All Obituaries

Mae J. Lyons, 93, of Larksville, died at home, Sunday, September 8, 2019.   Born in Larksville, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Emily Hass Cortz, and was a former member of the Larksville Ambulance. Prior to retiring, Mae worked for Eberhardt Faber, a pencil making factory in Mountain Top.   She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her husband, Leo A. Lyons.   Mae is survived by her daughter, Rita Barker of Larksville; grandsons, Brian...

Joseph Paul Chackan, 82, of Larksville, PA was called home on August 29, 2019 at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA.   Joseph was the son of the late Stella Piechoski and George Chackan. He had one sibling, the late Andrew Chackan.   Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Chackan formerly Elizabeth Gimble. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Chackan.   He is survived by daughter Suzanne Warren, husband Scott of Jenkins Twp, PA;...

Donna Lee Daylida, of Edwardsville, died Monday, August 26, 2019.   She was the daughter of the late William J. and Barbara J. Seidel Pensick. She owned and operated a hair salon for many years and prior to that, she worked at VicMar's, in Edwardsville, where her husband, owned and operated. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and playing cards.   Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Victor John Daylida and daughter, Dawn Daylida.   She is survived by...

James J. Duda, 72, of Larksville, died in Wilkes-Barre, late Saturday, August 17, 2019, from a neuromuscular disease, that he fought for a lifetime.   Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen Kon Duda, was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Kingston, Class of 1965. Jim served his country proudly in the Untied States Air Force, during Vietnam and worked for Roth Novelty as a technician. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Larksville and...

  Joseph M. Ayers, 51, of Scranton, formerly of Harveys Lake, died Sunday, August 4, 2019, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Born in  Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late William and Shirley Patton Ayers; was a welder working as a boilermaker for Boilersmaker Union 113 and was an avid New York Giants Fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Charlene Ayers; Rae Ayers and Cindy Ayers. He is survived by daughter, Tehya...

 Robert P. Niznik, 83, of Kingston, died Saturday morning, August 3, 2019, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.   Born in Larksville, he was the son of the late Albert and Josephine Lengel Niznik and was a graduate of Larksville High School, Class of 1953. After a time on Broadway, Bob owned and operated Bob Niznik Dance Studio and Bob Niznik Dance Company. Bob directed and choreographed many Broadway shows at the Little Theater of Wilkes Barre, colleges,...

Joseph W. Keene, Sr. of Larksville, died early Sunday, June 23, 2019, in Residential Hospice, Wilkes-Barre.   Born in Larksville, he was the son of the late George L. and Caroline Zimmerman Keene and served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. Joe was employed by Eberhardt Faber, Mountain Top and was a fan of Penn State, Oakland Raiders and Nascar.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death, by his brothers, Harold and George “Jibe”...

William J. Dervin, Sr. of Edwardsville, died Friday, June 21, 2019, in Residential Hospice, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Huntington Mills, he was the son of the late Kalistas (Kelly) and Amelia M. Boyek Dervin and was a graduate of Meyers High School, Class of 1950.  He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during Exercise Mainbrace.  He was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Medal (European Clasp) and the...

Rose Marie Letoski, a resident for 3 years of Highland Park Senior Living, Wilkes-Barre Township, died Wednesday morning, June 19, 2019, in the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation, Dallas.   Born in the Askam section of Hanover Township, she was the daughter of the late Peter Bonsavage and Mary Aftewicz Bonsavage and was a member of Holy Family Church, Luzerne. Rose dedicated her life to raising her children and had a passion for gardening, flowers and animals.   She was...

Elizabeth “Betty” Vanderhoff, of Plymouth, died Sunday morning, June 16, 2019, in Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre.   Born in Larksville, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Bridget Crofchcick and enjoyed spending time with her family.   Betty was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her husband Reynold Edward Vanderhoff in 1969 and three siblings, Josephine Crofchick, Benjamin “Sonny” Crofchick and Leona Malast.   She is...