Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 717 Main Street, Edwardsville, PA (2025)

11/08/2025

Lena A. Michael
November 8, 2025

Lena A. Michael, 86, of Wilkes-Barre entered eternal rest on Saturday November 8, 2025. She was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late John A. and Nora Sessin Michael. Lena graduated from G.A.R. High School and worked in the Human Resource Department at Mercy Hospital prior to retirement. She was a member of St. Anthony & St. George Maronite Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre and their Altar Rosary Society, St. Sharbel Society, and St. Theresa Sodality.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Anthony, Francis “Yogi”, and John Michael and sister-in-law, Geraldine Michael.
Lena is survived by her sisters-in-law, Michell Michael, Ohio, Marie Michael, Wilkes-Barre, nephew, Fr. David Michael, nieces, Renee Andrews, Christina Nordmark, Janna Levandowski, and Ellen Meehan, great nieces, Teri Andrews, Samantha Uhrig, Marie Andrews, Nora Levandowski, great nephews, Isaac Levandowski, Kurtis Nordmark, William Andrews, Michael Andrews, Everett Meehan, Ripken Levandowski, great great nephew, Caleb Uhrig, and multiple cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday November 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre, a Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. from St. Anthony St George Maronite Catholic Church, 311 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday November 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre.
The family would like to thank the staff at River View Nursing & Rehab Center, Aspen Wing for the loving care that Lena received while residing there.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Anthony St George Maronite Catholic Church, 311 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre
Online condolences can be made by visiting Lena’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com

11/07/2025

Rose M. Heck
November 6, 2025

Rose M. Heck, 88, formerly of Wilkes-Barre and Mountain Top, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the River View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Plains Township.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Barbara Kaiser Dress. Rose was a 1955 graduate of St. Nicholas High School in Wilkes-Barre. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a unit secretary at Mercy Hospital and Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre. She was also employed by the Bell Telephone Company.

Rose was a long-time parishioner of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Wilkes-Barre. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, who will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Heck Sr. in 2000; son in law; Ronald Poharski; sisters; Frances Jacobs, Dolores Wallace and Rita Martin; and brothers; Lawrence, Bernard, Gerard, William, Charles and James Dress.

Rose is survived by her children, Robert W. Heck Jr., and his wife, Tina, Drums, Ronald Heck and his wife, Brenda, Nanticoke, Richard Heck and his wife, Sheila, Plains Township and Renee M. Poharski, North Augusta, SC; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Dress; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 9:30am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00am in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Barney and Division Street, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and to thank the staff at River View Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassionate care they provided to Rose over the years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 Ed Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic PA, 18507.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Rose’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

11/05/2025

Theresa M. Peterson
November 3, 2025

Theresa M. Peterson, 89, a resident of the Parsons Section of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Monday. November 3, 2025, at Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing, Wilkes-Barre.

Theresa was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late John and Anna Buydos Sosik. She was a 1953 graduate of Hanover Township High School and she attended Marywood College.

Surviving is her husband, Charles J. Peterson Jr. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, George Miller, Barbara Pitoniak and her husband, Richard, Jessup; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brother, John Sosik; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Griffin.

In February of 2002, she retired from the Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center, where she had been employed for 28 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Head Start Program in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District for 6 years.

Theresa was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in Plains Township.

Among her favorite activities were camping and fishing in the upper New York State area, with her husband and family. Theresa enjoyed baking and preparing Italian foods for her family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Her Pastor, Rev. Jack Lambert, will officiate. Private interment will be in Fern Knoll Burial Park, Dallas.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 prior to the service from 10 – 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Theresa’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

11/05/2025

Laurie K. Sarkowski
November 4, 2025

Laurie K. Sarkowski, 87, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 4, 2025. She was born on March 7, 1938, in Danby Vermont to the late Phlinda Keyes Hunt and Lawrence Keyes, stepfather Stewart Hunt. She was partnered with John Throop for over 50 years.

Laurie was a long time employee with Offset Paperback, Dallas PA prior to retirement in 2017.

Preceding her in death were her parents, three sisters, Bernice, Katherine and Dorothy as well as a daughter, Michelle Stilp.

In addition to her partner, John Throop of Wilkes Barre, she is survived by son Mitchell Sarkowski (Michele) of Cumbola; daughter Christine Irvin of Lancaster; son Jeffrey Sarkowski (Nancy) of Nanticoke; son John Throop Jr. (Christopher Kushnir) of Allentown; grandchildren Amanda, Jeffrey, Alyssa, Jonquil, Sam, Zachary, and great grandchildren.

Laurie never missed an episode of General Hospital, and she enjoyed interacting with the staff while pressing her luck with slots at the casino. She enjoyed baking the best carrot cake in town for family and friends.

Friends and family are welcomed for visitation on Friday November 7th from 10am to 12pm at the Nat-Gawlas-Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre.

