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Bro. Robert D. Richardson

Robert D. Richardson, 84, of Dallas, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at his residence.

Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Lewis (L.L.) and Grace (Kane) Richardson. He was a graduate of Westmoreland High School. He was also a graduate of Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics as well as Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University. While at Dickinson, he served in the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) and received the John Dickinson Saber award, the highest honor given to an ROTC graduating senior.

Bob served as executive officer for Luzerne and Lackawanna counties with Wachovia bank before his retirement. Bob began his career in 1971 with First Eastern Bank, Wilkes-Barre, where he spent 22 years before moving to several Wachovia predecessor institutions. During this 36-year commercial and business banking career, he positively impacted many area businesses and members of the community. He was also instrumental in helping Wachovia secure the naming rights to the arena at Casey Plaza, now known as Mohegan Sun Arena.

Bob was a member of the Shavertown United Methodist Church, serving on the finance committee. He was a founding director of Leadership Wilkes-Barre. He was the chairman of both the Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund board of directors and the Dallas Borough Pension Fund. Among the many organizations he was involved in, he served on the boards of Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the regional chamber Partnership Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Visiting Nurses Association and Dallas Fire and Ambulance Inc. Bob was recognized for his ongoing support for the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Pennsylvania council and received the highest volunteer award, The Silver Beaver. Bob also was a member of the George M. Dallas Lodge, Caldwell Consistory and the Irem Shriners.

Bob served his country proudly in the Army at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Dix, N.J., and with the 402nd Military Police. He retired at the rank of major.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, the former Sandra Sprout, in May of this year.

Surviving are his sons, Robert Richardson and his wife, Molly, Harleysville; and Mark Richardson and his wife, Carolyn, Bedminster, N.J.; daughter, Susan Crahall and her husband, A.J., Dallas; grandchildren, Carly, Nora, Reese, William, John, Daniel, Emily and Zachary; and brothers, Thomas and James Richardson.

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Bro. David A. Evans, III

The world lost a great man on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Dr. David A. Evans was called home following an activity he loved doing.

He was born in Kingston on Dec. 20, 1957, and was the son of the late David A., Jr. and Evelyn Evans.

David graduated from Northwest High School, Wilkes University and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He had an independent optometry practice in Nanticoke and was a partner in Family Vision Care in Kingston.

He was a member of the Sweet Valley Church of Christ where he served as a former deacon, American Optometric Association and Pennsylvania Optometric Association and its board for many years leading up to his presidency in what he called “2020: The Year of the Optometrist.” David was a 20-year member of the Valley Chapter of BNI, a group of independent businessmen and women with whom he has developed lifelong friendships.

David was also a member of the Lower Toby Sportsman’s Club and the Harveys Lake Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. The most memorable trip he made was with his sons to Africa. He enjoyed getting together with his friends for a round of golf and looked forward to doing that more often after retirement.

David held many roles including husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, eye doctor and friend. He always found time and offered advice when needed, especially to his patients when they needed a helping hand. David was genuine and loved his family deeply. He also had a sensitive side that many did not get to witness but that came to light during family gatherings when he was asked to pray.

Dave adored his granddaughter, Cecelia, and was proud to be her Pop. He was looking forward to the birth of another granddaughter in the upcoming months.

David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dr. Gail Evans; children, Kyle Evans and his wife, Taylor; Brooke Evans; and Curtis Evans and his girlfriend, Rachel Vidumsky; siblings, Amy Boytin and her husband, Chuck; Darrell Evans and his fiancée, Jackie Pascucci; Doug Evans and his wife, Lori; and Robyn Confalone and her husband, Jay; sister-in-law, Connie Higgins and her husband, Dennis; 10 nieces and nephews, their partners and their children who were dear to his heart; and thousands of patients who he cared for over the past 38 years in his eyecare practice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Optometry Giving Sight in the form of a tribute gift at www.givingsight.org/donate or by calling 303-526-0430; or to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at www.RMEF.org/donate, for the preservation of wildlife habitat.

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Bro. Leon F. Brokenshire, Jr., PM – Life Member

Leon F. Brokenshire Jr., 92, formerly of Dallas, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in Warwick, R.I., surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Leon and Daisy Race Brokenshire and was a graduate of Dallas High School. Leon served his country as a military policeman in the U.S. Airforce during the Korean War and was employed as a lineman with PP&L for over 30 years before his retirement in 1992.

