Citizens Voice

Joe Gutkoski died peacefully August 5, 2021; 94 years old. He was born to Barney and Mary Gutkoski in Wilkes-Barre, PA and was raised as a Pennsylvania deer hunter, trout fisherman, mushroom and berry picker, hickory nut, walnut, hazel nut, butternut and Yes, American chestnut gatherer. Joe graduated from the township high school and enlisted in the Navy in WW II where he served on the Destroyer Lansdowne. He graduated from Penn State University under the WW II GI Bill with a BS degree in Landscape Architecture. He began work with the US Forest Service in the late 1940's as a fire fighter in Idaho. He transferred to Missoula, MT where for 13 years he worked as Smoke Jumper, squad leader and...

Michael Galaida, Jr., 45, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 12, 2021 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Fairfax, VA surrounded by his loving family. Michael was a 1993 graduate of Bishop Hoban Catholic High School and a Graduate of California University of Pennsylvania. He led in the pharmaceutical sales industry, for over a decade, serving as a representative with PDI; and a surgical sales representative for GlaxosmothKline (GSK); and Alcon Laboratories. Following a professional career in the pharmaceutical industry, Michael was a successful entrepreneur, serving as co-owner of Clean Method, a national commercial maintenance company. Michael's love was the fullest when spending time with...

Jack Lyons Robinson (85) of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania passed away surrounded by his family on May 29, 2021 in Savannah, Georgia. Jack was born in Easton, Pa and played Middle Linebacker at Easton High School and was offered a football scholarship to Georgia Institute of Technology. He chose to become a Marine and served honorably during the Korean War. He married Norma Evelyn Unangst Robinson on January 18, 1958 and is survived by her and their three children Robin Emma Greco (Savannah, Ga.), Jack George Robinson (Wilkes Barre Pa.), and Dean Lyons Robinson (Wilkes Barre, PA.), one sister - Ann Adams (Bethlehem, PA.), seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and his best friend...

Leonard Bogumil died peacefully from complications of heart disease on Saturday, April 24, 2021 in New Port Richey, Florida. He is survived by his loving family. Wife Darlene, Daughter Linda Chaney, Son Jeffrey and Grandchildren, Taylor, Haille & Hunter. He was preceded in death by his siblings Louise Tomko, Robert Bogumil, Shirley Bogumil, Jean Smith, and Walter Bogumil. Leonard was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA, born November 26, 1930. The Son of Polish Immigrant parents Walter Bogumil and Anna Royzek Bogumil. After graduating from GAR High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Leonard enlisted in the USAF. He served as a B-47 co-pilot in the Strategic Air Command in Korean war...

Robert T. Williams (Bumper) of Sweet Valley and Dallas,Pa. passed away on April 8,2021 at Cornerstone Hospice House,The Villages, Florida with his loving wife Fran by his side. Bob and Fran spent the past 15 years being snow birds in Florida, but returned every spring back to their home town in Pa. Robert was born October 23,1938, son of the late Griffith and Grace Williams of Ashley, Pa. He graduated from Ashley H.S. class of 1956. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country. He retired in 2001 from SCI, Dallas as a Correctional Officer and was a proud member of their pistol shooting team. He also was a member of the VFW in Glen Lyon. Preceding him in death beside his...

James Anthony Zaykoski, 57 of Mount Airy, MD passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Mount Airy, MD. Born on April 20, 1963 in Wilkes Barre, PA. He was the son of the late Carl Zaykoski and Dorothy (Sefcik) Zaykoski. He graduated valedictorian from Greater Nanticoke Area High School in 1981 and went on to attend Wilkes College where he also graduated valedictorian with a bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering. He received his Master's and Doctorate degrees from the University of Maryland while employed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bethesda, MD and continued his career there for 36 years. He enjoyed being around his family and friends and had a love for...

