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THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com ROBERT A. RUKSTALIS SR., 73, of John Street, Kingston, died Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Funeral arrangements are pending from the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. KATHLEEN M. HOLMES, 51, of Plane Street, Avoca, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Hospice Community Care, Inpatient Unit, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. Funeral arrangements are pending from the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley. TRACY C. GOODRICH, 65, of Gill Street, Dupont, died Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Kindred Hospital Wyoming Valley, WilkesBarre. Born in Richmond, Vt., he was a son of the late Tracy and Mary Wilbur Goodrich. He was preceded in death by his son, James Goodrich; and brother, Robert Goodrich. Tracy served in the U.S. Army and was employed as a truck driver for Landstar. Surviving are his wife, Cheryl Yedesko Goodrich; stepson, Damiel Fryzel, Dupont; brother, Charles Goodrich, Buffalo, N.Y.; and sisters, Janet Torrey, Richmond, Vt., and Geraldine Phelps, Florida. Funeral will be held at the convenience of the family from the Yeosock Funeral Home, Plains Township.
Wanda Z. Urban October 7, 2011
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anda Z. Urban, 88, formerly of Exeter, passed away Friday, October 7, 2011, at United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village Campus, Jenkins Township. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Veronica Baltanas Zukauskas. She was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, St. Monica’s Parish, West Wyoming, and was a graduate of Hanover High School and Wyoming Seminary Business School. Wanda had worked for the Social Security Administration for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter Urban. Surviving are her brother, Edward S. Zukauskas, Exeter. The family would like to thank the staff of Wesley Village for their professional and wonderfully compassionate care of Wanda during her stay there. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Monday from the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, St. Monica’s Parish, 8th Street, West Wyoming. The Rev. Leo McKernan, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517.
Alice A. Beyer
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October 7, 2011
lice A. (Traver) Beyer, 80, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday afternoon, October 7, 2011, at Hospice Community Care in Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. She was born on March 2, 1931, in Kingston, a daughter of the late Richard and Arlene (Crispell) Traver. Alice was a graduate of Noxen High School and WilkesBarre Business School. Until 1967, she worked at Gambling’s Shoe Factory, Wilkes-Barre. Alice was a member of the Firwood United Methodist Church, Wilkes-Barre, where she also served as a Brownie Leader for many years. She was a loving mother and very devoted to her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald G. Beyer, who passed away on March 6, 2003; a son, Dennis Beyer; and one sister. Alice is survived by two daughters, Darlene Roberts and her husband, Arthur, and Susan Stefanovich and her husband, James, both of Wilkes-Barre; a son, Kevin and his wife, Gabrielle Beyer, Richmond, Va.; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers; and one sister. The family would like to thank Hospice Community Care and Geisinger Medical Center for the wonderful care they provided for their loving mother. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday from the Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home Inc., 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday. Your condolences for Alice’s family can be left online by visiting our website at www.BestLifeTributes.com.
The family of the late
Charles R. Obaza of Mountain Top wishes to thank all who assisted in any way during their recent bereavement. All who gave Mass cards, flowers, donated food, attended the funeral and sent sympathy cards, gifts and the kind support of family, neighbors and friends.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2011 PAGE 7A
Leonard Mark Maday
Lucy Carolyn Petrillo
September 13, 2011
September 17, 2011
son Ryan Burton, Kansas City, Kan.; four grandchildren, Taylor, Makayla, Justice and Jaxson Burton; sister, Ann Niezgoda and her husband, Thomas, Edwardsville; brothers, John Maday, Wilkes-Barre, and Michael Maday, Edwardsville; niece Leanne Niezgoda Pantoliano and her husband, Matthew, and their son Carter, Bronxville, N.Y.; as well as aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. A Mass in Leonard’s memory was held in Barefoot Bay, Fla., in St. Luke‘s Catholic Church on September 19. A Memorial Mass will be held at11a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011, in the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Hanover Township. Friends may call at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian, Fla. Condolences can be sent to www.seawindsfh.com/obituaries.php.
