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PAGE 6 - THE FOREST CITY NEWS, FOREST CITY, PA 18421 * WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 * PHONE 570-785-3800 * email [email protected]

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Area Obituaries10 YEARS AGO

April 21, 2010Greater Forest City Industries

Inc. will investigate alternate uses for the Vision 2000 Indus-trial Park.

Chauncey Zazzera is the Forest City Old Home Week Committee chairman, and Mary Ann Corey will take charge of the craft ven-dors. However, a coordinator for the event is still being sought.

Around 50 trees will be plant-ed in Vandling with ARRA-stim-ulus funding.

The Forest City Chorus will present a Cabaret on Sunday.

Deaths: Dorothea Bloxham, Forest City; Michael T. Sterchak, DMD, Forest City; Robert M. Morse, formerly of Clifford; Rog-er Flynn, Lakewood

20 YEARS AGO April 19, 2000

Residents of the Forest City area are invited to take part in a “Community Cross Walk” on Good Friday beginning at the Forest City Regional School.

Vandling residents will have to wait for authorization from the Borough before they can hire out-side contractors to repair block-ages in the Borough’s sewer lines.

Rick Kulasinski, head of the Vandling Playground Grant Committee, reported that the new playground equipment has ar-rived and is in storage until it can be installed.

Local athletic star Denise Yankauskas will try out this week for a professional softball team in Plant City, Florida.

Deaths: Lillian May Carpen-ter, Crescent City, Florida; Don-na Marie Salansky, Union Dale; George X. Halkyer, born in Car-bondale; Ruth N. Hurst, Brown-dale.


Carina Howell and Mary O’Koren, Forest City Regional High School band members, have been selected to participate in the P.M.E.A. All-State Music Festival to be held in Hershey. This is the highest honor that a high school musician can achieve in the state of PA.

Forest City girls’ basketball star Mary Heller has earned a full tuition basketball scholarship valued at over $50,000, at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

The Forest City Regional School Board added two new names to the substitute teacher list. The Board indicated they have had “real problems” getting substitutes.

John Kowalewski Sr. escaped serious injury when he came in contact with a live electric wire while doing some plumbing last week. He was taken to the hos-pital where he was treated and released.

Deaths: Edna Snyder, born in Scranton; Reed B. Benedict, Great Bend; Virgil Muzzy, Union Dale; William Evans, born in Vandling; Robert Kelleher, NY; George Ki-lone born in Forest City; Arthur Fitzsimmons, born in Forest City; James Marcinkus, Forest City.


Forest City merchants will have $108,000 available to them in loans and grants for business im-provements from the borough’s $1.5 million Community Devel-opment Grant.

Plans are underway to honor the Rev. Joseph Papka, pastor of St. Michael’s Church, on his 25th jubilee in the priesthood in June.

The Forest City Home-School Assoc. will hold its first Spring-time Arts Festival tonight at the school.

The Forest City School Gym-nastics Club will present their annual show Saturday night at 8.

Frank L. Zazzera, owner of Zazzera’s Markets, died suddenly last Thursday.

John Tellep, Clifford, is named PA Disabled Veterans Represen-tative of the Year by the DAV.

Robert Komar, of Forest City Regional, was the top scorer for Forest City in the Marine Corps Physical Fitness meet at Hershey, PA.

Bernard L. Lewis, Union Dale, is the author of newly published novel, “In Quest of Eden.”

Deaths: Bolis Morosky, For-est City; Ina Corey Smith, Union Dale; Stephen Kravetsky, RD 2, Union Dale; Mrs. Sylvia Telban Christina, Schnectady, NY.


FCR School head Dr. Robert Zelechoski received a change of title to “Superintendent of Schools” as a result of a new state law.

An unoccupied car of Mrs. Beulah Gibson, Union Dale, was demolished when struck by a D&H freight after being stalled on a Union Dale grade crossing.

