Obituaries by LocationRichard Lyle Jennings
Jan. 16, 2002
Richard Lyle Jennings, age 61, of Herrickville, PA, who was our father, went to be with his Father and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock after a courageous battle with cancer.
Richard was born in Towanda on April 19, 1940 at the Mills Hospital, a son of Wilma Cole Jennings and the late Lyle Jennings. He graduated from the Wyalusing High School, a member of the Class of 1958. He began driving truck and eventually purchased his own truck, which he operated as an independent for several years. He later began driving for Taylor Packing Co. of Wyalusing, from which he retired in 1999 after more than 25 years of service.
Richard spent his entire life in the Herrickville community, serving the Lord, family and friends. His favorite times were spent working with his children and grandchildren and the many children he took into his heart and home. His many years as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, church leader and youth group leader were times that made a huge influence on everyone around him. Lives were changed because of his Christian walk through Herrickville. His two sisters and their families were never far from his heart and thoughts. Family get-togethers were rich in love and laughter. There was always room for at least one more little one. His nieces and nephews were high on his list of priorities whether near or far. When blessed with his grandchildren, life took on new and wonderful joy. Still teaching his love of Jesus, his children and grandchildren learned many lessons of love, understanding, patience, kindness and faith toward his fellow man and for each other. He resided on his family farm for his entire life where he pursued his passion-the love of nature and farming.
He was a member of the Herrickville Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are his spouse of 32 years, Edna Hanley Jennings, Herrickville; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Lynn Jennings, Herrickville, David and Brandy Jennings, East Smithfield; daughters and son-in-law, Joanne and Jason Stanton, Herrickville, Karen Jennings of Dover, DE, Kimberly Jennings of Herrickville; his mother, Wilma Cole Jennings, Herrickville; a special son and daughter-in-law, Avery and Dena Colegrove of Laceyville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jacqueline and Albert Wilson, Herrickville, and Donna and Guy Cook of Longmont, CO; 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, Herrickville, with the Rev. Elwyn E. Patrick, his pastor, officiating. Interment was in East Herrick Cemetery .
Friends called at the Herrickville Wesleyan Church on Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and also from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing.
Memorials may be directed to the Herrickville Wesleyan Church, RR3, Box 99, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the North Rome Christian School, Ulster, PA 18850.
Willard Dane Wright
Jan. 15, 2002
On the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, Granville Township native Willard Dane Wright passed away
quietly at the Bradford County Manor after a lifelong battle with a debilitating illness. He was 45 years of age.
Born April 28, 1956 in Sayre, he was the son of Ernest and Mary Schmouder Wright. Willard was a graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1976 and had been employed by SERVE, Inc. of Monroeton, during which time he resided in Towanda. When health conditions would no longer permit him to work, Willard moved to the Smith Personal Care Home in Wyalusing.
He enjoyed reading and visiting with friends and family, always quick to give a cheerful smile and a big hug. Willard had a great love for the Lord and church involvement was always a high priority. While living in Wyalusing, he became a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, being as active as his physical limitations would allow. In his own special way, Willard would reach out to those around him, touching their hearts and brightening their days.
Besides his parents, Ernest and Mary of Granville Summit RR1, Willard is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Diann Wright of Towanda and Donald and Diane Wright of Canton RR2; niece, Megan Wright and nephew, Donald Wright, Jr.; numerous cousins and a special friend, Margie Porter.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Morse and Kleese Funeral Home, 40 N. Center St., Canton.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Windfall United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dale Russell and the Rev. Beverly Davenport officiating.
There will be calling hours at the church from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment in Beech Flats Cemetery following the service.
Contributions in Willard’s mem-ory may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, Kirby Health Center Annex, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or to the Windfall United Methodist Church or the Wyalusing United Methodist Church.
Gerald (Jerry) Woodruff, Sr.
