Obituaries for 2017 September, October, November – Winter 2018 Newsletter
Written by Tom Kashatus The Newport Township Community Organization (NTCO) has added an obituary page to its quarterly newsletter as of the 2014 winter issue. These obituaries are in reference to individuals who have ties to Newport Township and/or Newport Township High School. This page has been receiving favorable news reviews from our readers and we hope that it continues into the future. The obituaries in this newsletter are published in abbreviated form due to limited space; thusly, it has been decided to run a more complete obituary on our web site, www.newporttownship.com, (to include employment, survivors, predeceased family, church membership, funeral director, place of interment, etc.) as space available is not a relative issue. There is also a link leading to the original newspaper obit or that of the funeral home. As usual, your comments are always welcome; and, if someone is missed, please notify this writer at [email protected] or call (570) 736-6981.
(01)
MILLER, Joseph R. “COACH”, 70, a life resident of Glen Lyon, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017, Joe was born in Nanticoke on May 15, 1947, and was the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn (Makowski) Miller. He was a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “65.” He retired from Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18 as a special education paraeducator. “Coach” Joe coached boys basketball at Hanover Area, girls basketball at Greater Nanticoke Area, and Newport Township youth basketball and football. He received the 1978 Outstanding Citizenship Award in Newport Township. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary “Mamie” Makowski. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Palmira (Gregory) Miller; daughter, Shelly Marie; brother, Michael and his wife, Barbara; and foster children Elizabeth, Dusty, and Christian. Arrangements were made with George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home of Glen Lyon; and interment was in Saint Nicholas Cemetery, Glen Lyon.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-r-miller-coach&pid=186557998
(02)
STRAUB, Leonard C. 83, of Glen Lyon, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017, in Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Leonard was born in Kingston on October 15, 1933, and was the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Catherine (Labatch) Straub. He attended Kingston schools and was a US Army veteran. He retired from Ray R. Hedden Construction Co. and Laborers Local 130. He was a founding member of Newport Township Firemen’s Community Ambulance. He was predeceased by his sisters, Florence O’Keefe and Elizabeth Frederick; and brother, Joseph Straub, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Betty (Gavrish) Straub; daughter, Jane Straub, brother, Thomas Straub; and special family members, Daniel & Leona Kowalski. Arrangements were made with George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home and interment was in Saint John the Baptist Cemetery, Glen Lyon.
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YEAGER, DENNIS E. 77, of Mountaintop, died Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at home. Known as “Virg,” he was born in Nanticoke on June 17, 1940, and was the son of the late Clifford and Carol Yeager. He attended Newport Township schools until he enlisted in the US Army in 1957 serving in Kentucky and Hawaii. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Carl Yeager. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cathy (Rinehimer) Yeager; daughter, Missy Barnes, and her husband, Wally; and sister, Joyce Arnold. Arrangements were made with McCune Funeral Home of Mountaintop.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=dennis-e-yeager&pid=186591015
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DOBROWOLSKI, Matilda B., 88, a lifetime resident of Glen Lyon, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Guardian Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Sheatown. Matilda was born in Glen Lyon and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Domkowski) Dobrowolski. She was a graduate of Newport Township High School and Bellevue School of Nursing, New York City. She retired as a registered nurse from Retreat State Hospital in 1981. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Leonard, Stephen, Frank, and Joseph. She is survived by her sister, Theresa Dobrowolski, of Laflin. Arrangements were made with George A. Strish, Inc. Funeral Home of Glen Lyon; and burial was in Saint Michael’s Cemetery of Glen Lyon.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesleader/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=186588637
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WASENDA, Peter Jr., 88, formerly of Alden, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017, at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Peter was born in Newport Township on October 8, 1928, and was the son of the late Peter and Mary (Danchak) Wasenda. He was a graduate of Newport Township High School and retired as a heavy equipment operator from the international union of the Operating Engineers Local 542. Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Norma Jean (Repotski) Wasenda; and son, Paul Wasenda. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Jo Rushin; Susan Boyek, and huisband, Charles, and Elizabeth Wasenda. Arrangements were made with Earl Lohman Funeral Home Inc. of Nanticoke; and interment was at Saint Mary’s Cemetery of Hanover Township.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=peter-wasenda-jr&pid=186601446
