Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Dr. William B. Langan
Dr. William B. Langan, died Saturday, February 1, 2003 at home.
Dr. Langan was the son of the late William B. Langan and Anna Wohrle Langan Malinak. He was a worldly traveler in his education and profession. He remained a true Hawley native.
"Doc", as he was known to friends, was a quiet man, introspective and analytical, and held the knowledge of the ages in his remarkable mind which was recognized far beyond the homestead in which he took such comfort. Among the vast awards he received over a lifetime of service are: Frank O'Hara Distinguished Alumnus Award, by the University of Scranton; a Certificate of Achievement by the Men and Women of Science; Distinguished Service to Science; and the Paul Harris Award, Rotary international's highest award, from the Hawley Rotary Club.
His scholarly trek took him from the Hawley schools to the University of Scranton to Columbia University, as a pre-medicine student and which later awarded him two masters degrees in education and zoology, then on to Fordham University for post doctoral study and research at MIT, the National Institutes of Health, the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics in Naples, Italy and Princeton University. As a published researcher he was featured in over twenty five international journals. Doctor Langan held the unique distinction of training physicians for service in World War II, notable as the Minute Men, who received concentrated and abbreviated experience to prepare them for combat and emergency treatment of war casualties in the field. His teachings ranged from pharmacology to cardiology to physiology and beyond. Research by Dr. Langan resulted in vital contributions in the area of endocrinology, enabling progress and success in organ transplants.
As a professor at New York Medical College, Hunter College, Jefferson University, the University of Scranton and his beloved Villanova, he brought vision and animation to young medical students who recognized his passion for teaming and teaching. In later years, he was a guest lecturer at the University of Scranton. During his tenures, thousands of young minds were touched by Dr. Langan's innate ability to inspire and teach. At the conclusion of one of his lectures, a friend overheard a student tell him, "Dr. Langan, I learned more from you today than I learned all of last semester."
As an avid horticulturist, his avocation, Dr. Langan cultivated myriad varieties of flowers and experimented with cross-pollination to create new species. He was famous for the beautiful blooms he grew, sold and freely gave to his friends. The Langan greenhouses were plentiful yearly with the spring harvest of thousands of bulbs, carefully nurtured, maturing into the tender shoots he prized. In earlier years Dr. Langan sold his flowers and plants at his mother's well-known and memorable greenhouse store, the Langan Flower Shop, on Main St. Hawley. ³Doc² the horticulturist, was a frequent judge at the Annual Philadelphia Flower Show for many years.
Dr. Langan was a gentleman of distinction; a "gentle man", and a scholar with a wry Irish wit and a font of knowledge likened to journals in diversity and detail. His life was a gift to humanity, quietly and profoundly. To those who knew this accomplished man, his life was a gift to be cherished as well as admired and respected.
Surviving is a son, Lt. Colonel William B. Langan; a daughter, Karen A. Myers; and two grandsons, Ryan Langan and Gregory Myers.
Arrangements made by Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA 18428.
Thomas M. Clark Sr.
Thomas M. Clark Sr., 89, Lackawaxen, died Saturday, February 1, 2003 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale. He is survived by his wife, Edna.
Mr. Clark was born in Tusten, NY, and was the son of William and Mary Kestler Clark. He was a retired carpenter and lifetime resident of the area.
Also surviving are three sons, Thomas M. Clark Jr. and wife, Deborah, Lackawaxen, Robert W. Clark, Lackawaxen, John R. Clark and wife Sandra, Hawley; one sister, Patricia McKean, VA; one brother, Joseph Clark, Lackawaxen; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret McKean; a grandson, George McKean; a great-grandson, Georgie McKean; three brothers, William, Bernard, and Raymond; and two sisters, Gertrude and Bertha.
Interment, St. Ann¹s Cemetery, Shohola.
Arrangements made by Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home Inc., Barryville, NY 12771.
Margaret E. Grafenstein Paroubek
Margaret E. Grafenstein Paroubek, 90, Hawley, formerly of Malverne, NY, died Thursday, February 6, 2003, in Sky View Nursing Home, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, following an illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Anthony J. Paroubek, in 1999.
Mrs. Paroubek was born in New York City, NY. She was a housewife and a member of St. John Neumann RC Church, Hemlock Farms. Mrs. Paroubek resided in Osprey Ridge Nursing Home, Carbondale, for the past six months and at Birch Hills Assisted Living Center, Simpson, for two and a/half years.