Jan. 16, 2002
Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Woodruff, Sr., age 69, of RR1, Box 4-A, Wyalusing, (Taylorville), PA, passed away at his home in Taylorville, early Wednesday morning, Jan. 16, 2002.
Born in Sayre on March 7, 1932, he was the son of the late Burt and Elizabeth Frisbie Woodruff.
Jerry was employed for many years as a log truck driver for Sam VanDeMark in Laceyville. He was later self-employed for a number of years in the excavating and contracting business in Bradford and Wyoming Counties. Jerry and his wife, Veda, also owned and operated J&V Discount Store in East Towanda for over 17 years.
He was a member of the Hare Ridge Sportsmen’s Club in Lawton and the Wednesday night bowling league at the South Montrose Bowling Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and being surrounded by his family. Over the past many years, he enjoyed many hunting trips to Colorado and many fishing trips in Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, the former Veda B. Kunkle Woodruff of Taylorville; a daughter and son-in-law, Nettie and David Heller of Laceyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald, Jr. (Jake) and Sue Woodruff, Wyalusing; stepchildren, Betsy and Mike Dunfee of Wyalusing, Larry Barto and fiancee, Cindy Rubert of Towanda and Mindy and Greg Riffle of Annapolis, MD; a brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Pam Woodruff of Laceyville; a sister, Marie VanDeMark of Laceyville; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Kunkle of Wyalusing; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Vera Salsman, Bernita Snyder, Gertie Salsman, Irene Brown and Kathryn White.
Funeral services will be held at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, on Friday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Vic Millard, of the Braintrim Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Camptown Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848.
Josephine Striney
Jan. 11, 2002
Mrs. Josephine Striney, age 86, of Overton Road Apartments, Dushore, PA, passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre.
Josephine was born July 15, 1915 in Bernice, the daughter of the late Jacob and Marian Swatski Klosowski. She attended local schools and marriage Peter F. Striney of Bernice. He predeceased her on Nov. 9, 1960.
She worked for the former Weldon Mfg. Co. of Lopez and later the former Endicott-Johnson Shoe Mfg. Co. of Mildred, from which she retired.
Mrs. Striney was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Francis and Jean Striney of Erie; three daughters and a son-in-law, Rose Gulick of Scottsdale, AZ, Pauline Striney of West Pittston, Teresa and Frank Jennings of Jenningsville; longtime companion, William Marchisen of Dushore; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. Anna Moyer of Mildred on Oct. 10, 1996.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 14 at 10:30 a.m. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home and were followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred with the Rev. Hugh H. McGroarty presiding. Interment was in the adjoining parish Cemetery .
Friends called on Sunday, Jan. 13 at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Robert Leon Snyder
Jan. 13, 2002
Robert Leon Snyder, 82, of York, died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, at Misericordia Convalescent Home. He was the husband of Doris R. (Keeler) Snyder, formerly of Wyalusing. The couple would have observed their 56th wedding anniversary on Jan. 14.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 32 E. Market St., York. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There will be no viewing. The Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Snyder was born April 29, 1919, in Waynesboro. He was the son of the late Maurice S. and Nellie K. (Spangler) Snyder.
He was a music teacher in the York City School District for 32 years and a band and orchestra director for York Middle Schools. He and his wife entertained many times in the Wyalusing area, most recently, the annual Rainbow Club Christmas parties.
He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and Otterbein U.B. Oratorical Society; member, arranger and composer for Spring Garden and York Symphony orchestras as a trombonist for 54 years; one of the founders of York Junior and York Youth Symphonies; choir director and composer at Memorial United Church of Christ, Trinity United Church of Christ and Yorkshire United Methodist Church; recipient of York Choir’s Arian Award in 1978; founder and band leader of the Festive 8 and the Gesundheits; a 1941 graduate of Westchester University; a graduate of Michigan University and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Snyder also is survived by a son, Judge Gregory M. Snyder of York; a daughter, Melinda L. Snyder of York; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, Sylvest-er S. Snyder of Waynesboro; a sister, Margarette S. Manchey of Waynesboro; and nieces and nephews.
Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Dr. Terri L. Young of Trinity United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364, or to Misericordia Convalescent Home, 998 S. Russell St., York, PA 17402.
Nancy (Russin) Raffin
Jan. 12, 2002
Mrs. Nancy (Russin) Raffin, age 84, a guest at the Wyalusing Personal Care Home and formerly of Madera, PA, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002 at the personal care home.
Born on May 16, 1917 in Madera, she was the daughter of the late Metro and Anna (Kaniuk) Russin.
Her spouse, John Raffin, preceded her in death on March 10, 1997.
She retired from the JBC Sewing Factory in Madera after 35 years as a seamstress.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Madera and enjoyed gardening and cooking.
Surviving her are two children, Raymond J. Raffin and wife, Mary Ann of Wyalusing and Mrs. Clarence (Florence) Kessling, Chambersburg; four grandchildren, Kim Hawkins, Germantown, MD, Michele Raffin, Boalsburg, John Raffin, Philadelphia and Karl Raffin, Towanda; two brothers and three sisters, John Russin, Martins Ferry, OH, George Russin, Buffalo, NY, Sue Lindberg, Newington, CT, Anna Lenkevich, Farmington, MI, Helen Koren, Clearfield; numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Mike, Frank, Charles and Alex and one sister, Mary Yorke.
Friends and family were received at the Kruise Funeral Home in Madera on Monday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A parastas was sung at 8:30 with Fr. Gregory Lewis.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Madera, with Fr. Gregory Lewis officiating.
Interment was in the church Cemetery .
Marie B. Radencic
Jan. 13, 2002
Marie B. Radencic, age 56, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002 at the home of her daughter, Tracy Brunner in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Marie was born in Dushore, PA, on March 11, 1945, a daughter of the late George A., Sr. and Mary Frank Radencic. She graduated from St. Basil’s High School in Dushore, a member of the Class of 1963.
Marie lived in the South for several years before moving to Pittsburgh in 1976. She worked for JC Penney’s and was currently an account executive with Giant Eagle Supermarkets in Pittsburgh.
She was a loving mother and enjoyed a great zest for life. She always returned home to Dushore each summer for her family’s annual pig roast.
Surviving are a son, Russell Brunner, Williamsport; a daughter, Tracy Brunner, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a brother and sister-in-law, Peter P. and Patricia Radencic, Harrisburg; grandson, William Brunner Sak; several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Rose Radencic on Aug. 13, 1960, and brothers, Robert A. Radencic on March 8, 1983 and George A. Radencic, Jr. on June 20, 1996.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, pastor, presiding. Interment will be in St. Basil’s Cemetery, Dushore.
Memorials may be directed to St. Basil’s Restoration Fund, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Willard B. (Bill) Coombs
Jan. 9, 2002
Willard B. (Bill) Coombs, age 76, of Meshoppen, PA, passed away on Wednesday morning, Jan. 9, 2002 at his home.
Bill was born in Reading on April 19, 1925, son of the late Willard B. and Gertrude Space Coombs. He graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, he entered Albright College in Reading from which he graduated in 1949 with a B. S. degree in Economics. He marriage the former Estelle I. Sprout of Reading on May 31, 1947.
Bill worked for LTV Steel Corporation, formerly Youngstown Steel & Tube from which he retired in 1984 after 32 years of service. After retiring, Bill moved to their long time recreational home in Meshoppen.
Bill loved the outdoors and was a great hunter and fisherman. He was very active with the Dushore Lions Club. He was a member of Scottish Rite One through the 18th Valley of Towanda, 19th through the 32nd Valley of Reading, Evergreen Lodge #163 F&AM, Monroeton, Union Royal Arch Chapter #161, Towanda.
Bill was a very active member of Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dushore, and a member of the church council.
