draco66

Bro. Robert L. Dolbear, Sr. – Life Member

Robert Lee Dolbear Sr., 104, of Dallas, passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, at the Village at Greenbriar, Dallas.

Bob was born Dec. 7, 1915, son of the late Frank and Jane Wall Dolbear.

Bob graduated from Plains High School in 1933, Mansfield College in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and Bucknell in 1950 with a master’s degree in education.

Bob taught physical education at Dallas Twp. High School and Dallas Area School District from 1938 to 1960. He coached football, basketball and baseball at Dallas Twp. from 1940 to 1950. He coached the first football game for the old shoe in 1948. When told he needed a shoe to be bronzed, he grabbed a shoe from the pile not knowing whose it was.

From 1960 to 1962, Bob was the driver training instructor at Dallas Senior High School. He was assistant principal at Dallas High School from 1962 to 1968 becoming principal in 1968 until his retirement in 1978.

Bob was drafted in the Army the summer of 1942. (The school board got a deferment for Bob so he could coach the last football game which was on Thanksgiving Day against Kingston Twp.) He entered the service the next day. Knowing he was a teacher, he was immediately made corporal and was given the assignment of teaching 200 young boys from Tennessee and Kentucky how to write their name so they could sign for their pay. Not wanting to go to Officers Training, he was given the option of becoming a cryptographer at the World Headquarters for Communications at Asheville, N.C.. The first message he decoded was from General Eisenhower to President Roosevelt.

While in the service, he married 2nd Lt. Antonia Kozemchak in January 1944 at Ft Oglethorp, Ga. (They were engaged before they entered the service.) They had 64 years of marriage until her passing in 2007.

He was honorably discharged as part of the Air Force on Dec. 23, 1945, with the rank of staff sergeant. He received the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was a member of the PSEA and NEA, Luzerne County Retired Teachers, Dallas Kiwanis and George M. Dallas Lodge No.531.

Bob was very active in Kiwanis for almost 60 years, being president in 1965. In 2007, he was honored by having the annual Senior Girls All Star Softball Tournament renamed the Robert Dolbear All Star Softball Tournament. Bob and his best friend, the late George McCutcheon, initiated the tournament in 1978 and were co-chairmen for 25 years. In 2012, Bob received the Kiwanis Legion of Honor and a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives honoring him for his 60 years of service with Kiwanis.

Bob was also a member of the Shavertown United Methodist Church, serving on the board of directors in the 1960s.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Antonia (Toni) K. Dolbear; son, Robert L. Dolbear Jr.; son-in-law, Robert J. Williams Sr.; sisters, Emma, Sarah, Cora and Jenny; and brothers, Frank and George.

He is survived by his daughter, Gloria D. Williams, Trucksville; grandsons, Jeffrey Miller and wife Becky, Shavertown; Brian Miller and wife, Catherine, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Jonathan Dolbear and wife, Aubrey, Philadelphia. Also surviving are great-grandsons, Logan, Joe and Brandon Miller, Shavertown; Nathaniel

Miller, Ft Collins, Colo.; and great-granddaughters, Lily Marie and Maisie Rose Dolbear, Philadelphia; plus many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Villages at Greenbriar for the excellent care they provided for Dad. They were his extended family!! Their care went above and beyond! Remember, detention if you don’t behave or are late!!! A huge thank you to the staff of Sacred Heart Hospice for their compassionate care and being with him through his end-of-life journey.

Bro. Robert L. Dolbear, Sr. – Life Member Read More »

Bro. Samuel B. Dilcer, Jr. – Life Member

Samuel Beidleman Dilcer, Jr. of Brookfield passed away on Tuesday August 25, 2020 at Dartmouth Hitchcock medical center at the age of 89. Born August 21, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, Sam was the only child of Samuel and Maud Dilcer Sr., later of Trucksville, PA. He received a degree from Wilkes College in 1957 and an MBA from Wilmington College in 1979.  During his career as a chemist, he worked with water treatment chemicals inspecting boilers throughout the United States, South and Central Americas, Middle East and South Asia. On July 25, 1964 he married Mary Ellen Farnham in Tunbridge, Vermont. Together with his wife, Sam supported their 3 children in all aspects of their lives, rarely missing a sporting event or school concert. Family was everything to Sam, all other things were second.  

Sam was a Pennsylvania Freemason for over 60 years, and a concurrent member of the Brookfield Lodge for over 15 years.  Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he was the third generation to serve in a masonic lodge. He was always very active in the community, as a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol for over 40 years, as a church member, a boy scout and explorer post leader, adult supervisor in youth group mission trips, and frequent school marching band chaperone – traveling to the World Expo in Spain in 1992.  

