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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.

      James Franklin Besecker, Jr, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, PA.

Born in Dallas on July 16, 1927, he was the son of James and Emily Connor Besecker and was a graduate of Dallas Boro High School and The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School (‘51) .

       Jim was a member of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas, and St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Stuart, FL. He was a member of The Irem Shrine and a 72-year member of George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531, Dallas as well as the Dallas Fire Company.

        Having served in the US Navy during WWII, he was employed by Monroe Systems for Business for 34 years, retiring as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He was a certified auctioneer who specialized in charity events.

Having entered the real estate business in Chester, NJ, and subsequently, in Dallas, PA, he was lately associated with his brother Robert, owner of Besecker Realty.

      He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Georgia Johnson Besecker in 2018 and son John Frederick Besecker in 1986. Survivors include a son James F Besecker, III (Sue) of Center Sandwich, NH, a daughter Laura Levine (Marc), Scottsdale, AZ; 4 grandchildren, James F Besecker, IV (Emily) of Ypsilanti, MI, Charles Zachary Besecker (Lydia) of Park City, UT, Rachel Emily Levine (Alex) and Jessica Wilhelmsen (Kyle) of Scottsdale, AZ; 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce F. Slocum was called back by the Lord on Monday, April 5, 2021.

He was a resident of Dallas for 59 years. Born March 19, 1933, in Carbondale, he was the son of the late Floyd and Imogene Slocum. He was married to the late Nancy Evans Slocum for 60 years until her passing in 2015. Bruce attended Babson Institute, Wellesley, Mass., and the University of Scranton.

He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Bruce spent his growing years in Scranton. He started in the insurance business in 1957 as a life insurance agent, moving to Dallas in 1962, where he started and founded an independent agent and broker agency, Slocum Insurance Agency, continuing until his retirement in 1988. He was very active in his community and Dallas United Methodist Church, where he served on the administrative board, board of trustees as chairman and treasurer and most recently “as the general in charge of the church services.” He was a 17past member of Dallas Rotary Club, past president and board member of Valley Tennis and Swim Club, member of Trucksville Vol. Fire Co., former treasurer and executive board member of Back Mountain Memorial Library Association, past Noble Grand of Oneida Lodge #371 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, life member of George M Dallas Lodge #531, Caldwell Consistory Bloomsburg, Irem Temple Shrine, past director of Nesbitt Hospital, served as director of Wyoming Valley Health Care System and a member of Metropolitan Advisory board of First Eastern Bank.

Bruce (and Nancy) enjoyed many trips all over the world, their favorites being the Caribbean Islands. He also enjoyed outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, but his real passion was playing tennis. He loved his matches with his sons, grandchildren and friends. He (and Nancy) relished being with and playing tennis with all their many friends and fellow competitors at Kingston Indoor Tennis and Valley Tennis and Swim Club, the get togethers afterward and their get togethers on off days. All of his playing partners and opponents can attest to his “slight competitiveness” and “playing spirit” (heard he missed a lot of line calls in later years … just saying!). That “spirit” stayed with him in the trying past year of COVID-19 restrictions and limitations as he bantered with and charmed (tried to) the nurses and staff to make the best of the situation, change the rules a bit and constantly tried to “get out for a haircut.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Beverly Slocum Brougher.

He is survived by brother, Barry Slocum (Anna), New Hope; brother-in-law, John Brougher, Queenstown, Md.; sons, Scott Slocum (Brenda), Montoursville; Brett Slocum (Susan), Dallas; and Bartt Slocum, Shavertown; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our sincere “thank you” to all the staff and nurses at Mercy Center, Dr. John Prater and staff and Dr. John Carey for all your kindness and compassion extended over the years. We sincerely appreciate it.

Robert E. Rosengrant, 81, of Shavertown, passed peacefully Monday, March 8, 2021, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 3, 1939, in Kingston, Robert was the son of the late William and Doris Rosengrant, of Edwardsville.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded by the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Beverly Rosengrant (Jesse); and son, Robert W. Rosengrant.

After graduating from Edwardsville High School in 1957, Robert married his wife, Beverly, in 1958.

Robert and Beverly went on to raise their two sons, Robert and Alan, in Shavertown. Robert spent a great deal of his life building while working in the construction field. His most important work occurred within the walls of his home, building his life with his family. Robert was a devoted father and enjoyed coaching his son’s little league teams and participating as the “Den father” for their scout troops. During his youth, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing and hunting. Robert spent a great deal of his life giving back to the community through various charitable organizations and working as a volunteer firefighter for many years.

Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Robert was always ready to jump in his RV and hit the road with his family. He often traveled to Florida with Beverly and loved taking his grandchildren to Disney World. Robert loved trying his luck while playing various slot machines and was always up for a good game of poker. Robert had an interest in history and enjoyed watching documentaries, as well as a love for hockey, football and NASCAR racing.

Surviving are his son, Alan Rosengrant, Sweet Valley; grandchildren, Derek Rosengrant and his wife, Alex; Corey Rosengrant; Krysti Bertinelli and her husband, Chris; and Jessica Oakes and husband, Daymon. Robert was also the devoted “Pop-Pop” to Tyler and Maria Rosengrant; Peyton and Logan Bertinelli; and Declan Oakes. Robert will also be deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Joseph Edward Oblen, 87, of Kingston, passed away peacefully Monday, March 8, 2021, at his home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Mary Ellis and Charles Oblen.

After graduating from Dallas Twp. High School in 1951, Joe joined the United States Army, where he was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Joe had a proud, decades-long career as an officer and desk sergeant with the Kingston Police Department until 1989. In his retirement, he was the proprietor of Oblen Antiques, Kingston.

At the time of his passing, Joe was an active and devout member of St. Therese’s Catholic Church, Shavertown.

Joe was a man of faith and family, and the memories of his kind soul and unyielding love will be forever cherished. We will miss you Papa Joe, G-pa, Grandpa, Dad.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Walcheski Oblen; his brothers, Edward and Charles (Tex); and his sisters, Marie Naperkoski and Cecelia (Ceil) Backof.