Irvin Chester Aten, 81, of Nicholson passed away on December 24, 2024 at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.

His wife is the former Anna M. Borove and they have been married for 58 years.

​Born in Factoryville, Irv is the son of the late Carl and Lillian Grannis Aten.

Irv graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School in 1961 and shortly after from Mansfield University. He spent two years teaching at Blue Ridge before enjoying a 31 year teaching career at Elk Lake.

Irv was a very active member of his community. Irv was a three time past master of the Nicholson Masonic Lodge #438 and also a member of Factoryville Lodge #341.  He was a coach for the Nicholson Little League and teener program for many years. He officiated high school basketball, baseball, and softball in district 12 for many years, including state championship baseball and softball games. He was a director of the famous Hotel Niver softball tournaments and a connoisseur of Christmas lights.  In his spare time, he also loved to golf and bowl. 

Irv was a loving husband, father, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his children and watching their families grow.

Irv is also survived by two sons, Jamey (Ronnie) of Laceyville, PA and Jeremy (Erin) of Weaverville, NC; six grandchildren, Jael (Eddie), Joshua (Sara), Jourdan (Travis), Jaycen (Mitchell), Ada, and Nolan; four great grandchildren, Alex, Theo, Miles, and Cayden; two sisters, Elena McAndrew and Tina McGurl; and five brothers, Carl, Melvin, Russell, Ron, and Edward; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jocelyn; and two brothers, Richard and Gerald.

A viewing will be held on Sunday December 29 from 4-6pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

Funeral services performed by Rev. Steven Geske will be Monday December 30 at 11:00am with calling from 10:00am until service time in the Grace Lutheran Church, 351 Greenwood Street, Hop Bottom.

Interment will be held in the Nicholson Cemetery.
​
In lieu flowers, donations may be made in honor of Irv to the Grace Lutheran Pre School, 351 Greenwood Street, Hop Bottom

Mary Ann Sabuacak, 88, of Nicholson passed away Friday, December 13 at Abington Manor. 
Her husband, Nicholas, whom she married November 8, 1958 passed away in 2013.
Born in Scranton, she is the daughter of the late Michael and Anna Wrazien Rock.
Mary Ann graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Scranton and worked for over 20 years at Clarks Summit State Hospital as a nurse’s aide. She enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Nicholson, the Nicholson Women’s Club, and the Secret Pals. 
Mary Ann is survived by a son, Gary Sabuacak; two daughters, Cindy (Harold) Luther and Donna (Breck) Schreckengost; three grandchildren, Corey (Brittany) Luther, Nicholas and Kendra Sabuacak; one great grandson, Colton Luther; a brother Michael Rock; a sister, Patty Golembeski, and many nieces and nephews.
She was also predeceased by her daughter in law, Karen Sabuacak. 
The family would like to thank the staff at Abington Manor 3rd floor West crew for the excellent care provided to Mary Ann during her stay.
A Mass of Christian burial performed by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun will be held Friday December 20 at 10am in the St. Patrick Church in Nicholson. 
Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Starkville. 
Family and friends may call from 5-8pm Thursday December 19 in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Recreation Center at Abington Manor in honor of Mary Ann.

​

Sheri Lynn Fenton, 64, of Tunkhannock passed away surrounded by family Monday December 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with multiple illness.

Born in Tunkhannock, she is the daughter of Ralph Fenton(late) and Cindy Dilmore Collins. Sheri attended Lackawanna Trail High School and worked for many years as a department manager for Walmart.

Sheri was a homebody while not working. She enjoyed and loved the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and family.

The family would like to sincerely thank Tina and Alisha for the outstanding level of care and comfort you both provided around the clock for Sheri during her illness.

Sheri is survived by three sons, Josh (Tina), Ryan (Alisha), Richard Jr. (Dana); a brother, Mark Fenton (Vicki); six grandsons, and one granddaughter.

She was predeceased by her younger brother, Jesse Fenton.

A celebration of Sheri’s life will be held on Friday, December 20 from 6-7pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson. 

Due to a Crea family emergency, services for Melsenia are postponed until a later date.

Melsenia Crea, 87, of Lenox Township passed away November 12, 2024 at home. Her husband of 64 years, Frank Crea, passed away in 2022.

Born in Brooklyn, PA she is the daughter of the late Maurice and Rita Pappas Tiffany.
Melsenia graduated from Mountain View High School and was a retired housewife. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Nicholson. She loved to spend time gardening and crocheting.

