Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA (2026)

04/29/2026

John A. Newhart, 82, of Larksville, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, April 24th, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

John was born in Wilkes-Barre on December 13th, 1943, son of the late John and Irene Rascavage Newhart.

He is a graduate of West Side Central Catholic High School.
He was employed as Purchasing Agent at Eastern Penn Supply Co. Wilkes-Barre PA for over 30 years.

John proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard Reserves 109th Field Artillery retiring after 40 years of service as a 1st SGT in 2004. He started his career in Artillery conducting weapons training including Howitzers, then moved to Service Battery, where he enjoyed overseeing simulated war zones.
He was also an active member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Larksville PA. John spent many Sunday’s peeling potatoes for pierogies.

He always loved to go golfing with his buddies, he played in two leagues at Blue Ridge Golf Course and loved going every spring to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

John is preceded in death by his sister Irene Biniek, brother Joseph Newhart, and his first wife Alison Morgan Newhart.

John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Marlee, Larksville PA,
children John R. Newhart, husband Matthew Smith, Selinsgrove, PA, Matthew Newhart, wife Kristy Ann, Harveys Lake PA, John Mesaros, wife Jessica, Saint Petersburg FL, Jeffrey Mesaros, wife Maria, Orlando FL, Bob Mesaros, Saint Petersburg FL,
grandchildren - Brienne Newhart, John Mesaros III, Sydney Mesaros, Alison Newhart, Colin Mikolaichik, Lily Mesaros, Olivia Mesaros, Taylor Mesaros, and Rose Mesaros.

Family and friends are invited from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, May 3rd, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 4th, at St. John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt St., Larksville. Interment will be held at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery, Larksville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

04/20/2026

John Tarreto, Sr., 93, lifelong resident of Luzerne, PA, passed away on Sunday, April 19th, surrounded by his loving family at his home.
John was born in Luzerne, on January 8th, 1933, son of the late Samuel and Jennie Blaschak Tarreto. He was employed as a pipefitter for Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company. He was a lifetime member of the Luzerne Borough Volunteer Fire Department and Holy Family Parish. He always loved spending time with family and friends and would help anyone who needed any plumbing help.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Mary Ann Chalker Tarreto. Brothers Nevin, Samuel, Albert, Joseph and Leonard. Sister Verna. Granddaughter Tara

John is survived by sons, John, Jr. (Rena) Virginia and William (Elaine) Luzerne, and daughters, Debra Shavertown, Nancy (Thomas) Luzerne, Jacqueline (Raymond), Ashley and Sandra (Elmer) Dallas. 11 Grandchildren 11 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren; as well as Sister Sally, Fairless Hills, PA.

Family and friends are invited from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, April 23rd, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, April 24th, at Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne. Interment will be held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Luzerne Borough Volunteer Fire Department; 66 Tener St., Luzerne, PA 18709.

04/18/2026

Tanya P. Olaviany, 70, of Larksville, passed away on Friday, April 17th, at Allied Services Meade St., Wilkes-Barre.

Tanya was born in Towanda, PA on November 2nd, 1955, daughter of the late Francis and Jean Comstock Hardenstine. She is a graduate of Wyalusing Valley High School Class of 1973, Mansfield State College Class of 1977, and Marywood University Class of 1995. She was employed by Catholic Social Services as the Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge. In her second calling, she was a local pastor for the United Methodist Church, Susquehanna Conference, serving Larksville and Courtdale United Methodist Churches and most recent, Eatonville and Evans Falls United Methodist Churches.

Beyond her service to others, Tanya found great joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved a fall afternoon of Penn State Football, traveling with her beloved husband, and spending time with her family and friends. Above all, she was deeply involved in her grandchildren’s lives – attending their activities, celebrating their milestones and creating special moments they will carry with them forever. David and Everleigh – you were the light of Nana’s life and brought her immeasurable happiness.

Tanya is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Victor and Evalyn Olaviany.

Tanya is survived by her loving husband, Victor Olaviany; devoted daughters, Amanda Olaviany, Caitlin Davison; cherished son-in-law, David Davison; and her precious grandchildren, David and Everleigh Davison. She is also survived by her brother, Peter Hardenstine (Diana Lamb); brothers-in-law, Thomas Olaviany (Judy Olaviany), Mark Olaviany; sister-in-law, Susan MacNamara (William MacNamara); several nieces and their families.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 PM on Monday, April 20th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 21st, at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, with Rev. Lyssette Perez and Pastor Carol Coleman, officiating. Interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA 190 Welles St. #166, Forty Fort, PA 18704.

Her legacy of compassion, faith, and love will live on in all who knew her.

04/02/2026

Thomas J. Raskiewicz, of Sebring, FL, and Benton, PA, passed away on Friday, March 27th, at the Good Shepard Hospice House, Sebring, FL.