Richard George Willis October 6, 2011
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ichard George Willis, 57, of Shore Road, Old Lyme, Conn., died Thursday, October 6, 2011, at his home after a brief illness. He was born on December 6, 1953, in Wilkes-Barre, a son of John and Sophie (Casper) Willis. He graduated Plains High School in 1971. Rick played bass in many local bands and also did sign painting throughout the Wyoming Valley. He moved to Old Lyme, Conn., in 1980 where he met his future wife, Laurie A. Bugbee. They married in June of 1986 and had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. For the last 10 years, Richard had been employed by Dealer Trak as a Computer Systems Administrator. People who knew Rick appreciated his keen intellect and wicked sense of humor. A talented musician, he played many instruments but jazz bass was his greatest love. He leaves behind a multitude of dear friends who will miss him greatly. Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother Sophie of Plains Township; his brother, Dave, also of Plains Township, and wife, Karlyn; and their daughter Lacey; his brother, Jack and wife, Maureen, of Orangevale, Calif.; and children, Sherri, David and Caitlin; his mother-inlaw Jane E. Bugbee; his brother-inlaw Richard Bugbee of Providence, R.I.; and his daughters, Jane, Mary and Ellen; his sister-in-law Carol
Cieszynski and husband, Ken, of Naperville, Ill.; and their children, Heather, Kimberly and John. He will also be missed terribly by his beloved dog, Scout. His wife would like to thank dear friends, Pete and Patty Decker and Chris and Sarah May. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2011, in First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Conn. The Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions and Rick’s biography. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Old Lyme Land Trust.
FUNERALS BELLUMORI – Theresa, funeral 10:30 a.m. Monday from the Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains Township. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Plains Township. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today. BROJAKOWSKI – Phyllis, Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in St. Mary’s Church, Nanticoke. Friends may pay their respects at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to Mass. FISCHER – Margaret, celebration of life 8:30 a.m. Monday from McLaughlin’s, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Church of Saint Nicholas, Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call at McLaughlin’s from 3 to 5 p.m. today. LEONHARDT – Charles, funeral services 10 a.m. Monday from Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. MELUSKEY – Albert, funeral 9:30 a.m. Monday from the Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home Inc., 14 W. Green St., Nanticoke. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Faustina Parish at St. Mary’s Church, Nanticoke. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. RIBANDO – The Rev. William, memorial Mass 11 a.m. today in the Chapel of Christ the King, North
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eonard Mark Maday passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, September 13, 2011, in his home in Barefoot Bay, Fla. His loving wife preceded him in death on December 26, 2010. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on June 27, 2010. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, on December 27, 1951, a son of the late John and Anna Kulmatiski Maday. Leonard was raised in Korn Krest. He graduated from Hanover Township Memorial High School in 1969 and from King’s College in 1973. During his years at King’s College, he was integral in forming the popular Tom Slick and the Converted Thunderbolt Greaseslappers show band. After playing locally for a few years, he formed the Tom Slick Show Band and had a successful radio show in Denver, Colo. He and his wife, Krista, moved to Barefoot Bay, Fla., in 2000, where he was an active member of St. Luke‘s Catholic Church. Leonard returned to the WilkesBarre area at least once a year to join his cherished friends in the local show band for performances at the Irem Temple Country Club and other local venues. In addition to his show business careers, Leonard also was a teacher at St. Aloysius School in WilkesBarre, and at schools in various other states. For five years, he served as a coach for the Hanover Green Little League and a volunteer for the Hanover Green Ambulance Association. Survivors include his daughter Chassidy Bond, Barefoot Bay, Fla.;