Mrs. Frank O’Peka accepts chairmanship of the local Cancer Drive. Petty officer 3rd Class John Sample, Vandling, completes U. S. Navy Service Command School at Great Lakes.

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Knight, Vandling, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Emil Fortuna has given up the local dry cleaning and tailoring business established many years ago by his father, Anton. The dry cleaning was taken over by Tim Kilhullen.

Deaths: Michael “Mickey” Ross, Scranton, formerly of here; Mrs. Ann Zataweski, age 100, Lackawanna St.; Mrs. Mary Fitzsimmons, Browndale;. Rev. John Robinson, Binghamton City, former pastor of Forest City Methodist Church.


John W. Murzynski, Director of First Aid and Safety Services today announced an all-out First Aid Program for the Forest City area. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the American Red Cross First Aid Program.

Announcement was made by the offices of the Greater Forest City Industries that officials of Ames Manufacturing Co. pre-sented to them a tentative plan of their expansion program. Cost of the construction will be approxi-mately $125,000.

Robert and William Jones, lo-cal undertakers, have added a new station wagon to be used as service and flower conveyance to their line of vehicles.

Charles and Martin Skubic Post, American Legion, will ob-serve its 40th anniversary Sat-urday, May 28, with a dinner at Browndale Community Hall.


Browndale Tigers, managed by Joe (Hup) Zaverl, have entered the Tri-County League for this season.

Rev. Floyd S. Crispel is reas-signed to Forest City-Union Dale Methodist Churches.

Mrs. Anita McCormick Mur-ray passed away yesterday at the family home, 413 Main St., fol-lowing a brief illness.

The Sugar Bowl, local confec-tionery store and luncheonette, is observing the 25th anniversary of its opening.

Mrs. Eleanor Kelleher, Depot St., sailed April 14th from New York, aboard The Italia, on a pil-grimage to Rome.

Deaths: Joseph Taninies, Vandling; Michael Brasso, Vandling; Mrs. Ann Gulbin Knorr, Stillwater; Frank Laben,

Browndale. 80 YEARS AGO

April 18, 1940 Emil “Doc” Laurich, Forest

City’s All Star Northern League forward, received honorable mention on the Pennsylvania All-Star State team.

Kameen Brothers, Joseph, Wil-liam, Louis and Paul, announce the opening of their new hard-ware store.

The Class of 1940 comprised of 58 girls and 48 boys will hold their Commencement on June 16.

Stephen Timsic, 32, Castle Garden, was the victim of carbon monoxide. His body was found in the family garage where he was reported to have been making re-pairs to his car.

Mr. and Mrs. Ira Churchill of Union Dale will observed their Golden Wedding anniversary on April 23rd.


Work is progressing on Route 70, eleven and one-half mile con-crete highway from Herrick Cen-ter to Lanesboro.

The Hillside Colliery, idle for the past six weeks, has resumed operations.

Prof. Robert Sampson, As-sistant County Superintendent of Schools, died at his Montrose home on Friday.

John Matircho, Railroad Street, has accepted a position as teller in the Dickson City bank.

Aaron Freedman has been named as manager of a large Bos-ton Theatre.


Miss Ida Lee has been named principal of the Browndale grade school.

Interest is being aroused to build a macadam road from For-est City through Browndale to Curtis Valley.

Rev. Henry L. Renville has been reassigned to the Forest City Methodist Church. Rev. Thomas Vaughn has been assigned to Union Dale.

A mysterious stabbing affair has taken place in Browndale and the community is stirred up over the circumstances.


Mrs. Dallas Carpenter, Burn-wood, was fatally burned and her home destroyed by fire early Sat-urday morning.

A fatal accident in the local mines claimed the life of John Derbin, 32, who was killed by a rock fall.

John Nograsek died of injuries received earlier this month.

With the spring vacation in full bloom the local truant offi-cer is busy rounding up hockey players. A number of arrests have been made.