Melsenia was blessed in her life with a family that cherished her. Her children, Sherri, Frank and Tracy, their children and grandchildren adored their Nana and PopPop with wonderful memories of time spent together. Melsenia loved her home and her flowers, especially in the summer where she was surrounded by her flowers.  Melsenia will be missed by all who knew her.

Melsenia is survived by a daughter, CherylAnn Kraska; a son, Frank M. Crea, wife Tracy Crea; grandchildren, Phillip and Jessica Kraska (wife), Capt. Alexander (U.S. Marine Corps) and Ashley (wife) Kraska, Caroline Bunn, Jared and Carly (wife) Bunn, Grayson and Grayson (wife) Crea; Great Grandchildren, Camryn Kraska, Colette Kraska, Maclin Bunn, Amelia Bunn, Joseph Kraska; and a sister, Jo Ann Lewandowski, (husband) Norman.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, November 26 from 10am until 11:45am in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

A mass of Christian burial performed by Rev. Arbogate Satoun will immediately follow at 12 Noon in the St. Patrick Church, 205 Main Street Nicholson.
​
Interment will be held in the St. Patrick Cemetery, Nicholson.

Mark W. Scott, 68, of Nicholson, PA., passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness. Born on January 28, 1956 Meshoppen, PA., he is the beloved son of the late Gerald L. Scott who passed away in 1994 and Jean Scott of Hop Bottom, PA.

Mark is survived by his brother, Gerald Scott and sister in law Lynn Scott of Gibsonia, PA., and three cherished nephews; Alex, Phil, and Carl. He spent 39 years in the family home in Nicholson where he was known for his warmth, generosity, and boundless love for family and friends.

Mark had a passion for military memorabilia and enjoyed attending auctions. Fondly remembered for his blue 1970 ‘Cuda, he loved racing it around town in his younger days. As a master carpenter, Mark’s skills were remarkable. He crafted guitars for Bo Diddly, Ron Woods of the Rolling Stones, and the Hard Rock Café. He worked alongside his father in construction building homes and deeply respected both of his parents. Mark graduated from Mountain View High School in 1973.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Cindy Lou Maphis Gill, of Beaver Dams, NY. Known for his humor, he would often say they’d been married 40 years. Mark also leaves behind his daughter, Marly Jean Scott of Taylor, PA., along with granddaughter, Kennedy, and grandson, Killian.

Additionally, he played a loving role in raising four daughters; Lisamarie Hugo of Locust Fork, AL., Laura Lynn Bowman of Exeter, PA., Jennifer Cruz (David) of Nicholson, PA., and Jeannie Lanning of Dalton, PA. He is remembered by his 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mark’s memory will also be cherished by his four brother in laws; Ronald(Carlotta) Wilson of Alpine, NY., Mark(Tammy) Williams of North Syracuse, NY., Terry (Kim) Butts of Big Flats, NY., and Joseph Maphis of Elmira, NY.; and also his best friend, Lucky Bedell, who never missed an opportunity to visit and was a constant in his life.
Mark is also preceded in death by his father, Gerald, and his granddaughter, Kora Ann, who heartbreakingly passed away on the same day, seven years apart.

Mark’s kindness, skill, and dedication to his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We would like to thank Residential Nurses for his after-surgery care and Sacred Heart Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral services performed by Rev. Phil Richardson will be held on Monday, November 11th at 6pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

Family and friends may call from 4pm until service time.
​
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Hospice.

Lee C. Walker, 91, of Lenox Township passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Elan Skilled Nursing in Scranton. His wife is Mary Ledyard Walker and they have been married for 71 years.

Born September 20, 1933 in Harford Township, he is the son of the late Robert and Margaret Lee Walker. 

Lee graduated from Harford High School. Upon graduation he served in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. Prior to retiring, he worked as a building contractor. He was a member of the Lenoxville United Methodist Church and a former member of the Susquehanna County planning commission.

Lee is also survived by three sons: Richard Lee Walker, wife Judy; John David Walker, companion Lisa Milby; and Thomas Mark Walker, wife Cheryl; six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by a sister, Florence Stone.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 8 at 12 Noon performed Rev. Patricia Hanley in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

Family and friends may call from 10am until service time.
​
Interment will immediately follow in the Willow View Cemetery in Clifford.

Daniel D. Albert Sr., born February 6, 1936 left to be with the Lord on October 30, 2024. He was married on September 12, 1959 to the late Janet Albert and they resided in Kingsley for 49 years.

