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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bro. William A. Hersh – Life Member

William A. Hersh, age 85, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018 at his home. Born July 16, 1933 in Wyoming, PA, he was the son of the late William E. and Verna N. (Chapman) Hersh. William had multiple careers in his life which included sales manager for Sunshine Biscuits, insurance sales for Thrivent Insurance and selling church directories for Olan Mills. After retirement he worked for Country Market. In the Christmas season, he would dress as Santa Claus. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg and the Susquehanna Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. William was a member of the George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, F.&AM and the Caldwell Consistory of Harrisburg. He was a part of the Upper Allen Planning Commission and held many positions with the Boy Scouts. William was preceded in death by his loving wife Louise (Schick) Hersh. Surviving are his daughter Diane Hersh Wiest and husband Bruce of Halifax, a son Stephen Paul Hersh and wife Misty of Mechanicsburg; three grandchildren Neil Wiest, Bruce Wiest and Spencer Hersh and his seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Thursday, November 29, 2018 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 117 W. Keller Street, Mechanicsburg with viewing held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will take place at Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA, 1 Baden Powel Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

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Bro. Glenn Howell – Life Member

DALLAS — Glenn M. Howell, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital at the age of 88. Glenn was a devoted father, loving husband and proud grandfather. He was known affectionately by his many grandchildren as “Pa.”

Glenn was born in Center Moreland and was the son of the late Fred and Pearl Montross Howell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia M. Howell (formerly Piazza), and his siblings, Hazel Jacques, Blanche Love and Frank Howell.

Surviving are his wife, the former Janet Phillips (Dallas); sons Roger G. Howell and wife Claire Abbott (Dallas) and Dr. Mark D. Howell and wife Rosali Collier (Suttons Bay, Mich.); grandchildren Melissa Howell, Julie Howell, Rebecca Ziemak and husband Michael, Corrie Howell, Rosalie Howell and Everett Howell; as well as his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Jane Herman and husband Richard, Julie Yadao and husband Joseph and Joy Sholtis and husband Donald; and stepgrandchildren Alexis Vaskas, Hailey Sholtis, Richard Herman, David Herman, Riley Jane Herman, Anthony Yadao, Kai Yadao and Sean Yadao.

Glenn graduated president of his class from Dallas Township High School in June 1948. He attended Wilkes University and the Wharton School. He joined the United States Army on March 19, 1951. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Infantry, D Company 502, and served as a courier while stationed in Japan. Glenn was proud to serve his country.

He was a well-known banker in the Wyoming Valley and worked as an officer for what is now known as PNC Bank for 44 years. He was also a steward of the Back Mountain community, serving as secretary treasurer and supervisor of Dallas Township for 51 consecutive years. He spent many of these years working closely with his dearest friend and fellow supervisor, Phillip Walter.

Glenn was a dependable family man who valued hard work at the office and in his yard. He loved Ford cars and trucks and telling stories about growing up on a farm. He also loved his skateboard-riding English bulldog, Irie. Always reliable, he served on various community boards and committees throughout his life. He was a member of George M. Dallas Lodge 531, F.&A.M., and a lifetime member of Irem Shrine.

He will be sadly missed by his entire family and the Back Mountain community.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. Private interment to follow in Marsh Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home.

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Bro. Torrence R. Gensel – Life Member

Torrance R. Gensel, 88, of Sweet Valley, peacefully passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, at home.

He was born in Larksville on Aug. 15, 1930, and was the son of the late Arthur and Harriet Gensel.

Terry was a graduate of Dallas High School. He was a lace weaver for many years before working at Offset Paperback Manufacturers, from which he retired. Terry was a member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, Free and Accepted Masons for over 50 years and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dallas.

He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 15 years. Terry was an avid hunter and fisher, and he loved his garden. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole; and grandson, Austin.

Terry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Frances Yahara Gensel; daughter, Cindy Eckrote; son, Terry and his wife, Barbara; grandchildren, Clay, Violet and Toby Gensel; Brandi Chopka and her husband, Benjamin; and great-granddaughter, Launa Chopka.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with the Rev. Raymond D. Purdy, Jr., of Living Word Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lateer Cemetery, Sweet Valley.

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