The Obituary Section

Susan Dimond

, Pennsylvania

May 12, 2026

Susan Oppenheim Dimond 81 of Kingston passed away on May 13 2026. She was born March 5 1945 in Scranton PA the daughter of the late Ellis and Esther Cohen Oppenheim. Susan spent her youth riding horses and swimming in her beloved La Plume PA and working at her familys department store Scranton Dry GoodsOppenheims. She was a graduate of The Grier School Class of 1963. Susan is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years John son Jeffrey Brianna Dimond of Madison WI daughter Megan Jason Drake Dimond of Arlington VA grandchildren Emilia and Tessa and her brother Ellis Jr. Lois. Susan participated in the Temple Bnai Brith Sisterhood and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family traveling to New York City to shop and attend musicals and visiting with her granddaughters. A private service and burial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations…

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Robert Cherenyack

, Pennsylvania

Robert Joseph Cherenyack 82 of Sugarloaf passed away peacefully on Friday morning May 15 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness. A man of deep faith tireless dedication and generous spirit Bob touched the lives of all who knew him. Born in Hazleton on April 27 1944 he was the beloved son of the late Paul and Elizabeth Jadush Cherenyack. He was raised in Hazleton PA and spent the past 48 years in Sugarloaf. Bob was a proud 1962 graduate of Hazleton High School and served with honor in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. Bob devoted 32 years to Pennsylvania Power and Light including a long tenure at the Berwick power plant. He served many roles from lineman union representative and engineer. His strong work ethic earned him the deep respect of his colleagues. That same spirit of service extended well…

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Daniel Buccino

, Pennsylvania

Daniel J. Buccino 69 of Zion Grove passed away Wednesday afternoon May 13 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family. Born in Plainfield NJ March 28 1957 he was the son of the late Henry and Roseann Dreher Buccino and spent the past 25 years in Zion Grove after moving from New Jersey. Daniel served in the US Navy and was a member of the Nuremberg American Legion Post 699. In his spare time he enjoyed watching NASCAR riding motorcycles and playing shuffleboard. Surviving are his loving wife of the past 46 years the former Donna J. Judge his son Zachary Buccino two brothers Gutchie Buccino and Robert Buccino and his wife Eileen two sisters Lisa Kosciolek and Patricia Ricci and several nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held with a Memorial Service on Tuesday May 19 2026 at 11AM from Harman Funeral Homes Crematory Inc. West 1265…

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Penny Griffith

, Pennsylvania

Penny J. Griffith 62 of Drums passed away Thursday evening May 14 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lakeland FL November 14 1963 she was the daughter of the late Douglas Alan and Doris Jean Smith Martin and spent the past 31 years in Drums. She was a devoted wife mother grandmother and homemaker. In her free time she enjoyed making crafts diamond painting and putting together puzzles. She loved spending time in nature going out on a boat and catching the occasional bass. Surviving are her high school sweetheart and loving husband Daniel J. Griffith to whom she was married on July 4 1981 daughter Danielle Griffith son Kevan Griffith daughterinlaw Ashley Griffith and five grandchildren Valeri Chica Hannah Zaim Fiona Griffith Omar Zaim and Gwendolyn "Wendy" Griffith. Her funeral will be held privately at the convenience of her family. Harman Funeral Homes Crematory…

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Jolene V. Confer

, Pennsylvania

June 26, 2013

Jolene V. Confer, 63, of Berwick, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, surrounded by friends and family.Born April 25, 1963 in Nanticoke, she was the daughter of the late Ned and JoAnn (Kotroski) Sutton.A graduate of Northwest High School, Class of 1982, she went on to earn her certification and license as a beautician. Through the years she worked in customer service, most recently at Telerx.Jolene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Berwick. She enjoyed drawing, crafting, puzzles, cooking, watching golf, mowing the grass, and playing with her grand critters: Ozzy, Buster, Sushi, Salem, and Pikachu. Above all, she cherished taking care of her children.She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Christopher Confer, who died June 27, 2013.Jolene is survived by her daughter, Morgan Confer, wife of Nathan Eskin, of Shickshinny; her son, Christopher Confer of Berwick; and her brother,…

