 Joseph Robert “Bob” Bennett, 81, of Hop Bottom, PA passed away peacefully on
Monday, August 18, 2025, comforted in his final hours by his loving family. He was born on January 24, 1944 in Scranton, PA, the oldest of three children to Joseph and Eleanor Bennett. He is survived by his four children Christian (Beth), Brett (Jolene), Darren (Catherine), and Greg (Kaitlyn), as well as his grandchildren Jonathan, Abigail, Sarah, Grace, and Mackenzie with her brother Cole. He is fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Beth Bennett, niece Laurie, nephew Ike, best friend Larry Noble, and many extended family and friends. He was formerly married to Donna McMicken, with whom he lovingly raised their four children. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings - Lois and Roger Bennett, a niece Lana, and two nephews - Erik and Raymond. As a life-long dairy farmer, Joseph’s life and legacy can best be defined by his perseverance - particularly in a vocation where there is no such thing as a day off, his resourcefulness in keeping aging farm machinery in use year after year - influenced by parents who shared a similar focus to make do with available resources while growing up during the Great Depression, and a strong-willed tenacity to forge his own path through life. It would be an understatement to suggest that Joseph simply lived life doing things his way, but in all manners, his life-learnings informed the path forward. Joseph took tremendous pride in instilling values to his children, grandchildren and friends, providing counseling on financial acumen as a long time saver and investor, and reinforcing the importance of keeping commitments in business and in life. One could often find a Wall Street Journal opened up to the financial section to track family investments and serve as a guide for formative learning moments over the years. He steadfastly resolved to support his children and provide a space to live and learn while also providing a safety net of support during life’s most trying moments. Even in his final days, Joseph was intent on imparting advice in order for family and friends to persevere in their life pursuits. Joseph greatly appreciated family gatherings, especially the food! He was famous for asking for “just one more sliver” of a helping of the traditional Sunday dinner at his parent’s farm, friends and neighbors Taylor’s famously delicious BBQ chicken, homemade blackberry cobbler with berries sourced from the farm, or daughter-in- law Beth’s rice pudding. Sports and recreation were also an important part of Joseph’s upbringing, having participated in multiple sport disciplines in high school and as part of a softball league with his sons later on in life. It was not uncommon to see the Bennett boys playing a pickup game of catch on the front lawn or batting practice in the field. Additionally, he was an avid deer and small game hunter, and provided the training and encouragement for his children to continue in this tradition as adults. Ultimately, Joseph will be remembered for his love and care for his family, living a life free of material excess with the intent on supporting loved ones for generations to come. A public celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at Charles Litwin Funeral Home in Nicholson, PA on Friday, August 22nd. Receiving hours will be held from 10-11AM followed by a memorial service from 11AM-12noon.
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 Joseph Pep Lewis Mordent III, 39, passed away at his home in Lakeside, Lathrop Township following a brief illness.
Joey was born August 28, 1985 and he graduated from Mountain View High School. He spent many years mowing grass and landscaping for his neighbors. He loved to watch movies and TV shows, play games, and spend time fishing on the lake. Joey is survived by his father and stepmother , Joseph (Rebecca) P.L. Mordent Jr.; three brothers, Jimmy, Stephen, and Derrick Mordent; an uncle, Eugene Gaydos; an aunt, Ann Marie Aylesworth, and cousins, Jeff and Autumn Gaydos, and Sommer (Adam) Henning. He was predeceased by his mother, Linda Clark Mordent, who passed away March 5; a brother, Charlie Mordent; and aunts Judith Gaydos and Patty Skinner. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11am in the Church of Hope & Peace, 8 Church Street, Hop Bottom under the direction of Rev. Phil Richardson. Family and friends are asked to arrive shortly before service time.  Ronnie “Bud” James Fisher, 59, passed away on Saturday August 2, 2025 in his family home in Hop Bottom.
