Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA (2025)

12/23/2025

Alan Po***ck of Plains passed away December 10, 2025 at the age of 86. Alan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 16, 1939. He was the son of the late Florence Po***ck Nicholson. He was a graduate of Kingston High School, served honorably in the United States Navy for 5 years, was a member of Irem Temple Country Club and a Shriner.

Alan enjoyed golfing, spending time in his garden and entertaining his friends and family at barbeques in his backyard. In his later years he enjoyed splitting time between Plains and Naples, Florida where he could golf year-round and spend relaxing evenings with his wife.

Most of all, Alan enjoyed time with his family. Alan was a devoted husband, cherished father, proud grandfather and great grandfather.

As a father, he was patient, supportive, and unwavering in his love. As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he found immense joy in watching his family grow, sharing stories, laughter, and life lessons that will be carried on for generations. “Pops” home was a place of comfort, warmth, and welcome.

Alan is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Caccia) of 63 years. His children; Alan, wife Tammy, DeBary Florida; Jeffrey, fiancé Anita, Allentown; Wendy, husband Joseph, Newtown. His grandchildren Alan Joshua, Jonathon, Joey, Nathan, Shelby, Gunnar and Taylor. Great-grandchildren James and Jonathon.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he passed down, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private family service was held on December 20, 2025. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Eye Tumor Research Foundation, Wills Eye Hospital; or Pillows for Patients, Alleghany Healthcare System,
Pittsburgh.

12/10/2025

Marilyn Jean Rozelle (Ritter) passed away peacefully in her home on December 4, 2025. She was born on January 15, 1936, to Peter and Helen Ritter (Churnside) in Nesbitt Memorial Hospital. Marilyn grew up in Forty Fort, PA. She spent some summers at North Lake, and she worked at the Forty Fort Pool, where she was a swimming instructor and lifeguard. She worked at the Summer Day Camps that were held at the elementary schools and she was a natural born teacher. She graduated from Forty Fort High School in 1953 where she was on the yearbook staff as an editor and wrote the yearbook poems for each member of the graduating class. She played the Glockenspiel in the marching band. Marilyn always stayed in touch with her high school friends and organized many reunions, including her last class reunion which was held in 2015 at Francis Slocum Park.

After high school, Marilyn attended Bloomsburg State College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1957. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Phi educational Fraternity. She met Ralph B. Rozelle when she attended one of his lectures at Wilkes College. Over the months that followed, their connection grew stronger, and they enjoyed spending time together whenever they could. In August 1957, they were married and moved to State College, PA. Her first teaching assignment was at the Bishop St. School in Bellefonte, PA while Ralph was at graduate school at Penn State University. Her second teaching assignment was in Hornell, NY when Ralph’s graduate work moved to Alfred University. When she returned to the Wyoming Valley with her family, she put her career on hold to raise her children. She returned to teaching full-time in 1977 when she was hired at Wyoming Valley West School District. During that time, she earned an MA in Elementary Education from Wilkes College.

Upon retiring from teaching in 2002, she traveled extensively with Ralph, taking several trips to Europe, Canada, and the US. They loved going to Agatha Christie Murder Mystery dinners together and golfing at Sweet Valley. They were season ticket holders for the Red Barons and often traveled to Florida for Spring training. They were season ticket holders to the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins and active members of the
booster club. They traveled extensively to follow the team and flew to Milwaukee on the team charter for their second run at the Calder Cup. They loved their time at the beach and spent many summers on Long Beach Island, N.J. and taking their family to the Outer Banks, NC. They loved spending time with their grandchildren. They put in an inground pool for everyone to enjoy!

