Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Bette Louise Sweitzer Williams
Bette Louise Sweitzer Williams, 84 of Lake Ariel, died Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry A. "Harry" Williams who died May 14, 2004. The couple married July 3, 1948. Born July 25, 1924 in Honesdale, she was the daughter of the late George and Marie Langan Sweitzer. A homemaker, she and her husband also owned and operated the Lakeside Inn in Lake Ariel for 19 years. She was a member of Lake Ariel United Methodist Church. Bette enjoyed reading, making ceramics and flowers.
She is survived by her sons Richard Williams and wife Diana of Woodstock, VA and Henry "Hank" Williams and wife Carol of Lake Ariel; a daughter Louise Cook of Rock Hill, SC; a sister Arlene Sweitzer Risner and husband Fritz of Honesdale; a brother John "Jack" Sweitzer and wife Eileen of AZ; Nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers Clifford and Myron Sweitzer; her sister Marjorie Sweitzer Canfield; son-in-law George Cook.
Private funeral services will be held at the families convenience with Rev. Norman Faux, Pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Hamlin officiating.
Interment will be in Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Rowena Helen Fisher Elbert
Rowena Helen Fisher Elbert, 93, died Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital following an illness.
Her husband, The Reverend William Elbert preceded her in death. The couple married January 23, 1943. Born November 20, 1914 in Nurembert, PA she was the daughter of the late Robert and Erdie Gearhart Fisher. She was a Registered Nurse graduating from Philadelphia General Hospital in 1936. She loved nursing and worked PGH and during WWII as a dispensary nurse at Cramps Shipyard in Philadelphia. She was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Springfield, PA. She and her family lived in Springfield, PA for 52 years and moved to Smith Hill in 2002 and lived with her daughter Judy O'Connell and her husband Tim. She loved cooking, especially for family occasions and enjoyed making beautiful needlework.
She is survived by a daughter Judith O'Connell and her husband Tim of Honesdale; a son William Elbert Jr. and his wife Susan of Mt. Top; brothers James Fisher of Sugarloaf and Adrian Fisher of Macungie; grandchildren Bill Detwiler, Christine Gustin, Jim Detwiler, Katherine Elbert, Rebecca Grosz and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister and three brothers.
A Memorial service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Springfield, PA to be announced at a later date.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 400 Lynbrooke Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Catherine Mary Burkavage
Catherine Mary Burkavage, 84 of Honesdale, died Monday, September 8, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
She is survived by her husband 58 years, Leonard Burkavage. The couple married July 1, 1950. Born August 13, 1924 in Hamlin, PA she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Helen Krisovich Krompasky. She was a graduate of Lake Ariel High School. A housewife and mother, she was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish and attended St. Joseph's Church in Rileyville and was a member of its Altar and Rosary Society. Kay was also the auditor for Lebanon Twp.. She enjoyed cooking the family dinners for the holidays and spending time gardening.
Also surviving are her daughters Ellen Fritz and husband Charles of Honesdale and Susan Pohle and husband Richard of Honesdale; grandchildren Gretchen Fritz, Marta Fritz, Kristin Pohle and Ryan Pohle. She was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph who died in WWII and Andrew Krompasky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale.
Interment will follow in St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Wednesday from 4-7.
Martin J. Allen
Martin J. Allen, 63 of Equinunk, died Monday, September 8, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, the former Marlene J. Hohne. The couple married July 7, 1983. Born October 7, 1944 in Mineola, NY, he was the son of Marie Terry Allen of South Hampton, NY and the late Raymond Allen. He was an electrician until retiring and was a member of the Local Union #25 Hauppauge, NY.
Also surviving are his sons William and wife Jane of Smithtown, NY and Robert and companion Millicent of Stony Brook, NY; a daughter Ann Marie Picascio and husband Steve of Farmingville, NY; step-sons Raymond Urban and wife Jacqueline of Las Vegas, NV and Erik Urban and companion Katie of Vernon, CT; step- daughters Meredith Shepard and husband Christopher of Windsor Locks, CT and Mandi Demuth and husband John of Las Vegas, NV; a brother Raymond Allen and wife Roxie of Jacksonville, TX and brother-in-law Richard Sherwood of Florida; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his dog Brandy. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane Sherwood.
Friends may visit at the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Tuesday from 7-9 and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 at Moloney's Holbrook Funeral Home, 825 Main St. Holbrook, NY 11741.
Private graveside services will be held at the families convenience in Pinelawn Cemetery.
Olive Mae Kerbs
Olive Mae Kerbs, 95 of Tyler Hill and formerly of Farmingdale, NY,
died Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Wayne Woodlands Manor in Waymart.
She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Albert Kerbs who died
Nov. 29, 2000.
Born February 15, 1913 in Brooklyn, NY she was the daughter of the
late August and Minnie Valbush Zimmerman. A housewife and loving
mother, Olive was a member of the Farmingdale, NY Methodist Church
before moving to Wayne County.