Born in Hop Bottom, he is the son of the late Ronnie Noel and Karen Louise Griffis Fisher. Ronnie graduated from Mountain View High School and spent many years working with Mark Hinkley as a carpenter and Don Stanton as a stone saw operator. Ronnie enjoyed watching NASCAR at Bishop’s and love to ride his Harley Davidson. He kept an immaculate lawn and loved to mow. He had a green thumb for gardening and was known for his tomatoes. Ronnie is survived by a son Michael J. Fisher; a daughter, Rebecca A. Fisher; an uncle, Gary (Rose) Griffis; and a niece and nephews. He was predeceased by two uncles, Dennis & Ralph Griffis. As per his request, funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family .  Meredith “Reedy” Cornell, 92, of Nicholson, passed away on July 21, 2025, at Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Larry Cornell, who passed away in 2018. Born in Factoryville, Reedy was the daughter of the late Arthur Yetter. Reedy graduated from Nicholson High School and, alongside her husband, co-owned Cornell’s Market and Cornell Snack Distributing. Later in life, she worked as a hospice nurse before retiring. Throughout her life, Reedy was an active member of the Nicholson United Methodist Church and the Nicholson Women’s Club. Reedy had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying camping trips and winters spent in Florida. Known for her excellent baking and cooking skills, she found joy in sharing her creations with others. Above all, Reedy’s greatest love was her family, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and her grand-dog, Bella. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care and support. Reedy is survived by her son, David (Lin) Cornell; grandchildren, Crystal (Colin) Jackson, and Sherry (Brian) Evans; great-grandchildren, Shea Tompkins, Jake Evans, and Emma Evans; as well as step-great-grandchildren, Cole, Sydney, and Gage Jackson. She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Cornell, in 2011. A celebration of Reedy’s life will be held on Friday, July 25, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Nicholson United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nicholson United Methodist Church in her memory.  SSGT. Norman E. Lewandowski, 92, of Kingsley passed away Monday, July 7 at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jo-Ann Tiffany Lewandowski. Born in Uniondale, he graduated from the Harford High School and enrolled in the US Marines. He served in the Korean War and proudly obtained the rank of Sergeant. At the conclusion of his military service, Norm became as self-employed quarry operator, and in 1966 married the love of his life, Jo-Ann. He also worked for over 30 years for Lenox Township. Norm was a life member of the Elk Mountain VFW Post #8488 and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Mid Valley #11. He enjoyed woodworking and to use his John Deere equipment. He was an outdoorsman and loved traveling with his wife to Canada to go fishing. He is also survived by his daughter, Cathy Lang; grandchildren Larry & Hartt Lang; grandson, LJ Lang; nephews, Jerry (Vicky) & Frank (Tracy); nieces, Cheryl Kraska & Louise (Richard) Davis; and many more family and friends. He was predeceased by brothers Joe & Walt and sisters May, Florence, and Celia. Interment will be held at a later date in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.  James Richard “Rick” Gregory, also affectionately known as Pop, passed away unexpectedly July 7, 2025 at home.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Benninger Gregory, whom he gave unquestioned support and love. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in June. Born in Scranton, Rick is the son of the late Harold and Doris Edwards Gregory. He graduated from the Falls-Overfield High School and acquired an associate’s degree from Penn State in Agriculture. Rick worked the majority of his life tending the Gregory family farm alongside his father, spending many years as a successful member of the Dairylea Milk Cooperative. As hard working of man as they come, Rick also drove school bus for over 50 years; and along with Bonnie together they tirelessly worked the Fair circuit as the well-known duo of Mr. Rick’s Pretzels. Rick was a member of the Lake Winola United Methodist Church. He was also dedicated to the Masonic brotherhood, serving as Master Mason for over 50 years in the Factoryville Lodge #341 and as a Shriner. As busy and hard as Rick’s everyday work schedule was, he never missed a moment to make a positive impact and be there for who he loved more than anything, his family. Rick is also survived by his children, Tracy Richard (Shana), Harold Russell (Maylene), and James Richard Jr., and his grandchildren, Hunter, Brody, Clay, Makenzie, and Bryna. Rick lived his life as a reserved, quiet, and gentle man. He was a staple at all the family sporting events, never missing a game. When you needed anything fixed, he patched it up. When you needed a race car driver, he tried! He was patient and never had a harsh word. Rick was a true provider, a compassionate husband who was unwavering in his support of Bonnie, a father to the daughters he didn’t have, and a true role model to all. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Sunday, July 20th from 3-5pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson with Masonic services at 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Winola Fire Company.  Wesley Raymond Wilbur, 90 of Easton,PA passed away on Sunday, July 6th 2025 after a long battle with Parkinsons and entered the arms of the Father.
Wesley, the youngest of 11 children, was born February 18, 1935, in Hop Bottom PA to Ernest Wilbur and Lillian (Sweet) Wilbur. Wesley worked for over 30 years at Elk Lake School and later on also worked at Mountain View. For many years he also worked at the Harford Fair in Security and worked at the election polling both. In 1958 he married Frances (Ely) and went on to have 9 children: John, Beth, Bill, Shelly, Hope, Stephen, Cheryl, Russell and Gary. Wesley loved to hunt, play golf and watch Western movies when not working. He was a member of various churches in the area over his 90 years on this earth; most recently Hallstead Baptist Church, PA. In his younger years he spent many nights on the field playing on the church softball team for Springville Baptist Church and West Lenox Baptist Church. His favorite response to give his children, no matter the problem was “It’s okay, I’m fine”. Welsey is predeceased by his parents, 9 siblings and his wife Frances. He is survived by his sister Alice Pratt as well as his 9 children John (Heather) Wilbur, Beth White (husband), Bill (Sara) Wilbur, Shelly Wilbur, Hope Benedict, Stephen (Danelia) Wilbur, Cheryl (Patrick) Pollock, Russell (Dawn) Wilbur and Gary Wilbur. Also survived by 17 grandchildren, John, Jean, Sharon, Jeffery, Jennifer, June, Chris (their mom Betty), Aaron, Cody, Rebecca, Benjamin, Randy, Jeffery, Joyce, Eric, Cierra and Mason, 24 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. A service will be held at West Lenox Baptist Church, PA on Monday July 14th at noon with one hour prior to the service for calling hours. Gravesite service at West Lenox Cemetery. Patricia Lourdes Reistetter Grochulski, 84, of Brooklyn, PA, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by love.