Leon was a member of The Valley View Chapel in Larksville, where he previously served as a trustee. Additionally, he was a member of Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg; Irem Shrine; and George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531 F&AM, where he was a past master and a 33rd degree Mason.

Leon enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, staying active and pizza nights with his church family. He was an avid sports fan of the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State football. Above all, Leon loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, the former Elizabeth Lewis; daughter, Karen Sulewski; grandson, Adam Sulewski; and several siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori Hoats, West Warwick, R.I.; and his four grandchildren, Jamie and Keith Sulewski and Jared and Courtney Hoats.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his in-home caregivers, the staff at All American Assisted Living, and the staff at Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care.

Leon’s family will remember his strong faith, love for life and his infectious smile.

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My Brother’s Keeper

Brethren, the ladies of the Trucksville United Methodist Church make bed rolls for the homeless in Wilkes-Barre for the winter months as part of the My Brother’s Keeper: Maker’s of Ugly Quilts program. These bed rolls are tied together with USED neckties to maintain the roll. If you have any USED neckties you no longer want, please drop them off at the lodge and we will make sure they are donated to this program.

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Bro. Robert S. Asby

Robert S. Asby, 87, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp., surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Robert Anton Asby and Ann Sumner Asby.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his youngest son, Scott Siegel Asby.

Robert is survived by a son, Steven and wife, Mimi, Deltona, Fla.; daughter, Cindy Thomas and her husband, Lew, Dallas; sister, Joy Gottshall and husband, Don, Goldsboro, N.C.; and his beloved Anne; grandchildren, Brooke, Stephen and April Asby, Shannon (Thomas) Collette and Benjamin Thomas; great-grandchildren, Connor and Gavin Collette and Lincoln and Colton Thomas; and nieces.

Robert was a speech pathologist and audiologist by profession and acquired an extensive list of accomplishments and accolades throughout the 59 years of his patient care and professional career. The list is far from exhaustive but represents examples of his professional involvement: He designed and built the first hearing and conservation mobile testing unit for on-site industrial employees to detect and prevent hearing loss. He and his associates originally established the ENT Surgical Group. He was one of the first audiologists in the state of Pennsylvania to be licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids. He was a founding member of the Academy of Audiology and was deeply involved in several licensure committees. He was an associate professor for the Department of Communication Disorders at Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg. He served on the board of directors for both the International Association of Laryngectomees and the Society of Medical Audiology. He served on the Speech Standards Committee, International Association of Laryngectomees – American Cancer Society.

Robert held memberships in several key organizations, such as the American Speech and Hearing Association, the Pennsylvania Speech and Hearing Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists.

Bob was an avid sports enthusiast and lived for the thrill of boating, skiing, football, biking and golfing to name a few. If not participating personally, he was enjoying sports on television. He made friends easily and over his lifetime the list of his close friends and associates became countless.

Bob seemed to have a 30-hour day and managed to always have time for people’s needs. In his aging and reflective years, the love for his family continued to flourish.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit for their excellent and compassionate care.

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Bro. George R. Isaacs – Life Member

George Raymond Isaacs, 80, of Trucksville, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

George was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late Howard and Verna Miller Isaacs.

On Dec. 10, 1968, he married Carol Elizabeth Herwig. They raised three children, Betty, Brian and Caroline, and were further blessed with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

At an early age, George was involved with the family business, Howard “Duke” Isaacs car dealership in Trucksville. After his father’s death, he ran the business for decades until it was transitioned to Ertley Motorworld through a joint venture/partnership in 1994. George continued as president of the new division and remained in leadership for many years thereafter. He was involved in development of the former site of the Isaacs dealership, establishing Pendragon Center in 1996 and overseeing the development of the Trucksville Sheetz gas station in 2001.

George was an avid sportsman who enjoyed shooting, boating and fishing. He and Carol literally traveled the world together, snorkeling and scuba diving, sport fishing and sightseeing. He also raced cars, drove a motorcycle and amassed a fleet of vehicles from boats to trucks to tractors. If the saying, “he who dies with the most toys wins” is true, George was the undisputed champion.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his mother and father, were his stepfather, Richard Staub; and his beloved wife, Carol, in 2021.

