August 2002
- Harry W. Zerbe
August 19, 2002
Harry Winfield Zerbe, age 76, of Forksville, PA passed away on Monday, Aug. 19, 2002 at the Williamsport Hospital, Williamsport, PA.
Harry was born near Reading, PA on June 16, 1925, a son of the late Oliver and Mary T. Weidner Zerbe. Harry worked for many years as a Machine Operator for Dana Corporation, an Auto Parts Manufacturing Plant in Reading. He retired to Forksville, PA in 1991.
Harry attended and participated in many activities at the Sullivan Terrace in Dushore, PA.
He was predeceased by his wife, Melva L. Zerbe.
Survivors include children in the Reading area and special friends, Connie and Vernon Bogart of Forksville.
Funeral services were held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water Street, Dushore, PA.
Joseph Overfield
August 24, 2002
Mr. Joseph P. Overfield, age 88, of RR 2, Box 295, Meshoppen, PA (Shannon Hill), passed away at Gracious Living Estates in South Montrose on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002.
Born in Meshoppen on May 9, 1914, he was the son of the late William and Mary McGavin Overfield. Mr. Overfield was the husband of the former Virginia Jennings, who passed away on July 27, 1989. They were married for 46 years.
In his early years, Mr. Overfield was employed as a milk truck driver for A.B. Cole and Son in Meshoppen for 30 years. In 1955, he and his family purchased the family farm on Shannon Hill where he had a dairy farm for the next 33 years.
He was a member of the Meshoppen Men’s Club, and in his spare time he enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. He also enjoyed his grandchildren.
Surviving are his sons and their wives, Larry and Jane Overfield of Meshoppen, Bruce and Anna Overfield of Tunkhannock, Scott Overfield of Meshoppen and Jeff Overfield of Phoenix, AZ; daughters and their husbands, Carol and Craig Bridgman of Stonington, CT, Andrea Overfield and Barry Moyer of Fleetwood, PA, Jill and Tom Hoffman of Laceyville and Lisa and Peter Townsend of Meshoppen; brothers, Byron Overfield and Donald Overfield, both of Montrose; also 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard (Dick) Overfield in 2001; granddaughter, Stephanie Overfield in 1995; a brother, Henry Overfield and two sisters, Irene Fuller and Ethel Bunnell.
Funeral and committal services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with Rev. Kenneth Bitler, pastor of the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Overfield Cemetery, Meshoppen. The Overfield family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12 noon until the time of service.
Ethel Kitchen
August 20, 2002
Ethel M. “Susie” Camp Kitchen, 80, of Wyalusing RR1, Tuscarora Twp., PA passed away Tuesday Aug. 20, 2002 at the Skilled Nursing Unit, Memorial Hospital, Towanda, PA.
Born April 8, 1922 in LeRaysville, PA, she was a daughter of the late William P. and Jennie Clink Camp.
Ethel was a former employee of Remington Rand in Elmira, NY. She was a former member of the Franklin Twp. Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Ethel’s life encompassed her home and family. She also enjoyed camping, crocheting, crafts, flowers and gardening.
Surviving are her companion of over 20 years, Ray E. Roberts, Sr., of RR1 Wyalusing; five children and their spouses, Sandra and Roy Salsman of RR1 Wyalusing; Delanson and Kimberly Kitchen of Haymarket, VA; Donald and Karen Kitchen of Sayre; Melodie and John McCutcheon of Sayre; Maria and Ron Hadlock of Sayre; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Dean Olsen of Orem, UT; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Camp, Sr. in 1995.
A graveside memorial service was held Sunday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Camptown Cemetery, with Rev. Helen Learn, pastor of the Camptown United Methodist Church, officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, Towanda.
There were no calling hours.
Jewel Lang Fiorini
August 24, 2002
Jewel Lang Fiorini, age 84, of Mildred, PA, died on Aug. 24, 2002 in Charleston, SC. Born October 24, 1917, she was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred. She was the daughter of James Lang and Mary Finan Lang, the sister of John and Ruth Lang. She was married to John Fiorini for 54 years until they were separated by his death in 2000.
Jewel is survived by their four children: John Fiorini, III, Mary Brzezinski. Anne Battin and Mark Fiorini. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Cara Baylus, John C. and Michael Fiorini, William Kimmins and Nicholas and Catherine Fiorini.