ucy Carolyn Petrillo, 87, formerly of Whitehall Manor, Bethlehem, Dallas and Bear Creek, passed away September 17, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospice Center in Bethlehem. Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late Ciro (Jerry) and Mary Altavilla DelGuidice. A graduate of St. Leo’s High School in Ashley and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Mrs. Petrillo was employed for many years as a head nurse on the third floor, East Wing, of the Mercy Hospital in WilkesBarre, until her retirement in 1985. She later worked as a volunteer in the medical records department at the hospital. Lucy and her deceased husband, Michael, were devout parents, emphasizing the importance of higher education in a nurturing environment for all five of their children – four of whom became dentists establishing their own practices and a fifth with an MA who became a teacher and is currently the curator of the new Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University. Lucy was a member of Gate of Heaven Church in Dallas and active in parish activities. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband Michael A. Petrillo; brothers, Philip and John DelGuidice; and loving son-in-law, Atty. David P. Po-
r. David B. Barnes, 74, of Albany, Ga., died at 4 p.m. Wednesday, D October 5, 2011, at Willson Hospice
satko. Surviving are her children, Dr. Michael A. Petrillo and wife, Linda; and their three sons, Bethlehem; Dr. Ronald G. Petrillo and wife, Penny; and their four children, San Diego, Calif.; Ms. Dona M. Posatko; and her four daughters, Dallas; Dr. Charles J. Petrillo and wife, Michele; and their three children, Washington Crossing; and Dr. Ann B. DiPietro and husband, Raymond; and their two children, Shavertown; as well as a sister, Victoria Rosetti, Daytona Beach, Fla. A private viewing and funeral for the family was held September 21, 2011, from the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown. The Rev. Genaro Aguilar of King’s College officiated. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
William Slavinski October 8, 2011 Slavinski, of Hanover W illiam Township, died Saturday, Oc-
tober 8, 2011, at Hampton House, Hanover Township. Born April 12, 1930, in Scranton, he was a son of the late William and Frances Slavinski; and stepmother Gertrude Slavinski. He was a graduate of Hanover High School, class of 1948. He was a U.S. Army veteran with the Military Police, serving in Italy. William was formerly employed by Volinsky Market, Plymouth, and also Fetch’s Market, Plymouth, prior to retirement. He was a member of VFW Post 15040, and also a member of Exaltation of Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood. William was preceded in death by a grandson, Robert Slavinski. William and his wife, the former Evelyn Stamer, celebrated their 59 wedding anniversary June 14, 2011. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Doreen and James Ayling, El Cajon, Calif.; William and Pamela Slavinski, West Wyoming; Thomas and Margie Slavinski, Telford; and George and Rosemary Slavinski, Mountain Top; grandchildren, Jessica, Christopher and James Ayling; Eric, Brian, Bran-
October 5, 2011 ames G. “Big Mac” McLaughlin, 82, of Levittown, died Wednesday, JOctober 5, 2011.
don and William Slavinski; and Shannon Moore; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Feldman, Paulsboro, N.J.; as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday from the MamaryDurkin Funeral Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood. Interment will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the MamaryDurkin Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff of the Hampton House for their loving and dignified care.
