​With profound sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of Brian Andrew Diaz, who left this world on April 20, 2025, at the age of 40.

Brian was born on March 13, 1985, and brought boundless energy, laughter, and strength to all who knew him. A proud United States Marine Corps Corporal, Brian exemplified courage, resilience, and determination both in uniform and throughout the challenges life brought him.

Brian was known for being fiercely active and constantly in motion, embracing physical challenges and living life with vigor. In 2008, that life was forever changed when a devastating car accident left him quadriplegic and blind. Despite the life-altering injuries, Brian defied every clinical expectation, surviving far beyond what doctors predicted and continuing to be a light in the lives of his family and friends. His strength was not only physical, but deeply spiritual—his stubborn will to survive and unwavering sense of humor inspired all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Even in his limited state, Brian continued to bring joy, laughter, and love to those around him.

Brian is survived by his father, Manny Diaz, and Manny’s companion Sandy Albert; his mother, Pauline Gerchman, and stepfather Mitch Gerchman; his siblings, Ryan Gerchman, Dustin Diaz, and Kara Diaz.

He was a son, a brother, a Marine, and a friend—each role marked by love, loyalty, and a bit of mischief.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 10am till 12 noon with funeral services performed by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun at 12 Noon. Interment will follow in the St. Patrick Cemetery, Nicholson.

A celebration of Brian's life will follow the cemetery services 

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him. Semper Fi, Brian. You are deeply missed and forever loved.

Benjamin Price Carter lost his battle with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury on April 1, 2025. He was a true warrior to the end.

As a decorated Naval Combat Veteran, his actions saved the lives of many soldiers and those of us at home. During his eight years of naval service, he was deployed in Iraq twice, was a member of the Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 and proud to be selected for Riverine Squadron 1, the first Riverine Squadron since Vietnam. He was the first to receive the official Game Warden of Vietnam award for his heroic actions in Iraq during his second deployment. Ben graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School and George Mason University and was honored to be a third-degree Mason.

Ben was a loving, caring person with a great sense of humor and always quick with a one-liner. Protecting people was his great strength, and he was always ready to help a fellow friend or veteran in need. From a young age, Ben loved being outside and working the land in almost any capacity.

His love for this country will never be forgotten. July 4 was his favorite holiday, and America held a special place in his heart. His hard work on the farm and Camp Freedom will not be forgotten. He loved music, playing the drums, and swimming.

Ben is survived by his three children Leighton, Levi, and Colton who held a special place in his heart and he loved deeply; the love of his life, Erin Malloy; his mother and stepfather, Barbara and Jim Cocolin; his father, Richard Carter; two brothers, Adam (wife Rachel) and Joshua Carter; and niece and nephew, Luke and Emma.

Ben not only helped so many people along the way but was also helped by many. The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the many people who have been by Ben’s side and continuously believed in him, including his many friends, Veterans Court, Camp Freedom and Camp Hope.

There will be a celebration of life at Camp Freedom on June 7 from 1 to 4 PM. Camp Freedom is located at 284 Number 7 Rd, Carbondale, PA 18407.  Please think of some of Ben’s 1 liners and stories to share.   
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In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to Camp Freedom at https://campfreedompa.org/donate/.

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Florence S. Gardoski, 94, of Kingsley, Pa., passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, April 25. She was born in Scott Township on June 22, 1930, the first of six children of John and Stella Sokoloski.

After graduating high school, Florence moved to Detroit to pursue employment. She moved back to her father’s home at age 18 to help with her younger siblings when first her mother, then her stepmother, passed away. She had a wonderfully nurturing spirit throughout her whole life.

Florence married Joseph S. Gardoski on November 15, 1952, and moved into the family home to help run the dairy farm. She was the love of Joe’s life, and he preceded her in death in November of 2001, right after their 49th wedding anniversary. They had seven children and raised them under the fierce love and loyalty of Florence’s protective wings. Surviving are her children Nancy Perri (Donald), James (Linda), Daniel, Ronald (Karen), Susan Mahdavi (Amir), Kenneth (Sharon), and Sharon Bishop (Robert.) She has 22 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren with more on the way. Two of her grandsons preceded her in death. Florence was a parishioner of St. Patrick Church of Nicholson, Pa.

Calling hours will be at Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 1.

 A Mass of Christian Burial performed by Rev. Arbogast Satoun will be held at 11 am on Friday, May 2, at St. Patrick Church, 205 Main Street, Nicholson. Those who wish to attend the Mass are asked to go directly to the Church.
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Interment will follow in the St. Patrick Cemetery, Nicholson

It makes our hearts leap with joy at the thought of Florence’s macular degeneration disappearing as she looks clearly into the face of Jesus, and once again reuniting with her beloved best friend Joe.

