg where he was a resident. He was the husband of the late Gloria L. (Margretta) Romansky with whom he shared 68 years of marriage at the time of her death on November 10, 2014.
Born on May 17, 1928 at home in Pocono Township, he was one of fourteen children to the late John and Kathryn (Jason) Romansky. He grew up on the family farm in Henryville and lived in Stroudsburg for most of his life.
He owned Romansky Modernizing Company and was a general contractor who used his many talents to remodel businesses and homes, including his own, throughout Monroe County. He enjoyed his work projects and was excited to receive tools as Christmas gifts. Dick will also be remembered for maintaining the Little Flower Catholic Girls Camp in Tobyhanna for many years.
Dick served as a Private in the United States Army in 1946. He was a member of St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church in Stroudsburg and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1106 in Stroud Township; and was a former member of the B.P.O. Elks #319 in East Stroudsburg.
His enjoyment was playing golf in local leagues; and he and his wife enjoyed vacationing in Florida and the Bahamas, cruising, and extended visits with family and friends.
Until a few years ago, he and his wife enjoyed spending the winter months in their Phoenix Tower condo on Singer Island in Palm Beach, FL. While there Dick served as vice president of maintenance on the Board of Directors, and enjoyed playing golf and fixing a leaky faucet or two. He and Gloria made many new friends who stayed in touch after they moved back to Stroudsburg.
Surviving are three children, Kathryn Rieger and husband Dr. Richard of Stroudsburg, Richard F. Romansky, Jr. and wife Beverly of Massillon, OH and Daniel Romansky and wife Tammy of West Deptford, NJ; six grandchildren: Paul Rieger and wife Colleen, Lisa Rieger, Adam Rieger and wife Leanne, Ryan Rieger and wife Tara, Angela Romansky and Jenna Romansky; seven great grandchildren: Vincent, Dominic, Jillian, Chase, Ashlyn, Madison and Jessica Rieger; a sister, Eleanor Cramer and husband Arthur; a brother, Louis Romansky; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances and Helena; and nine brothers, John, Victor, Henry, Stanley, Edward, Joseph, Adam, John S. and Leonard.
Viewing will begin at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 15, at St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, 818 Main Street, Stroudsburg. Rev. Carmen Perry will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund, 60 Spangenburg Avenue, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
The family thanks Grace Park staff and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care, service and kindness during his residence there.
Roberta J. Balcik
(February 23, 1927 - February 20, 2017)
Roberta Jean Balcik, 89, of Stroudsburg, died early Monday morning, February 20, 2017, while under hospice care at home. She was the widow of Stephen M. Balcik, Sr..
Born February 23, 1927 in East Stroudsburg, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ione (McGuire) Cramer and was a lifetime resident of Monroe County.
Prior to retiring, she worked at Bell Telephone and East Stroudsburg University cafeteria.
Roberta was a member of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church and volunteered at Pocono Medical Center.
Her hobbies included bowling, golfing, reading and puzzles; and she loved dogs.
Surviving are two children, Roberta L. Balcik and Thomas S. Balcik both of Stroudsburg; and two grandsons, Shane and Matthew Balcik both of Stroudsburg. She was preceded in death by a son, Stephen G. Balcik, Jr..
Visitation will begin at 1:00PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM on Friday, February 24, at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg. The Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley will officiate. Burial will follow at Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg.
The family requests that memorial remembrances be made to East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 83 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