Surviving are two sons, Anthony C. Paroubek, Hawley, Stanley Paroubek, Shokan, NY; three daughters, Margaret Boehm, Blasdall, NY, Carol Povolny, New Port Richie, FL, Barbara Rizzi, Peekskill, NY; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Interment, Queen of Peace Cemetery, Hawley.
Arrangements made by Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA 18428.
Robert E. Fischer
Memorial Services will be held Today, Saturday, for Robert E. Fischer, 79, White Mills, who died Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at the Wayne Memorial Hospital following an illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Stella F. Gurniak. The couple was married Feb. 2, 1946.
Born Feb. 28, 1925 in the Bronx, he was the son of the late William and Anna Grace McKay Fischer. A US Navy Veteran of World War II, he served as Radioman First Class in the Atlantic and Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. Bob worked with bank security in the Manhattan Savings Bank until retirement. The couple lived in the Bronx before moving to Wayne County.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Robert and wife Janice, East Northport, LI; a daughter Mrs. Jay (Christine) Lewis, Muldorn, OK; three brothers, Alfred Kelly and wife Barbara, Hawley, Ronald Kelly and wife Joan, Lanark, FL; and John Kelly and wife Ines, Yonkers, NY; a sister Mrs. John (Patricia) McGivern, Plainview, LI; four grandchildren Jenna and Keith Fisher and Frank and Michael Metz; and three great-grandchildren Stephanie, Alyson, and Brandon. He was preceded in death by brothers James Macintosh, and William Fischer and two sisters Doris Hopper and Roberta Kelly.
His funeral will be conducted from the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St., Honesdale, Saturday, December 4 at 10:30 am with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, White Mills, at 11:30 am. Interment , Bethany Cemetery.
Crystal L. Langille
Memorial Services will be held today, Saturday, for Crystal L. Langille of Newfoundland, who died Tuesday, Nov.. 30, 2004 in Community Medical Center, Scranton from injuries suffered in an auto accident Nov. 26.
She was born in Scranton daughter of Bert, III and Mary Kizer Langille of Newfoundland. She was a graduate of Wallenpaupack High School and attended the Hollisterville Baptist Church. She was employed by Wal-Mart in Honesdale. Her family and friends were very dear to her, and she was always there to help her family and friends. She will dearly missed by the people she touched.
Surviving are her fiancé Jeremy Walsh of Greentown; brothers Bert, IV, Daniel and Wesley J. of Newfoundland; sisters Natasha and Tiffany of Newfoundland; Maternal Grandmother Esther M. Kizer of Mt. Cobb; Paternal Grandparents Bert, II and Beatrice Langille of Newfoundland.
Preceded in death by a maternal grandfather Joseph Kizer.
The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 am in the Hollisterville Baptist Church, Pond Rd, Hollisterville with services by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Lindow, Sr., pastor.
Interment Mt Cobb Cemetery.
Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the James Wilson Funeral Home, Route 296 Gravity Rd, Lake Ariel, and Saturday morning from 9 am until service time at the church.
Arrangements by James Wilson Funeral Home, Route 296 Gravity Rd, Lake Ariel.
Marion Lou (Masker) Masker
Memorial Services were held for Marion Lou (Masker) Masker, 73, Mayfield, formerly of Hawley and White Mills, who died Monday Nov. 29, 2004, at home following a lengthy illness. She is predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Everett Ross Masker.
Mrs. Masker was born in Middletown, NY, and was the daughter of the late Blanche Elizabeth and Ernest Leeroy Masker. She was a homemaker and retired as a seamstress from Arrow Throwing Mill, Hawley. She was affiliated with the Hawley United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Masker was a kind hearted and generous person. Her family will always think of her as "Funny Face." She was a loving mother, grandmother and a devoted wife whose heart was there for everyone.
Surviving are four daughters: Gloria Ann Eck, Honesdale; Darlene Nellie Bidwell, Mayfield; Penny Candy Rowe, White Mills; and Bonnie Lou Masker, Mayfield. Two sons: Robert Allen Masker, White Mills and Theodore Edwards Masker, who she resided with in Mayfield. One brother Merritt Masker, Hawley; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by six children: Sandy Lee, Violet Louis, Emma Julie, Mary Elizabeth, Everett Ross Jr., and Richard Leeroy.
Arrangements made by Teeters Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA 18428.
Anne Gresham Regenski
Memorial Services will be held Monday, for Anne Gresham Regenski, 88, Hawley, formerly of Throop, who died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004 at Marian Community Hospital, Carbondale, following an illness. She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Joseph S. Regenski, Sr.
