Peter J. Marek, Jr.
April 29, 2004
Peter J. “Pete” Marek, Jr., 57, was called to the Lord on April 29th, 2004, in Kharkov, Ukraine, where he worked as a Christian missionary.
Pete was born Dec. 23, 1946, in Towanda, son of the late Peter and Rose Marek. He is survived by a brother, Patrick Marek, of Seattle WA. Pete grew up in Terrytown and graduated from Wyalusing High School in 1964. He attended the Air Force Academy, graduating in 1968, followed by 12 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.
Pete left the Air Force as a captain in 1980, in order to pursue graduate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He earned an MBA degree there and discovered a love for teaching. He was self-employed as a tutor and part-time college instructor until 1998. He was also very active in Cornerstone Community Church of Mountlake Terrace, WA.
Starting in 1993, Pete answered a calling to help new Christian churches in Russia and Ukraine, particularly to set up Bible school programs. From 1998, he spent up to 10 months of each year doing missionary work in Ukraine.
Memorial services were held on Monday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Church in Mountlake Terrace, WA. Interment was at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorials may be directed to Cornerstone Community Church, P.O. Box 200, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, in Pete’s memory, to aid the Bible teaching work that was his heartfelt calling in Ukraine.
Arrangements were by Beck’s Funeral Home Edmonds, WA.
George Kolbeck
May 17, 2004
George Edwin Kolbeck, 75, of Mill Street, Pittston, PA, died Monday, May 17, 2004 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Ulrick and Melissa Swank Kolbeck. He attended Pittston schools.
He was employed at Portable Space, Exeter. Mr. Kolbeck was a member of St. Casimir’s Church, Pittston.
He was also a member of the American Legion Post #534, Wyalusing and the Lithuanian Club, Pittston.
He was honored just last weekend at a surprise 75th birthday party at the Victoria Inns, Pittston Township, given by his children.
He was everyone's “Pop” and will be sadly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by a son, William; brothers, Joseph and William; sisters, Katherine Wayda and Ruth McGuire.
Surviving are his wife, the former Arlene Mariani; sons, Edwin and George, both of East Brunswick, NJ; Kevin, Roselle Park, NJ; Kenneth, West Wyoming; daughters, Donna Grundman, Allentown; Theresa Vaccaro, Downingtown; Georgeann Manganiello, Pittston and Diane Miller, Moosic; a daughter-in-law, Rosemary Kolbeck, Wyalusing; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held Friday, May 21 at 9 a.m. from the Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 in St. Casimir's Church, Pittston.
Interment will be in the parish cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Michael Rayanic
March 16, 2004
Michael Rayanic, 93, Meshoppen, PA, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at the Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock.
He was born in Jessup on Nov. 19, 1910, a son of the late Max and Olga Maciejowsky Rayanic.
He was married to the former Mildred Doshna, who predeceased him.
Mr. Rayanic was a dairy farmer and had previously worked for Allied Bendix Co. in South Montrose.
A veteran of the United States Army, he was a former member of St. Andrews Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. He was an avid reader and loved working in his garden.
Survivors include a son, Steve Rayanic, Meshoppen, and a grandson. Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary, Pauline and Anna and five brothers, John, Nicholas, Marshall, Stephen and Walter.
Memorial services will be held at the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, on Thursday, May 20 at 11 a.m., with the Pastor Jane Bensley of the Fairdale United Methodist Church.
Interment will be in St. Andrews Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cemetery.
Helen Stethers
May 15, 2004
Helen Machuga Stethers, age 83, of 459 Hickory Grove Road, Horseheads, NY, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2004 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira. She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth H. Stethers, formerly of the Wyalusing/Camptown area, on Sept. 1, 1999.
Visitation was held at the Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St., Elmira, on Sunday, May 16 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Prayers were offered there on Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church on Park Place, Elmira, with Rev. Walter Wainwright, Celebrant.
Committal prayers and interment followed in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira.
Memorial donations may be made to the Falek Cancer Center, 600 Roe Ave., Elmira, NY 14901 or to the Leukemia Research Foundation.
