 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. 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. 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!
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 Robert George Brecht, 86, a lifelong resident of Nicholson, PA passed away peacefully at home March 21, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 14, 1938, he was the son of the late Eugene and Drucilla Brecht.
After graduating from Lackawanna Trail High School in 1957, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Rankin. During his service, he travelled to Spain, Italy, and Greece. Following his naval service, Bob joined the Army National Guard where he dedicated his life to service for 30 years retiring at the rank of Sergeant. Prior to his retirement, Bob was employed at PennDOT as a road supervisor, a career in which he made many lasting friendships. Bob was an avid enthusiast of both golf and bowling. He often boasted about his hole-in-one at Lakeland Golf Course and his championship in the Gin’s Golf League. His signature humor was evident during his rounds; when an errant shot would land in the woods he would remark “let it go, they make them every day.” He spent over 50 years in the Monday Men’s Bowling League at Belvedere Lanes, sharing many fond memories with his fellow bowlers. He was a proud member of the Nicholson American Legion Post #953 and the Nicholson Masonic Lodge #438 where he served three times as Worshipful Master. Bob was one of the original members of The Last Chance Rod and Gun Club in Laquin, Pa., where he and lifelong friends spent countless weekends and hunting seasons. When his family pressed him about not taking his gun to camp his response was “Someone has to stir the soup.” He also enjoyed time spent with his Army brothers and was responsible for organizing the annual snow turtle hunt. His heart was full of pride and joy as he supported his grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their sporting events. He was honored to stand as best man for his eldest grandson Jim Colvin (Holly). His pride and love for his family was always evident, and his door was always open to all who wanted to visit. He cherished the friendship of his long-time neighbors and friends. Bob’s true love was his wife of 60 years, Carol. Together they shared many adventures including cruising in the Caribbean and Alaska. Bob is also survived by four daughters, Robin Brecht, Kim Brecht (Jason Christ), Lisa Lochen (Rick), and Tara Brecht (Scott Roberts), as well as seven grandchildren and three great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his brother David Brecht, his daughter Bobby Jean, and his grandson Michael Brecht. Bob’s legacy of love, laughter and service will forever be cherished by his family and friends. A viewing will be held at Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. Friends may call Wednesday, March 26th from 5pm to 7pm with Masonic services at 7 followed by the American Legion. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 27th at 3pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nicholson United Methodist Church or your local American Legion Post.  Derreck Oakley, 53, of Kingsley, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025.
Born with a love for the great outdoors, Derreck found joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He cherished every moment under the open sky, whether it was casting a line in the water or tracking game through the woods. Derreck was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 27 years, Stacey Oakley; his father, Ivan Oakley; and his brother, Tony Wadge. He is survived by his fiancée, Lori Chuck; his children, Alexis Oakley and Kevin Oakley; and his grandson, Lucas Herrin, who brought him immense pride and joy. He also leaves behind his loving mother, Mary Oakley, and his siblings: Art Wadge, Andy Wadge, Allen Wadge, Beth Schirg, Mary Kordek, Kathy Wadge, and Dorothy Jenkins, as well as many nieces and nephews. Derreck’s humor and passion for the simple pleasures of life will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His legacy of love and adventure will live on in those who knew him. To honor Derreck’s wishes, no services will be held.  Adam Manzer, 63, of Nicholson passed away at home Saturday, February 22, 2025 at home due a respiratory complication.
After graduating from Mt. View High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Upon coming home, Adam went into the family logging business. He went on to be self employed running Sawmill Hill, where he logged and bulldozed. In his earlier years you could spot him calling cadence in his dress blues for the local parades and doing carious activities with the VFW and American Legion. He spent his recent years making his daily rounds and in town visiting. Adam is survived by his mother, Margaret; daughter and son in law, Brandi and Craige Smith; his grandchildren, Lawson and Laney, whom affectionally referred to him as "Sammich"; and a brother, Gene. He was predeceased by his father, Floyd; a sister, Brenda; and his son, Josh. A celebration of life will be held privately at the family's request.  Richard Eugene Clark, 89, of Kingsley, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday February 15, 2025.
