 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. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to Camp Freedom at https://campfreedompa.org/donate/.
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 It is with heavy hearts, but also a sense of peace, that we announce the passing of Robert William Leventhall, who died peacefully at home on April 26, 2025, at the age of 87. Bill was born in Carbondale, PA, in 1937 to the late William Thomas Leventhall and Evelyn Hunter Leventhall. He married Sally Nichols on December 9,1961, and was a devoted father to five children.
After graduating from high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Korea. He later settled in Windsor, NY, as a lab technician and chemist for Crowley’s. In 1971, he and Sally relocated with his youngest children to the Nichols homestead on Lake Sheridan, PA. and took a position with Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany. He became a leading expert in wood pulp identification and papermaking. Following retirement, Bill enjoyed running a Christmas tree farm, fishing, hunting and watching his Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants. He was a dedicated family man whose life’s purpose was enjoying time with family. His loved ones will remember him as the strongest man they ever knew. He was a man of pride, extreme intelligence, and fortitude. Bill lived his life as a man of great character and possessed positive attributes that will be passed onto future generations. He loved unconditionally and was never bothered by trivial matters. A master storyteller, Bill enjoyed reminiscing about his time in the Air Force, his travels, and his hunting and fishing adventures. A filled bird feeder was likely to be found on his porch, as he and Sally cherished watching the little creatures around them. Bill was an avid reader, and a whiz at crossword puzzles. If you ever talked with Bill, whether you knew him for five minutes or fifty years, you felt like the most important person in the room. His kindness, attention, and sincerity made every conversation special. Bill is survived by his children Jeff Leventhall (Sandra), Mark Leventhall (Lori), Ginger Edwards (Brock), Lori Mason (Brian), and Lynn Leventhall (Shawn) ;8 grandchildren: Luke Leventhall, Emily, Julia, and London Edwards, Piper and Maddox Mason, Alex and Nicholas Bushta; 3 sisters: Sharon Snyder, Diane Karosus, and Susan Nusz, brother Eugene Leventhall, a brother-in-law Gary Nichols (Bonnie), numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn, as well as his loving wife of 48 years, Sally, brothers-in law Joseph Nichols and David Snyder, niece Sherrie Salerno, and nephew Justin Nusz. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 4 from 5-7pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family with interment in the Nicholson Cemetery at a later date.  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. 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. Family and friends may call from 10am until service time.  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. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Acre Lake Baptist Church.  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. 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!  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. |
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