Mrs. Gresham Regenski was born in Jessup and was the daughter of the late Thomas Gresham and Bridgette Brennan Gresham. Anne and her husband owned and operated The Tafton Manor from 1944 to 1978 were she served as head chef the entire time. She had been a member of the Throop Senior Citizens Club and more recently she attended Pike County Area Agency activities in Blooming Grove. Mrs. Gresham was a homemaker and affiliated with the Queen of Peace RC Church, Hawley.
Surviving is a son Thomas R. Regenski, Hawley; a son and daughter-in-law Joseph "Skip" and Marlene Regenski, Hawley; a sister Mary Gresham Finan, Waymart; four grandsons Thomas M., Paul, Joseph R., and Joseph S, III Regenski; a granddaughter Bridgette Ann Gelderman; four great-grandchildren Caleb, Evan, Taylor and Trevor.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2 pm - 4 pm and 7 pm - 9 pm, at Teeters East Chapel, 5050 Church St., Hawley. Mass will be at Queen of Peach Roman Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 6, 10 am, and interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.
Arrangements made by Teeters Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA 18428.
Joan K. Tully, RN
Memorial Services were held for Joan K. Tully, RN, 73, Honesdale, formerly of Dunmore, who died Monday Nov. 29, 2004, at home following a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dr. Vincent J. Tully.
Mrs. Tully was born June 7, 1931 in Dunmore and was the daughter of the late John and Helen Vavrick Kranick. Mrs. Tully graduated from Dunmore High School in 1948 and from Moses Taylor School of Nursing in 1952. She worked as a registered nurse in Philadelphia, Allentown and did office work in her husband's private practice until 1980.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale, a volunteer for the American Red Cross and for the annual Bill Bursis Golf Tournament and a longtime member at the Honesdale Golf Club.
Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law Susan and Stuart Apgar, Hawley; a daughter Kathleen A. Tully, Monroeville; a sister-in-law Geraldine Simpson, Jessup; one niece and one nephew. She was predeceased by a brother Ronald Kranick.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society, 100 Fourth St., Suite Nine and Twelve, Honesdale, PA 18431 or by calling (800) 227-2345.
Arrangements have been made by Hessling Funeral Home 428 Main St., PO Box 589, Honesdale, PA 18431.
John Joseph O'Heren
John Joseph O'Heren, 82 of Hawley, died Wednesday, February 25, 2009
at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. He is survived by his wife
of 61 years, the former Helen Landers. The couple married January 24,
1948 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale.
Born, July 5, 1926 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Matthew and
Alice Powers O'Heren. He joined the US Navy and served during World
War II in the Pacific Theater. He trained himself to be a television
repairman that he did throughout his life as a side job. For 42 years
he worked for Arrow Throwing Mill, then worked for Sherman Underwear
Factory and before retiring in 1997 he worked for Lake Region IGA.
John was a member of Queen of Peace Parish in Hawley.
John was a family man who enjoyed being with his grandchildren and
playing ball with them. A baseball fan, he followed the New York
Yankees.
He is survived by his sons Patrick and wife Mary of Hawley, Daniel of
White Mills, John P. of NJ, Shawn of Hawley, Brian and wife June of
Hawley, Kevin and wife Mandy of York, PA; daughters Nancy of
Harrisburg, Susan of Hawley, Jo-Ann Staszewski and husband Richard of
Lakeville, and Melissa of Hawley; a sister Mary O'Heren of FL; 17
grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his daughters Margaret Mary and Rebecca
and his son Joseph; sisters Johanna Franklin, Ellen Gilmore and Alice
O'Heren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 AM at
Queen of Peace Church in Hawley. Interment will be in Queen of Peace
Cemetery in the spring. Friends can visit the Hessling Funeral Home,
428 Main St. Honesdale on Friday from 5 to 8.
Memorial contributions can be made to Queen of Peace Parish, 314
Chestnut Ave. Hawley, PA 18428.
Lynetta E. (Appel) Davis
Lynetta E. (Appel) Davis, 90 of Honesdale, died Saturday, February 21,
2009 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred J. Davis who died Dec. 4, 1990.
Born January 8, 1919 in Girdland she was the daughter of the late George and Bessie Davis Appel. A housewife and loving mother, she ran the family farm with her husband.
Lynetta loved the color red, planting flowers, raising her bunnies and chickens and her family.
Surviving is her son Fred Jr. and wife Dora of Honesdale; daughters Linda Gilson and Rosalie Gilson and husband Amos both of Honesdale; a brother Melvin Appel and wife Myrtle of Honesdale; a sister Erma Simpson of Hawley; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son Ronald Davis, grandson Charley Gilson Jr.; sisters infant Mildred, Marrietta Kays, Dorothy Martin, Alma Davis and Viola Hall; brothers Gordan and Robert Appel.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 at Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale at 11 AM by Pastor Mary Bryant officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10 to service time. Interment will be in Girdland Cemetery in the spring.