His wife, Jeanette Carol Clark (née Nulton), passed away in 2004. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont he was the son of the late Harry Robert and Helen Marion Clark (née McCabe). Richard graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade school, where he specialized as a machinist. He served as an airplane mechanic in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Kingsley Methodist Church. Before retiring, Richard worked as a handyman and landscaper, spending most of his time outdoors. He had many talents and hobbies, including hunting with his grandchildren and teaching them how to fix things. Richard loved tinkering on projects in his barn, where he always knew where that special part was, and was eternally planning each new season’s garden and landscape. His dedication to these activities and his family was immeasurable. Richard was deeply committed to the Masonic fraternity, dedicating many years to service, sponsorship, and charitable activities with various Masonic programs. He was a Past Master of Harford Warren Lodge #445 and served the 15th Masonic District as the Masonic CHIP chairman for seven years. Richard had been a member of Cincinnati Lodge #3, Morristown, NJ for over 50 years. His affiliations extended to Lackawanna Chapter #185 Royal Arch Masons, Scranton Council #44, Melita-Coeur de Lion Commandery No. 17, Knights Templar, Valley of Central Jersey AASR and Crescent Shrine of Burlington, NJ. Additionally, Richard was a Past Worthy Patron of Prosperity Chapter #83 and Towanda Chapter #86 Order of the Eastern Star. Richard is survived by a daughter, Audrey Jean Michot; two sons, James Richard (Brenda) and Wayne Robert (Andrea) Clark; grandchildren, Zachary Francis, Shayne Richard, and Alleigha Junette Michot; Roisin Jeanette, Caleb James, Molly Ina, and Cianan Andrew Clark; a sister, Margaret DeLosa; his companion of 20 years, Jo Ann Bush Baker, and numerous family members. He was predeceased by two sisters, Barbara Taylor and Marjorie Clark. The funeral service with Masonic and Order of Eastern rites will be held in the spring in the Charles Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. Donations may be made in honor of Richard to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/  Elsie Mary Kilmer passed away in her home on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. She was 98 years old.
Elsie was born on Feb. 8, 1927 to Floyd Stark and Anna May Hajos-Stark. Elsie resided in Benton Township, where she was always accompanied by her children and grandchildren. Elsie was married to her husband of 73 years, Herbert Kilmer. Elsie was a switchboard phone operator, who assisted Herbert while he tried to proceed with a phone call. When Herbert insisted the phone line would not go through, Elsie had to tell him that the receiving line was not answering so he’d have to call back later. In love with the sound of Elsie’s voice, Herbert called back numerous times until Elsie answered. Elsie and Herbie married on Nov. 6, 1948 and had six children. She and Herbert did everything in life together, and even co-owned their business, Herb Kilmer & Sons Inc. Elsie frequently attended her grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. As an avid Boston sports fan, Elsie experienced many family vacations to Fenway Park and saw her fair share of Boston Celtics games. In her high school years, Elsie was an athlete herself. She served as the captain of the basketball and field hockey teams and was also a talented bowler. In her leisure time, Elsie enjoyed playing card games, watching game shows and Hallmark movies, visiting the casino with her husband, and staying at their winter home in Florida. Elsie is recognized by her generosity to various charity organizations and her devotion to her family. Elsie is survived by 6 children, Roger Kilmer (Cheryl Albus), Sandra Compton (David Compton), Jeffrey Kilmer (Diane Kilmer), Thomas Kilmer, Kenneth Kilmer, and Jacqueline Kilmer, 12 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Herbert Kilmer, sisters Alberta Hall and Geraldine Philo, brother Bud Stark, her mother and father, Anna May and Floyd Stark, and daughters-in-law Kathy Kilmer and Jean Kerr. The Kilmer family would like to extend their gratitude to Elsie’s caregivers for their care, compassion, and companionship throughout her last few years. A special thanks is given to Debbie Stoppard for providing exceptional care and companionship to Elsie. A viewing will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service.  Gerald Stevens Davis, 86, of Kingsley, Pa., passed away peacefully in his sleep at Stella Maris in Timonium, Maryland, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 22, 2025.