Joseph Wenner
May 18, 2004
Joseph Lee Wenner, age 85, of Lopez, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 18, 2004.
Joe was born Nov. 4, 1918 in Nuangola, son of the late Lee Arthur and Barbara Fleig Wenner. He graduated from the Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre, a member of the Class of 1934. He began working for Booth’s Garage in Eagles Mere and married the former Helen Frances Klem of Lopez on Sept. 27, 1941. They resided in Lopez, and until he entered WWII. He served in the U.S. Army as a First Sergeant in the European Theatre in the battle of the Rhineland.
After returning home, Joe worked a brief time for Frank Calaman’s garage in Mildred. He then opened his own business, Wenner’s Garage in Mildred. Joe also owned and operated a school bus for the Sullivan County School District, retiring from his businesses in 1971. He later served as a Colley Township Supervisor for many years.
Joe was a member of Trinity Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Mildred. He was a member of McDermott Post #452 American Legion, Mildred and a member of Evergreen Lodge #163 F&AM, Monroeton and former member of the Williamsport Consistory.
Surviving are his spouse, Helen, at home; a son and daughter-in-law, George L. and Ruth Ann Wenner, Ridley Park; a daughter and son-in-law, Lee A. and Kenneth Bond, Jim Thorpe; five grandchildren: Karen Freeman, John J. Wenner, Stephen Bond, Kevin Bond, Katherine Bond; five great-grandchildren, Alex Freeman, Mitchell Freeman, Daniel Freeman, Taylor Wenner, Chloe Wenner; brothers and sisters in law: Frank and Joan Klem, Mike and Mary Lou Klem, Esther and Miles Little, Tillie Davis, Rosalie Burke, Josephine Klem; numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by a sister, Edith Stalvey of Satsuma, FL.
The funeral will be held on Friday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home and will be followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Trinity Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Mildred, with the Rev. Robert W. Brown, officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Dushore.
Friends may call at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.
There will be a Masonic Funeral Service at 7 p.m. Graveside Military Services will be accorded by members of McDermott Post #452 American Legion, Mildred, and members are asked to assemble and pass in review on Thursday evening at 7:15 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family will provide the flowers and memorials may be directed to Trinity Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 426, Dushore, PA 18614.
Jimmie Dieffenbach
May 14, 2004
Jimmie F. Dieffenbach, 71, of Astor, FL, formerly of East Towanda, PA, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2004 at the Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares, FL.
Born April 2, 1933 in Dushore, he was a son of the late Richard S. Dieffenbach and Helen Munley Dieffenbach.
Jimmie was a graduate of Cherry Township High School, Class of 1951 and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. He later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. Jimmie was a resident of East Towanda before moving to Astor, FL to make his home.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Salt Springs, FL, Towanda American Legion Post No. 42, Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge of Lynne, FL, Bradford County Outboard Motor Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Astor.
Surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Helen Dieffenbach of Wyalusing, Michael and Janice Dieffenbach of Canton; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary and Harold Renninger of Towanda, Deborah and James Brown of Wyalusing; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Dieffenbach of Astor, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Dieffenbach on Oct. 25, 2000.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, May 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 21 at 9:30 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Third St., Towanda, with Rev. Ronald Hughes, pastor, as celebrant.
Interment will follow in Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills, with Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 according full military honors.
Morris Smith
May 6, 2004
Mr. Morris E. Smith, age 82, of RR3, Box 3090, Laceyville, PA (Edinger Hill), passed away at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Thursday evening, May 6, 2004.
Born in Breslau in Luzerne County on July 13, 1921, he was the son of the late Theodore and Mary Tubbs Smith.
Morris was a farmer and farm machinery equipment mechanic, working for 20 years for Allie Miles Poultry Farm on Spring Hill; five years for Marian Bennett Dairy Farm in Silvara and the last 43 years for John Parys Farm and Equipment Sales in Laceyville.
He was a member of the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church in Laceyville and he was also a long-standing member of the NRA. In the winter months, he very much enjoyed deer hunting.