Thomas was born in Luzerne, PA, son of the late John Raskiewicz and Alice Gruver. He attended Luzerne High School after which He enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world aboard the USS Macon 132. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Blue Nose, as well as a member of the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Depp.

Tom was employed as a boilermaker at Foster Wheeler Mountaintop and was later self employed as a building remodeler along with his son Tom Jr.

Tom often boasted about how he delivered his daughter Alicia in the car during a January snowstorm!

Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter and spent many years taking care of deer and other wildlife on his property in Red Rock. Tom was interested in his Eastern European roots and a trip to Poland proved to be filled with history, education and unforgettable, beautiful memories!

He was preceded in death by his loving Godson/ Grandson Liam Emile Vargas in May 2025. Besides his grandparents Frank and Lenora Gruver and his parents, Tom was preceded in death with his stepfather and great friend James Novis, and stepsisters, Alice and Donna Novis.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caroline Shumbris Sombers Raskiewicz; daughter, Alicia Raskiewicz and son, Thomas Raskiewicz Jr. and wife Dawn; grandsons, Alec Vargas and Mark Raskiewicz and granddaughters Morgan, Melodi, Macey and Mandy Raskiewicz, as well as several favorite nieces and nephews and his very special sister-in-law, Dolores Margiewicz

Friends and family are invited to from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, April 6th, at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Tuesday April 7th, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, 339 N Maple Ave., Kingston. Interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Mary’s Annunciation cemetery, Pringle

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to, Any Veteran Organization of the donor’s choice.

03/20/2026

Anthony D. Blaso Sr., 103, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Wilkes-Barre to Cosmo and Josephine (DeVito) Blaso, Anthony resided there until he
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a decorated Sergeant. He flew with VMB-613 Bombing Squadron aboard the Billy Mitchell B-25 North American bomber. During World War II, he completed 37 missions as a top turret gunner, stationed in the Marshall Islands.

Anthony was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with
bronze star, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Aircrew Insignia with two bronze stars, Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He was immensely proud of his service as a United States Marine.
He married the love of his life, Irene Poplawski Blaso, and together they made their home in
Kingston, where they raised their children. Anthony cherished his 67 years with Irene, enjoying traveling and dancing the polka together.

He was a devoted member of St. Hedwig’s Parish and later St. Ignatius Church, where he was active in the Holy Name Society and many parish activities. Anthony was also a dedicated
member of the Knights of Columbus Assumpta Council 3987, serving as Past Grand Knight and
Faithful Navigator. He attained both the Third and Fourth Degrees and worked for over 30 years as one of the organization’s top fundraisers.

Anthony was the owner of Anthony Blaso Trucking and Hauling, which he operated from the time he left military service well into his 90s. He lived by the philosophy, “You’ve got to keep moving to live a long and happy life,” and he truly embodied those words.

Family was always most important to Anthony. He enjoyed dining out and had a special love for
sweets—especially apple pie made with Cortland apples, served with ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Irene; brothers Joseph and Peter
Blaso; sister Mary Avery; son Anthony Jr.; and grandson Scott Chopick.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Ann Marie Chopick and her husband, Robert; Debi Roan and her husband, Eugene; and Cindy Vecchio and her husband, Michael. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren—Robert Chopick, Jeff Chopick and wife Tracey, Stephan Chopick, Eric Roan, Dr. Christine Vecchio and husband William Kielblock, Nicole and husband Brian Atherholt, Danielle and husband Andrew Petros—as well as seven beloved great grandchildren: Alex and Lauren Atherholt, Sami and Andrew Petros, Julia Kielblock, Auston and Dylon Chopick; as well as Great granddaughter Madison Rose Kielblock, grandson Eugene Roan proceeded in death

A viewing will be held on March 23rd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave, Forty Fort, PA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24th at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, 339 N Maple Ave, Kingston, PA at 10AM. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Church or to a charity of your choice.

03/11/2026

Robert B. Jakoboski, 79, of Plains, passed away on Friday, March 6th, at the Meadows Nursing Home, Dallas. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born in Kingston on December 15th, 1946, son of the late Alex and Frances Salek Jakoboski. He was raised in Larksville and was a graduate of Larskville High School Class of 1964.

He was a member of the Laborers Local 130, Scranton. He was employed as a laborer and carpenter in the city of Wilkes-Barre as well as the Berwick power plant. He was a medic in the Army National Guard. He loved football and his favorite team, The Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary, his son Robert, and his brother Thomas.

Robert is survived by his daughter Kelly and husband Roger Norton of Dallas. Grandchildren Ashley and Tommy Norton, Robert, Brandon and Kaitlyn. Also, his best grand puppies, Bodhi and Gizmo.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Meadows Nursing Center, especially the Nurse's and CNA's who took such wonderful care of him. We are forever grateful.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. 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 SPCA of Luzerne County.