Born May 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Patricia worked various sewing and factory jobs throughout her life to support her daughter. In her later years, she lived with her family and found great joy in crocheting, crossword puzzles, listening to polka music, and visits to the Chinese buffet. But most of all, she loved being “Baba” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Charles Heller; grandchildren Jake (and his wife Kylie), Delaney, and Joseph; and great-grandchildren Kynlee and Conner. At Pat’s request, no services will be held. In her memory, please consider reaching out to someone you haven’t seen in a while and telling them you love them. The most important thing in life is to love and be loved. Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Hop Bottom Fire Company, who treated her with compassion.  Kevin Lynn Brainard, 48 of Kingsley, passed away June 19th at home from a massive heart attack.
He was born July 7, 1976 in Buffalo, NY. He is the son of the late Ivan Brainard and the late Bonnie Brainard. He attended Mt. View HS in Kingsley, PA. He was a truck driver most of his life and was recently employed with Masters Concrete in Kingsley as a driver. Kevin was a happy go lucky guy who could lighten up any room he entered. Whether you knew him or not, he would make you laugh for hours. His witty sense of humor was addicting. He loved taking long rides on his deuce with no exact destination. His family meant more to him than anything. They would take road trips to restaurants they had never been. They loved bowling and being home riding quads. He absolutely loved watching his girls play basketball and if you were there, you'd hear him cheering them on along with the other players. Kevin is survived by his fiancée Crystal Knick and their two daughters, Whitney and Brianna. He is also survived by his siblings Mark Millard (Angela), Tommy, Peggy (Bob) Woosman, Cheryl Clark and his 4 best friends, Jason Domenico, Barry Conrad, Troy Gamble, "Coach" Josh Olecki. He was also predeceased by his cousin Brian Brainard whom he considered a brother. A celebration of life will be on July 3, 2025 and 5pm at the Kingsley Methodist Church. If you are a rider...please feel free to ride your bike to the service. Kevin would so love it! There will be a cold meal served immediately following the service. All are welcome! The family would like to Thank all that have visited and shown compassion during this time.  Stephen Joseph Sorak, born May 16, 1943, of Nicholson, Pennsylvania has passed away at the age of 82 on June 2, 2025 after being airlifted to Geisinger Hospital in Danville due to cardiac complications. He was the son of the late Louis and Stephanie Sorak and loving husband of 57 years to his wife Arlene Sorak.
After graduating high school Stephen served in the United States Navy for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He continued his military career in the Navy Reserves and became employed as a mechanic at Sikorsky aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. After moving to Pennsylvania Stephen was a reservist in the Army and became later employed at Tobyhanna Army Depot up to retirement. However, it wasn’t just his country he showed an incredible amount of pride for. Stephen was a big family man, and to be a part of his family was just as prideful to his relatives. To know him was to know what true and unconditional love was. The family would get together every chance they got and truly take that time to value the time they all had together. His legacy extends beyond his immediate family, he was a pillar of his community, known for his generosity and willingness to help others. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, DAV, men’s civic club, and the Factoryville Fire Co. Auxiliary. During Stephen’s free time he could often be found golfing or traveling to Florida to visit family and friends with his wife. Stephen had one of the most kind and selfless personalities, and he will truly be missed by all who knew him. Stephen is survived by his wife Arlene, his 6 children Eric (Traci), Tammy (Mark), Corrine, Amy (Dean), Dale (Kim), and Richard (Lacey), his 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, his niece Dana (Gregory), nephews Kenny (Michelle) and Joseph Pugh, and sister-in-laws Elenor and Carol Pugh. Stephen Sorak was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Stephanie Sorak, brothers Jack and Dan,sister-in-law Marie, nephew Jeffery, his father-in-law William, mother-in-law Dorothy Pugh, son-in-law Glade, daughter-in-law Kari, brother-in-law Harry, niece Kim, and great-grandson Silas. Stephen impacted so many people to become who they are today. Whether it be sharing his life experiences, giving advice to others, or just simply making someone smile when it seemed impossible to do so. Stephen Sorak was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Stephen Sorak may you rest in eternal peace, Amen. His family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff members at the Geisinger Hospital in Danville for all the special care and compassion shown towards Stephen during this difficult time. Stephen’s celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Creekside Park (155 Creek Road Factoryville, Pennsylvania 18419) on June 22, 2025 for his family and friends to attend and will be privately buried surrounded by immediate family only. |
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