He was predeceased by his wife, Alice M. (Wheeler) Davis, in 2010. Born in South Gibson, Pa., he was the son of the late Harold and Mary Davis. He graduated from Harford High School and then earned an associate degree in biomedical technology. Jerry served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years and retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, Plains Township, after 20 years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and genealogy as hobbies. Jerry is survived by two children: Harold and wife, Lori Davis, of Scranton, S.C.; and Sandra and Terry Hart, of Freeland, Md.; five grandchildren: Rick, Sierra, Brooke, Jaidyn and Talon; and seven great-grandchildren: John, Zac, Ellie, Alyson, Joshua, Axl and Luna. He is also predeceased by a granddaughter, Ashley. Funeral services are private at the convenience of the family.  Gregory Symuleski, 54, of Hop Bottom passed away Friday, January 24,
2025 at Allied Hospice is Scranton after a courageous battle with illness. His wife is Cathy Ouellette Symuleski and they have been married 21 years. Born in Linden, New Jersey he is the son of the late John and Loretta Borden Symuleski. Gregg graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School, attended Penn State, earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Education from Marywood University, and was the Post Master in Nicholson. He was a member of the Hop Bottom Church of Hope and Peace. He was a member of the Fleetville fire company as an assistant chief and an EMT. He loved building models and was a member of the Model club. He enjoyed hunting and assisting with the Boy Scouts. He loved/enjoyed, his dog Luna, cooking, and singing. He loved the challenge to debate, and was known and appreciated for his many jokes, phrases and responses. Gregg loved his family and spending time with his children. Gregg is also survived by a son, Jonathon Symuleski; a daughter, Caroline Symuleski; a brother, David (Phyllis) Symuleski; mother in law, Carol Oullette; a sister-in-law, Judy Symuleski, sister in Law, Amy Armstrong; brother in law, John Ouellette and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Symuleski; nephew, Tommy; niece, Cassidey; and father in law, Albert. The family would like to thank the nurses at Davita Dialysis in Tunkhannock, Dr. Henry Yeager, Dr. William Brown, Dr. John Diakiw, Traditional Home Health and Hospice, and Allied Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral services performed by Rev. Phil Richardson will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 2pm in the Church of Hope and Peace in Hop Bottom. Family and friends may call from 12 Noon until service time at the church. Donations may be made in Gregg's memory to the Hop Bottom Hose Company and the Hop Bottom Church of Hope and Peace.  Raymond Leo Fallon, 66, of Kingsley passed away Saturday January 25, 2025 at Geisinger CMC in Scranton.
Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late William and Helen Zick Fallon. Ray graduated from Mountain View High School in 1976. He worked at the Elk Mountain VFW Post #8488 as a manager for many years and also was a member since 1982. He loved to help with the annual VFW Toys for Kids program. He also was a huge fan and supporter of Pompey Racing. Ray is survived by two brothers, Duane Fallon and Paul (Pauline) Fallon; a sister, Patricia Barankovich; numerous nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Fallon; a sister in law, Adeline Fallon; and a brother in law, Ronald Barankovich. Funeral services performed by Rev. Bryant Clark will be held on Friday, January 31 at 11am in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson with a viewing from 10am until service time. A viewing will also be held on Thursday, January 30 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date in the South Gibson Cemetery.  Richard Roland Keithline Sr., 83, of Nicholson passed away at home on January 26, 2025 with his family by his side. He had battled cancer for a very long time.
Born in Tunkhannock, he is the son of the late Roland and Mary Millbrodt Keithline. He loved being outside with his brother and son. He drove truck for forty plus years and then retired. Richard loved going to Florida once a year but he could unfortunately no longer go due to his battle with cancer. Richard is survived by his children, Richard R. Keithline Jr. of Nicholson, Theresa and Mark Brewer of Meshoppen, Jacqueline Hall of Nicholson, Amy and Shane Landry of Louisiana; many grandchildren and many more great grandchildren. We love Richard and he will be sorely missed. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. |
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