Jewel Fiorini was a graduate of Dushore High School and Temple University. She taught English and History at Cherry Township High School (now Turnpike Elementary) from 1939-1950. She taught English and Social Studies at Sullivan Highland High School (Sonestown) from 1957-1963 and at Sullivan County High School from 1963 until her retirement in 1981. She was the faculty sponsor for the Student Teachers of America.
Jewel was very active in the community throughout her life. She served on the Sullivan County Children and Youth Services Board for more than 25 years, becoming an Honorary Board member in 1998. Her dedication to preserving the history and artifacts of Sullivan County led to both the foundation and expansion of the Sullivan County Historical Society, where she was an active member, coordinating volunteers and serving on the Board of Directors. She was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma International, an honorary society for exceptional teachers.
Her family requests that those who wish may make memorial donations directly to the Sullivan County Historical Society, Box 252, Laporte, PA 18626.
Funeral services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Mildred on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 p.m. with interment following the service.
Local arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA.
John Ervine
August 20, 2002
John DeLos Ervine, 77, of Bossier City, LA, died at Shumpard Hospital on Aug. 20, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born at home in Rush Twp., PA, a son of Ray and Hazel Ervine. A graduate of Rush High School, Class of 1942, he entered the U.S. Army Corps and participated in the North African and Italian campaigns during WW II and later served in the U.S.A.F. until his retirement in 1969. He was later employed with the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1985.
He was an active member in the Shreveport-Bossier Chapter of the DAV-Disabled Veterans of LA, the Haughton Lodge #95 F&AM, the Arab Unit of the El Karubah Temple of Shreveport, American Legion Post 388, the Village Lions Club of Haughton, LA, an active participant in the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Posse Program and served as scoutmaster for several years of the Boy Scout Troop sponsored by Love Chapel. John was an active member of the Love Chapel United Methodist Church, having served on several committees.
Survivors include a daughter, Kathy (Bruce) Buck of Milton, FL; two sons, John M. (Debra) Ervine of Meridianville, AL and Patrick D. (Beth) Ervine of Alexandria, LA; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Audrey Keefer of Elizabethtown, PA, Joyce (Jerry) Jayne of Idaho Falls, ID and Kay Ervine of South Waverly, PA; two brothers, Wayne Ervine of Vale, OR and Sidney (Ruth) Ervine of Salina, UT.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence A. “Connie” in 1991; brothers, Gerald in 1987, Curtis in 1991; sisters, Lucy Gerstle in 1985, Marie Strohl in 1998, Irene DaVall in 1998, Myra Ervine in 1995 and Anita Newhart in 1998.
A memorial service was held at Love Chapel United Methodist Church, Haughton, LA on Aug. 23 with the Rev. John Lavo and Rev. Elaine Alston, officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, 222 Gravier Street, Suite B, New Orleans, LA 70111, the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
Catherine Devine
August 21, 2002
Catherine I. Devine, 90, of Windsor, NY passed away suddenly Wednesday evening, Aug. 21, 2002 at River Mede Manor Nursing Home in Binghamton, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Guy W. Devine.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Robert Mallery, Endwell; four grandchildren, Andrew and Mary Lou Mallery, Robert Mallery, Michael and Mary Mallery, Catherine and Kirk Kuntzleman; nine great-grandchildren, Deanna, Melissa, Jessica, Miranda, Erica, Kory, Brian, Kody and Emily; a sister, Pauline Taylor, Apalachin; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Devine, Rush, and Arlene Bennett, LeRaysville; also several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of the Free Methodist Church, Binghamton, a retired employee of Singer Link Corporation, with 17 years of service, a member of the West Windsor Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary for 15 years and a member of the Hilltop Bowling and Senior League.
Funeral services were held at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Main St., Johnson City, NY, Saturday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Elvin S. Murphy officiated. Burial was in Rushville Cemetery, Rushville, PA.
The family received friends at the Funeral Home, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the West Windsor Fire Dept., Karla Drive, Windsor, NY, 13965 in Catherine I. Devine’s memory.
Craig Manney
Aug. 18, 2002
- Craig A. Manney, age 51, of Stevensville, PA, well-known Wyalusing area insurance executive, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002 in Virginia after suffering a heart attack.
 Craig was born in Danville, July 9, 1951, a son of Aaron Manney of Stevensville and the late Shirley Davies Manney. He graduated from the Chichester High School, a member of the Class of 1969 and graduated from West Chester State College in 1973. He married the former Laurie Williams of Wyalusing on Sept. 21, 1974.