Marilyn was an active lifetime member of the Forty Fort United Methodist Church. She was the church historian and helped organize the Knitwits Knitting Club and made prayer shawls. She loved knitting, crocheting, swimming, playing cards, needlepoint and searching for records for her ancestry. Marilyn was also active in the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 1972, she was elected to the Board of Trustees at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. She was the first woman to be elected to that board and served on it for 24 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ralph B. Rozelle and her sister, Barbara Brush.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Peter L. Rozelle, Forty Fort, Ralph B. Rozelle, Jr., West Wyoming, and Susan E. (James) Harkness, Manahawkin, NJ, grandchildren; Erica Pardini(Josh), Michael Suchoski (Abby), Sean Rozelle, Dylan Harkness(Annie), Tyler Harkness, Sarah Barnett(Thomas), great-grandchildren; Henry and Thomas and nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the incredible staff at Serenity Hospice Services, Ann Chiogna, Ruth Ann (Yeisley) Ciciani, and Pam, for their endless caring and thoughtfulness. There will be a private service for her at her family's discretion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Forty Fort United Methodist Church, 10 Yeager Ave. Forty Fort, PA. 18704.

12/09/2025

John William Mitchell, Jr., of Shavertown, passed away on December 6th, 2025, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA. John the husband of Janet R, (Keefer) Mitchell for the past 56 years. He was the son of John and Marie Mitchell of Pittston and a brother of Georgia Gehlen of Wilkes-Barre. Preceding him in death was his sister June Steeber of Weatherly.

Upon graduating from Pittston High School John enrolled in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Viet Nam and Germany. After his discharge, John worked for Bonner Chevrolet and Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company.

Surviving are his wife Janet, Son, John W. Mitchell, III, and wife Diane, residing in Shavertown, Pastor Robert S. Mitchell and wife Carey, residing in Ohio, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited from 6 to 7 PM on Friday, December 12th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Memorial service will immediately follow at 7 PM, with John’s son, Rev. Robert Mitchell, officiating.

12/01/2025

Elwood J. Larson Jr. (Woody), 54, of Nanticoke, passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born December 10, 1970, the son of Elwood and SueAnn Bray Larson of Shavertown. He was preceded in death by his mother SueAnn.

Woody is survived by Connie Larson, his wife of 27 years, daughters CarolAnn, Elizabeth, and Lillian Larson, all at home. He is also survived by his father Elwood J. Larson Sr. and wife Joyce Larson, Shavertown, sister Gwen Foy, Dallas, and Brett Larson and wife Vivien, Ohio, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Woody graduated from Dallas High School in 1989 and Johnson College 1991 with 2 degrees. Woody was self- employed and an entrepreneur.

He was an avid outdoors man and spent many days fishing and hunting with his family and friends. When Woody was not outdoors he enjoyed cooking and helping others in need.

Family and friends are invited from 11-2 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Memorial service will immediately follow calling hours at 2PM.

12/01/2025

Warren F. Rosengrant, aka “Uncle Butch” or “Pin”, 87, of Kingston, passed away on Saturday, November 29th, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Warren was born on October 19th, 1938 to Charles F and Mabel A (Lane) Rosengrant. He graduated from Kingston High School, Class of 1956. Warren worked at Associated Transport in Dunmore with his father, Charles, Sr. and his brother, Chuck. He was a restaurant manager for many years, beginning with Stop and Go, then Elby’s, Franklins and Ponderosa. He also was co-owner of Swoyersville bar “The Night Owl”, where he and his partner introduced Buffalo (Chicken) Wings to the Valley in 1979-1980. Later employment included Fetch’s Market and Hugh B Hughes.

Warren was a local thespian and won a NEPTA Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in Nuts. He acted in starring and supporting roles in over 40 productions.

He was a devoted Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. His hobbies included Lionel Trains, assembling and sporting a large collection of hats and masks, building puzzles, gathering Kingston High School memorabilia and recalling family stories. Warren had a passion for telling jokes and amusing friends and strangers alike. Warren was a member of Dorranceton United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Plymouth Rotary.

Warren is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Judith (Newcomb) Rosengrant, son Eric and wife Cathy, daughter Carlene and husband Jerry, grandchildren, Matt, Evan (Madison), Sarah (Zack), Wesley and Rachel, sister Ruth (Davis) and Brother-in-Law Bill.