Surviving are his daughter, Betty Bowman and husband, Kevin; son, Brian Bridger and wife, Colleen; daughter, Caroline Isaacs and husband, Bill Hustad; grandchildren, Hilary Crossley; Molly Bridger and husband, Adam Mellen; Kelly McDade and husband, Michael; Freya Hustad; Ned Crossley and his partner, Alli Snyder; and Robin Crossley and partner, Sarah Seashock; and great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Makayla McDade and Vaida and Louie Crossley.

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Bro. Lauren E. Dymond

Lauren E. Dymond Sr., 74, of Shavertown, passed away at 10:48 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2022, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

He was born in Kingston on Jan. 16, 1948, son of the late Lauren and Aileen Dymond. Lauren, known as Larry, was a longtime resident of the Back Mountain, making his home in Shavertown since the 1980s. He attended Dallas High School but transferred his senior year and graduated from New Brunswick High School in New Jersey in 1966.

Larry served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He worked as a truck driver for most of his life. Driving for Martz Bus Line, Friedman’s Trucking, Mack Trucks and eventually starting and driving for his own company, Sandyme Trucking, retiring in 2013.

Larry was a lifetime member of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department and a 30-year member of the Back Mountain Rod and Gun Club in Forkston; a member of the George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge No. 531; and Irem Temple Shrine; a member of the Back Mountain Railroad Club; a member of Daddow Isaacs American Legion Post 627, all in Dallas. Larry was a member of the Orange United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Sandra Baird.

Surviving are his sons, Lauren E. and his wife, Brooke Dymond, New Market, Md.; Timothy F. Dymond, Kingston; grandchild, Connor F. Dymond, Kingston; and sister, Carol and her husband, Robert Eyet, Dallas.

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Bro. Robert W. Masoner – Life Member

Robert W. Masoner, 90, of Willow Street, PA, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022. Born in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late John B. and Bertha L. (Wilson) Masoner. He was married to his beloved wife, Gladys L. (Kittinger) Masoner for 69 years.

Robert graduated from Franklin & Marshall with a bachelor’s degree in biology and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He worked 32 years for Bell Telephone as a district commercial manager. Robert was a proud Mason in Dallas, PA, and a member of the Rotary Club in Wilkes-Barre. He was very active in the Wallace Nutting Collector’s Club. Along with his wife, he enjoyed running their co-op antique business and going to auctions. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Strasburg for 35 years. Robert loved F&M basketball and the Philadelphia Phillies, but his favorite athletes were his grandchildren, whom he supported through all their athletic endeavors. He enjoyed woodcarving, reading biographies, and playing golf.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Michele L. Steele (Larry), Robin W. Cancelliere, son, Dr. Robert W. Masoner II (Cheryl), grandchildren, Mark P. Steele II (Marci), Melanie L. Miller (Adam), Lauren E. DeLuca (Steven), Christopher T. Cancelliere, Chelsea L. Cancelliere, Dr. Hannah L. Masoner, Harley G. Masoner, Seth M. Masoner, Zebulon W. Masoner, great-grandchildren, Julianne, Oliver, Claire, and Declan. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane E. Sharp, and grandson, Benjamin L. Masoner.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

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Bro. Leo Dragon, Jr.

Leo S. Dragon Jr. “Jackson,” 68, of Sweet Valley, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at home.

He was born in Kingston on June 22, 1953, and was the son of the late Leo Dragon Sr. and Eleanor Quinnan.

Leo graduated from West Side Area Vocational Technical School in 1971 and received his master’s degree in education from Temple University. He was the owner/operator of Dragon Construction in the 1980s before becoming a building construction teacher at West Side Vo-Tech for 32 years. Leo was president of PSEA Teachers Union for West Side Vo-Tech for 15 years. He was also a member of Carpenters Local Union and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hunlock Creek. In his retirement, he enjoyed many projects around his home, dinners out with his family, playing with his grandchildren, and camping with Jane O. He was a friend to many and a role model to even more. His wealth of skills and knowledge traveled beyond his reach. Dad had a tremendous impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Lois Dragon; daughter, Jennifer Dragon; and grandson, Cole Dragon.

Leo is survived by children, Leo Dragon III and Stacy, Bear Creek; Kelly Christianson and husband, Harry, Parsons; Tim Dragon and wife, Lindsay, Shavertown; and Laura McBride and husband, Scott, Mars; grandchildren, Emma, Macz, Jackson, Lettie, Demi and Owen; and his companion and partner in crime, Jane Balavage, aka Jane O.

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