Surviving are his loving spouse, Estelle, at home; two sons and daughter-in-law, Fred B. and Kathy Coombs, Easton and John E. Coombs, Horsham; two daughters and son-in-law, Christine A. Johnston, Oley and Jane Louise and Darwin Evangelista of Laureldale; a sister and brother-in-law, Janet C. and Richard T. Reeser, Temple; a step-sister, Shirley Lucas, Downington; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his nephew, the greatly loved Rev. Richard A. Reeser on Jan. 31, 1998.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. at Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Dushore, with his pastor, Rev. Eddie A. Nilsen, officiating. Interment was in Overfield Cemetery in Meshoppen.
Friends called on Friday, Jan. 11 at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, from 6:30 until 9 p.m. Masonic funeral services were held at 7 p.m. by members of the Evergreen Lodge #163 F&AM.
Memorials may be directed to Zion Chapel, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 426, Dushore, PA 18614.
Ann Marie Muller Wecker
Jan. 4, 2002
Ann Marie Muller Wecker, 62, of RR1, Monroeton, formerly of Olive St., Towanda, PA, passed away on Friday morning, Jan. 4, 2002 at Memorial Hospital, Towanda.
Born June 4, 1939 in New York City, NY, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Grace Muller.
Ann was a graduate of SRU High School and in early years was employed by the Commonwealth Telephone Company in Towanda.
On May 13, 1961 she marriage Fred J. Wecker in Towanda.
Ann was a member of SS Peter and Paul Church, Towanda, and its Altar and Rosary Society.
Her life encompassed her home, family and church. She was cared for by her loving and devoted husband, Fred for over 30 years until his passing. Her children, Jamie and Patty continued to care for her until her passing. Through all of her illness and hardships she remained happy and strongly devoted to her faith.
Ann enjoyed football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Surviving are her children and their spouses, Patricia A. and Eric A. Thomason of Towanda RR1, James F. and Shannon M. Wecker of Monroeton RR1; three grandsons, Christian M. Thomason, Lars N. Thomason and Quinn G. Wecker; three brothers, Donald Muller of Santa Maria, CA, Robert Muller of Louisiana, Thomas Muller of Farmington, NY; two sisters, Joan Austin of Harvey’s Lake and Patsy Smith of Towanda; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred J. Wecker on Dec. 26, 1997; a son, Freddie C. Wecker, March 31, 1978; a grandson, Matthew Nicholas Thomason, Jan. 30, 1997; a brother, Stephen Muller in 1996.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. at the SS Peter and Paul Church, Towanda, with the Rev. Ronald Hughes as celebrant.
Interment was in the SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, North Towanda Township.
The family received friends Sunday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda. A recitation of the rosary was held.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the SS Peter and Paul Church, 106 Third St., Towanda in Mrs. Wecker’s memory.
Beatrice M. Vlasca
Dec. 18, 2001
Beatrice M. Vlasca of Tunkhannock, PA died on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001 at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock. She was the widow of Victor M. Vlasca, who died in 1969.
She was born on Feb. 12, 1915 in Montrose, daughter of the late Orville and Elsie Cole Arnold.
She graduated from Rider College and became a legal secretary in New York City where she met Victor. Eventually they moved to South Auburn where they operated Harmony Hill Farms. After Victor’s death, she moved to Tunkhannock and became active in community theater and the Tunkhannock Library. For many years, she traveled frequently around the world and wintered in Florida.
She became a painter and many friends and family members own some of her lovely paintings.
Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Gladi Porsche and her husband, Al of Durham, NH; two grandchildren, Hilary Ingrid and Michael Porsche; sisters, Louise LaRue of East Rush and Dorothy Purdy of Laceyville; brothers, George Arnold of Florida and Ralph Arnold of Montrose. Bea also had many friends who will miss her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor, in 1969 and a brother, William Arnold, in 1960.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, Dec. 20 from Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Richards, pastor of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Birchardville Cemetery .