Family and friends are invited from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, December 4th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, December 5th, also at Hughes & Son. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department; 600 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.

11/29/2025

Kathleen G. Hughes, 79, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 26th, at Allied Hospice Center, in Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Binghamton, she grew up in Kingston, the daughter of the late Ruth and James Foley.

She is survived by her husband, William Hughes and sister, Mary Ann Hopkins (Don) and nephew, D.J. Hopkins (Michelle) and great nephews, James and Grant.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at General Hospital and would especially like to thank the staff and nurses at Allied Hospice Center, in Wilkes-Barre for their most compassionate care during Kathy’s final Hours.

11/25/2025

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Robert “Bob” Kopp, on Friday, November 22nd, at the age of 96 years young.

Bob was born on January 4th, 1929, in Ridgewood, NY. Bob was passionate about everything starting with a 20-year combined Army/Air Force enlisting, in 1947. He served his country as a Platoon Sergeant, at Fort Benning. While there he played with the Doughboys football team in the Air Force as Staff Sergeant 1951. He worked at the Pentagon, then transferred and spent 14 months in Korea and Japan, as a personnel supervisor, then returned to the US as an advisor to several reserve units. Bob was a recipient of several medals and awards. Most proud of the AF commendation medal. He retired as Master Sergeant, 1968. Following his military service, he worked for the state as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Served as Master, of the Nanticoke Lodge 541, Deputy Grand Master of the 12th Masonic District. Member of the Irem Shrine and Irem Temple Jass band as the lead singer and 1976 Champion Irem Temple golf club. A faithful servant at Forty Fort Presbyterian Church for many years.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife Jane, of 75 years.

He is survived by his son, Rev. Dr. Robert Kopp and wife, Leslie; daughter, Susan Bruno and husband, Joseph; grandchildren, Atty. Sarah J. Bruno, Dean Bruno, Atty. Daniel, Matt, Ben, David and Ben Kopp.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Woloski, Laverne O’Boyle and Ainslie DeYoung for their continuous care and visits.

11/21/2025

Haydn T. Evans, 101, of Dallas, passed away on Friday, November 21st, at Meadows Manor, Dallas.

Haydn was born in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Haydn P. and Harriet Turner Evans. He was a graduate of Forty Fort High School Class of 1942. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he commissioned the USS New Jersey in the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1943 and immediately went to the Pacific Theater of War. While on the USS New Jersey he covered the Pacific Ocean from the Aleutian Islands to the China Sea and the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Pacific Teater Ribbon with 9 Stars. The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars and the American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal; as well as a Good Conduct Ribbon and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Haydn was employed by Hadden Craftsman and International Correspondence Schools, Scranton and traveled throughout the United States working at numerous newspapers before returning to Wilkes-Barre Publishing Co. Where he was employed for 28 years until becoming a founding member of the Citizens Voice from where he retired in 1987

He was married in 1950 to the former Verna M. Motchler, of Mountain Top. They had one daughter, Lynn M. Evans, a teacher at Lake Lehman School District until her death in 2002. Haydn was President of Wilkes-Barre Allied Printing Trades Council for more than 20 years.

He also represented Wilkes-Barre Typographical Union 187 at conventions in Honolulu, HI; Kansas City, MO; Montreal, Canada; San Francisco, CA; Atlantic City, NJ; Harrisburg, PA and Seattle, WA. He was a delegate to Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware Typographical Conference for many years.

Haydn is survived by his loving wife, Jean Stacey Evans; as well as step son, Eric Stacey.

Family and friends are invited from 10 to 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 25th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Graveside service and interment will be held immediately following calling hours at 11 AM at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Evans Memorial Youth Fund, Forty Fort United Methodist Church, 10 Yeager Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704.