Morris is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Doris A. Shoemaker; two daughters, Mrs. Tom (Barbara) Champluvier of Laceyville and Ms. Dolores Sharer of Wyalusing; three grandsons; one granddaughter; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Howard Smith in 1968, Albert Smith in 1966, Harold Smith in 1910 and Carl Smith in 1973; three sisters, Lela Bulford in 1975, Myrtle Smith in 1930 and Druie Turner in 1965.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 11 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. Beverly Murphy of the South Auburn United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was in the Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Monday evening, May 10 from 7 to 9 and on Tuesday, one hour prior to the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church, RR1, Laceyville, PA 18623 or to the Laceyville-Meshoppen Ambulance Assoc., PO Box 274, Laceyville, PA 18623.
Jean Quava
May 10, 2004
Alice Jean Quava, 61, of Easton and Laporte, PA, died on Monday, May 10, 2004 at Doylestown Hospital in Doylestown, PA after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma.
Born in 1942 in New Brunswick, NJ, she was the daughter of John and Ann (Krupa) Cegielski. Jean worked as a licensed beautician and also as a Dental Assistant/Office Manager for many years. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Church in Laporte. Jean was also involved with the Laporte Women’s Club and the Laporte Little Theatre for many years.
Surviving Jean are her husband, Ray; daughter, Kelley (and husband, Jim) Tallia of Doylestown, and their three children, Dalton, Alicia and Colby; daughter, Kim (and husband, Todd) Albrecht of Old Bridge, NJ and their three children Colin, Aidan and Logan; her mother, Ann Cegielski of South River, NJ and two sisters, Faith Williams of Forked River, NJ and Marie Vavra of South River, NJ.
Jean was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Jean’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends, whom she cherished above everything else. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 15 at Sacred Heart Church, Laporte, with the Rev. David R. Betts, pastor, presiding. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Reception immediately following at the Laporte Fire Department Hall.
Arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Emily Nicole Newhart
May 4, 2004
Emily Nicole Newhart, of Rushville, PA went to be with her Lord, Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Endless Mountains Health Systems, Montrose, PA. Born Dec. 26, 2003 in Johnson City, NY, she was the daughter of Roger Newhart, Jr. and Sheena Truesdail.
Besides her parents, survivors include maternal grandmother, Karen Harvey and John Carosella, Binghamton, NY; maternal grandfather, Martin, Sr. and Veronica Truesdail, Owego, NY; paternal grandmother and grandfather, Roger Newhart, Sr. and Pam Labbe, Rushville; aunts, Brandy, Alicia, Stephanie, Mindy, Corina and Jamie; uncles, Jason, Curt and Marty; cousins, Tayler and Sierra Knight; several great aunts, uncles and cousins; maternal great-grandmother, Peggy and Richard Slater, Conklin, NY; paternal great-grandfather, Howard Hendrickson, Friendsville; maternal great-grandmother, Julia DeGaramo, Endicott, NY; maternal great-grandfather, James and LouEtta Russell, Owego, NY; maternal great-great-grandmother, Shirley Stuart, Cameron, NY.
Services were held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 8 at the Bartron-Myer Funeral Home, Inc., a Selected Independent Funeral Home, 74 Church Street, Montrose. The family received friends one hour prior to services on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rush First Response Unit and Rush Volunteer Fire Co., PO Box 5, Lawton, PA 18828.
Richard Liddick
May 5, 2004
Richard C. Liddick, age 80, of Stevensville, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
He was born on Sept. 3, 1923 in Perry County, Duncannon, a son of the late Harem Calder and Verna Mae Lenker Liddick.
Richard is a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II, and afterwards attended agricultural school.
On Sept. 12, 1953, Richard married his wife, the former Elsie Wright. It was a loving and devoted marriage of over 50 years.
The Liddicks moved to Stevensville in 1978. Prior to his retirement, he was a foreman for Deer Park Lumber.
Richard enjoyed working in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and especially time spent with his family.
