Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Peter M. Propst
Peter M. Propst, 57 of Beach Lake, died Friday, November 27, 2009 at
his home. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, the former Janice
M. Panek. The couple married August 19, 1989 at St. Mary Magdalen
Church.
Born January 6, 1952 in Sayre, PA he was the son of the late Dr. Harry
Deaver Propst and Amy M. Arbes Propst. He was a graduate of Honesdale High
School and attended Lafayette College and was a member of the Phi-Delta
Theta Fraternity. He was self-employed entrepreneur in day trading and
founded the Rorre Corporation in Beach Lake.
For 12 years, he was a member of the Wayne Highlands School
Board and most recently was the board president. He was also a member of
the Wayne Memorial Hospital systems board and patient safety committee.
Pete was the past president of the
Lions Club and past president of the Wayne County Redevelopment Authority.
He was an active member of the Republican party and a member of the Fraternal
Order of Eagles Aerie 1858 and The Red House Hunting Club.
Pete was a friendly loving guy with a great sense of humor and very
dedicated to the community.
Also surviving is his daughter Allaina Kathern Propst at Bryn Mawr
College; brothers Michael and wife Nancy of Honesdale and Deaver and
wife Hayley of Hawley; a sister Dr. Sandra Propst Reidel and husband
Arthur of Palo Alto, CA; a sister-in-law Judith Bonanno and husband
Edward of Pottstown, PA; an aunt Lois Willerford of Columbia, CT;
nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11 AM at St. John the
Evangelist Church in Honesdale. As per his request, cremation will
follow. Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St.
Honesdale on Sunday from 2 to 5.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peter
Propst Scholarship Fund, c/o Honesdale High School, 459 Terrace St.
Honesdale, PA 18431.
Joseph A. Novobilski
Joseph A. Novobilski, 77 of Honesdale, died Thursday, November 26,
2009 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center. He was preceded in death
by his wife, the former Evelyn M. Stephens who died Sept. 12, 2000.
The couple married Nov. 28, 1959.
Born June 5, 1932 in Whites Crossing, he was the son of the late Louis
and Louise Novobilski. He was a US Air Force veteran who served
during the Korean Conflict.
Before retiring, he was employed at Agway as a heating technician for
35 years. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing and sharing his
knowledge of the game. Joe enjoyed dabbling in electronics and built
his family their first color television. He also enjoyed spending
time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Joe was a member of the VFW Post 4712 in Simpson and St. John the
Evangelist Parish in Honesdale.
Surviving are his sons Joseph D. and wife Karen of Honesdale and Barry
and wife Pamela of Bethany; daughters Angelia Petrosky and husband
Neil of Honesdale and Jocelin Akers and husband David of Clarks
Summit; a sister Mary Plevyak and husband Paul of Baltimore, MD;
grandchildren Ashley and Wesley Akers; Ryan, Cody, Paige and Logan
Novobilski.
He was preceded in death by a brother Louis Novobilski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM at St.
Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale. Interment will follow in St.
Mary's Cemetery. Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main
St. Honesdale on Monday from 5 to 7.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 712
S. Keyser Ave. Taylor, PA 18517.
Wayne Wilcha
Wayne Wilcha, 47, of Honesdale died peacefully at home on Thursday
November 19, 2009 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He is
survived by his wife, the former Maria Zorechak. They celebrated
their 15th wedding anniversary on October 8th, 2009.
Born October 9th, 1962, he was the son of Donald Wilcha, Thompson and
the late Mary Cicio Wilcha. He was raised in Mayfield and graduated
from Lakeland High School in 1980. He attended the University of
Scranton and graduated on the Dean's list in 1984 with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Accounting and with honors from the Pennsylvania
Banker?s Association Central School of Trustees. He was a member of
the American and Pennsylvania Institutes? for Certified Public
Accountants and worked for the past 12 years at the Wayne Bank where
he was Senior Vice President of the Wealth Management and Trust
Department. Wayne dedicated much of his free time to various
nonprofit agencies, among them; while residing in Mayfield he was a
former chairperson for the Mayfield zoning Board and the Treasurer of
the Mayfield Lions Club. After relocating to Honesdale he was former
Treasurer of Lacawac Sanctuary, a member of the Honesdale Lions Club,
past President of the Wayne County Historical Society, Treasurer of
the Knights of Columbus, former board member at Wayne Memorial
Hospital, he sat on the Financial Council of St. John the Evangelist
Church, was a member of the Corporate Fiduciaries Group III, the
American Bankers Association and was a member of the Honesdale Golf
Club.