Stephen Medvec T. Medvec, 50, of PittsS tephen field, Mass., and formerly of Ha-
nover Township, passed away September 23, 2011. Born April 14, 1961, in Hanover Township, he was a son of Mrs. Valerie Grego Medvec, of Hanover Township, and the late Andrew Medvec. Stephen was a graduate of Hanover High School, Penn State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and Monmouth College, N.J., where he received his MBA. He was an active participant in many marathons and triathlons. Stephen was an aerobic and yoga instructor for several years and was an avid Penn State football fan. Stephen was preceded in death by brothers, George and James Medvec. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his brother, Andrew Medvec of Virginia; and aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends are invited to
House. A native of West Pittston, Dr. Barnes had lived in Albany, Ga., for the past 15 years. David worked as a psychologist for the Dougherty County School System and has served on various Special Olympics’ boards over the past 40 years. David attended The Walk to Emmaus, participated in the Kairos Prison Ministry, and was an active member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Cheryle K. Barnes of Albany, Ga.; three sons, David Dreher Barnes and his wife, Joni, of Venice, Fla.; Matthew Barnes and Bryan Barnes and his wife, Kim, all of Albany, Ga.; a sister, Sylvia Richard of Wyoming; a brother, Dr. Willis Barnes and his wife, Linda, of West Pittston; as well as two grandchildren, Annie Barnes and Brody Barnes. A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the parlor at Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, and the family will receive friends immediately after the service at their residence. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jennifer Sherling, Pastor Jim Kirkland and Rev. Gregg Davis will officiate. Those desiring may make contributions to Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Drive, Albany, GA, 31721; and/or Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany, GA 31707. To sign our online registry, or to send condolences to the family, you may visit the Mathews Funeral Home website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.
James G. McLaughlin
September 23, 2011 Franklin and Jackson streets, Wilkes-Barre. SUCHOCKI – Robert Sr., funeral 9 a.m. Monday from the Mark V. Yanaitis Funeral Home, 55 Stark St., Plains Township. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Plains Township. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. TUROSKI – Henry, funeral 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Faustina’s Parish, 520 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday. WALKER – Nancy, funeral service 11 a.m. Monday at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 105 Lee Park Ave., Hanover Township. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Desiderio Funeral Home, 679 Carey Ave., WilkesBarre. WARD – Henry, memorial service 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the church.
Dr. David B. Barnes
Born in Plymouth, he had been a resident of Levittown for 52 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agnes McLaughlin of Plymouth; sister, Margaret (Mike) Sipsky; and father and mother-in-law, Albert and Hazel May of Plymouth. Jim was the beloved husband of Hazel E. (May) for 59 years. They met as childhood neighbors and attended Plymouth High School together. He was the loving father of Cindy (Bill) Kee of Rhode Island and Jim II, (Debbie) McLaughlin of Levittown. He was a devoted Pop Pop to four grandchildren, Amanda and Will Kee of Rhode Island and Jim III and Katie McLaughlin of Levittown. Family and friends are invited to call from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, where his funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Family and friends are also invited to gather from 9 to 9:15 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with interment to follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to D.A.V. Chapter No. 117, PO Box 1651, Levittown, PA 19057. Condolences may be posted at www.doughertyfuneralhome.com.
OBITUARY POLICY
attend funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday in St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery Chapel, Plymouth Township. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Nativity Cemetery, Plymouth Township. Funeral arrangements are by the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth. Please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com to submit online condolences to Stephen’s family.
The Times Leader publishes free obituaries, which have a 27-line limit, and paid obituaries, which can run with a photograph. A funeral home representative can call the obituary desk at (570) 829-7224, send a fax to (570) 829-5537 or e-mail to tlobits@timesleader.com. If you fax or e-mail, please call to confirm. Obituaries must be submitted by 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Obituaries must be sent by a funeral home or crematory, or must name who is handling arrangements, with address and phone number. We discourage handwritten notices; they incur a $15 typing fee. More Obituaries, Page 2A
In Loving Memory of
Leonard J. Guitson Sept. 18, 1929 - Oct. 12, 2010
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Sadly missed by Your Loving Daughters Leslee & Helen and Devoted Wife Mary Alice
It’s almost a year since you went away, With us here I wish you could have stayed. As we watched you go to sleep, Your memories inside us will keep. With a saddened heart we said our goodbyes, As the tears welled up in our eyes. You were strong and brave right to the end, No more for you to pretend. Although we loved you, you could not stay. But we know we’ll see you someday. Your loving heart is beating no more, For you have walked through heaven’s door. Somehow I know this was God’s plan, to make an angel from a great man. Now you watch over us from above, And send down your undying love. Father, Forever in Our Hearts.
Sadly missed and loved by his family.