02/24/2026

Dennis H. Boyle, 78, of Swoyersville, passed away on Saturday, February 21st, at Post Acute Specialty Medical Hospital. Born in Kingston on February 1, 1948, Dennis was the beloved son of the late Gerald and Florence Anderson Boyle. He was a proud graduate of Forty Fort High School, Class of 1966, where his love of music flourished. Dennis played trombone and drums in the band The Wipe Outs, carrying his passion for music throughout his life.

Dennis was employed at Tobyhanna Army Depot as an electrical engineer, a career he took great pride in. He had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys — long drives, great music, traveling to Arizona and New Mexico, and above all, time spent with his family. Known for his warmth and gift for storytelling, Dennis had a way of bringing laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable memories to those around him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rebecca Boyle, along with his daughter Bonnie Ungvarsky, his son Bill Boyle and wife Melissa, and his cherished grandchildren Lauren, Johnny, and Emma. Dennis spent his final moments surrounded by the family he loved so much.

Family and friends are invited from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, February 26th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 27th, at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, with Pastor Gideon Gaitano, officiating. Interment will be held at Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming.

His presence, stories, and love will be missed and forever remembered.

02/18/2026

Nancy L. Doroskewicz, loving mother and grandmother 81, of Edwardsville, passed away on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre.

Nancy was born in Kingston, on May 11th, 1944, daughter of the late John and Jessie Wallace. She is a graduate of Kingston High School Class of 1962.

She was employed by Woolworths, and later by Lord and Taylor, however her favorite job was being a homemaker and taking care of her grandchildren.

She always enjoyed arts and crafts with her sister and grandchildren and family shopping trips to Philadelphia. All who stopped by Nancy's home were sure to get a hot cup of coffee, great conversation and a dose of common sense.

Nancy is preceded in death by husband Stephen Doroskewicz; daughters Sherry Kenia and Jessica Doroskewicz; grandchildren Samantha and Alexandra Doroskewicz.

Nancy is survived by sons Steve (and wife Brenda, Pringle); David, Nanticoke; grandchildren Mason Kenia, Dickson City; Stephen Doroskewicz (and wife Kelly, Shavertown); sister Janet Murgallis, Edwardsville: several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 PM on Friday, February 20th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Memorial Service will immediately follow calling hours at 6 PM.

02/11/2026

Carmella M. Aten (Mella), 87, formerly of Courtdale, passed away on Monday, February 9th, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania on May 1st, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Gallucci and Felicia Boccardo Gallucci. She was a graduate of Dunmore High School.

Carmella lived life to the fullest, and her strength, generosity, and joyful spirit set a powerful example that continues to guide her family.

She was a devout Catholic and member of the Altar and Rosary Society at Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, PA. She enjoyed watching Divine Mercy and the Scranton Catholic Mass daily and attended the St. Ann’s Novena annually.

Family was everything to Carmella. Her love for her children and grandchildren was evident in all that she did. She was a proud and avid supporter of her grandchildren’s special events and activities.

Mella also found immense joy in spending time with extended family and friends and most recently attended her Gallucci family reunion. She enjoyed keeping her family traditions alive. One of her favorites was a Rock & Rye salute with her nephews and nieces.

She made many lifetime friends in her 61 years living in her Courtdale neighborhood. She and her husband Gordy enjoyed participating in the Couple’s Club at the Forty Fort United Methodist Church for many years.

Over the years, she was employed by Bell Telephone, The Wayne Department Store, Avon, and Nelson Furniture.

Along with her parents, Carmella was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Robert Aten, Sr. who she was married to for 41 years and a son Gordon Robert Aten, Jr. Also preceding her in death were her in-laws Gordon and Lillian Aten, her sisters and spouses Angeline Boniello (Frank), Mary Valvano (John), Ann Covey (Don), Lucy Karwoski (Tony), Ann Marie and Mary Ann Gallucci, brother-in-law Joseph Lucas, nephew Joseph Boniello and great niece Leah Burke.

Carmella is survived by daughters Karen Hillman (Bruce), Sharon Polidore, Diane Bond (Ken) and son Robert Aten, grandchildren Erin and Andrew Hillman, Nicholas (Leanne), Christopher and Matthew Polidore, Jordan Bond and Chase and Olivia Aten, great grandson Wesley Polidore, sister Christina Lucas, sister-inlaw Joan Burke, brother-in-law Jack Burke and beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 7 PM on Sunday, February 15th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 16th, at Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne. Interment will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.

On behalf of Mom, the family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Megan, Mary Jo, and Dina from Homebound Health for their amazing care and support. We would also like to thank the staffs at The Village of Greenbriar and The Meadows for their help with her care in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.

02/10/2026

Ruth Ann Jeffery passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at her home on the Wesley Village campus in Jenkins Township surrounded by her loving family. Ruth Ann previously lived in Forty Fort for 78 years.