Olive loved her family especially her grandchildren.
Surviving is her son Glenn Kerbs of Tyler Hill; daughter Paula Martin
of Avondale, AZ; grandchildren Ann Kerbs, Christine Shanley, Olivia
Given and Glenn Given; great grandchildren Sam Klein, Karen Klein,
Isabella Shanley, Alanah Shanley and Xavier Given.
She was preceded by her sister Paula V.
Private interment will be in Calkins Union Cemetery at the families
convenience. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date that
will be announced.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Damascus Volunteer Ambulance
Corps., PO Box 63, Damascus, PA 18415.
Emilie G. Weeks
Emilie G. Weeks, 92 of Honesdale, died Friday, August 15, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Born January 2, 1916 in Honesdale, she was the daughter and last surviving family member of the late Wilhelm and Marie Nonnenmacher Gammerdinger both who were born in Germany. She was a sewing machine operator at Katz Underwear Company and later was employed at Waymart Knit Wear. A pet lover, Emilie enjoyed her two cats, Smokey and Fritzie. She lived a colorful life enjoying the company of her family and friends. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Honesdale Country Club at Kellows Pond.
She is survived by her sister in law Florence Gammerdinger of Seelyville; a niece Gale Gammerdinger of Kensington, MD; nephew William Gammerdinger and wife Nancy of Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by her sisters Sonja Fisher, Freida Arnold and Rosa Weber and brothers Fritz and Harry Gammerdinger.
Funeral services will be held at Hessling Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 at 11 AM.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Friday from 10 until service time.
Interment will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7th and Church Sts., Honesdale, PA 18431.
Robert Arthur McGinnis
Robert Arthur McGinnis, 68 of Honesdale and formerly of Rutland, VT died Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.
Born October 18, 1939 in Rutland, VT he was the son of the late Francis E. McGinnis and Naomi Brown McGinnis Derby. He was preceded in death by his step- Father Lloyd "Red" Derby. Robert was a self-employed carpenter and later retired as a drywall finisher which he greatly enjoyed. After retiring, he moved to South Dakota to help his daughter and son in law on their farm. There he liked caring for the goats and other animals. Later he moved with his family to Kentucky before moving to Honesdale. He always loved animals and cared for the family cats and dogs. His favorite cat was his Shauna. He was happy to be retired so that he could spend time with his grandchild. Robert was a proud friend of 14 years of Bill W.. He will be remembered as a loving Father and dedicated grandfather.
Surviving is his daughter Hollie Jean brothers and husband Stephen of Honesdale; brothers Arthur McGinnis and wife Victoria and James C. McGinnis and wife Beverly all of New Port Richey, FL, Ronald McGinnis and wife Bonnie of Hudson, FL, Francis McGinnis and wife Joyce of Rutland, VT; sisters Carol Ann Katona of Whitehall, NY and Maureen Griffiths and husband Ed of Rutland, VT; his grandson Jonathon Robert brothers; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Jean Marie McGinnis and brother Richard McGinnis.
Cremation was held at Maple Hill Crematory in Archabald.
A memorial service will be held at Clifford Funeral Home, 2 Washington St., Rutland, VT 05701.
Local arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
Robert Arthur Loscig Sr.
Robert Arthur Loscig Sr., 74 of Honesdale, died Tuesday August 12, 2008 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Margaret Bidwell.
The couple married October 17, 1959 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Honesdale. Born June 20, 1934 in Cherry Ridge he was the son of the late Alan and Aldora Hazen Loscig. He was a graduate of Honesdale High School and later was a truck driver for Weidner's Concrete and for Wayne County Ready Mix.
Also surviving are his sons Robert and wife Sabrina of Honesdale, Timothy and wife Sharon of Pottstown, Bill and wife Stephanie of Reading and Anthony Loscig of Newfoundland; a daughter Tammy and husband David Robinson of South Canaan; brothers Jack and wife Mildred of Seeleyville, Fred and wife Thelma of NY, Harland and wife Valerie of Cherry Ridge, Gilbert and wife Karen Starrucca; a sister Darlene and husband Gary Szezorak of Honesdale; 8 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his brothers Allen and Clarence.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday August 16, 2008 at Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale at 10 AM with Rev. Paul Hagedorn officiating.
Interment will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
Friends may visit the funeral home, on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, 100 4th St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
Carmela H. Breza
Carmela H. Breza, 78 of Osprey Ridge Health Care Center in Carbondale, died Sunday August 10, 2008.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Breza who died in 1997. Born July 28, 1930 in Madison, NJ she was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Antoinette Parisi Troianello.