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MUNTZ, John J., 53, of Nanticoke, and formerly of Newport Township, passed away Friday morning, September 8, 2017, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Plains Township. John was born in Nanticoke on September 1, 1964, and was the son of the late John G. and Joyce (Jakes) Muntz. He attended Newport Township schools and John S. Fine High School. John was a US Navy veteran and was employed by Caremark Corp. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Dirreen) Muntz; son, John Matthew Muntz; and brother, Michael Muntz, and his wife, Terry. Arrangements were made with Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home, Inc. of Nanticoke.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=john-j-muntz&pid=186610644
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KLUGER, Margaret “Dolly,” (nee Madajewski) 88, of Alden, passed away Monday, September 11, 2017, at her home. Margaret was born in Nanticoke on July 10, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Leonard and Anna (Wengryn) Madajewski. She attended Newport Township schools and was a member of Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church of Alden. Prior to her retirement she was employed as a cafeteria supervisor at KM Smith School in Alden until 1994. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Stanley, in 2009. “Dolly” is survived by her son, David, and his wife, Marlene, of Dallas; daughters, Jane and husband, Richard Stubb Sr., Marysville; and Mary Lee and husband, Dr. Donald Reese, of Nanticoke; sisters, Leona Peterson of Toms River, NJ; Theresa and husband, Edward Castellani, Hillsborough, NJ; and Antoinette and her husband, Thomas Kaylen, of Plainfield, NJ. Arrangements were made with Grontkowski Funeral Home P.C. of Nanticoke; and interment was in Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Polander Hill, Alden.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=margaret-kluger-dolly&pid=186645357
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SHIPP, Thomas, 65, of Ridgeview, Newport Township passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 12, 2017, surrounded by family. Thomas was born in Nanticoke on October 28, 1951, and was the son of Theresa Margolski. He graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor’s degree from King’s College. He retired as a Corrections Officer from SCI-Dallas after a 31 year career in the PA Department of Corrections. He was predeceased by his grandparents Stanley and Anna Shipp. Thomas is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bernice (Prushinski) Shipp; and sons, Thomas, and his wife, Kristine, of Nanticoke; and Tyler and his fiancée, Kaitlyn. Arrangements were made with Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home of Nanticoke; and interment was in Saint Mary’s Cemetery of Hanover Township.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-d-shipp&pid=186656495
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BREWER, Louise Marie, (nee Becker) 74, of W. Railroad Street, Alden, died Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Louise was born October 11, 1942, and she was the daughter of the late John and Louise (Devine) Becker. She was predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth Laury. She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Conway Bell, and her husband, Michael, of Alden; Carolyn Conway Dunbar; sons, William Patrick Conway, and wife, Samantha; and Francis Brewer, and wife, Ruth; sisters, Rosanna Ruth Squares, Edna Mae Becker, and Catherine Wasiuta; and brother, John Becker. Arrangements were made Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home Inc. of Nanticoke.
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YURCHAK, Daniel, 75, a guest at Manor Care, Kingston, and a former resident of Alden, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. Daniel was a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “60.” Arrangements were made with Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 South Main Street, Plains Township.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?pid=186619108
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ZOMCHICK, Christine (nee Stashak), 81, formerly of Glen Lyon, passed away. Christine was a graduate of Newport Township High School. She was the wife of the late John Zomchick and mother of Cheryl Ann Zomchick, Dolores Baloga, Mary Bilotta, and Joan Martin. Interment was on September 6, 2017.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?n=christine-zomchick&pid=186567917&fhid=9920
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GARBETT, Ronald, 68, of Alden Mountain Road, Newport Township, died Sunday, September 24, 2017, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. Arrangements were made with Earl Lohman Funeral Home Inc. of Nanticoke.