Daniel was born in Maple Shade, New Jersey to the late William and Priscilla Albert.
Daniel is survived by five children; two sons, Daniel D. Albert Jr. and wife Cindy of Kingsley, PA and Darrin D. Albert of Bailey, NC; three daughters, Dulcey D. Albert and Dave Lucas of Kingsley, PA., Jody Albert and Dennis Farrell of Selma, NC., Sandy Albert and Manny Diaz of Kingsley, PA. Daniel is also survived by ten grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He was a man of many trades from garbage man to heavy equipment operator. For many years Daniel could be found hauling scrap metal. He enjoyed taking his dog on rides in the side by side around the mountain where he helped maintain the grounds.
​
A celebration of life will be held at a private location in honor of Dan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NROC, 1110 Mead Street, Dunmore 18512.

74 years, 4 months, 12 days
​A member of one of the oldest and quite numerous families in America, the Benjamin family, passed. Long time resident of his beloved Nicholson here in Wyoming County, Ron Benjamin took leave of his earthly vessel September 14, 2024. Born Ronald Bruce Benjamin in 1950 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Howard S. Benjamin and Ella Irene Zuch who's own love story began in Dickson City at the Primitive Methodist Church there. Mr. Benjamin's grandfather Willard S., also a master carpenter, having been the architect for the church design as well as the Sunday evening orchestra and choir director.

Ron Benjamin was a charming, affable, kind and giving man with a firm, strong handshake and an even stronger hug. Anyone ever to experience his warm, close embrace would not soon forget. Or, anyone who'd had the pleasure of calling his house would receive the same hearty, robust salutation, "HELLO, this is Ron!" He believed in supporting the public good, his strongest and most firm belief being that of kindness to all regardless of race, creed, religion, status, or wealth. In that regard he was the richest man in the world!!

Ron had attended George Washington High School in Philadelphia, meeting his children's mother Lynnie as they played the lead roles in the musical production "Oklahoma!”. He attended Nyack College in New York, raced enduro motocross while living in Georgia ten years, and wholly manifested his beliefs as a Pediatric Neonatal Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Therapist for many years in the city of Scranton. Before taking an early retirement in 2012, he'd even spent two years in the medical field in Cheyenne, Wyoming working and adventuring with the love of his life Markella.

His life had meandered an uncertain path at times until he found his dream home here in Nicholson on what was then known as Rural Root 2. Unknown to him at the time, his roots and personal connection to the area running as deep as the majestic Hemlock pine that surround the tiny red house. Mr. Benjamin being a descendant of transatlantic Captain, Master Joseph Youngs of Southold, Long Island circa 1645, along with Eliphalet Stephens the first permanent settler of this town about the year 1778. Like many cousins before him, Ron Benjamin found a peace and beauty that is largely unmatched where the great Tunkhannock runs to the mighty Susquehanna.

"Ronnie" was beloved and adored by a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and numerous friends who'd been a part of his varied and eclectic life. He and his brother Ken experiencing their closest years during summers at the Primitive Methodist Pocono Mountain Bible Conference working for their grandfather, the Rev. J. Elvin Zuch, former pastor of the Dickson City Church. In his adult life, his vocal talents were also well known both inside and outside his Nicholson home. As a professional vocalist he was once a member of the Robert Dale Chorale in Scranton. Ron Benjamin's musical heritage reaching back to his grandfather Willard S. who played first violin in the Scranton Symphony Orchestra at the old Lyceum Theatre. His great grandfather Nathaniel Wells Benjamin, a faithful chorister of twenty years at the Methodist Episcopal Church in North Scranton, whose own original homestead is now occupied by the Peace Lutheran Church.

Mr. Benjamin lived in his tiny red house in the wood, affectionately referred to as Hemlock Ridge, at one time with twelve roaming felines and two "good ole" dogs. Over the many years at Hemlock Ridge, Ron continued to perfect himself as a journalist, photographer, chef, mycologist, horticulturist and phenologist. The most recent 23 years had been spent in loving companionship with the love of his life "Markie", and more recently their dog Gaya. Markella, whose loving, gentle spirit returned to the Great Cosmos only three short years ago, Gaya this past April. Ron Benjamin's remaining legacy lives on in his son Garthe, a beloved daughter Erin, four amazing and beautiful grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua, Alyssa, and Zachariah, and three precious great grandchildren: Joseph, Alayna, and sweet Markella.

Mr. Ron Benjamin left the same way he had lived, on his own terms and without regret at 74 years, 4 months, 12 days. A memorial service and ash ceremony will be held beside Markella Falls at Hemlock Ridge sometime in the spring of 2025. Our humble prayer is that You would receive him into Your loving embrace and hold him in Your peace now and forever.
 
 
"May your mercy, ADONAI, be over us,
because we put our trust in you" - Tehillim 33:22
​