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Jean Kessler

, Pennsylvania

October 2, 1973

Jean Kessler, 90, of Berwick, died Saturday, May 16, 2026 at her home.Born November 18, 1935 in Jonestown, she was the daughter of the late Harold Strickland and Anna (Davenport) Strickland Hess.A graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1953, she was employed as a nurse for Dr. Francis for 12 years and retired in 2013 from Berwick Hospital, where she worked for 27 years.Mrs. Kessler was a member of Crosspoint Bible Church, Berwick. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, going out to eat, and participating in many church activities.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl P. “Curly” Welsh, who died October 3, 1973; her second husband, Charles E. Wolfe, Jr, who died January 13, 2003; her son, David Welsh; four brothers: Warren Strickland, Ralph Strickland, Albert Hess, and Ross Hess; and her sister, Fern Bess Honeywell.Jean is survived by her husband of 12…

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Rita A. Romeo

, Pennsylvania

September 23, 1991

Rita A. Romeo, 96, of Berwick, died Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Sunset Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Bloomsburg.Born January 9, 1930 in Atlas, PA, she was the daughter of the late Pantaleon and Elizabeth (Kovach) Coladonato.Mrs. Romeo was employed as a seamstress at Milco Industries in Bloomsburg for 40 years, and worked at the Romeo’s Pizza stand at the Bloomsburg Fair.Rita was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Berwick. A devout Catholic, she prayed the Rosary every day of her life. Her family and friends joked that the Pope had her on speed dial.She loved to read, and had an uncanny ability to solve the Sudoku and Cryptoquip puzzles in the Press Enterprise.Rita was a selfless person who loved doing for others. She never refused anyone a favor, and never asked for a favor in return. She was a doer, not a complainer, and had a wonderful sense…

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Nancy Lee Nichols

, Pennsylvania

She was born in Nanticoke on November 18 1952 and was the daughter of the late Donald and Leona Wusiewski Andress. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Harry Nichols Sr. son Donald daughter Nicki sisters Cynthia Van Fossen and Donna Andress brothers Donald and Jonathan Andress. Nancy is survived by children Harry Nichols Jr. and his wife Melissa of Shickshinny and Jason Nichols of Kingston sister Patti Andress grandchildren Miranda Amanda Cassandra Kyle Aaron and Christian greatgrandson Grayson. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc. corner of routes 29 and 118 Pikes Creek. She was born in Nanticoke on November 18 1952 and was the daughter of the late Donald and Leona Wusiewski Andress. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy Lee Nichols.

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Albert Shemo

, Pennsylvania

Born on September 20 1944 in Kingston Albert was one of three children born to the late John Shemo and Eleanor Romanowski Shemo. Residing in Swoyersville all his life Albert was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School Class of 1962. Albert began a long successful career in retail sales starting at the ArmyNavy Store in Luzerne followed by over 30 years in mens formal and casual wear at Pomeroys in the Midway Shopping Center Wyoming and then by an awardwinning sales career at JCPenneys in the Wyoming Valley Mall. Albert became the cornerstone salesman primarily in mens suits at JCPenneys known by multitudes of happy customers throughout the region. His warm and friendly personality along with his sharp wit easily turned many loyal customers into longtime friends. For many years Albert had an enthusiasm for exercise taking many long walks on the west side levee Wyoming Avenue and…