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HICKS, Marilyn Pearl (nee Adams), 77, of Wanamie, passed away September 27, 2017, at Celtic Hospice, in Geisinger South, Wilkes Barre. Marilyn was the daughter of the late Daniel and Eunice (Cragle) Adams. She attended Newport Township schools and was employed by Alta and Penn Footwear and RCA of Mountain Top. Besides her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, William J. Hicks; brothers, Donald, Edward, and William; sisters, Janice and Nancy; She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Addison; sons, Joseph Adams and Eugene Adams; sisters, Patricia Graboske and Linda Hanlon of Glen Lyon; and brothers, John Adams of Glen Lyon and Ken Adams of Nanticoke. Arrangements were made with Clarke Piatt Funeral Home of Hunlock Creek; and interment was at Oakdale Cemetery in Hunlock Creek. .
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=marilyn-pearl-hicks&pid=186817849
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DAVIS, Alex Jr., 84, of Alden passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at his home. He is survived by his wife, the former Joan Berjewski Davis. Private funeral services were held from George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., Glen Lyon. There were no calling hours.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=alex-davis-jr&pid=186831851
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DOMBROSKI, Irene J., (nee Kellar), 83, formerly of Mountain Top and Alden, passed away October 5, 2017, at the Thorwald Home, Carlisle. Irene was born in Alden on July 5, 1934, and was the daughter of the late John and Josephine (Telitski) Kellar of Alden. Irene graduated from Newport Township High School and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing as a RN. She worked at Columbia University Medical Center in NY, Smith Nursing Home in Mountain Top, and retired as a home health care nurse. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Bob Dombroski; brothers, Alexander, Walater, and Edmund; sisters, Blanche Kellar, Helen Kielar, Mary Kowalski, Leona Farrell, and Alfreda Perch. She is survived by her children, Mary Ann Edwards, Easton; Janice and Mark Pfeiffer, Philadelphia; and Robert and Michelle Dombroski, Carlisle; siblings, Henry Kellar of Nanticoke, Celia Zukoski of Pottsville, and Emily Kellar of Wilkes Barre. Arrangements were made with McCune Funeral Home of Mountain top; and interment was at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
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PEHALA, Anna A. (nee Wallace), 89, of Warrior Run entered into heaven’s gates on October 8, 2017. Anna was the mother of Paul M. Pehala of Wanamie and the sister of Joseph P. Wallace of Alden.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=anna-a-pehala&pid=186897399
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HOWELL, Elizabeth A. (nee Barron), 101, of Sheatown, passed away peacefully Friday morning, October 6, 2017, at Wyoming Manor, Wyoming. Elizabeth was born in Glen Lyon on May 24, 1916, and was the daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Butchko) Barron. She was a homemaker and volunteered for many organizations during her lifetime. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Harry Jr.; sisters, Emma Isdepski and Helen Laskowski; and brothers, John, Joseph, and Paul. She is survived by her son, Harry Howell III and his wife, Janice, of Glen Lyon. Arrangements were made with Davis-Dinelli funeral Home of Nanticoke and burial was in Saint John the Baptist Cemetery, Glen Lyon.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?pid=186897367
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SCHONFELD, Morton “Moe.” 91, a resident of Guardian Health Care, Sheatown, and father of James Schonfeld of Sheatown, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=morton-schonfeld-moe&pid=186926360
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NAJAKA, Bruno Bruce III, 63, of Nanticoke, formerly of Newport Township, and husband of Sandra Ann Chest, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017.