11/05/2025

Rosemary Lafratte
November 4, 2025

Rosemary Lafratte, 81, of West Pittston passed away Tuesday November 4, 2025, at Allied Services Inpatient Hospice, Wilkes-Barre. She was born in Pittston the daughter of the late Dante and Philomenia Vitale Lafratte Sr. Rosemary graduated from Pittston High School and worked for over 50 years in banking, with Miners Savings Bank, First Eastern Bank, PNC Bank, and FNCB until her retirement. She was a member of The Second Presbyterian Church of Pittston.
Preceded in death by her brother, Dante Lafratte Jr.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Carlene Lafratte, nieces, Audra Casper and her husband Mark, Tammy Lydon and her husband Kelly, nephew, Dante Lafratte III, great niece Madison, great nephews, Conor, Jared, Adam and Andrew.
A funeral service will be held Friday, November7, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. from The Second Presbyterian Church of Pittston, 143 Parsonage St., Pittston, PA the Rev. Dr. Murray Thompson officiating.
A private interment will be in Memorial Shrine Burial Park, Carverton.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Edwardsville.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Rosemary’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com

11/03/2025

Clem J. Perluke
November 2, 2025

Clem J. Perluke, 74, of Wilkes-Barre passed away Sunday November 2, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Sugar Notch, a son of the late Clement and Regina Malinowski Perluke. Clem was a graduate of Ashley Sugar Notch High School, class of 1968 and King’s College, class of 1972.
Prior to his retirement, Clem was employed by the PPL Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Salem Township as a purchasing agent. Earlier in his career, he was a Social Studies teacher at St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parochial School in Wilkes-Barre.
He was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in Plains Township.
Clem was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Celtics and Notre Dame fan. He also enjoyed coaching his sons’ youth baseball and basketball teams, but his greatest joy came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant twin brother, James and by his brothers-in-law, Edward Soltis and John Mangan; sisters-in-law, Linda Dougherty and Maggie Corbett; great nephew, Thomas Medici.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Helen Doughtery Perluke; his sons, Kevin Perluke and his wife, Samantha, Swoyersville and Eric Perluke, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Taylor Issacs and his wife, Olivia, Mackenzie Perluke and Kyle Perluke; sister, Jean Soltis, Wilkes-Barre. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas Dougherty, Joseph Dougherty and his wife, Kathy, Molly Mangan, Ray Corbett and Ann Risko and her husband, Jay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 9 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 9:30 in Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Clem’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

10/31/2025

Kenneth E. Hicks
1958 - 2025

Kenneth E. Hicks, 67, of Kingston passed away at Geisinger Wyoming Valley on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. He was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late William J. and Shirley Shaver Hicks on October 1, 1958. Kenneth attended E.L. Meyers High School.
Kenneth worked as a painter for William J. Hicks Painting and Griglock Painting. He also welded military equipment for Gishner Mobil Service in Old Forge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Kenneth Jr.
He is survived by his children, Rebecca, Branden, Skyler, Chad, and Spencer and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters; Maureen (Fred) Searles Dallas, Judy Thompson, Bear Creek, and Denise (Richard) Evans Moosic; and his three brothers; William (Anna Mae) Hicks, Penndel, Barry (Patricia) Hicks, Nanticoke, and Keith (Wendy) Hicks, Tunkhannock.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10 am at St. Mary’s Cemetery Chapel. Deacon William Behm will officiate.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Arrangements are entrusted from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

10/28/2025

Kristen M. Majikes Scali
October 24, 2025

Kristen M. Majikes Scali, 38, of Hanover Twp. passed away peacefully Friday October 24, 2025, after her courageous battle with breast cancer, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Plains Twp. surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Kingston the daughter of Charles J. and Mary L. Manzoni
Majikes Jr. Kristen graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School, class of 2005, Luzerne County Community College, class of 2007 and Edinboro University, Class of 2009. She was an operations manager for MOHELA and was active with Leadership Northeast. Kristen was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Larksville, where she was the first female altar server and later became a lector and RCIA Sponsor.

Kristen loved life and lived it fearlessly. She was the first female to play football for the Larksville Greenwaves. She grew up running around with all of the kids in Birchwood Estates which led to her love of Halloween. She always looked for an adventure including skydiving, traveling, and trying new foods but always came back to her favorite food, pierogies.

Kristen and her husband, Adam, were soulmates and shared a love that not many people are lucky enough to have. They loved relaxing on their back deck together watching all sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles. The adoption of their furbaby, Rosie, made their family complete. The love that Kristen and Adam had for each other was evident by the way they took
care of one another. This was especially true through the past several months.

To know Kristen, was to love Kristen. She had the ability to make people laugh and smile in the best and darkest of times. There are not enough words to describe the way Kristen lived but if there were any, she would have been the one to find them.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Francis and Agnes Manzoni.