John Charles Mullen
John Charles Mullen, 70 of Fayetteville, NC died peacefully in his sleep on February 19, 2009. John is formerly of Honesdale where he lived for almost 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 14 years the former Rita Lucas.
Born in Warwick, NY on April 19, 1938 he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Mullen. He was a graduate of Honesdale Catholic High School. John worked as a mechanic in many of Honesdale garages
including: Owl Chrysler, Merv's Garage and Wayne Motors.
Surviving are his children Patricia Abicht and husband Everett of Hawley, Mary Anne Hafler and husband Brian of Honesdale and Edmund Mullen and wife Lisa of Woodstock, GA; grandchildren Dannielle and Matthew Hafler of Honesdale, Ernest Abicht of Hawley and Delaney Muller of Newark, DE; his siblings Mary (Marie) Rollison of Cherry Ridge, Grace Davis of Milanville, twin sister Joan Vaverchak of Jordan, NY and Joseph Mullen of Fayetteville, NC; a sister in law Ethel Kingston of Scranton; an aunt Ginny Odom of NJ; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Susanna Louise Jones who passed away March 7, 1993 and two sons Jeffrey Allen and John Charles Jr.
As per his request, cremation was held in Fayetteville, NC. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale from 9 to 11. Private funeral services will be held at the families convenience.
Memorial contributions can be made to the donors favorite charity.
Joseph C. Hook
Joseph C. Hook, 85 of Bethany, passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 at VNA Hospice at
Community Medical Center in Scranton. He is survived by his wife, the former Marge
Poloncic. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 3, 2008.
Born January 8, 1924 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late Christopher and Barbara
Williams Hook. He was a graduate of Honesdale Catholic High School, class of 1941. In
1986 he retired from Moore Business Forms as a Quality Control Trainer and its Plant
Photographer. After retiring, he worked as a goldsmith for his good friend Willi Reif.
A photographer, he had several photos published in Children's Digest, International
Travel News and Susquehanna Life Magazine.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world. He also enjoyed
volunteering, and received the Wayne County Volunteer Award in 2001. One of his favorite
volunteering duties was being a conductor on the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions. His
volunteering included the Wayne County Historical Society, Dorflinger Glass Museum,
Wildflower Music Festivals, Audubon and Thanksgiving Together. He also drove local
Cancer Society patients to Milford for their treatments. One of Joe's favorite hobbies
was spending time in his garden and taking care of his yard.
Also surviving is his brother Paul and nieces and nephews; his extended family whom loved
him dearly: Janice, Dan, Ashley, Dustin and Jessie Liptak who were always there for him
when he needed them.
He was preceded in death by his sister Marie in 1942.
As per his request, Joe willed his body for studies in the furtherance of scientific
medicine to the Pennsylvania Humanity Gifts Registry. The family will receive friends on
Monday, Feb. 23, 2009 at Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale form 4 to 6 when
there will be a brief memorial service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St.
Honesdale, PA 18431.
Lewis F. Kiegler
Lewis F. Kiegler, 89 of Honesdale a guest at Bethany Village died Thursday, February 19,
2009 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, the
former Ethel Weidner who died February 25, 2000. The couple married October of 1948.
Born July 26, 1919 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late Henry and Anna Pethick
Kiegler. He was a graduate of Honesdale Catholic High School where he was the captain of
the basketball team. He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran of World War II
serving in the Pacific Theater. For 40 years, he was employed by the US Post Office in
Honesdale as a mail carrier. On August 3, 1983 he retired as the senior mail carrier.
An avid golfer, he was a former member of the Honesdale Golf Club and Cricket Hill Golf
Club. He also enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing and cross country skiing. He was a
former member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. John the Evangelist
Parish in Honesdale.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Ethel, the love of his life and he loved his great
granddaughter Minnie.
Surviving is his son Daniel and wife Shirlee of Kerrville, TX; his daughter Mary Kofalt
and husband Patrick of Clear Brook, VA; a sister Vera Ordnung of Honesdale; grandchildren
Paul Kofalt and wife Karen and Nicole Kofalt; a great granddaughter Minnie Morris.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy Lester and Marie Smith.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 am at St. Mary Magdalene
Church in Honesdale. Interment will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.
Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Monday from 9 to
10.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 57
N. Franklin St., Wilkes Barre, PA 18701.