Craig began his 26-year career with Tuscarora-Wayne Mutual Insurance Company in August of 1976 in claims. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous promotions and in 1993 was promoted to vice-president of claims.
He continued his education and earned the IIA certification in General Insurance in 1980, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in 1988, Associate in Management in 1990 and Associate in Claims in 1997.
Craig’s professional associations are as follows: president of the Northeast Group Association; member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Society of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, serving as president 1991-1992; member of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Claims Association, serving as president for years 1987 and 1995; past chairman of the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC) claims committee and remained active on the committee; served on the PAMIC Urban Insurance Alternative Task Force and served on the Joint Fraud Prevention Task Force sponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department, the Attorney General’s Office and the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Authority.
Craig was also very involved with his local community and was responsible for the running of the Camptown Races for the past 19 years. He served for several years on the Wyalusing Library Board during the renovation of the building.
He was also very active as a scout leader with Camptown Cub and Boy Scouts. He was Distinguished Unit Commissioner for Pack 4, Troop 4 and Crew 4. He was the Assistant Cub Master for Pack 4 and was wood-badge trained.
Craig was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his spouse, Laurie, at home; two sons, Josh and Tim, both at home; a daughter, Becca, at home; his father, Aaron Manney, Stevensville, and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church with the Rev. Russell Pierce, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Wyalusing Cemetery.
Friends and family called on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, One Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to the Camptown Cub and Boy Scouts, PO Box 512, Wyalusing, PA18853; Wyalusing Public Library, PO Box 98, Wyalusing, PA 18853; Wyalusing United Methodist Church, PO Box 155, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or the Prison Fellowship Ministries, c/o Mail Processing Center, PO Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116-1550.
Gerald Patroskey
Aug. 14, 2002
- Mr. Gerald W. Patroskey, age 53, of RR2, Box 324, Mehoopany, PA (Jenningsville) passed away late Wednesday evening, Aug. 14, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Born in Meshoppen on Nov. 11, 1948, he was the son of Violet Mae Redmond Patroskey and the late Harry Patroskey, who passed away in 1976.
Mr. Patroskey was a graduate of Wyalusing Valley High School, Class of 1967. Over the years, he was employed by the Tunkhannock Shoe Factory, he was a housefather at St. Michael’s School in Hoban Heights and was employed at Procter and Gamble, through Kelly Employment Services.
In his spare time, Mr. Patroskey enjoyed the outdoors, while fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his mother, Violet Mae Patroskey of Tunkhannock; a brother, Robert Patroskey of Tunkhannock; an aunt, Charlotte Fassett of Sayre and several cousins.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with the Rev. Charles Bishop of the Transue Community Church, officiating. Interment was in the Vaughn Cemetery in Mehoopany. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Peter Kilgus
Aug. 19, 2002
- Peter (Pete) M. Kilgus, age 69, of Colley Township, Dushore, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 19, 2002 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
He was born on Dec. 24, 1932 in New York City, NY, a son of the late George and S. Ida Thurston Kilgus.
He was a graduate of Manhassat High School and attended Syracuse University. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Navy.
Prior to his retirement in 1993, he was employed in construction.
He had been a Sullivan County resident since 1974, moving from Altemont, NY.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church of Mildred, the United Iron Workers Union Local No. 489, a lifetime member of Mildred Legion Post No. 452, a lifetime member of New Albany VFW, the White Ash Land Association, of which he was a director and was a charter member and Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge No. 2157 of Rotterdam, NY.
Pete was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Carol Barber Kilgus, at home; a daughter, Mrs. Kevin (Terry) Bullis of Dushore RR1; two sons, Peter Kilgus, Jr., Dushore RR1 and John Kilgus of Mertztown; his four grandchildren, Chad Kilgus, Tara Kilgus, Tim Bullis and Aaron Kilgus.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George Kilgus, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred, with the Rev. Father Michael Harris, as celebrant.
Interment will follow in Bella-Sylva Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Military Pass In Review will be held on Friday evening at 7:15 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mildred Ambulance Association or the Dushore Ambulance, in his memory.
Douglas Cogswell
Aug. 16, 2002
- Douglas Grant Cogswell, Laceyville, PA, passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 at Towanda Memorial Hospital. He was born in Camptown on July 25, 1927, a son of the late Emil B. and Sarah Clapper Cogswell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Guiffre in 1998.
Mr. Cogswell served in World War II as a Merchant Marine from 1944 to 1945 and in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947. Prior to retirement, he was employed as a foreman with Whipple’s Lumber Co., Laceyville, and self-employed in the quarry business and as a truck driver. Mr. Cogswell was a member of the American Legion Post 510, Black Walnut.