Wayne was a loving and devoted husband who married his soul mate,
Maria, the love of his life. He was a man dedicated to his family,
friends and his faith. He enjoyed spending time with his family,
friends and his dogs: Rascal, Tigger and Winnie.
Surviving are his sisters: Wendy Mitchko, Jessup and Linda Canevari
and husband Joe Canevari, Peckville. Nephews: Joseph Canevari Jr.,
John Eric Mitchko, Corey Mitchko, Kyle Canevari and Antonio Zini. A
Niece, Rose Zini, Brother in Law, Leo Zini, mother and Father in law,
Edward and Betty Zorechak, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Michele Zini and an infant
brother and sister.
In accordance with Wayne?s request there will be no viewing. A
celebratory mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 24th,
at St John the Evangelist Church, Honesdale with the family accepting
greetings from family and friends beginning at 9 to service time.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Dessin Animal
Shelter, 138 Miller Rd. Honesdale, PA 18431, Honesdale Lions Club, c/o
Vannie Williams 304 9th St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or the American Cancer
Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave. Taylor, PA 18517.
Stephen Mootha
Stephen Mootha, 92, of Honesdale passed away on Monday, November 9,
2009 after a brief stay at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center. Born
June 15, 1917 in Simpson, Pa, he was the son of the late Newsey and
Ksenia Muta. He was born and raised on his family's farm and worked
there until joining the United States Navy. He proudly served during
World War II from 1943- 1945.
He was a proud member of the Major David McKelvey Peterson American
Legion Post #254 of Honesdale since 1948. He served as Commander of
Post #254 for 43 years as well as District 15 Deputy Commander for 18
years. He was active in many programs including sending high school
youth to the Keystone Boys State and the State Police Youth Camp. He
was also given the honor of presenting citizenship certificates to
middle school students.
In 1950, he joined the Hose Company #1 fire department. There he
served as President for 5 years and remained a lifelong member.
Steve's service in WWII, along with his pride in our country and the
town, is what led him to chairing the Memorial Day parades for many
years. He enjoyed sharing his patriotism and love of parades. Upon his
return from the Navy, he owned and ran a restaurant and boarding house
where he rented and served meals to the State Police until they built
their new barracks. He later owned a second
restaurant on Main Street. After selling off the business, he went to
work as a service mechanic for Eddie Narvid Oldsmobile, where he
enjoyed fixing cars for 30 years. Steve later joined his nephew at R&M
motors until his retirement. He also began working at Jennings Jewelers
in 1950. There he repaired jewelry, fixed watches, engraved many gift
items, and assisted Bob
with his photography. Bob and Steve have remained best friends ever
since.
Steve is survived by his daughter, Diane L. Kean and Warren, of
Hawley; his granddaughter, Kelly L. Predmore and husband Bob of
Honesdale; his grandson, James M. Kean and Lily, of Shavertown, PA;
and his great grandchildren, Karlee, Kody, Alyssa, Kaitlin, and Gary.
Also surviving is his brother, Joseph Muta, of Portland, OR and
sister, Pauline Sardineer, of South Canaan, PA, and several nieces and
nephews.
Preceding him in death are his wife Marie Corby Mootha, their daughter
Christine Marie, and his 14 brothers and sisters.
A Funeral Blessing will be held on Friday at 11 AM at Hessling Funeral
Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale with Father Edward Levandusky
officiating. Interment will follow in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery
in Simpson. Friends may visit on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hose Company #1 540
Main St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or American Legion Post #254 c/o Diane L.
Kean 134 Swamp Brook Rd Hawley, PA 18428
Margaret T. (Theobald) Ralston
Margaret T. (Theobald) Ralston, RN, 87 of Honesdale joined her beloved
husband Ted in Heaven on Friday, November 6, 2009.