Survived by her husband, Adam Scali, fur baby, Rosie, parents, Charles J. and Mary L. Majikes Jr., paternal grandparents, Charles J. and Elizabeth Majikes Sr., brothers, Charles J. Majikes III and his wife Kylee, Mark F. Majikes and his wife Adele, nieces and nephews, Landon Davis, Lucy and Gwen Walski, Charles J. Majikes IV, and Austin Majikes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt St., Larksville with Rev. Gerald J. Gurka officiating. A private interment will take place at Fern Knoll Burial Park, Dallas.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. and Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church 126 Nesbitt St., Larksville.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Saidman and his entire staff for their kindness and support through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Kristen’s memory to The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA 190 Welles St. Suite # 166, Forty Fort, PA 18704 or Medical Oncology Associates Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce St. Kingston, PA 18704.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.ngjfuneral.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

10/23/2025

Matthew J. Zedolik
October 22, 2025

Matthew Zedolik, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on October 22nd in his home surrounded by family.
Born in Wilkes Barre Township, son of Matthew and Anna Zedolik, he was a graduate of Wilkes Barre township High School class of 1949. He served his country in the United States Army and then went on to graduate from Kings College.
Matthew spent countless hours outdoors walking in the woods and always had his dog by his side. His greatest gift was passing along this love of nature and animals to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time at his son Tommy’s house where friends gathered together to share stories over a glass of cold beer. Matthew was a patient man who found joy in the simple things in life.
Matthew Zedolik is survived by his children, Matthew Zedolik and wife Sharon, Michael Zedolik, Stephen Zedolik and wife Kim, Arlene Zedolik, and Thomas Zedolik, his grandchildren Matthew Zedolik, Julie Fallon, Andrew Zedolik, Christopher Zedolik, Stephanie Zedolik, Abbie Fallon, Stephen Zedolik, and Molly Fallon, great-grandchildren, River Magnolia Duffy, Sawyer Duffy, Henry Gayoski, his brother John Zedolik and his dog Joe-Joe.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor.
A special thank you to Sue, from Erwin Home Health and Hospice, for all of her care and kindness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the mass on Monday from 8:30-9:30 am at the church. Those attending the service and visitation are asked to go directly to the church.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Matthew’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

10/22/2025

John Francis “Doc” Gardner
October 20, 2025

John Francis “Doc” Gardner, 71, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away at his home on Monday, October 20, 2025.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late George and Marguerite Bonner Gardner. John attended G.A.R. Memorial High School. He was a member of North End Slovak Citizens Club, Wilkes-Barre for over 15 years.

John is survived by his children, Sean Gardner, Christopher Gardner, Erin Emmel (Michael) and Kaitlyn Gardner (Graham); 9 grandchildren and his sister, Marguerite Giuanta.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 6-7 pm with words of remembrance at 7pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the North End Slovak Citizens Club 635 N. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705.

Condolences may be sent by visiting John’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

10/22/2025

Ikaika Paul Quiacusan
October 11, 2025

Ikaika Paul Quiacusan, 24, of Wilkes-Barre passed away from a motor vehicle accident on October 11, 2025. He was born in Wilkes-Barre the son of Katherine Wiegopolski and Eugenio Quiacusan. Ikaika attended Hanover Area High School and was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre. He had a love for exploring nature and playing the piano.

Preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Edward Wiegopolski Sr. and uncle, Thomas Edward Wiegopolski Jr.

Survived by his mother, Katherine Wielgopolski, Wilkes-Barre, father, Eugenio Quiacusan, Wilkes-Barre, brothers, Kainoa, Kekoa, Makoa, sisters, Makanalani, Blue, and Sapphyre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish 40 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 am at the church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Online condolences can be made by visiting Ikaika’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com

10/22/2025

Florence B. Smith
October 20, 2025

Florence B. Smith, 96, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away at her home on Monday, October 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre Township, a daughter of the late Michael and Helen Guzik Ziomek. Florence attended Wilkes-Barre Township High School and she was formerly employed in the local shoe industry.

Florence was a devoted member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark A. Smith in 2000; and by her brothers, Leon, Joseph and John Ziomek; and her sister, Helen Kopec.

Florence is survived by her daughters, Rose Hirel and her husband, John, Wilkes-Barre and Maryann Kopko and her husband, Ernest, Mountain Top; granddaughters, Heather Kopko, Becki Smith and Rachel Hirel; great grandchildren, Katie Simko and Logan Smith, great great grandson, Ivan Simko; sister, Theresa Petrosky, Plains Township and by her nieces and nephews.

Florence’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her nurses, Randi, Kayla and Mary from Traditional Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in St. Mary’s Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Florence’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

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