Survivors include two sons, Douglas Cogswell, Wilkes-Barre and Emil Cogswell, Wyalusing; two daughters, Ellen Armitage, Laceyville and Joan Cogswell, Washington, DC; a brother, Lavern Cogswell, Enfield, NC; four sisters, Joan Pickett, Laceyville, Esther Pipher, Marietta, GA, Barbara Higgins, Longwood, FL and Rachel (Betsy) Reader, DeBary, FL; ten grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and six great-step-grandhildren. He was preceded in death by one step-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with Rev. William Nelson. Interment was in the Lacey Street Cemetery. Friends called on Monday, Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Laceyville Ambulance Association, Attn: Mable Clark, RR1, Laceyville, PA 18623 or Laceyville Good Will Fire Co., Attn: Joe Colegrove, PO Box 207, Laceyville, PA 18623.
Julia Frystak
Aug. 15, 2002
- Julia Ann Frystak, 13, of Montrose, PA, passed away tragically on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Her mom and step-dad, Kimberly and Kevin Bean, Dimock; dad and step-mom, James and Angela Frystak, Montrose; maternal grandparents, Carl and Cheryl Rinyu, Montrose; paternal grandparents, Walter C. and Alyce M. Frystak, Montrose; great-grandparents, Donald and Ann Morris, Montrose; brothers, Jesse and Tanner Frystak and Marcus Bean; many aunts, uncles and cousins survive Julia. She was named after her late great-grandmother, Julia Frystak.
Julia was a high honors student at the Montrose Area High School, recipient of the U.S. Achievement Academy and All American Scholar Awards. She was very active in after school activities and sports. She was enrolled in the Foxglove Farm where she rode Saddle Seat, a form of English Riding on Morgan and Arabian horses. She was deeply loved by all her family and friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at the Holy Name of Mary Church, Montrose, with Pastor Larry Russell of the South Montrose Community Church officiating. Interment was in the Montrose Cemetery.
Visitation was held on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home
A scholarship fund in Julia’s memory is being established. Donations may be mailed to Community Foundation of Susquehanna County, 36 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18810.
Wilbur Beeman
Aug. 14, 2002
Wilbur L. Beeman, age 79, of Forks Township, Dushore, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
He was born on Oct. 30, 1922 in Forks Township, a son of the late William and Etta Hunsinger Beeman.
Wilbur was a 1941 graduate of Estella High School.
A lifetime resident of Forks Township, he spent his entire lifetime engaged as a farmer.
Prior to his retirement in 1982, he had been employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for eight years and then retired from McCarty and Driscoll after giving 13 years of service.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton, and was formerly a member of St. Paul’s Church Consistory.
He was a poet and also a great hunter and fisherman.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Norma Fassett Beeman, at home; three sons and their spouses, Edward and Barbara Beeman of Alva, FL, Dennis and Mary Beeman of Athens, Jeffrey and Shannon Beeman of Dushore; two daughters and spouses, Pamela and Charles Mapes of Sugar Run and Becky and Crist Espenshade of Hughesville; fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters, Charles, Leonard, Herbert, Helen and Anna Belle.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton, with the Rev. Robert Martin, his pastor, officiating.
Interment followed in St. Paul’s Reformed Cemetery.
Friends and family called on Friday at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
Kristen Barnes
Aug. 17, 2002
- Kristen Lee Barnes, Laceyville, PA, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. She was born in Tunkhannock on Dec. 29, 1981, daughter of Carl W. and Linda Hughes Barnes. Ms. Barnes was a graduate of Wyalusing High School, Class of 2000 and a graduate of Northern Tier Career Center, Towanda, Class of 2001. She was employed as an LPN at Carpenter Care Center, Tunkhannock.
Besides her parents, she is survived by a sister, Kara Barnes, Laceyville; grandfathers, Earl Tinna and George Wisnosky, Jr., both of Laceyville; very special friends, Steph Brabant and Cleveland Carter, several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Thomas and Charlotte Barnes; maternal grandmother, Ina Tinna and an uncle, Clyde Barnes.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville with the Rev. Beverly A. Murphy, officiating. Interment will be in Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville.
John Aspen
Aug. 16, 2002
- John E. (Jack) Aspen, age 73, of Villanova, PA, passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 at the Medical Center of Normandy Farms Estates, Blue Bell, PA.