He leaves surviving his wife, Elsie, at home; his children, Richard Michael Liddick of Halifax; Fredrick and Cathy Liddick of Millersburg, Gregory and Judy Liddick of Laceyville, Kevin “Pudd” and Dawn Liddick of LeRaysville, Felicia “Babe” and Robert Goodenough of Terrytown, Jeffrey “Joe” and Cathy Liddick of Berlin, WS; a daughter-in-law, Linda Liddick of Halifax; sisters and brother, Evelyn Sterner, Ernest “Punk” Liddick and Pearl Rutan; 20 grandchildren and 11-1/2 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, F. Andy Liddick in 2004 and H. Keith Liddick in 1975.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Helen Learn, pastor of the Camptown Community Church, officiating.
Interment was in the Camptown Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by American Legion Post No. 534 in Wyalusing.
Friends and family called on Friday evening, May 7 at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852.
Joseph Heil
May 9, 2004
Joseph M. Heil of RR2, Meshoppen, PA, died on Sunday, May 9, 2004 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. He was born in Scranton on July 23, 1927, a son of the late Edward and Margaret Ludwig Heil.
He was a Navy veteran of WWII and prior to his retirement in 1992, he was employed at Schott Glass Technology in Duryea as a machine shop supervisor. He was a member of the Black Walnut American Legion Post #510, serving as adjutant.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian Novack; sons, Joseph Heil, Jr. and Michael Heil; sisters, Marie Lally, Lydia McGurrin, Peggy Andrews and a stepdaughter, Beth Nedlik.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Rainville; a son, Stephen F. Heil of Tunkhannock; a daughter, Eva Williams of Tunkhannock; stepson, Scott Barber of Stroudsburg; stepdaughters, Susan Mansur of Tyngsborough, MA, Malana Nall of Sugarland, TX; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, Inc., 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until the time of the service.
Those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Louis Croft
May 11, 2004
Louis R. Croft, 76, of Rienze, RR2, Wyalusing, PA, passed away on Tuesday evening, May 11, 2004 at the home where he was born, following an extended illness.
Louis was born on June 28, 1927, a son of Louis Croft, Sr. and Isabel (Johnson) Croft.
On Jan. 10, 1954, he married the former Lillian L. Vanderpool. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in January 2004.
Louis was a dairy farmer for most of his life, which he enjoyed doing very much until failing health would no longer allow him to continue. He retired from farming in 1982. Following his retirement from farming, Louis was employed by the Northeast Bradford High School and Senior Citizens Building in Bradford County as a maintenance technician until his final retirement in 1988.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lillian, who provided wonderful care for him, especially for the past four years; his son, Ronald Croft of Wyalusing; his daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Brad Delamater of Wyalusing; four grandchildren. Ronald Louis Croft and his fiancée, Debra Talada of Troy, Melissa Ann Chilson and her husband, Brad Chilson of Rome, Jessica Ann and Devin Louis Delamater of Wyalusing; two great-grandsons, Billy Stephen Chilson of Rome and Ryan Louis Croft of Troy; a sister, Doris Simons of Elmira, NY; a sister-in-law, Helen Croft of Waverly, NY; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald and Pat Vanderpool of Wysox and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, an infant daughter, Linda Louise; brother, Harry; sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Carl Vanderpool and Jennie and Carl Ward.
The family will receive friends on Friday evening, May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda.
The funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Harry L. Ferguson, officiating.
Interment will follow in the Wyalusing Cemetery.
Gerald Bradshaw
May 5, 2004
Gerald Bradshaw, age 73, of Stevensville, PA, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 5, 2004 at the Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock.
He was born on June 27, 1930 in Wyalusing, a son of the late John Daniel and Isabelle Carlin Bradshaw.
Gerald is a graduate of Wyalusing High School and was a member of the FFA while at Wyalusing.
He has lived his entire life in Bradford County and was a self-employed dairy farmer and retired after an accident when he was 60 years old.
Gerald enjoyed farming and working in the outdoors.
He leaves surviving a sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Robert White of Stevensville and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Charlotte Bradshaw.
A graveside memorial service will be held in Beaver Meadows Cemetery, with the Rev. Virginia Miner officiating, and will be announced by McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the HOPS Ambulance Association, c/o James Seipler, RR1, Box 280, Rome, PA 18837.