Surviving is her son Paul R. Breza of New York, NY; daughters Deborah Corcoran and husband Frank of Beach Lake and Janice Smoke and husband David of Torrey; brothers Robert Troianello of NJ, Anthony Troianello of CA, Alfonso Troianello Jr. of VA, Louis Troianello of Tyler Hill and John Toianello of NJ; sisters Josephine Lajeunes of NJ, Ann Troianello of NJ and Rose Lemmerman of NJ; grandchildren Deborah L. Corcoran, Jason Corcoran and Chester Ryan O'Connell; great grandchildren Kalah and Kaitlyn Gries and Christian O'Connell. She was preceded in death by brothers Vincent and Ralph Troianello and granddaughter Stacie O'Connell.
Cremation was held at Maple Hill at Salem Crematory in Archbald.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Helen Marie Walter
Helen Marie Walter, 89 a resident of Osprey Ridge in Carbondale and
formerly of Pleasant Mount died Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Marian
Community Hospital.
Born March 20, 1919 on the family farm in Pleasant Mount, she was the
daughter and last surviving member of the late Harry and Anna Mayock
Walter. She grew up on the family farm caring for the animals and
when her mother took ill, she ran the farm and cared for her mother.
Early in her life she worked for a box factory later retired from Katz
Underwear Co.. After leaving the farm, she moved to Laurel Place in
Waymart, then to Birch Hill in Simpson before going to Osprey Ridge.
Helen enjoyed crocheting and knitting and loved her her dogs,
especially her Chihuahua.
She was a member at St. Cecelia's Church in Pleasant Mount.
Surviving is her sister in law Dorothy Walter of Honesdale; her niece
Julie Carroll of Collegeville, PA; nephew Joseph Walter of
Baldwinsville, NY; great niece Heather Wilson and husband Kyle and
great great niece Cady.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Harry A., Joseph P., Edward
C. and Valentine M. (Tony) Walter; and nephews Thomas and Gerald Mangan.
As per her request, cremation was held at Maple Hill Crematory in
Archbald. Private interment will be in St. Cecelia's Cemetery in
Pleasant Mount. Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St.
Honesdale.
Shirley Jean (Reifler) Perry
Shirley Jean (Reifler) Perry, 76 of Honesdale, died Thursday July 24,
2008 after a lengthy illness at Wayne Memorial Hospital. She is
survived by her husband of 53 years, James Robert Perry. The couple
married April 16, 1955.
Born March 19, 1932 in Honesdale, she was the daughter of the late
Howard W. and Irene Bidwell Reifler. Shirley dedicated herself to
raising her daughters and then caring for her grandchildren. At home,
she enjoyed playing games and jigsaw puzzles. She was a member of St.
Mary's Church in Waymart.
Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be
missed by all who knew her.
Also surviving are her daughters Debbie Rollison and husband Charles
M. of Cherry Ridge, Sarah Richter of Damascus, and Barbara Cole and
husband Floyd of Prompton; sisters Ann Klinkiewicz and Katherine
Keenan both of Waymart; six grandchildren Chuck, Rich, Kelly, Abbey,
Brandon and Katie; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Laura Cole; brothers
Peter, Vincent and Robert Reifler and a sister Dorothy Kline.
A Funeral Blessing will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Hessling
Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale at 11 AM with Fr. John Albosta,
pastor of St. Mary's Church officiating. Interment will follow in
Canaan Corners Cemetery in Waymart. Friends may visit the funeral
home on Monday from 7-9.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association,
PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or www.diabetes.org.
Gerald John LaPoint
Gerald John LaPoint, 69 of Beach Lake, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Sandra E. Giles. The couple married June 25, 1960. Born August 10, 1938 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late John Frederick and Virginia Rose Sission LaPoint. He was a graduate of Honesdale High School, class of 1956. Later he joined the National Guard where he served three years of active duty, first with Co. D 1st BG 109th Infantry and then with Co. A1st Bn 109th Infantry. A Bank Officer, Gerald first worked with F&M Bank in Honesdale, then Ellis 1st National Bank of New Port Richey, FL, Peoples Bank of Pasco County, Elfers, FL and then returned to Honesdale and retired from the Wayne Bank. After retirment he continued to work part time at Wal-Mart in the Electronic Department. Gerald was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Honesdale.
Also surviving are his children, twins Beth LaPoint of Bethany and Brian LaPoint at Home, Valerie Zintel and husband Eric of Honesdale, and Renee LaPoint of Beach Lake; grandchildren Kyla Rose and Jared Zintel; an aunt Marie Reagan and husband Lewis of Honesdale and nieces Michelle Higgins and Cheryle Phillips. Preceding him in death are his grandparents Lewis and Mary LaPoint and Harvey and Anna Sission and his brother John L. (Jack) LaPoint.
As per his request, cremation was held at Maple Hill Crematory in Archbald.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday evening, July 29, 2008 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Honesdale at 7 PM. Private interment will be at a later date in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 100 4th St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or to a charity of the donor's choice that would help make the world a better place.