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Robert John (Bob) Helmacy, age 85, died of natural causes while at home in Lathrop Township PA on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 

He was born December 17, 1939 in Franklin NJ to John James Helmacy and Frances Gunther, and grew up in Sparta NJ.

Bob held a Masters Degree in Music from Boston University, a Diploma in Trumpet from Juilliard School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Baldwin-Wallace College.

Bob taught music and orchestra in the Caldwell-West Caldwell public schools in New Jersey for 37 years.  He also founded and conducted the Northern Tier Symphony of Tunkhannock PA, conducted the South Orange Symphony of South Orange NJ from 1972 to 2014, and was one of the original conductors of Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro NC where he conducted for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Colleen, by his cousin Sue Ellen Helmacy of Wantage NJ, his nephew Stephen Chenevey of Arlington VA, and his niece Catherine Chenevey of Gainesville VA.  He is predeceased by his sister Sandra Helmacy Chenevy recently of Ft. Myers FL.  Bob will be greatly missed as a devoted teacher, loving husband, and inspirational orchestra conductor.

Funeral services performed by Rev. John Shaffer will be held Thursday, May 1 at 11am in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. Interment will follow in the Squiers Cemetery in Kingsley. 
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Family and friends may call from 10am until service time.

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John Owen Olver, 86, of Hop Bottom went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 13 at Geisinger CMC in Scranton.

His wife and the love of his life  is Mary Hawkins Olver and they have been married for 66 years.

Born in Honesdale, he is the son of the late Russell and DeLila Shaffer Olver.

Prior to retiring, John spent many years as a self-employed auto body expert, owning The Bent Fender in Milford, PA. 

John was a member of the Acre Lake Baptist Church. He loved cars, trains, and collected clocks. He was a comedian who could make anyone laugh and was a fast finder of friends. He could often be heard singing or whistling a little tune or doing a little dance. He loved pancakes and made a pretty mean flapjack himself. 

John was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He truly was a gentleman.

John is also survived by his children, Richard (Diane) Olver, Cindi (Jim) Dennis, Kevin (Robin) Olver, and Connie (Joe) Milunic, ten grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; brothers, Jimmy, Butch, and Gary; and sisters, Bonnie, Bernice, and Debbie.
He was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and sister, Susan.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 18 at 12 Noon in the Acre Lake Baptist Church with services performed by Rev. Sherman L. Skeens.

Family and friends may call from 10am until service time at the church.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Acre Lake Baptist Church.
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Rolland “Mike” S. Keithline Jr., 84, of Nicholson passed away Friday March 19, 2025 peacefully at home.
Born in Lathrop Township, he is the son of the late Roland and Mary Milbrodt Keithline.
Prior to retiring Mike was a hard working farmer all of his life. He loved to farm and was the oldest of nine siblings.
He is survived by his companion, Estella Powers; four sisters, Marilyn (Sissy) Keithline, Viola Foersch, Martha Brunges, and Mary Cruikshank, and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Enola; brothers Robert, Richard, and Donald (Pete) Keithline, and a sister, Dorothy Sands.
Funeral services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

John "Bucko" Kinney, 82, of Hop Bottom passed away peacefully the evening of March 19, 2025; with the love of his family surrounding him following a courageous battle with cancer.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to know him will understand he was one of a kind.
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Born April 24, 1942, in Bridgewater Township to Robert & Felicia Blazewicz Kinney. John was the eldest of the 5 Kinney children. 

Prior to retiring, John worked 31 years for PennDot as a foreman. He was also a member of the Elk Mtn VFW Post 8488. His hobbies were hunting, Nascar, cooking, feeding the birds and gardening. John grew up on the Kinney Farm where he frequently visited as an adult to find peace.  When he wasnt at the farm, you'd likely find him visiting his longtime friends, The Bishops of Brooklyn, PA "Hanging at the garage." 

He loved taking his dogs for rides and spoiling them with treats, sitting in the garage passing time or playing with his 5 granddaughters or tending to his garden. His greatest loves were spending time with his grandchildren, family and his dogs.  
He will be greatly missed as he was a remarkable man in so many ways. He has left his family and friends with countless memories to cherish.

John is survived by a wife, Corinna Burdick Kinney (34yrs); a daugther Bunny (Joshua Olecki); a son Justin Kinney (Kylie); 5 granddaughters - Ava, Tori, Morgan, Jillian and Olivia; two brothers - Robert Kinney (Sharon) and Paul Kinney and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Mary Kinney Capoccia and Helen Kinney Janesky and a nephew John Capoccia. 

A special Thank You to Joey Bishop and Chadd & Barb Roth for their enabling him to visit Florida before he passed. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later time at the convenience of the family. 
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If you would wish to...a donation can be made in John's honor to the True Friends Animal Shelter in Montrose, PA as John loved his 4 legged "kids" so much!