Carl E. Kirchmeier
April 30, 2004
Carl E. Kirchmeier, 84, of RR3, Meshoppen, PA died Friday, April 30, 2004 at his home. Born Sept. 8, 1919 in Perth Amboy, NJ, he was the son of the late Carl E. and Julia Geiger Kirchmeier. Mr. Kirchmeier married Anna Dolan on Sept. 26, 1953, who survives.
Prior to serving in the US Army during WWII, he worked for the Railroad in New Jersey.
After moving to Pennsylvania, he worked for the former Bendix Corp. in South Montrose for many years. Additionally, during the 1970s, he owned and operated the Haven of Rest Campground, now known as End of Day Campground.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a sister, Alma Welch, of Binghamton, NY; a brother, Eugene Kirchmeier, of New Milford and numerous nieces and nephews.
Three brothers, George, Warren and Ralph Kirchmeier predeceased him.
Services were held 8:30 p.m., Monday, May 3 at the Bartron-Myer Funeral Home, Inc., a Selected Independent Funeral Home, 74 Church Street, Montrose. The family received friends from 7 p.m. until time of services on Monday. The family provided the flowers and suggest, that if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 5020 Ritter Road, Suite 106, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 10 Union Square East, Suite 5L, New York, NY 10003.
Caroline Ellsworth
April 26, 2004
Caroline Fassett Ellsworth, age 69, of Black Walnut, Laceyville RR1, PA, formerly of New Albany, passed away on Monday morning, April 26, 2004 at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock.
Born Dec. 30, 1934 in Tuscarora Township, she was the daughter of the late Olin Fassett and Mae Hawley Fassett. Caroline was employed by the Herman Rynveld Company in New Albany for many years.
Surviving are her children, LaVisa Kuntz of Cincinnatus, NY, John S. Goodwin of Laceyville, James S. “Skeeter” Goodwin and his fiancée, Wendy Dennis of Laceyville; a stepson and his wife, Robert and Monica Ellsworth of Elmira, NY; granddaughters, Victoria, Autumn and Ashley Parkhurst and Samantha Goodwin; a step-granddaughter, Becky Ellsworth; brother, Morris Fassett, Wyalusing; sisters, Wanda Fassett of the Colonial Towers, Towanda, Helen Wimberly of Florida; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Willard Ellsworth on May 30, 1986 and a sister, Jeanette Shoemaker.
Funeral services were private. There were no calling hours.
Interment was in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery, Tuscarora Township.
Derwood Davis
May 3, 2004
Derwood Davis, age 70, Tunkhannock, PA, passed away on Monday evening, May 3, 2004 at the Carpenter Care Center in Tunkhannock, after an illness.
Born in Forty Fort on Dec. 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Harold C. and late Rita VanHorn Davis.
He was employed by Davis Construction Company in Tunkhannock and formerly sold building supplies.
A graduate of the Laceyville High School, Class of 1943, he was a member of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church and formerly the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church.
A WWII veteran of the Army Air Corps, he was a member of the American Legion Post #510, Black Walnut. Other memberships included the Laceyville Lodge Free and Accepted Masons.
A very talented artist, he was known for his oil paintings.
Survivors include his two daughters, Rev. Susan Davis, Endicott, NY and Mary Jo Warring, Albany, NY; two sons, Ted, Tunkhannock and Marty, Stroudsburg; an aunt; an uncle and seven grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock on Friday, May 7 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Lacey St. Cemetery, Laceyville.
Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 6.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Mr. Davis’s name.
Helen Caccia
April 30, 2004
Mrs. Helen Maximiek Caccia, age 89, of Elmira, NY, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2004 at the Chemung County Nursing Facility in Elmira, NY.
Helen was born April 8, 1915 in Lopez, a daughter of the late Conrad and Mary Kelchava Maximiek. She attended local schools and worked for the former Weldon Mfg. of Lopez.
Helen was a homemaker and lived in Elmira Heights.
Helen was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Elmira Heights, NY.