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Karen Lynn Melf

, Pennsylvania

Karen Lynn Melf 71 of WilkesBarre passed away on Saturday April 25 2026 surrounded by her loving children and family. She was at home until the end as she wanted comforted by the familiarity of the walls that knew her childrens first steps Christmas mornings and favorite films. She was born in Newark New Jersey a daughter of the late Wilbur and Estelle Heilbroun Jellison Sr. She was proud of her humble beginnings street smarts and fond memories shopping with her mother downtown. Karen was a graduate of St. Vincent Academy in Newark NJ. Prior to moving to WilkesBarre in 1982 she was employed as a merchandise buyer for Woolworths Department store in New Jersey where she took pride in her skills and forged lifelong friendships. Most dear to her heart Karen was a loving and devoted wife mother and grandmother. Responding to a newspaper ad prior to online dating…

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Regina Munley

, Pennsylvania

Regina Munley 88 of Wyoming passed away on Friday April 24 2026 surrounded by those she loved. Born in WilkesBarre on June 5 1937 she was the daughter of the late Dennis and Margaret Mulhern ODay. Regina attended G.A.R. Memorial High School and was employed by several local factories Wyoming Valley Hospital Kings College and First Hospital Wyoming Valley. She was a member of St. Andrews Parish WilkesBarre. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years John Munley sisters Margaret Dimaggio Theresa Stortz Marie Niemiec and Catherine Pachucki brothers James Joseph Vincent and Daniel ODay. She is survived by her loving daughter Margaret Peggy Paoloni and husband Karl Wyoming with whom she resided. Granddaughter Gianna Paoloni and fianc Justin Skutack Wyoming. Daughter Kathleen Kelly and husband John Pringle. Grandchildren Christine Dzoch and husband Shawn Shickshinny and John Kelly Plains. Five great grandchildren and one great great grandson.…

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Thomas G. Kennedy Jr.

, Pennsylvania

Thomas G. Kennedy Jr. 71 of Larksville passed away on Friday April 24 2026 at home. He was born in Larksville the son of the late Thomas G. and Catherine Bitsko Kennedy Sr. Thomas graduated from West Side Technical School class of 1972. He served in the Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam war. Thomas worked at Calex Trucking as a Truck Mechanic prior to his retirement. He was a member of American Legion Post 655 Larksville for 16 years. Survived by his wife Sandra Ford Kennedy children Angel Marie Spencer and her husband Ed Hunlock Creek Thomas G. Kennedy III and his wife Sharon Larksville Cassie Kennedy and her companion Warren Little Larksville step children Andy Chopka and his companion Jessica Reilly WilkesBarre J.C. Candeloro and Companion Maddie Jones Nanticoke grandchildren Jayden Chopka Andrew Chopka and his companion Lolo Vanvalen Brianna Naudus Nathan Candeloro Connor Spencer Specialist Army…

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Mary Ellen Mcgroarty Folta

, Pennsylvania

Mary Ellen McGroarty Folta 73 of Olney Maryland passed away peacefully on April 30 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in WilkesBarre Pennsylvania on February 21 1953 to the late Daniel and Florence McGroarty. Mary Ellen graduated from James M. Coughlin High School and from Kutztown University with a Bachelors of Science in Education in 1975 where she met her future husband David. She was a member of St. Peters Church in Olney Maryland. She enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren who will cherish the memories of her teaching them how to bake garden sew write cursive and use an electric knife to cut meat properly for Sunday supper. She treated each one individually taking them on special day trips together. Mary Ellen loved to travel with her husband David taking numerous domestic and international trips. Her favorite destinations included Alaska Hawaii Japan Prague France Greece…

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Muriel Mullen

, Pennsylvania

Mrs. Muriel Mullen of Duryea passed away peacefully on Friday morning May 8 2026 at the Embassy of Scranton. Born in Pittston she was the daughter of the late Robert and Muriel VanLuvender Graham and was a graduate of Northeast High School. Prior to her retirement she was employed by Letica Mfg. Pittston. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph F. Mullen her son Robert Graham and brother William. Private funeral arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc. 204 Main Street Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Muriels family please visit the funeral home website www.piontekfuneralhome.com PLEASE NOTE YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

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