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Olin C. Smith, Jr. “Olie”, 55, of Dallas, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born on July 4, 1969, he was the son of the late Olin C. Smith, Sr. and the late Ruth (Kovalevich) Smith, of West Pittston and Harveys Lake. Olie is survived by his wife, Kristin, and their two daughters, Margaret and Emily.

Olie was a native of West Pittston, a 1987 graduate of Wyoming Area, and a 1991 graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a degree in Real Estate.

Olie began his career as an Appraisal Coordinator at First Eastern Bank in Wilkes-Barre. He then worked with Patt, White, Whitney, and Moyer Appraisers in Allentown. Olie was a Pennsylvania State Certified Appraiser, specializing in Commercial Real Estate. For 26 years, he served as the Executive Vice-President of Moyer Realty Advisors, LLC.

Olie served as a Panel Member on the Board of View for Luzerne County for many years. He most recently served as an Alternative Member of the Dallas Township Zoning Hearing Board.

Olie was a proud member of George M. Dallas Lodge 531 and The Irem Shrine, both in Dallas, as well as The Caldwell Consistory in Bloomsburg.

Olie looked forward to yearly vacations in Stone Harbor and Key West with his family and close friends. He cherished his summers at Harveys Lake surrounded by family, friends, and favorite neighbors. He loved watching his daughters waterski, wakeboard, ride their stand-up Jet Ski, wave runners, and drive the boat – truly a proud dad moment!

When the WBS Penguins came to the area, the Men’s League Ice Hockey team, ‘Deep Freeze’ was formed. Olie became the Alternate Captain, initially playing defense before eventually stepping into the role of Goalie. He became known as ‘Olie the Goalie’ to everyone that knew him. Olie loved playing ‘D’ League Hockey until he was injured, when he severed his bicep while playing on Thanksgiving Day. His ‘Cat-like Reflexes’, as he would say (catching the puck in his glove at top speed), finally caused his career-ending injury, forcing him to hang up his skates.

Olie was an avid reader with a deep passion for history, particularly WWII. He recently traveled to Normandy’s beaches with longtime friends. His love for travel has now inspired his daughters to continue exploring the world together. Being able to give them the gift of travel was very important to him.

Olie will forever be remembered for his storytelling – or, more accurately, for telling the same story over and over again. Those who knew him were very familiar with his famous sayings, or ‘Olie-isms’ as we loved to call them.

Olie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Ruth (Rozelle) Smith, and Sam and Mary (Salko) Kovalevich.

In addition to his wife and children, Olie will be deeply missed by his brother Kevin and wife Valerie of Dallas; his sister Ruth Hollander and husband Joseph of Clarks Summit; his father-and-mother-in-law Robert and Dorothy Quigley Jr.; his sisters-in-law Jacqueline (Albert Nocerine), and Carolyn (Jason Aben); as well as his nieces and nephews.

Joseph J. Maniskas, 82, formerly of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at River View Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Swoyersville, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Maniskas. He was a graduate of Swoyersville High School.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his grandson, Nicky Sorbelli. Surviving are his children: Joey Maniskas; Jay Maniskas and his wife, Kelly; Jamie Sorbelli and her husband, Wayne; grandchildren: Jesse, Rachel, Leela and Olivia. He was the beloved brother of Richard and wife, Alex: sister, Patricia; nephew, Eric; and brother, John and wife, Josie. He was the uncle to Pamela, John, Amy, Richard and Matthew.

Joesph was a private in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged in December 1960.

Joseph was a well-known hair stylist in the Dallas area for over 50 years. He was a member and past master of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. Joseph was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Irem Country Club in Dallas, Pa.

Albert G. Billings, 89, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Born and raised in Dallas, Albert was the son of the late Charles L. and Elizabeth (Frantz) Billings. Albert was a proud graduate of Westmoreland High School, Class of 1953, and was notably one of the first to graduate from Luzerne County Community College’s evening school program. He enjoyed a long and dedicated career with ACME Supermarkets, retiring after many years of service.

Albert was a fun and lively presence in the lives of those who knew him. He had a passion for the stock market and spent countless hours mentoring others. He loved the Back Mountain and often reminisced about the rich history of Dallas, his cherished hometown. Albert had a deep appreciation for cars, which he always kept spotless. An animal lover, Albert had a special place in his heart for his dogs, who brought him great joy throughout his life. He also enjoyed dining out with friends and family, creating cherished memories over meals and conversation. Albert never missed an opportunity to cheer on Penn State football, sharing the excitement with family and friends.

He was an active member of the community, a proud Mason, and a member of the Shriner Brass Band, where he shared his passion for music.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved parents. He is survived by his sister, Florence “Flossie” Finn, of Dallas; his niece, Elizabeth Rosencrans and her husband, Fred; and his nephew, Charles L. Finn. He is also survived by his great-nieces, great-nephew, and a great-great-nephew, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown, with the Rev. Jon Buxton officiating. Interment will follow in Wardan Cemetery, Dallas.

Friends are invited to pay their respects from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown, and again on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Albert will be fondly remembered for his unwavering kindness, infectious humor and devotion to his family, friends, and beloved pets. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in honor of Albert’s love for animals.

Warren Earl Denmon, of Oak Island, North Carolina passed away on January 06, 2025.

Born on September 28, 1934 in Pennsylvania, he was the son of Andrew and Charlotte Denmon.

Warren served in the in the US Air Force as a drill instructor from 1954 to 1958. He then entered Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor of Science in secondary education.

He received his master of education degree from Rutgers University in 1964. He went on to become Dean of Admissions at Monmouth College, in West Long Branch, NJ.

Warren then went on to become an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where he proudly served from 1971 to 1991.

He was married to his wife of 59 years, Sandra Denmon before she passed.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Pearl Denmon and Jill Leslie Denmon; and his son-in-law, Billy D. Brooks; and his faithful loving pup, Ruby.