Jack was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 9, 1928, son of the late Alfred W. and Theresa D’Arcy Frymire Aspen. He graduated from the Overbrook High school and attended St. Joseph’s College. He married the former Eleanor Shaffer of Uniontown on June 7, 1958 and they recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. Jack had a career in the Maritime shipping industry and founded his own business, Aspen Shipping.
Jack was a summer resident of Millview, Sullivan County for many years and was a former member of the Eagles Mere Country Club. He was also a former member of the Atlantic City Country Club and the Downtown Club of Philadelphia. He had also served as a member of the board of directors of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay; board of directors, Philadelphia Marine Trade Assoc. and a member of the World Trade Association Board of Governors for the ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society.
Jack suffered the loss of a leg as a result of a high school football injury. Through great effort and exercise, he became an avid golfer.
Surviving are his spouse, Eleanor, at home; brothers, Alfred W. Aspen, Jr., Lafayette Hill and Richard M. Aspen, Colorado; a sister, Phyllis A. Yarnell, Villanova and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Second Floor, 100 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, 2015 Amherst Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Michael Tokach
Aug. 11, 2002
- Mr. Michael Tokach, age 66, of RR2, Box 2167, Laceyville, PA (Indian Hill), passed away on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002 at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
Born in Plains on Aug. 4, 1936, he was the son of Anna Trabish Tokach of Laceyville and the late Nicholas Tokach, who passed away on July 30, 1982.
 Mike was a graduate of Wyalusing Valley High School, Class of 1954. He was a self-employed farmer on the family farm on Indian Hill. He was also a self-employed custom welder, working in the Laceyville, Meshoppen, Wyalusing and surrounding areas.
He was a member of St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church in Meshoppen. He was also a past member of the American Breeders Service, while he was farming. He was also a past member of the Shadowbrook Bowling Lanes in Tunkhannock. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, the former Freda Ball, to whom he was married for 41 years; two daughters, Jackie Tokach of Harrisburg and Judy and her husband, James Wildonger of Wilmington, DE; a brother, Perry Tokach of Laceyville; three sisters and their husbands, Doris and Fred Storey of Laceyville; Susanne and Louis Smith of Dillsburg and Cindy and Art Johnson of Mehoopany; two granddaughters, Marisa and Christina Wildonger, both of Wilmington, DE; also many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Michael Tokach, who passed away on March 31, 1976.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, (today) Aug. 15 at 9:30 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with a funeral service at St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church in Meshoppen at 10 a.m. with Father Joseph J. Manarchuck of the church officiating. Interment will be in St. Joachim’s Cemetery in Meshoppen.
Family and friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The rosary was recited at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m.
Jacqueline Sznaider
Aug. 9, 2002
- Mrs. Jacqueline Ann Sznaider, age 37, of Dushore, PA, passed away on Friday, Aug. 9, 2002 as a result of an automobile accident in Colley Township, Sullivan County.
Jacqueline was born in Deridder, LA on Oct. 8, 1964, a daughter of William and Frances Martinangelo Devine of Browns Mills, NJ. She graduated from Pennsbury High School, a member of the Class of 1982. She married Walter H. Sznaider on June 11, 1983. Jacqueline attended Bucks County Community College for two years and moved to Cherry Township in Feb. of 2000.
Jacqueline was formerly employed by The Highlands in Laporte and was currently working as a certified nurse’s aide for Allied Services, Scranton.
Jacqueline was a loving and caring spouse and mother and her family was her life. She was also an avid reader and a foster parent.
She was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Dushore.
Surviving are her spouse, Walter, at home; a son, Wesley W. Sznaider, at home; a daughter, Ashley R. Sznaider, at home; her parents, William and Frances Devine, Browns Mills, NJ; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Victoria and Kevin Brown, Levittown, Susan and Ruben Zamora, Valencia, CA, Diane and Ronald Brown, Levittown, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, and were followed with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church in Dushore with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment was in St. Basil’s Cemetery.
Friends called at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.
William Kolbeck
Aug. 10, 2002
- William M. Kolbeck, 50, of Wyalusing RR1, PA, died on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2002 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
Born in Pittston on Oct. 3, 1951, he was the son of George and Arlene Mariani Kolbeck of Pittston. He was a 1969 graduate of Pittston Area High School. Bill was formerly employed at Taylor Meat Packing Co., Wyalusing.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and American Legion Post No. 534 in Wyalusing.