11/21/2025

Kay was born on September 22, 1948, in Wilkes Barre, PA, to the late Robert G. “Buss” Keefer, of Dallas, PA, and the late Enid M. Keefer (née Griffith), who was born and raised near Melbourne, Australia, where her family had migrated in the 1850s. Buss and Enid met during World War II, eventually marrying and having three children, of which Kay was the middle child. Her siblings were two brothers whom she would later come to miss very much: the late Colin R. Keefer, four years her senior, and David Keefer, seven years her junior.

She is survived most immediately by Lynn W. Nace, her husband of forty-eight years; her son, Dr. Nicholas D. Nace, and his wife, Dr. Chelsie A. Malyszek, of Farmville, VA; and her stepson, Brett A. Nace, of Columbus, OH.

Kay’s childhood years were spent in Forty Fort and her teen years in the Harvey’s Lake area, where she had many overlapping friend groups, including one she referred to as the “Woofers.” She graduated from Lake Lehman High School in 1966, after which she took several jobs in Wilkes Barre. Soon after, she moved to Camp Hill, PA, and began work as a keypunch operator for the state government in Harrisburg, performing data entry at record speeds within the office that was, mostly because of Kay, the fastest nationally. In the mid-1970s, she took a job keypunching at Roadway Express, where she met her future husband, Lynn.

Lynn and Kay were married in 1978, after which they moved to Akron, OH, where they raised Nicholas and Brett as well as several beloved cats. During the 1980s, Kay managed the family real estate business, performing all duties from maintenance to rent collecting at three different properties. Taking a motherly interest in her son’s activities, Kay began to train in martial arts along with Nicholas during the 1980s, achieving several belts in Taekwondo. She took part in many local beautification projects, including the planning, planting, and maintenance of eight of the city’s public flower gardens. In the 1990s, she changed careers in order to follow her lifelong passion and become an interior design consultant.

In 2003, Lynn and Kay retired and moved back home to the Wilkes Barre area, in part to help her father in his later years and to be closer to the nature she loved. Soon Kay began to plan, design, and oversee the construction of her dream house on the banks of Bowman’s Creek in Monroe Township. Once built and meticulously decorated, the house was a hub of activity in which Kay spent time entertaining friends and family, frequently making her widely renowned cheesecake and hosting events for local animal groups. During this time, she became a member of the Tunkhannock chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she eventually took leadership roles and developed several philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives, including the writing of a cookbook published in 2010 and an ongoing project to make and distribute wheelchair accessories for the residents of local nursing homes.

In February of 2020, Kay was diagnosed with dementia, a disease she quietly and stoically withstood until finally succumbing on the morning of November 19th.

11/21/2025

Leona C. Lynn, 95, of Wilkes-Barre passed away on Tuesday, November 18th at Embassy of East Mountain.

Leona was born in Plymouth, PA, on July 7th, 1930, daughter of the late Thomas and Leona Kearns. Leona was a graduate of Saint Vincent’s High School in Plymouth, she worked as a clerk at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C, and was later employed for many years at Evans King Floral in Forty Fort.

Leona was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, loved politics and family gatherings, was a fierce competitor at the pitch table, and an expert maker of baked beans that were loved by many.
She was a long-time member of the former Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Forty Fort, and later, of St. Ignatius Church in Kingston. For many years she was an active volunteer at Holy Name of Jesus Grade School in Forty Fort and Bishop O’Reilly High School in Kingston.

Leona is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Lynn, her parents, her brothers Thomas and Joseph, and her sisters Ellen, Rose, Ann, and Margaret.

Leona is survived by her son, Brian Grove and his wife Renee, Spring, Texas; her grandchildren, Anna Grove and Jack Grove, Austin, TX; her nephews Lawrence Grove, Anchorage, AK, and Mark Grove, Mountaintop, PA, her niece Judy Swoboda, Plains, PA, and her great niece, Kim Robinson, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 19th, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, PA 18704. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Moosic, PA. https://www.hospicesacredheart.org/donate

11/20/2025

Joan Teresa Vinovrski Mazeitis, 81, of Luzerne, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 19th at Abington Manor, Clarks Summit, where she had been a resident since May 2025.