Ruth Ann was born March 7, 1938, to Sidney and Bessie Rundle. On June 4, 1960, she married the love of her life Ron Jeffery, who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Forty Fort High School in 1956. Ruth Ann was a member of Forty Fort United Methodist Church, the Penn State Club of Wyoming Valley, Forty Fort Business & Professional Association, Forty Fort Ambulance Auxiliary, and a volunteer election worker. Ruth Ann and Ron also regularly delivered Meals on Wheels. Ruth Ann assisted Ron for decades in his role as Forty Fort Tax Collector.

Ruth Ann spent her years working for the Don Wilkinson Agency, and the Wyoming Valley West School District, retiring as the office clerk at the Dana Elementary Center.

Ruth Ann was the most devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Ruth Ann is survived by the other “loves of her life”, her sons Scott (Liz) and Paul (Nancy), and her grandchildren Alex, Michael, Grace, and Clare.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM at the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 13th at 10:30 AM, with Pastor Richard Bradshaw, officiating. The internment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Forty Fort United Methodist Church, 26 Yeager Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704.

02/09/2026

Erma B. Harris, 100, of Dallas, passed away on February 4th, at Allied Skilled Nursing, Scranton.

Born in New Columbus Borough, PA on September 12, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Harry Ervin and Hulda Esther Chapin Bogert.

Mrs. Harris was a former member of the New Columbus United Methodist Church, transferring later to the Forty Fort United Methodist Church and the Trucksville United Methodist Church.

She graduated from New Columbus Borough School and Huntington Mills High School. She was a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps from 1945 to 1948 under the supervision of the United States Public Health Service. She graduated from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing in 1948 and was employed as an Emergency Room Supervisor at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Mrs. Harris was a member of Wilkes-Barre Hospital Alumni Association, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. She was an American Red Cross Nurse and a member of Civil Defense Council of Luzerne County.

She was active in Brownie Scout Troop and Lake Lehman Band Parents Association. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter #90, Family Motor Coach Association and Big Band Society of Northeastern, PA, Inc.

Erma is preceded in death by her husband, Louis C. Harris, her parents, brothers Leland (Arlene), Ernest, Stanley (Blanche), D. Guy (Judy), and Donald Bogert, her sisters, Elsie (William) Mack and Rebecca Wolfe, sister-in-law Virginia Harris Davies, and brothers-in-law Byron Burgess and Kenneth Johnson.

Erma is survived by her sisters, Florence Burgess and Ruth Johnson, sisters-in-law Edna Bogert and Mary Ellen Bogert, brothers-in-law Edward Wolfe and Dr. Allen Davies. Her immediate family includes children, Holly (Alan) Jagger of Hop Bottom, Jay (Jeanette) Harris of Augusta, ME and grandchildren, David (Lacie) Jagger, Stephen Jagger, and Sara (James) Eimer. She was blessed with the gift of great grandchildren including Riley, Jordan, and Rozalyn Jagger, and Jacob, Lauren, Leah, and Matthew Eimer. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families who meant the world to her.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Allied Skilled Nursing and Hospice Program for the compassionate care shown to Erma during her stay.

Family and friends are invited from 11 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, February 14th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Funeral service will be held following at 12 PM. Interment will be held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trucksville United Methodist Church and the New Columbus Academy Memorial Association, c/o Jennifer Naugle, 240 Town Hill Road, Shickshinny PA 18655.

02/04/2026

Donna S. Aulisio, 70, of Kingston passed away on January 28, 2026 at Giesinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre with her husband at her side.

She was born on Dec. 13, 1955 in Skokie, Illinois and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Charlotte Gruzalski Tessner. She was a graduate of Niles East High School in Skokie, Illinois . She graduated from Purdue University. She had a career as a Registered Nurse and was licensed in eight states. Her most recent nursing position was at the University of Kentucky.

She and her husband Sal Aulisio were collectors and sellers of antiques and curiosities, lovers of horses and caretakers of rescued pets. Donna enjoyed family time and corresponding with Aulisio relatives in Cicarale, Italy.

She and Sal celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in December 2025.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

In addition to her husband, Sal (Salvatore), she is survived by her brother Michael (Donna) Tessner, Bartlett, Illinois, her step children Madeline Aulisio Miller(Chris), Lexington, KY, and Bryan Aulisio(Amanda), Wi******er, KY, Her granddaughter Foley, sister and brother in law Barbara Aulisio Camoni and Gene Camoni, Swoyersville, sister in law Kathe Aulisio, Swoyersville, brother and sister in law Gregory and Tammy Aulisio, Nanticoke, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 am Wednesday, February 4th at Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 339 N Maple Avenue,Kingston.

The interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made in Donna's name to Wounder Warrior Project.

www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home

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