David L Eddy, 91 of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Tideland Waccamaw Community Hospital where he had been a patient of one week with his family around him. Born in Courtdale, PA, he was the son of the late David S. and Diantha Eddy. He was a 1948 graduate of Forty Fort High School where he excelled in wrestling. David had retired after 45 years of service from Bertels Can Company in Kingston, PA. In retirement, he enjoyed bowling and golfing. He was a member of Lehman Idetown United Methodist Church for 70 years. He was preceded in death by his brothers, George and Arthur, a sister, Dorothy and a daughter in law, Sharon Eddy. Surviving is his wife of...

On February 4, 2021, Mary Jane Lakatta; beloved sister of Dr. Edward G. Lakatta and his wife Loretta, and Patricia (Lakatta) Hergenroeder and her husband Bob Hergenroeder. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jane was a long-time resident of Wilkes-Barre, PA and a volunteer of 34 years at Mercy Hospital. Services and interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to Stella Maris, Development Office, 2300 Dulaney Valley Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093.

Arno O. Miller, 76, of Swatara Township, formerly of Dallas, PA, husband of Donna L. (Derr) Miller, passed away Monday February 1, 2021 at his home. A Memorial Service and Celebration of His Life are being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions being made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 420 North Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Those wishing to read his complete obituary or share memories and condolences with the family are invited to visit BitnerCares.com.

Ballston Lake, NY Amos Reakes of Ballston Lake died on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Fulton Center for Rehab in Gloversville, NY. She was 91. Born in Ceasetown, PA, he was the son of Amos Reakes and Anna Pavlick Reakes Kruger. A graduate of Ed Lenman High School, class of 1947, Mr. Reakes worked as a computer operator for the state of New York in Albany retiring in 1986. He is survived by his brother, Robert N. Reakes of Hagaman, nephew, Robert D. Reakes (Lucinda) of Fort Johnson, NY, niece, Down Kosiba (Lee) of Broadalbin, NY, 3 grand nephews, R.J. Reakes, Austin Reakes, and Bryan Kosiba, also survived by many cousins. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family....

Melinda M. Seidel, of Largo, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2021. Melinda was born to William H. Miller Jr. and E. June Miller on February 4, 1948 in York, Pennsylvania. Melinda graduated from York Central High School in 1966. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Melinda started her career as a Trust Tax Officer with York Bank and Trust Company and later on became an Office Manager for Dallas United Methodist Church, Dallas, Pennsylvania and Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Evansville, Indiana. Although Melinda was born into a Lutheran family, upon meeting the love of her life, Neil, she became a member of...

Linda Ann Walsh Herbert passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021 at home in Indianapolis after an extended illness. She was in the company of her loving family. Born on August 5, 1949 in Kingston, PA, Linda was the daughter of Paul J. Walsh and Martha Sheehan Walsh. She grew up in Forty Fort, PA, attending Forty Fort schools where she met her husband Thomas E. (Ted) Herbert. They have been married for 49 years. Linda was a member of the first graduating class (1967) of the newly consolidated Wyoming Valley West School District. Linda has been a long time resident of Indianapolis, residing in Butler-Tarkington; she and her husband recently relocated to College Park. She was employed in...

Akron Attorney George J. Emershaw, III, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center after a heart attack. George was born in 1940 in Wilkes Barre, Penn. He was part of the first graduating class from Central Catholic High School in Kingston, Penn. At Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Penn., he was a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Honor Society, was a member of the ROTC, and played several positions on the football team. After graduating college, he was a United States Marine Corps reservist. He married his college sweetheart, the former Ginger Donlin, in 1962. George earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law. George...

ur beautiful, strong, caring and loving, wife, mother, sister, Ma and friend Frances (Fran) Laskofski, age 70 passed away at home on Thursday, December 24, 2020. She was surrounded by lots of love and her family. Fran was born to the late Paul and Connie Arcudi on December 30, 1949. Born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania, she grew up with two older sisters, Connie and Janie, and was also close with her large extended family. She attended Wilkes University, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and took graduate courses in education. Fran was naturally caring and compassionate. She took a genuine interest in other people and made friends everywhere she went. Throughout her...