She was born on January 11th, 1944, in Luzerne.

Joan was a devoted wife to her late husband Jimmy, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband James Mazeitis, April 2024. She loved travelling to see her grandchildren in both New York and North Carolina. She was active in her church, serving as Eucharistic Minister and serving Communion to those who were unable to leave the home, both at St. Ignatius and Holy Family Catholic Church. She was a member of the Ladies of Assumpta with the Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Church prayer group.

She was last employed as an administrative assistant at Luzerne National Bank and served as tax collector for the Courtdale Borough. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, and Luzerne High School. She also graduated from Wilke-Barre Business College.

She will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including brother Bernard (Marcella), daughters, Jamie Herndon (Brad), and Amy Dougan (Timothy); and grandchildren Dr. Stefan Knorr (Bethany), Allison Knorr, Ethan Knorr, Declan Dougan, Kathryn Knorr, Emily Knorr and Brody Dougan.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 PM on Sunday, November 23rd to Hughes B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave. Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, November 24th at St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. Interment will be held at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Lehman.

11/17/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ruth Marie Herman, 87 — a devoted mother and grandmother, a cherished friend, and an extraordinary woman whose kindness and strength touched everyone she met. Ruth’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth was born on May 30, 1938, in Nicktown, PA, to Anna Esther (“Esther”) and Joseph Fredrick (“Fred”) Bechel. Growing up on the family farm, she developed a lifelong love of animals and gardening. As a proud member of the 4-H Club, she won numerous ribbons throughout her youth. After graduating high school, Ruth moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked as an administrative assistant. She later moved to Johnstown, PA, and worked as a nutritionist at Mercy Hospital — a chapter in her life made all the more memorable because it was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Herman.

Ruth and Joseph were married for over 50 years and welcomed 5 children. Ruth was deeply dedicated to her children’s activities and community. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught Catechism classes at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, generously volunteered her time to assist senior citizens with their tax returns, and was an active member of the Wallenpaupack Area Band Parents Association, among many other roles.

Over the years, Ruth cultivated countless passions. She raised and showed Siberian Huskies and was especially proud of Kishka, her Westminster Dog Show Best of Breed Champion. Ruth was also a gifted gardener; her flourishing vegetable and perennial gardens were a reflection of her patience and joy in nurturing life. As one of the founding members of the Country Gardeners Garden Club, she served as Membership Chairperson for more than twenty-five years. She and her group once earned first prize for their flower vignette at the Northeast Pennsylvania Flower Show at the Kingston Armory. Recently, she was honored as the club’s first-ever Chair Emerita.

Ruth’s love of flowers blossomed into a deep appreciation for orchids. She joined an Orchid Club and made annual trips with friends to various orchid shows and to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Her green thumb and dedication resulted in many prize-winning orchids, and she made the art of growing them look effortless.

Ruth also enjoyed wonderful friendships through her involvement in The Top Hats Red Hat Club, where she proudly held the title of Viscountess. She treasured the luncheons, holiday gatherings, and camaraderie shared with her fellow Red Hatters.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Fred Bechel; her husband, Joseph; and her siblings Charles James (Jim) Edwards, Mary Ann Gorentz, John Bechel, Betty Lou Iwasaki, Nancy Bechel, and Carl Bechel. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Himmer and Doloris Pajak; her children Christine Herman, John Herman, Kathleen Rickrode (Jerry), Vincent Herman (Daiane), and David Herman (Connie); and her grandchildren Jordyn Rickrode, Christian Rickrode, and Joseph Herman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Audubon Society.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at Queen of Peace Church in Hawley, PA. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.
Ruth’s devotion to her family and friends was truly unparalleled. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home

12/23/2025

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