Sam had a life-long love of learning and passion for all hobbies and the outdoors, especially woodworking and carving, cooking, reading, gardening, fly fishing, hunting, and skiing. Family vacations involved camping and canoeing. In more recent years, Sam could be found whittling in Floral Hall at the Tunbridge World’s Fair or watching Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey at Norwich University where he and Mary Ellen were season ticket holders.  

Sam is remembered fondly as a great talker and story teller with a wonderful sense of humor, as well as being very practical and full of wisdom. His glass was half full and his first thought when things were challenging was, “it could always be worse”.  He was a man with a strong faith in God, standing by his family during times of need and never ceasing to offer his assistance and support to anyone who asked.   

Samuel B. Dilcer, Jr was a loving and caring person, full of faith and compassion, kind and generous with his time and efforts, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was the best anyone could ask for.  He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen of 56 years and their children: Erica, Samuel (wife Michele), and Christianna Farrell (husband Steve) and six cherished grandchildren: Matthew and Ryan Dilcer; Stephen, Trevor, Melanie and Kelly Farrell; as well as many cousins.  

Bro. Samuel B. Dilcer, Jr. – Life Member Read More »

Bro. Sheldon “Bucky” E. MacAvoy, PM – Life Member

RICHMOND, Va. — Sheldon “Bucky” Evans MacAvoy passed away on Nov. 10, 2019, in Richmond, Va. Mr. MacAvoy was a native of Shavertown and was born on Feb. 24, 1932 to the late Stanley Robert MacAvoy and Elizabeth Wood Evans MacAvoy. He was a proud member of the 1949 class of Kingston Township High School.

He served in the United States Army until his Honorable Discharge on March 3, 1955. He returned to the Back Mountain where he began work for his uncle at Evans Rexall Drug Store. He worked many years as a salesman for MAC tools and then worked 10 years as a Corrections Officer at the State Correctional Institute at Dallas.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for almost 60 years. He was also a member of the George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge and was a Past Master. Bucky enjoyed traveling with his wife, skiing, golfing, swimming and fishing. Cherished memories were of hunting with his Uncle Shel and, in later years, hunting with his sons and grandsons.

Bucky was predeceased by the love of his life, Ethel Mae Smith, with whom he shared almost 66 years of married life. He is survived by his four children, daughter Judy Powell (Wayne); son Dan (Janice), son Tom (Wanda) and daughter Sue Sweet (Chris). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Michael Powell, Becky Cox (John), Sarah Arnold (Joel), Josh MacAvoy (Christie), Christa Threlfall (Jonathan), Tom MacAvoy (Cheyanne), Jennifer Marks (Seth), Nathan MacAvoy (Martha), Amanda Stevens, Erick Sweet and Laura Sweet as well as the blessing of 27 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Lois Helfrich (Paul) and his dearest friends, Bill and Jean Long of Trucksville.

Visitation with the family will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dallas with the Funeral Service at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Mount Greenwood Cemetery in Trucksville.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 474 Yalick Road – P.O. Box 802, Dallas, PA 18612 or the local Alzheimer’s Association, 57 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Bro. Sheldon “Bucky” E. MacAvoy, PM – Life Member Read More »

Bro. Donald E. Carter Jr.

SWEET VALLEY — Donald E. Carter Jr., age 62, of Sweet Valley, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at home.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on Sept. 5, 1957, and was the son of Donald E. Carter Sr., of Sweet Valley, and the late Lois Davies Carter.

Donald retired from SCI-Retreat as a corrections officer after 30 years of service. He coached mini football and wrestling for Lake-Lehman. Donald possessed a wonderfully strange sense of humor and enjoyed playing unique practical jokes on his family and friends. He was a member of the George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531, Dallas.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by son, Sean Carter and brother, Scott Carter.

In addition to his father, Donald is survived by his wife of 28 years, the former Kathleen Martz; sons, Donald E. Carter III, Kristopher Carter and Bryan Carter and his wife, Elspeth; brothers, Jeffrey Carter and Mark Carter; and sister, Sherry Carter.

A visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corners of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Private interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lake Township.