Surviving are four sons and daughters- in-law, John and Victoria Caccia, Jr., Elmira, NY, Joseph and Edda Caccia, Naperville, IL, Ronald and Sharon Caccia, Orlando, FL, James and Laura Caccia, Cincinnati, OH; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Michiko Maximiek, Bloomsburg, Mrs. Catherine Maximiek, Lopez, Mrs. Margaret Maximiek, Lopez; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson and several nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by seven brothers: Peter, John, Samuel, Harry, Frank, Michael and Steve and a sister, Mrs. Alice Warchola.
Burial services were held on Monday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, with Hieromonk Michael Thier, pastor of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Church, Lopez, officiating. Interment will be in St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Cemetery, Lopez.
Friends called on Sunday, May 2, at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. There was a Parastas Service at 7 p.m., Sunday evening at the funeral home.
George Donnora
April 24, 2004
George C. Donnora, 61, of Park St., Exeter, PA, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2004 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Charles and Catherine Serratore Donnora.
He attended Exeter schools and was a member of the Wyoming Hose Co. #2, Wyoming.
He is survived by his wife, the former Constance Salus; a daughter, Lisa Mulhern, Pittston; a son, Ronald, Pittston; brother, Anthony, Mehoopany; four grandchildren and one niece and one nephew.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 28 at 9 a.m. from the Frank A. Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Exeter.
Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton, Kingston Twp.
Friends called Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Dylan Parsons
April 25, 2004
Dylan Richard Parsons, born March 21, 2004, infant son of Danielle Cartwright and Richard Parsons went home to the Lord on Sunday, April 25, 2004 in New Albany, PA.
Dylan is survived by his parents; a brother, Justin Hunsinger; loving grandparents, Thomas “Joe” Cartwright and Carol Lord of Phelps, NY, Donna and Leland Ayers and Harry and Kathy Vanderpool of Towanda; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends.
Dylan was predeceased by his grandmother, Durinda Cartwright and grandfather, Donald R. Parsons.
A private service will be held on Friday, April 30 at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the New Albany Volunteer Fire Department or to the Bradford County Humane Society in Baby Dylan’s memory.
Leon Wizelman
April 23, 2004
Leon “Spike” Wizelman, 86, was called to be with the Lord on Friday morning, April 23, 2004 at his home in Lake Wesauking.
Born June 17, 1917 in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Bertha and Benjamin Wizelman.
Mr. Wizelman was a graduate of Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, Class of 1935. Upon graduating from high school, Spike attended the Rising Sun Aviation School where he obtained an aircraft and engineer’s license. His first job was an aircraft mechanic at the Baderville Airport in Atlantic City. During World War II, Spike served in the Civilian Air Corps giving flight lessons to our troops. While working as the manager at the Gettysburg Airport, he met his first wife and married the former Bette Outwater on July 14, 1945.
Spike and Bette moved to the Towanda area in 1950 and upon receiving the Pontiac-Cadillac automobile franchise from General Motors in that same year, entered into business with Bette’s father and mother, John and Eleanor Outwater. Bette passed away on May 3, 1988.
Besides being a master craftsman with wood, Spike was notoriously noted for his storytelling skills and sense of humor. He could entertain people for hours with his cleverly worded anecdotes, whether real or fiction. Through the name “Spike” was given to him as a younger man for his “hard as nails” personality, in his later years, Spike was noted for his gentle and soft outlook on life, as well as his humorous ease with people.
Spike married the former Clara McNeal on Sept. 24, 1995 and they resided in the “round” house on the north side of Lake Wesauking.
Besides his wife, Clara, other survivors include a daughter, Leslie H. Wizelman of Lake Wesauking; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Lorraine Wizelman of Asylum Township and Todd and Belle Wizelman of Homets Ferry; a granddaughter and her husband, Star and Mark Gubbiotti of Noxen; stepchildren, Dottie and Ernie Yates, Donna and Irvin Smith, Connie and James VanHorn, Richard and Lois McNeal, Randy and Terry McNeal, Patti and Tim Coyle, Terri and Richard LaBarre and Greg Simons, as well as numerous step-grandsons and step-granddaughters.
