Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Florence Elizabeth Sands
Florence Elizabeth Sands, 91 of Honesdale died Saturday, February 24, 2007 at her home. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Giraud J. Sands. The couple were married November 29, 1947.
Born, May 6, 1915 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Leteshia Allison Merz. She worked for many years at Endo Products before retiring. Among her many hobbies, she enjoyed bowling with her husband and crocheting. She was a member of the daughters of America and of the Methodist Church in Woodhaven, NY.
Also surviving is a nephew and 3 nieces. She was preceded in death by her sisters Helen Merz and May Voss and a brother Albert Merz.
Her funeral will be held at the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Wednesday at 4 PM with Pastor William Rushik officiating. Friends may visit the funeral home from 3-6 pm. As per her request cremation will follow at Maple Hill Crematory in Archbald.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 100 4th St. Suite 9 Honesdale, PA 18431.
Robert W. Propst
Robert W. Propst, 87 of Honesdale, died Sunday February 11, 2007 at his home. He was preceded by his wife of 32 years, the former Rose F. Nelson who died May 9, 2000.
Born April 24, 1919 in Archbald, he was the son of the late Emery W. and M. Ione Monie Propst. He was a graduate of Central High School and attended Keystone College. He owned and operated Propst Lumber Co. until he retired, he was chairman of Peckville National Bank for many years and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Scranton.
Surviving is his son Kurt I. Propst and wife Eleanor of Honesdale, a daughter Pamela M. Ericksen and husband Niles of Cuttingsville, VT; 2 sisters Ella Comba and husband John of West Hampton Beach, NY and Marjorie Calkins of Honesdale; 5 grandchildren Aimee Bodnar, Elizabeth Reece, Lauren Propst, Darby Propst, and Kirsten Spafford; 7 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9. Private Funeral Services will be by Fr. Michael Marchetti. Interment in Abington Hills Cemetery in Clarks Summitt.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Vincent's School, 329 Cliff St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
Eileen Schariest
Eileen Schariest, 74, of Hawley died early Friday morning, February 2, 2007 at the family home. She was under the care of Wayne Memorial Hospice.
Eileen was born in Montclair, NJ, on March 31, 1932, the daughter of the late James Vincent Cleary and Margaret "Gretta" Madigan Cleary.
Surviving is her husband of 50 years, Albert John Schariest; children, Albert Jr. and his wife Barbara; James and his wife Fili; Daniel and his wife Kathy; and Elizabeth Hooper and her husband Richard, all of Hawley; 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandson; sister, Theresa Cleary of Hawley.
Eileen graduated from Sacred Heart Grammer School and Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, NJ. As a teenager she worked the candy counter at Kresge's Five and Dime, and later at AETNA Insurance. After her marriage and the births of her children, the family moved to Hawley in 1965, where Eileen worked for several businesses, including many years at The Hawley Bank.
She was a member of Queen of Peace parish and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hawley Fire Company.
Eileen loved music and dancing, and could often be found by following the whistling. At her marriage ceremony, she greeted relatives and friends while walking up the aisle. She had many great stories of her childhood, and appreciated life with all its ups and downs. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.
In accordance with Eileen's wishes there will be no funeral services. A Mass will be arranged at a future date. Cremation will be held at Maple Hill Crematory in Archbald. Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, PA.
Memorial donations may be made to Wayne Memorial Hospice, 601 Park St. Honesdale, PA 18431, Hawley Ambulance Co., Hawley Fire Co. or Dessin Animal Shelter 138 Miller Rd. Honesdale, PA 18431.
James R. Theobald
James R. Theobald, 71 of Honesdale, died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Donna M. Tresslar, RN. The couple were married May 30, 1964.
Born, April 18, 1934 in at the family home on Arbor St. in Honesdale, he was the Son of the late J. Alfred "Mocker" and Bertha E. Holl Theobald. He was a graduate of Honesdale High School, class of 1952. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the peacekeeping missions in Japan and Korea. He apprenticed cutting hair with his Father at the family barbershop and later retired from Bill and Jim's Barbershop in Honesdale. Recently, he would work occasionally at his daughter's salon, Jeannie's Chapel St. Salon.
He was member of St. John the Evangelist Parish, a member of the Honesdale Council 363 Knights of Columbus and Fourth Degree Knight of the Bishop Hoban Assembly, and a member of the Honesdale Country Club Association at Kellows Pond.
The love of his life was his family, grandchildren and friends.
Also surviving are his daughters, Ann Marie Olver and husband Kevin of Honesdale and Jeannie Bancroft and husband Mike of Hawley; a brother, William E.
Theobald and wife Mary of Honesdale; sisters, Mrs. William (Doris) Rogers, Mrs. Eugene (Ann) Billard, Mrs. Marie T. "Honey" Fritz, all of Honesdale; 3 Grandchildren, Tyler Olver and Hope and Luke Bancroft; 2 aunts Clarice Holl Acker and Marjorie Holl Miller both of FL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His funeral will be held from the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Saturday at 9:30, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale at 10 am.
Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Friends may visit Friday 2-4 and 7-9.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent's School, 329 Cliff St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
Agnes Lau Weidner
Agnes Lau Weidner, 83, died peacefully at her home in the presence of her family after an extended illness on Monday. Her husband of 45 years, Leo G. Weidner Sr. died Jan. 28, 1994.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, Feb. 9, 1922, she was the daughter of the late John R. and Teresa Maloney Lau. Later she and her parents moved to the family farm in Laurella when she was 2 months old. She graduated from Beach Lake School in 1938, Honesdale High School in 1939, and Wayne Commercial School the following year. She worked at Katz Factory for a time and then as a bookkeeper at GLF until she became a mother. When her children were of school age, she returned to work in the clothing industry at Laura Jane Factory. Her final place of employment was at B&B Dodge, where after twenty years, she retired in 1987.
She was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Church; a life member of Catholic daughters of America, Court St. Martin #418; St. John's/St. Mary's Altar and Roseary Society; and a faithful participant of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Her family was a great source of pride and love. She took much pleasure in them, her sisters, many friends, and all children. She and her husband traveled extensively in the States and throughout Europe. In her later years, a favorite pastime was playing cards weekly with longtime friends.
Surviving are her children, Leo G. Weidner, Jr. and wife Judy of Mifflinburg; Theresa (Bigart) Brown and husband Gary, of Lake Ariel; and Anne Mullen and husband James, of Honesdale; sisters, Mrs. William (Catherine) Taninies, Mrs. Bernard (Florence) Southerton, Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Rickard, all of Honesdale and Mrs. Albert (Theresa) Henderson of Milanville; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Jonathon, Kylie, Lynn, Christy, and Brian, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by two infant children, a nephew Clark Taninies, and a niece, Rebecca Rickard.
Her funeral will be held from the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale on Friday at 9:30 with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church at 10 am.
Interment in St. John's Cemetery.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the National Parkinsons Foundation, P.O. Box 02-5163, Miami, FL 33102-5163 and Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel c/o St. John the Evangelist Parish, 414 Church St. Honesdale, PA 18431.
Fred O. Brush
Fred O. Brush, 67, of Honesdale, died Sunday at his home after a brief but courageous bout with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, the former Stella Bidwell. Born June 12, 1938 in Hancock, NY he was the son of the late Fred I. Brush and Olie Malik Brush Haye.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during the Korean Conflict and later he was a truckdriver for Yellow Freight for 15 years before retiring.
He loved hunting and fishing. He was member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. Fred left this world with dignity and grace and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, Father, and grandfather. Also surviving are his 3 daughters Sheila Francisco of Stralight, Nichola Smith of Honesdale, and Amy Krabel of Jessup; a son Keith Krabel of Lancaster; a sister Laurie Babcock of Hazelton; and 3 granddaughters Sierra Francisco, Marissa and Britney Smith. He was preceded in death by a son Brian Brush.
His funeral will be held at the Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, at 11 am on Thursday with Pastor Jan Tiebert of the Bethany Methodist Church officiating.
Interment will be in Indian Orchard Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home from 7-9 on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society Wayne Unit, 100 4th St. Suite 9 Honesdale, PA 18431.
Donald Thomas Pender Sr.
Donald Thomas Pender Sr., 77 of Honesdale, died Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Mildred Bodick. The couple were married July 22, 1950.
Born, February 13, 1928 in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Donald Walter and Leona Linnen Pender. He was a graduate of St. Rose High School of Carbondale and later attended St. Joseph's University, and Penn State and was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.
In 1980, with his sons, he opened Shur-Way Food Mart in Greeley, PA. He was the Chairman of the Housing Authority, Director of Redevelopment Authority, a Real Estate Broker, and until recently retiring in 2005, he was Director of Veterans Affairs of Wayne County. He was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Honesdale, and a member of the VFW, American Legion, D.A.V., and the Alert Hook and Ladder Fire Co. #2, all of Honesdale.
Surviving are his sons, Donald and wife Margaret, Kevin and wife Debra, both of Honesdale; a daughter, Mrs. James (Nancy) LaTournous of Orlando, FL; a brother, Rev. John Pender of Kissimmee, FL; sisters, Janis Pender of Carbondale, and Mrs. John (Mary) Borosky of Simpson; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother Gerard Pender and his sister Nancy Pender .
His funeral will be held from the Hessling Funeral Home, Tuesday at 9:30 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale, at 10 am.
Friends may visit the funeral home Monday 2-4 and 7-9.
Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Wayne Unit 100 4th St. Suite 9, Honesdale, PA 18431.