F. J. Wargo, who was employed as a cashier at Hotel Windsor, Philadelphia, is home for the summer months.


The Harvey Silk Mill has start-ed full operations. There are 40 employed.

The Enterprise Hose Co. post-poned its annual fair because of the poor working conditions hereabouts.

The home of Paul Lacuta was damaged by fire this morning. Lo-cal firemen had to form a bucket brigade to fight the fire due to lack of water pressure in their hose.

The fair of the Citizens Band opened with a grand ball in the Davis Opera House Monday eve-ning.


Local grade school classes are closing this week for the school term. Teachers are Miss Augusta Curtis, Miss Nettie Chamberlain and Miss Greta Dunning.

William Bryden and J. D. Caryl will appear before the Lackawa-nna Presbytery to make arrange-ments whereby the local congre-gation can be supplied with a regular minister.

The Hillside Coal & Iron Fire Co. were out in force yesterday testing their new shipment of fire hose.

Carol A. DennisForest City

Carol A. Dennis, 70, of For-est City and formerly of White Haven, died April 8, 2020 at Re-gional Hospital of Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Dennis, on June 29, 2007.

Born Oct. 27, 1949, in Carbon-dale, she was the daughter of the late James and Anna Lenox Race.

Carol was a graduate of Mountain View High School and a retired dietary aide at Moun-taintop Senior Care and Reha-bilitation Center in Mountain-top. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Forest City.

She is survived by two chil-dren, Kathy Henning and hus-band, Richard of Washburn, Mo., and Gary Dennis of White Ha-ven; a grandson, Brian Henning of Mound, Minn.; and a brother, Donald Race of Charlotte, N.C.

She was also preceded in death by a son, David R. Dennis.

Private funeral services were held from Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, by the Rev. Bill Mc-Ginty, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church, Forest City. Cremation followed the services. A memo-rial service will be held in Forest City with interment at Laurel Cemetery, White Haven, at a time to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 700 Delaware St., Forest City, PA, 18421.

To offer expressions of sym-pathy, please visit Carol’s online book of everlasting memories at www.parisefuneralhome.com.

Paul “Harry” Mizok

Carbondale Paul “Harry” Mizok, 84, Car-

bondale, passed away peaceful-ly Wednesday morning, April 15, 2020 at the Forest City Nurs-ing Home. His wife of 39 years was the former Yvonne Nepa, who died on Oct. 21, 1999. Although he was of Russian Orthodox faith, he faithfully attended St. Rose Church with and for his wife, who he met on a blind date.

Born in Jermyn, son of the late Michael and Anna Mizok, Paul was an extremely hard worker and provider for his family his entire life. He volun-tarily left school in eighth grade to help provide for his siblings. He worked for JJ Savage Con-struction Co., the DPW of Car-bondale where he was the fore-man, and then the Carbondale Housing Authority until his retirement. He was a devoted father and husband who made sure his wife and daughters never wanted for anything. He always put their needs before his own. He knew what it was to struggle and did everything to ensure his family never expe-rienced that hardship.

His “odd job” work ethic was known by many. Whether it was cutting grass, cracking coal, brick laying, shoveling sidewalks or repairing walls, he was always willing and ready to fix something for someone. He made the best homemade sopresatta in his basement and usually ended his days with a beer on his front porch.

His generosity extended to his five grandchildren, who loved their Popie. Whether it was giving them grocery mon-ey in college, surprising them with golf carts, helping pay for their cars, or carrying their backpacks home from school, he always delivered, even if he

complained a little along the way. He was their biggest fan at recitals and sporting events. More recently, he made sure his three great-grandchildren were well-fed and diapered, and even attended several tee-ball games last spring.

Later in life, he enjoyed flea markets, shopping at P&R Gro-cery, scratching lottery tickets and going to Mohegan Sun to pass his time. He was quite a character and left his family with a wealth of one-liners and anecdotes. He meant the world to them, and they will greatly miss him and cherish their time together. He will be remem-bered for his kind heart and giving nature.