Surviving besides his parents are his wife, the former Rosemary Straka, at home; two sons, William M. Kolbeck, Jr. and Christopher Kolbeck of Wyalusing; his brothers, Kenneth Kolbeck of West Wyoming and George Kolbeck of East Brunswick, NJ; his sisters, Theresa Vaccaro of Downington and Georgeann Manganiello and Diane Miller, both of Pittston; nieces, nephews and one great-nephew.
The funeral was held on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kizis-Lokota Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. at St. Casimir’s Church, Pittston. Interment was in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Pittston.
Friends called at the funeral home on Monday, Aug. 12 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Julia Decker
Aug. 13, 2002
- Mrs. Julia Decker, age 92, of Lopez, PA passed away on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 13, 2002 at the Memorial Hospital, Towanda.
Julia was born in Mildred on Oct. 21, 1909, a daughter of the late John and Julia Elisavage Patrician. She married Andrew Decker of Lopez on Oct. 19, 1937. Julia was a loving spouse, mother and grandmother. She assisted her husband in the operation of Decker’s Restaurant and Tavern in Lopez for many years until their retirement in 1969.
She was a lifelong member of SS Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Lopez and was devoted to the care and cleaning of the church and altar linens for over 30 years.
Surviving are her spouse, Andrew Decker; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Andrew S. Decker, Lopez and Robert and Donna Decker, Levittown; two daughters and a son-in-law, Sister Janet Decker O.S.B.M., Wilkes-Barre and Elaine and Jerry Gehman, Sellersville; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Flora Arenda, Mildred; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Julia was predeceased by a brother, John Patrician of Monroeton and sisters, Mary Flynn and Susan Cox of Dushore and Anna Blair of White Plains, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mildred, with the Rev. James Hayer, pastor of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, Wilkes-Barre, presiding and concelebrated by Rev. Ted Krepp, Protopresbyter and pastor of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, Kingston.
Interment will be in SS Peter and Paul’s Byzantine Cemetery, Lopez.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Terry Strohl, Sr.
Aug. 2, 2002
- Terry L. Strohl, Sr., 51, of Choconut, PA, passed away unexpectedly at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, NY on Friday, Aug. 2, 2002.
He was born in Meshoppen to the late Stanley W. and Rena M. (Davis) Strohl. His fiancee, Shelley J. Lupole, Choconut, survives.
Terry enjoyed the outdoors, mowing the lawn, hunting, playing with the kids and watching NASCAR. He always did his best to help everyone.
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Angel and Harold Palmer, Montrose, Terry L., Jr. and Christine Strohl, Choconut, Pamela and Timothy Carlson, Meriden, CT; stepchildren, Steven and Kelly Lupole, Forest Lake, Jennifer Lupole, Choconut and Jason Lupole, Concord, NC; ten grandchildren, Ashley and Brett Palmer, Allison, Gregory and Jessica Steingraber, Casey Strohl, Stephanie and Kyle Bush, Timothy Carlson, Zachary Lupole; two brothers and their significant others, Alan and Gladys Strohl, Friendsville, Scott Strohl and Linda Shultz, Friendsville; two sisters and significant other, Helen Hurd, Little Meadows, Connie Strohl and Steven Bauer, Newark Valley, NY; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, 64 S. Main St., Montrose, with Rev. King of the Birchardville Baptist Church, officiating.
Interment was in the Rushville Cemetery.
Friends called on the family at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.
Donations can be made to the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Co., Brackney, PA 18812.
Bruce Mitchell
July 31, 2002
- Bruce L. Mitchell, 84, of Montrose, PA, died on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at his home. Born March 29, 1918 in Franklin Township, Susquehanna County, he was the son of the late Earl H. and Erma (Snow) Mitchell. He and his wife Frances (Evans) celebrated 66 years of marriage this past Jan. 29.
He was a member of Montrose United Methodist Church. Additionally, he was a Bridgewater Township Democratic Committeeman for many years. He worked at the former Fairdale Creamery, for 20 plus years at the former Flory Milling Company and also did some farming. He also worked "on the side" selling Knapp shoes, Doebler Farm Seeds and fixing small engines.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Sally M. and Paul Stone, Owego, NY; sons and daughters-in-law, Kendall and Lorraine Mitchell, Lawton, Donald and Elberta Mitchell, Rome; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Clark Dayton, Montrose, Evelyn Knowlton of Kirkwood, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth E. and Isabelle Mitchell, Conklin, NY, Leland R. and Mary Mitchell of Binghamton, NY, Louis K. Mitchell and friend, Debbie O’Hara of Franklin Forks; a brother-in-law, Meredith J. Bishop and his wife, June of Montrose; additional brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Helen Bishop.
Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Bartron Funeral Home, Inc., a Selected Independent Funeral Home, 74 Church St., Montrose. The family received friends on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill St., Jessup, PA 18434 or to the Northeast Health and Hospice Care, Inc., 38 North Main St., Pittston, PA 18640.
Theresa Minier
Aug. 7, 2002
- Mrs. Theresa Minier, age 81, of Laporte, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002 at The Highlands, Laporte.
Theresa was born Aug. 31, 1920 in Mildred, the daughter of the late Endelfonso and Maria F. Blasi Blasi. She married Harry Emerson Minier of Cherry Township on Sept. 5, 1947. He predeceased her on May 16, 1987. Theresa worked for Sullcraft Mfg. Co. of Dushore and retired from the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Mfg. Co. in Mildred.
Theresa was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Laporte.
Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Maria and Gerald Farrell, Dushore, Janice and Thomas Shoemaker, Muncy Valley, Monica and Jerry McCarty, Jefferson, MD; a daughter-in-law, Tina B. Minier, New Albany; brothers, Vincent Blasi, Laporte, Louis Blasi, Marysville, OH; nine grandchildren. Theresa was predeceased by a son, Harry E. Minier, Jr. on Nov. 25, 1987.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Laporte, at the convenience of the family, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, her pastor, presiding. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to The Highlands, PO Box 10, Laporte, PA 18626.
Blake McKimpson
Aug. 6, 2002
- Blake Allen McKimpson, infant son of Craig and Marianne Tafelski McKimpson of Watsontown, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA
Blake was born at Geisinger on July 30, 2002.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a sister, Casey Anne McKimpson, at home; paternal grandparents, Rodney and Bobbi Brown, Milton; maternal grandparents, Terrance A. and Jeanette D. Tafelski, Eagles Mere; maternal great-grandmother, Lillian Balikowski, Melvindale, MI; several aunts and uncles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, Eagles Mere, with the Rev. Glenn E. McCreary, pastor of Resurrection Catholic Church, Muncy, presiding. Interment will be in the Eagles Mere Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, c/o Geisinger Health Systems, 100 North Academy Ave., Danville, PA 17822.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Raymond Malone
Aug. 5, 2002
- Mr. Raymond Harold (Slim) Malone, age 76, of 1001 NW Fourth St., Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Meshoppen, PA, passed away at his home on Monday, Aug. 5, 2002.
Born and raised in Meshoppen, he was he son of the late James and Mildred Leonard Malone. A graduate of Meshoppen High School, Class of 1943, Mr. Malone worked for IBM for 32 years at many of their locations, as an engineer, in their Aerospace Department.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Pauline Crea, of Boca Raton, FL: two daughters, Patricia Malone of Huntsville, AL and Marjorie Malone of Santa Barbara, CA; three brothers, John Malone of Berkeley, NJ, Joseph Malone of Deltona, FL and James Malone of Barrington, IL; three sisters, Margaret Councilman and Mary Morrisey, both of Johnson City, NY and Catherine Ross of Binghamton, NY; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. from the St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church in Meshoppen, with Father Joseph J. Manarchuck, officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joachim’s Cemetery in Meshoppen. Friends and family may call on Saturday at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.
Irene Kipp
August 2, 2002
- Irene L. Kipp, age 96, passed away in the early morning hours on Friday, August 2, 2002 at the Skilled Nursing Unit at Memorial Hospital in Towanda.
She was born on April 15, 1906 in Troy, a daughter of the late Gordon and Maude Dodge Porter.
Mrs. Kipp was a member of the Evergreen Christian Church, where she had been a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. Her other talents included dressmaking, art and painting and photography. Irene was a photographer and correspondent for The Rocket-Courier for many years.
 While at Skilled Nursing, she had given staff, family and friends many pictures she had done while sitting in her chair. Being a devoted Christian, her pictures always had scripture verses on them.
Irene’s husband of 71 years, Leland Kipp passed away in January of 1998.
She is survived by daughter and husband, Elnora and Glenn Potter; two sons and their wives, Jerome and Betty Kipp and Rev. Romeyn and Elaine Kipp; nine grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Howard, Wayne, Frank, Denton, Emery and sisters, Florence and Clarabelle.