Craig J. McGinnis
Craig J. McGinnis, 59, Honesdale, died unexpectedly at Geisinger Medical Center Sunday morning November 20, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife the former Anna Mae Zenzel who died on October 26, 2003
Born April 12, 1946, in Honesdale he was the son of the late John L. "Jack" and Stella E. Wendrick McGinnis. He was a Honesdale High School graduate Class of 1964 and graduate with a Bachelors degree of Science in Civil Engineering, from the Indiana Institute Tech, Fort Wayne Indiana. Craig was a professional civil engineer, and was a partner in the former Dorsan Inc.in Honesdale, later worked for Woodloch Builders and most recently worked with Joybeck Builders, Inc. in Hawley.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Honesdale, the Alert Hook and Ladder #2 Fire Company, Honesdale, a former Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Wallerville Hunting Club. Being civic minded he was a chairman of the Texas Twp. Zoning Board, and a member of the Wayne-Pike Builders Association. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are two sons Kevin McGinnis and wife Ann, Plattsburg, NY and Robert Grimes and wife Marcy of Honesdale; a daughter Kellie Ann Jakaitis and husband Mike, Germantown, MD; a sister Dr. Candis Finan and husband Dr. Thomas Finan, Matamoras, PA; 3 grandchildren Dillon, Connor, and Braeden; nephew Capt. Christopher Finan-USAF; niece Kara Finan, NJ; and Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
His funeral will be conducted from the Hessling Funeral Home 428 Main St, Honesdale on November 23, 2005 at 9:30 am with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. John The Evangelist Parish, Terrace St. Interment St. John's Cemetery.
Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday November 22, 2005 from 2-4 and 6-9.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Alert Hook and Ladder #2 Fire Company, Willow AVE., Honesdale, PA 18431.
Patricia J. Masker
Patricia J. Masker, 71 of Carbondale, PA, died Sunday, November 20, 2005 in Carbodale Nursing Home. Born, June 22, 1934 in Equinunk, she was the daughter of the late Wilson and Hazel Conklin Stanton. She worked as a Chamber Maid for the Wayne Hotel and was a member of the Central United Methodist Church in Honesdale. She will be remebered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend.
Surviving is her son, Arthur J. Masker Jr. and wife Lisa of Carbondale; brothers, Rodger Stanton of Honesdale, Wilson Stanton Jr. and wife Leana of Pine Mill; a sister, Mrs. Robert (Beatrice) Arnold of Lake Ariel; Granddaughters, Vanessa Sanderson, Tiffany Hosking, Kira Masker, Great-Grandsons, James and Dustin Sanderson.
Services will be held at Hessling Funeral Home, Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 10:00am with Pastor Debra Vandermark-Dailey officiating. Interment will follow in the Indian Orchard Cemetery.
Friends may visit 6-8, Friday, November 25 at the at the funeral home.
Carol Ann (Sykes) Ranner
Carol Ann (Sykes) Ranner, 65 of Honesdale , PA, died Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at Mercy Hospice in Scranton following a battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Ranner. The couple were married April 30, 2000.
Born, September 22, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Catherine Hallahan Sykes of Drexel Hill, NJ. She was employed at Woodloch Pines as a waitress until taking ill. She will be remembered as loving mother, wife, daughter, and loyal friend.
Also surviving is her son, Zigmund R. Brzezinski and wife Cara of Flemington, NJ; daughters, Susan Brzezinski of Drexel Hill, PA, Ann Basil, and Mrs. Andrew (Jean) Wender, both of Englewood, FL, Grandchildren, Brooke Herb, Jude Wender, Zigmund A, Maximilian C., and Sophia Rose Brzezinsk.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in East Dyberry Cemetery, Dyberry Twp..
Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, 2-4 and 7-9, on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 746 Jefferson Ave. Scranton, PA 18501.
Christopher Charles Hacker
Christopher Charles Hacker, 32, of Honesdale, died unexpectedly Saturday, November 5, 2005.
He was born April 8, 1973 in Ridge Wood, NJ. He was a graduate of cave Spring High School in Roanoke, VA and recently was a student at East Stroudsburg University.
Before moving back to Honesdale, he lived in Texas and was employed at El Chico's Restaurant and then Sullum's Inc. in Honesdale. Chris was known as a very good handyman, a good friend, and very sentimental. It was well known that loved and cared very much for his three children.
Surviving are his two sons, Austin and Stefano and a daughter Chelsea, all of home; his Father Floyd Williamson of Warne, N.C., his mother Valerie and husband Mark Ernest of Sherman, TX; a brother Steven Silvestro and Andrea Buono both of Sherman, TX; a nephew Hunter Knight; God-mother Emily Wilkie; God-Sister Tammy Staples of New Jersey; Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Cremation took place at Maple Hill Crematory in Archbald.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 at Jericho Independent Church in Sterling with Pastor William Henwood Sr. officiating.
Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, PA.