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FAULL, Carol Ann, 79, of Hood River, OR, formerly of Nuangola and raised in Wanamie, passed away at Ashley Manor in Hood River on August 30, 2017. Carol was born in Wilkes Barre on October 30, 1937, and was the daughter of the late Lester and Emma (Whitebread) Faull. She was a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “55” and King’s County Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn. Carol also received a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree, became a registered vascular technologist, and retired as Director of the Vascular Diagnostic Center of Glen Ridge. She is survived by her brothers, Thomas and wife, Fran, of Moneta, VA; and Ralph of Marion, NY. Arrangements were made with Anderson’s Tribute Center of Hood River and interment was in the family plot in Slocum Township.
http://www.hoodrivernews.com/obituaries/2017/sep/01/carol-faull/
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SEIWELL, Kristie Jo (nee Bates), 44, of Sheatown, and formerly of Slocum Township, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2017, in Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Kristie was born January 11, 1973, in Wilkes Barre and was the daughter of Michael and Dee (Pfau) Bates of Slocum Township. Her biological father was the late John Borick. She was a graduate of Crestwood High School, Wilkes Barre Vo-Tech School of Nursing, and worked in a number of nursing homes throughout the Valley. Kristie is survived by her husband of 22 years, Anthony Seiwell; children, Anthony Kristopher and Brianna; brothers, John Jr. and wife, Nicole; Michael and wife, Aly; Timothy and wife, Kellie; and sister, Bridget. Arrangements were made with Mammary-Durkin Funeral Service.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?pid=187011944
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TURNER, Frank W. “Kabitzer,” 72, of Orchard Street, Glen Lyon, passed away Friday, October 20, 2017, in Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Frank was born in Nanticoke on July 5, 1945, and was the son of the late Donald and Beatrice (Howard) Turner. He attended Newport Township schools and served his country as a US Marine from 1963 to 1967. He was a member of the Glen Lyon American Legion Post 539. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Edison, NJ, and later as a Correction Officer at SCI-Dallas. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Shirley Womelsdorf ; son, Thomas John Turner Sr.; brothers, John and Donald “Nick” Turner; and sister, Betty Bogdon. Frank is survived by his children, Shannon Lee Turner, Glen Lyon; David Turner and his wife, Kelly, Hanover Township; and Kevin Turner, Glen Lyon. Arrangements were made with Davis-Dinelli funeral Home, Nanticoke; and burial was in Newport Cemetery.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=frank-w-turner-kabitzer&pid=187011940
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YARMILKOWSKI, Josephine R. (nee Olszewski), 95, formerly of Mocanaqua, died Monday morning, October 30, 2017. Josephine was the mother-in-law of Thomas Kutz, formerly of Glen Lyon, and mother of Paula (Koznik) Kutz, both Newport Township High School graduates.
http://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/directory/?affiliateId=1538
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LANNING, Tyler William, 34, of Harveys Lake, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2017, at home. Tyler was the grandson of Carl and Marilyn (Rushin) Roszkowski, formerly of Glen Lyon and graduate of Newport Township High School.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=tyler-william-lanning&pid=187125154
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BOLDUC, Christine, 46, of Orchard Street, Glen Lyon, died in a two vehicle crash on Route 93, 800 Broad Street, Hazleton, on Tuesday, October 24, 2017.
http://citizensvoice.com/news/police-glen-lyon-woman-killed-in-crash-1.2259387
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ADAMS, Kevin T., 48, of Shavertown, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017. Kevin was the grandson of the late Daniel and Eunice Adams, formerly of Wanamie.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?pid=186558001
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BOBACK, Kenneth G., 78, of Ashley, and formerly of Alden, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017, at Tiffany Court, Wilkes Barre. Kenneth was born in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke and was the son of the late John P. and Helen (Wanchisen) Boback. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “56.” He attended Villanova University and Penn State University and received a master’s degree in mathematics. He retired as a mathematics professor from Penn State University (Lehman Campus) and played in the polka band of Joe Stankey. Kenneth is survived by his wife, the former Sandra Jarowsewicz, formerly of Wanamie, and daughter, Stephanie, of Alden. Arrangements were made with Grontkowski Funeral Home P,C. of Nanticoke and interment was in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=kenneth-g-boback&pid=187168149
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ZMIJEWSKI, Narcey Sr., 86, of Nanticoke, born and raised in Glen Lyon, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017. Narcey was the son of the late Alexander and Genevieve (Machinski) Zmijewski and a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “50.” He was a US Air Force veteran serving with the 512th Bombardment Squadron during the Korean War and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He retired from Acme Markets after employment of 37 years. He was a member of Saint John’s Lutheran Church, Nanticoke and volunteered much of his time to youth sports. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Henry and Edward; and sisters, Frances, Bertha, Julia, Mamie, and Alberta. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Shirley Hummel; and sons, Narcey Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Allentown; Robert and Dale of Nanticoke. Arrangements were made with Davis-Dinelli funeral Home of Nanticoke; and interment was at Hanover Green Cemetery, Hanover Township.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?pid=187210923
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SZMIDT, Constance “Connie” B. (nee Tirpak), 85, of Blackwood, NJ, and formerly raised in Glen Lyon, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017. “Connie” was born on October 10, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Andrew and Catherine (Selecky) Tirpak. She was a graduate of Newport Township High School class of “50” and the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in nursing. After working as a nurse at U of P, “Connie” retired as a school nurse from Gloucester Township, NJ and Chews Landing, NJ. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Andrew Tirpak. She is survived by her husband, Walt; sons, Tom; Mike (Kathy), David (JoAnne), and Robert (Jeannie); and brother, Father Adrian Tirpak. Arrangements were made with Egizi Funeral Home, Washington Twp., NJ; and interment was in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing, NJ.