Paul is survived by two dot-ing daughters, Denise Connor and husband, Thomas, of Clif-ford Twp.; and Paula Lavelle and husband, William, of Car-bondale Twp.; grandchildren, Jessica Connor Tonkin and husband, Tom; Ian Connor and wife, Arielle; Tessa Lavelle and fiancé, Dave Grizzanti; Addie Lavelle and companion, Stanley Kaminsky; and Billy Lavelle; great grandchildren, Elsie, Coby and Everett; sisters, Anna Sue Pezak, Sadie Jesuitt and Mary Ann Jeryga; brother, Mickey; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Irene Salva and Pauline Guman; and brother, Robert.

The family would like to thank the staff at Forest City Personal Care and Forest City Nursing Home for their kind-ness and compassion.

A private service will be held. Entombment will take place at Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Twp. In lieu of flow-ers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to honor Paul’s mem-ory.

Arrangements by Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Car-bondale. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home website.

MOREOBITUARIESAPPEAR ONPAGE 3 & 5

Regina A. SmithOlney, MD

Regina A. Smith (Jeannie Bazil), of Olney, Maryland and formerly of Forest City died Saturday, April 18, 2020 at home. She was the wife of Benjamin “Jim” Smith, who died in 2009.

Regina was the daughter of the late Edward J. and Frances Law-rence Bazil, Sr. She was a graduate of Scranton Lackawanna College and the New York State School of Cosmetology, Binghamton. She is retired from the U.S. Civil Service and Montgomery County School System of the State of Maryland.

She was a member of St. Pat-rick’s Catholic Church, Rockville, MD.

Regina is survived by a daugh-ter Pamela Smith-Korman and husband Brian, Ocean Pines, Md.; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Jr. and George Bazil.

A graveside Service will be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township. Arrangements are by the Joseph W Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc., Simpson, PA. For condolences visit: www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com

Free Wi-Fi available outside Pl. Mt. Library

The Pleasant Mount Library is currently closed due to the Coronavirus. They are offer-ing free Wi-Fi in the parking lot for those who do not have access to Wi-Fi in their homes. Thanks to NEP Telephone Company for increasing the speed of the Wi-Fi.

Dorothy Ostonick Davis

Forest CityDorothy Ostonick Davis, 78,

of Forest City, died Saturday, April 18, 2020 at home after an illness. She was the wife of Robert Davis; the couple would have celebrated their 58th wed-ding anniversary on June 23rd.

Born in Forest City, daugh-ter of the late Joseph and Leona Pepson Ostonick, she was a member of Ascension Parish and St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, both of Forest City. She was a graduate of Forest City High School, Class of 1959. Prior to retirement, she was employed in the billing department of the Ames Shower Curtain Factory, Vandling. She enjoyed reading, doing cross word puzzles, and collecting various items such as dolls, stamps, and blown glass figurines.

Also surviving are two sis-ters: Leona Hartland, Scranton; and JoAnn Himka and husband David, Nicholson; several niec-es, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Due to current public health policy, private funeral services will be held with entombment in Our Mother of Sorrows Mau-soleum, Finch Hill. Arrange-ments by the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The NEET Center, 1300 Old Plank Road Mayfield, PA 18433.

To send online condolences, visit the funeral home website.

Aldenville Baptist Church “drive-in movie services Sundays

During this time of quar-antine the Aldenville Baptist Church in Aldenville, PA will be holding “drive-in movie” style church services Sunday mornings at 9:30a.m. All those attending in their cars and those who live in the general Aldenville area can tune into 101.1 on their FM radio to hear the morning service. In lieu of our normal time of greet-ing and handshakes we will instead be honking our horns and flashing our lights. The deacons will assist with park-ing. We will also be distribut-ing gift cards to Hayes Market in Waymart, PA to anyone in our community with a need.

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