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Rev. Thomas F. Carten, C.S.C., 78, died Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. He was born on April 13, 1942, in Newark, N.J., to James and Wilda Mae (Vail) Carten. He was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross on July 15, 1962. He made his First Profession of Vows on July 16, 1963 and his Final Profession on April 6, 1969 as a Brother of Holy Cross. He graduated from King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 1978 with a B.A., and received his M.Div. from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., the same year. He was ordained a Holy Cross priest on June 9, 1979. From 1963 to 1964, Fr. Carten worked in maintenance on the campus of...

Nancy F. Benjunas, 90, of Brewerton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 7, 2020. Nancy was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania on January 13, 1930 to the late John and Nancy Bright. She worked as an administrative assistant at both US Electrical Motors and United Way both of Milford, CT for many years. She was an avid NY Giants fan, she enjoyed sewing and cooking family dinners. Her greatest joy in life was her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first Husband, Justin Sadauskas; second Husband, Albert Benjunas; Son, Justin Sadauskas. She is survived by her Three Sons, John (Diane) Sadauskas of Phoenix, AZ, Albert...

Mary Elizabeth (Decker) Cook Mary Elizabeth (Decker) Cook, age 96, formerly of Luzerne County PA passed away at Messiah Lifeways on Tues November 10, 2020. She had moved with her daughter to Mechanicsburg PA in 2005 where she resided until her passing. Mary was born on Friday, August 15, 1924, in Wilkes-Barre to the late George Decker and Roshida (Nossel) Decker. Mary was the widow of William Albert Cook, Sr., whom she married on October 16, 1948, and who died on May 26, 1997. In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, William Albert Cook, Sr.; her son, William Albert Cook, Jr.; her grandson, Christian Cook; and her nine siblings. Mary's survivors include her...

Mary Diane (Duffy) Dunn, 74, of Riverview, Florida, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving family, husband, James Dunn; son, James Dunn Jr.; daughter, Erin and husband Jim Liston; sisters Shirley Duffy and Molly and husband Rayan Charndiramani; brothers, James and wife Pamela Duffy and Thomas Duffy. She had 7 grandchildren, Sinead Abel, Dermott Dunn, Paige Tewes, Jake Tewes, Eleana Myers, Moira Dunn and Patrick Dunn. Diane was preceded in death by her son Patrick Dunn who passed away in December 27, 2017. She met her husband James at a dance in the summer of 1963 at Harvey's Lake, Pennsylvania and a few...

On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, Christine M. Volansky, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 81. Born in Swoyersville, PA she was the wife of the late Edward P. Volansky and daughter of the late John F. and Julia Lencoski Walko. Those who had the privilege of knowing her understood how deeply she cared for her family and friends. She did not do this out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help and support. And she always ensured that everyone she spoke to was healthy, happy and loved. She enjoyed cooking, baking, listening to music and doing crossword puzzles. During her travels, she was often awestruck by beautiful scenery and...

Marian Margaret Hall, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, she had been a Hampton resident since the early 60's. An Air Force wife, she learned to be self-sufficient while working at the LAFB Childcare Center and raising her six children. A very spiritual lady, she was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She loved her family and holiday gatherings were her favorites. She enjoyed ceramics and gardening and was a Baltimore Orioles fan. Preceded in death by her husband, William K. Hall; survivors include her children, William K. Hall, Jr. (Donna), Louis M. Hall (Becky), Colleen M. Wedding (Paul), James E. Hall (Harriet),...

Mrs. Claire Marie Kwasnick, 75, passed from this world with grace and dignity on August 4th in Sebastian, FL surrounded by her loving family. Claire was born in Plains, PA to Joseph and Eleanor Sobol and was a member of St. Peter and Paul Church. A graduate of the Wilkes-Barre Business College, she applied her skills to both manufacturing and education. But it was through her strength as a woman, wife and mother that Claire truly shone. She met the love of her life, Edward M. Kwasnick, at the age of 16. Eventually marrying, they celebrated 53 years together at the time of her passing, much of it living aboard boats in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay and the Florida Keys. Because of this,...