The family received friends on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda. The funeral service was held on Monday at 2 p.m. at the Wysox Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Roger Griffth officiating. Interment followed in the Wysox Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Wysox Presbyterian Church, in care of Margaret Gordon, RR2, Box 260, Wysox, PA 18854 and the Wysox EMS in Mr. Wizelman’s memory.
Chris Higley
April 22, 2004
Chris Dean Higley, age 41, of New Albany, PA, died on Thursday evening, April 22, 2004 in Overton, PA.
He was born on May 29, 1962 in Troy, a son of Dawin M. and Phyllis Caseman Higley.
Chris is a 1980 graduate of Sullivan County High School.
He has been employed at Taylor Packing, Inc. for over 20 years.
In 1989, Chris moved to New Albany from Dushore.
He is a member of the Shunk United Methodist Church.
Chris enjoyed camping, being in the outdoors, hiking and motorcycles.
He is survived by his parents, Dawin and Phyllis Higley of Shunk; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria and Arthur Baggott of Deltona, FL, Dora and Warren Brown of Montoursville; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Glenn Higley of Ocala, FL, David and Donna Higley of Wyalusing, Clayton Higley of Shunk; special friends, Dale and Daisy Bacorn, Barto, WVA; 16 nieces and nephews; eight great nieces and nephews and several aunts and uncles.
A private graveside memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 28 at 11 a.m. in the Shunk Cemetery.
Friends and family called on Tuesday evening, April 27 at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The family provided their own flowers and suggests that memorials be directed to the Shunk United Methodist Church or a charity of one’s choice in Chris Higley’s memory.
Edward Casselbury
April 22, 2004
Edward Casselbury, age 68, of New Albany RR1, PA, passed away on April 22, 2004 at Allied Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton.
He was born on March 31, 1936 in East Herrick Township, a son of the late Edward, Sr. and Lydia Woodruff Casselbury.
On Feb. 2, 1960, Edward married the former Delina Dodge. It was a devoted marriage of 44 years.
He is a lifetime resident of Bradford County and prior to retirement, due to declining health, was engaged in dairy farming. Ed worked on the following local farms: Eastabrook Farm, Allis Hollow; Belcher Farm, LeRaysville; Terascavage Farm, Homets Ferry; Lou Alderson Farm, LeRaysville, and last at Thall Farm, New Albany.
Ed enjoyed time spent with his family, hunting, fishing and always enjoyed playing cards. He had a special fondness for his special dog, Mikey and his cat, Chris.
It was of great enjoyment and pleasure to him to have an annual Easter Egg Hunt. He and his wife, Delina would spend weeks in preparation and planning of this fun family event. He thoroughly enjoyed hiding the eggs and having gifts for everyone. His nieces, nephews and their families will fondly remember the enjoyment that this annual event brought to each of them.
Ed also enjoyed attending and helping sell tickets for the annual Fourth of July celebration and auction held in Herrickville.
He leaves surviving his wife, Delina Casselbury, at home; a stepdaughter, Ruth Ann Force of Durell; a very special nephew, Mike Casselbury of Springville; a brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Dorothy Casselbury; five sisters and a brother-in-law, Elizabeth Bowes of Florida, Viola Brink of Stevensville, Cora Fish of Wellsburg, NY, Rosa and Steve Shafer of LeRaysville, Gertrude Hitchcock of Stevensville; sisters-in-law, Harriet Casselbury, Delores Casselbury and Florence Casselbury; very special friends, Alberta Thall and son, Bruce and Dianna and by his many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Lydia and Edward Casselbury, Sr., he was also preceded in death by brothers, Alvie Casselbury, Walter Casselbury, Ralph Casselbury, George Casselbury and Danny Casselbury; a sister-in-law, Janice Casselbury; a sister, Aleatha Brink and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Brink, Clayton Bowes, Robert Fish, Jack Brink and Floyd Hitchcock.
Funeral services were held on Monday, April 26 at 2 p.m. in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, with the Rev. Ronald Troup, pastor, officiating.
Friends and family called on Sunday, April 25 at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Interment was in the East Herrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Herrickville Fire Company in Mr. Casselbury’s memory.