https://www.egizifuneral.com/obituary/constance-connie-b-szmidt/
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OSTROWSKI, Donna, 64, of Mountain Top, and formerly of Wanamie, died Nov. 13, 2017. Donna was the daughter of the late Leo and Theodosia (Gorczyca) Ostrowski and attended Newport Township schools. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother, Gene; and is survived by her sister, Anita Ogin of Wapwallopen. Arrangements were held at the convenience of the family from the Daniel J. Hughes Funeral & Cremation Service, 617 Carey Ave., Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesleader/obituary.aspx?n=donna-m-ostrowski&pid=187265730
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MIKOLINIS, Jane M. (nee Sweeney), 84, of Nanticoke, and formerly of Glen Lyon, passed away Friday, November 17, 2017, at Arden Courts of Old Orchard, Easton, PA. Jane was born in Newport Township on August 25, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Valenia) Sweeney. She attended Newport Township schools and retired from working in the business office of the GNA School District. Besides her parents, Jane was
predeceased by her husband, Edward Mikolinis. She is survived by her son, Thomas, and wife, Janice of Delta; daughters, Colette Knipe of Easton, and Michele Turner, and husband, Kevin of Kent, WA; sister, Romaine Butka of Hanover Township; and brother, Robert Sweeney of Huntington. Arrangements were made with Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home Inc. of Nanticoke and burial was in Holy Trinity Cemetery of Sheatown.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=jane-m-mikolinis&pid=187301582
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NOVAK, Loretta A. (nee Michalek), 89, a resident of Birchwood Nursing Home, Nanticoke, and formerly of Glen Lyon, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017, in Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Loretta was born June 5, 1928, in Glen Lyon, and was the daughter of the late Steven and Agnes Michalek. She attended Newport Township schools and was a member of the former Saint Adalbert’s Church. Loretta retired from working in the local garment industry for many years… Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and infant daughter, Bernadine… Loretta is survived by her son, Richard, and his wife, Christine, of Nanticoke; and daughter, Diane Rybak, and her husband, Kevin, of Nanticoke; brother, Thomas Michalek of Brooklyn Park, MD. Arrangements were made with Grontkowski Funeral Home of Nanticoke and interment was in Saint Adalbert’s Cemetery of Glen Lyon…
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=loretta-a-novak&pid=187277717
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ZIMOLZAK, Czeslawa “Chesha” (nee Kania), of Lebanon, PA, passed away Friday, November 24, 2017. “Chesha” was born in Pietrzykowice, Poland and was the daughter of the late Anthony and Joanna (Zabek) Kania. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Chester Zimolzak, formerly of Glen Lyon; and children, Matthew, Joanne, and Tom. Arrangements were made with Thompson Funeral Home, Inc.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizensvoice/obituary.aspx?n=czeslawa-zimolzak-chesha&pid=187347114