Born August 1, 1922 in Honesdale, she was the daughter of the late
Henry and Minnie A. Rose Theobald. After graduating Honesdale
Catholic High School, she attended a 3 year nursing program at Mercy
Hospital in Scranton. Margaret enlisted in the US Army on Sept. 1,
1944. Second Lieutenant Ralston sailed out of Boston on November 10,
1944 and headed for Germany. She was an Army nurse in the 63rd Field
Hospital of the European Theatre of operation. She was honorably
discharged as First Lieutenant US Army in February 1946 and later
retired as a Captain in the reserves.
She later moved to Cleveland, OH and graduated with a BS degree in
nursing from Frances Payne - Bolton School of Nursing of the Western
Reserve University in 1951.
Margaret was a register nurse for the Veteran Administration Hospital
on Cleveland's east side for 31 years before retiring.
She was a member of the Hogencamp/Schupper VFW Post 531 in Honesdale
and in Ohio, she was active in the senior center. She was a proud
veteran, loved to travel and enjoyed her painting classes. She
attended St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale.
She is survived by her sister Ruth Niesen of Honesdale with whom she
resided and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
As per her request, cremation was held at Maple Hill at Salem
Crematory. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at St.
Mary Magdalen Church at 10 AM. The family will receive friends in
church prior to the services beginning at 9 AM. Interment will follow
in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to VFW Post 531, 736 Main
St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
William Frederick Johannes
William Frederick Johannes, 67 of Cherry Ridge, died Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Community Medical Center in Scranton. He was preceded in death by his wife , the former Shirley A. Reilly on August 6, 1997.
The couple married Sept. 21, 1963.
Born April 2, 1942 on the family farm in Cherry Ridge, he was the son of the late Jerome Sr. and Ellen Miller Johannes. A dairy farmer his entire life, Bill also drove a milk truck and plowed snow for Penn Dot in the past. He was a director for the Wayne County Fair for many years. Bill was a member of the Cloverleaf Hunting Club, the Trotters Assoc., Farmers Assoc., Dairylea Assoc. and in the past was active in several pool leagues. He was also a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale.
Bill's hobbies included playing Hozzi, "The Captain", pig roasts, and partying and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are his sons Frederick of Carbondale, Kevin and wife Wendy of Honesdale, and Eric and wife Karie of Tampa, FL; a daughter Susan Barawdy and husband Bart of Cicero, NY; brothers Jerome Jr. of Honesdale and James Sr. and wife Patricia of Waymart; sisters Dorothy Tallman, Ellen Jaggers, Joanie Kennedy and Marie Spangenberg all of Honesdale and Christine Cavage and husband Valentine of Waymart and Ruth Robinson and husband Leon of Stroudsburg; grandchildren Jerime, Jacqueline, Taylor and Stephanie Barawdy, Jenna, Emily, Cole, William and Ashley Marie Johannes; long time companion Ceclia "Bunny" Savage of Honesdale.
He was preceded by his granddaughter Jessica Marie Barawdy; brothers Joseph Sr. and Eugene Johannes and a sister Kathleen Ruddy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Church at 10 AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St., Honesdale on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Gift of Life, 401 North 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123-4101.
Carol Ann (Mecca) Kneller
Carol Ann (Mecca) Kneller, 63 of Honesdale and formerly of Old Forge, died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Joseph A.
Kneller. The couple married October 21, 1972.
Born September 23, 1946 in Scranton, she is the daughter of Olga Cruciani Mecca of Old Forge and the late Peter J. Mecca. She was a graduate of Old Forge High School. A housewife and mother, she was a school bus driver for 23 years before taking ill. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish and attended St. Bernard's Church in Beach Lake.
She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Carol loved spending time with her family and friends, but especially her grandson Rian.
Also surviving is her daughter Amy Austin and husband Eric of Palmyra, NJ; a son Matthew Kneller and wife Lori of Gilbertsville, PA; a grandson Rian Austin; brothers Joseph Mecca and wife Mary Pat of Old Forge and Robert Mecca and wife Debbie of Scranton; a sister Jo Ann Mecca and husband Richard James of Old Forge; a life long friend Cheryl Varner of Lock Haven, PA; several nieces.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale. As per her request, cremation will follow. Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St.
Honesdale on Wednesday from 5 to 8.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wayne Memorial Home Health / Hospice, Dessin Animal Shelter or Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger, Wyoming Valley Hospital, Plains Twp., PA.