Friends and family called on Monday, Aug. 5 at the Evergreen Christian Church in Evergreen from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. in the Evergreen Christian Church, with the Rev. Romeyn Kipp and the Rev. Michael Dodd officiating.
Special music was provided by Adam Potter, accompanist and Valerie Grula, soloist.
Interment followed in the Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills.
Pallbearers were grandsons Gary Potter, Kevin Potter, Kenny Potter, Jerry Kipp, Terry Kipp and Brian Kipp.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Evergreen Christian Church Memorial Fund, c/o Nancy Caudell, RR2, New Albany, PA 18833 in Mrs. Kipp’s memory.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
Alma Justin
July 31, 2002
- Alma May Justin, a resident of the Maria Joseph Manor, passed away on July 31, 2002 at the Emmanuel Center in Danville, PA. She was 97 years of age.
She was born in Shenandoah, PA on Nov. 19, 1904, a daughter of the late Daniel and Carrie Williams Bachman. After high school, she graduated from the West Chester Normal School, then returned to Shenandoah to teach grade school.
In 1929, she married Peter A. Justin while he was still in medical school, a fact that they had to keep secret because in the days of the depression, female teachers could not be married, nor were medical interns allowed to be wed. With the same spunk she would exhibit her entire life, they got married anyway, keeping the vows a secret until the birth of their first child. Her husband became a well-respected family doctor and the couple lived and worked out of their family home in Mount Carmel for over 65 years, except for two years during World War II when Dr. Justin was based at Fitzsimmon’s Army Hospital in Denver before being sent to serve in Iwo Jima. Alma was active in the community, including memberships in the Mount Carmel United Church of Christ and Fountain Springs Country Club.
She kept pace with her active and inquisitive husband, taking up fishing and horseback riding. Her greatest passion, however, was golf, which she played well into her 80’s as a member of the Eagles Mere Country Club, which flew its flag at half mast last week in her honor. They also traveled extensively through Europe and Africa, with adventures including meeting Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia; staying at the Ritz in Paris and riding a donkey up 1,000 stairs to the top of Santorini. Their favorite time, however, remained spending the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with family.
Alma was especially proud of her family, including her father who was a locally prominent home builder, her mother and her five brothers. She in turn raised not only two successful daughters, but when her son-in-law, Dr. John Sabol died at the age of 39, she moved right in to raise her granddaughters, Jennifer and Carolyn, allowing her daughter, Louise to resume her career as a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
When Alma was born, there were no automobiles, yet in her lifetime, she saw mankind reach the moon. Despite her years, she remained as sharp as a tack and kept abreast of politics and the stock market even though she had increasing difficulty with her sight and hearing. Nevertheless, Alma loved life for each minute of those 97 years.
Alma is survived by her two daughters, Louise Sabol-Rubel and husband, Walter of Eagles Mere and Diana Nadanyi, a well-known travel agent and husband, Michael of McLean, VA; a brother, Horace Bachman of Shenandoah; four grandchildren, Michelle Nadanyi Krisanda, Peter Nadanyi, Jennifer Sabol Blumberg, M.D. and Carolyn Sabol Repke, M.D. and seven great-grandchildren, Emily Krisanda, Gregory Krisanda, Justin Krisanda, Rachel Repke, Lauren Repke, John Repke and Matthew Repke.
Alma was predeceased by her husband, Peter on March 9, 1995 and her brothers, Howard, Arthur, Clarence and Daniel Bachman.
A fall memorial service is being planned in Eagles Mere.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Edwin Decker
Aug. 5, 2002
- Mr. Edwin C. Decker, age 60, of RR2, Laceyville, PA (North Flat), passed away on Monday, Aug. 5, 2002 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Born in West Nicholson on Aug. 3, 1942, he was the son of Mildred Carey Decker of Laceyville and the late Bruce Decker, who passed away on Dec. 31, 1991.
Ed was a truck driver for Vandervort Mills of Laceyville for 18 years and later for Sam VanDeMark Logging and Excavating in Laceyville for 12 years.
He attended the Skinners Eddy United Methodist Church and in his spare time, he enjoyed the time spent with his family and friends.
Surviving besides his mother are a son, Dennis Decker of Laceyville; a daughter, Diane Millspaugh of Laceyville; a sister, Emily Bitler of Laceyville; a brother, David Decker of Florida and many nieces and nephews.
Private funeral and committal services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Laceyville Ambulance Association, PO Box 274, Laceyville, PA 18623.
Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville.
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