Bro. Donald E. Carter Jr. Read More »

Bro. Mahmoud H. Fahmy

DALLAS — Dr. Mahmoud H. Fahmy, Ph.D., 88, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2019, surrounded by his wife of 60 years, Irandukht Vahidi Fahmy; his children, Roya Fahmy, of Scranton, Dr. Raef (Bethanne) Fahmy, of Newburyport, Mass., and Randa Fahmy, of Washington, D.C.; and grandchildren Jared, Trevor and Kira Fahmy, Alexandria Hudome and Alana Swartz.

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, on Oct. 1, 1930, Dr. Fahmy was the fourth of nine children born to Hussein Fahmy and Mounira El Sayed. He devoted his entire life to the noble pursuit of education and encouraged others to do so as well. He completed his undergraduate education at Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. He bravely left his birth country of Egypt to come to America in 1958 to study at Columbia University in New York City, where he obtained his master’s degree in education and history. He continued his educational pursuits at Syracuse University in New York where he received his doctoral degree in philosophy. He subsequently taught at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, and Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, where he had an accomplished 30-year career as an academic and administrator.

Dr. Fahmy loved the United States of America and quickly became a naturalized U.S. citizen. His infectious optimism was reflected in his favorite saying, “I am an American by choice.” He strongly believed in civic service to America, and to the social, cultural and educational institutions in his community, the Wyoming Valley. He devoted a great deal of time volunteering on various boards and local community organizations in Luzerne County. He was often called upon by the community for his expertise and knowledge of global affairs and Middle East politics, providing media commentary and lectures. He strongly believed in interfaith cooperation and led one of the first interfaith delegations to Egypt and Israel after the Camp David Accords were signed in 1978. He and his wife, Iran, traveled around the world in pursuit of international education, having visited more than 50 countries.

A private Islamic burial took place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. A public memorial service where family will be receiving condolences will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Wilkes University Henry Student Center, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre.

The family would like to express its sincerest thanks to the professional staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Mercy Center Skilled Nursing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mahmoud H. Fahmy, Ph.D., Scholarship at Wilkes University, Office of Advancement, 84 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, or online at www.wilkes.edu/give.

Bro. Mahmoud H. Fahmy Read More »

Bro. Robert Bond

Born in Plymouth, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Butson Bond. He attended the Plymouth Schools and, like so many of the young men of that generation, he left school to fight for his country. He served his country as a buck sergeant tech 4 grade with the U.S. Army for four years, stationed in both France and Germany. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

He was employed by Foster Wheeler Corporation in Mountain Top for 28 years as a class “A” mechanic, repairing Lathe machines and cranes. He was a former member of George M. Dallas Lodge 531 Free and Associated Masons, Dallas, and the Irem Shrine, Dallas. Bob was also a member of Grace Community Church, Dallas, where he served as usher for many years.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Catherine Keller; son, Robert R. Bond; daughter, Alberta Bond Slabinski; granddaughter, Colleen Slabinski; sisters, Loretta, Anna, Elizabeth, Shirley and Alberta; and brothers, Joseph and Edward.

Bob was friendly and always willing to help others in need. He enjoyed playing golf, bridge, hunting, fishing, dancing to Big Band music and traveling.

Surviving are his close friend, Helen Tanski; grandchildren, Heather, Bobby and Joseph Bond; Jeff Slabinski and his wife, Shannon; Christopher Slabinski and Kimberly Bowen; and many great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas.

Bro. Robert Bond Read More »

Bro. Paul C. Goodwin – Life Member

LAKE SILKWORTH — Paul Clark Goodwin, 80, of Lake Silkworth, died Jan. 28, 2019. At his request, funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Bro. Paul C. Goodwin – Life Member Read More »

Bro. Thomas N. Kreidler Jr. – Life Member

SHAVERTOWN — Thomas Nelson Kreidler Jr., age 88, of Shavertown, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at the Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the son of the late Thomas Sr. and Hazel Kritzberger Kreidler.

Thomas was a graduate of Dallas Township High School, Class of 1948. He worked in life insurance sales, having completed training with Prudential Life Insurance Company where he was employed for 10 years. Thomas was then employed in sales until his retirement. He was a Free Mason and was a lifetime member of the George M. Dallas Lodge, No. 531.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Kevin William Kreidler; brother, Bob; and sister, Dorothy.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 67 years, the former Isabel Painter; children, Thomas III, Kathy Barlow (Mike), Betsy Kreidler (Sam Barker), and Carol Oliver (Mark); daughter-in-law, Wendy Kreidler; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, from the Trucksville United Methodist Church, 40 Knob Hill Road, Shavertown, PA 18708, with Pastor Jay E. Jones officiating.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or Blue Chip Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.

Bro. Thomas N. Kreidler Jr. – Life Member Read More »