Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home

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Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home

We are here to serve you. We know and understand that preparing for a funeral is never easy. Sadness and grief can be overwhelming. For generations the Hugh B.

Hughes & Son, Inc., Funeral Home, and staff have operated the funeral home having provided, dedicated, compassionate care to the people of the Wyoming Valley. "We are here for you and your family" We pride Ourselves in providing our families with the best in service and facilities. Whether your preference is a traditional funeral, a cremation funeral, a simple cremation and/or alternative service, we are committed to providing you and your family with respectful compassionate care.

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 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

01/31/2026

Donna Norton, born July 5, 1942, passed away January 29th surrounded by the love of her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Norton; her sister, Sheila Jeffries; and her parents, Isabella and Paul Ferrence, and Donnell and Irene Shaffer.

Donna graduated from E. L. Meyers High School in 1960 and went on to pursue a lifelong calling in nursing. A dedicated registered nurse, she worked at several local hospitals before finding her true passion serving the community through the Visiting Nurse Association and the Kirby Memorial Health Center. There, she worked in the immunization clinic, touching countless lives by caring for infants and children with compassion and kindness.

After retiring from nursing, Donna continued her spirit of service by volunteering at Candy’s Place and the Harvest Assembly Church Christmas program. Helping others was simply part of who she was.

Donna was deeply devoted to her family and cherished her many friendships. She was an original member of a card club formed in 1965, a treasured group that met for 56 years until the COVID pandemic. One of her favorite traditions was the card club’s annual trips to New York City where they enjoyed seeing many Broadway plays over the years. In recent years, she also enjoyed monthly lunches with friends from the E. L. Meyers High School classes of 1959 and 1960. A true fan of 1950s music, Donna especially loved teen idol Ricky Nelson.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Kelly Vespico and Sandy Dompkosky and her husband, Robert; her son, Thomas Roger Norton and his wife, Kelly; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her cherished dogs, Tugee and Gizmo, who were her constant companions and whom she loved more than life itself.

Services will be held at the Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, Dallas, PA, in honor of Donna’s love for animals.

The family would like to extend their heart-filled gratitude to the Highland Park Senior Living and Traditional Hospice for their compassion and excellent care they provided.

Donna will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, devotion to her family and friends, and a lifetime spent caring for others.

01/18/2026

Arthur “Fred” Frederick Watkins, Jr., 83, formerly of Forty Fort, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, January 17th, at Highland Manor in Exeter.

Fred was born on September 24, 1942, in Wilkes Barre, PA, the son of the late Arthur F. and Margaret E. Jones Watkins. He graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy, Class of 1961.

Fred was a founding partner of UpRight Material Handling of Pittston, PA. He was a proud Mason and Past Master of Kingston Lodge 395. A talented mechanic and avid collector of classic and antique automobiles, he was also a fi****ms enthusiast. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Carla Newcomb Watkins; his sons, Arthur, Jeffrey, and Andrew (and his wife, Tachelle); four grandsons; and one granddaughter.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life service from 3 to 5 PM on Wednesday, January 21st, at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

01/18/2026

Shirley A. Bradshaw, 77, of Duryea, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

Shirley was born in Olyphant on August 21, 1948, the daughter of the late Michael and Olga Grasko Grunza.

A gifted and accomplished seamstress, Shirley took pride in her work and shared her talent with skill and excellence. She was a loving mother and a devoted wife who found joy in the simple things in life. She had a deep appreciation for the ocean and lighthouses, which reflected her calm nature and gentle spirit.

Shirley will always be remembered for her sacrifice, her devotion, and her quiet strength. Kind and gracious throughout her life, she touched many hearts and made the world a better place through her presence. The legacy she leaves behind is one of love, devotion, and selflessness.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Harry Bradshaw Jr.; her children, Kurt, Jimmy, Harry, David, Richard, and Robert; and all those who knew her and loved her.

Shirley is now safe in the arms of Jesus Christ, her Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. She is cheering her family and friends on in the faith until the day they meet again.

01/16/2026

Nina B.Penkhasova, 75, of Forty Fort passed away on January 14th at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 12, 1950 in Lvov, Ukraine to Boris and Aleksandra Vanukhina Khokhulin.

Professionally, she spent her life caring for others as a dedicated dentist for over 33 years employed by Dental Clinic N9 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her steady hands, gentle presence, and heartfelt compassion earned the trust of generations of patients and colleagues. Her work was more than a career — it was an extension of her desire to help, heal, and comfort.

Outside of her practice, she cultivated a world of beauty and creativity. Her vegetables garden was her sanctuary, a place where she could nurture life, color, and quiet. She found joy in watching things grow — flowers, vegetables, and the peace that came with tending to them. She also poured love into her sewing, stitching together clothes, quilts, and gifts that became treasured pieces for those lucky enough to receive them.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was known for her kindness, strength, humor and generosity and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Svetlana Penkhasova, Andrey and Evgenia Penkhasov, Aleksandr and Natalia Penkhasov, Odil Kurbanov and grandchildren Elizabeth, Sophie, Mariya, Julia, Mark and Michelle, and others family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters Nelly and Alla.

Funeral service will be private at the convenience of the family from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 St. Mary Cemetery at 1594 S. Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706. Funeral service will be held immediately following at 11 AM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Russian Orthodox church

01/16/2026

Dawn Scherer Yale, 69, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, surrounded by love.

Born on October 9,1956 in Taylor, Pennsylvania, Dawn was the daughter of the late William and Kathleen Scherer. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William Paul Scherer.

Dawn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her loving spouse, Will Yale; her devoted daughter Brittany; and her cherished grandchildren, Arianna and Jordyn, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her siblings, Sara Scherer, Ann Sharon Maslar, Kathy Luongo, Deborah Shotwell, and Shawn Conforti, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dawn was employed over the years by Schott Optical, Topps and CCL Tubes where she formed lasting friendships and met the love of her life.

She will be remembered for her funny sense of humor, kind heart, down-to-earth nature, and quiet strength. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 PM on Tuesday, January 20th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Celebration of life service will be held immediately following at 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

01/12/2026

Craig Robert Sosnoski, age 46, of Larksville, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Born on April 16, 1979, to Leonard and Margaret Sosnoski, Craig brought love and loyalty to his family and closest friends.

A 1997 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, Craig dedicated many years to a career in retail. His passion for fashion and style was on full display during his successful tenure as a store manager for the GAP.

Craig found his greatest joy in building a life with his loving husband, Mark; their loyal dog, Milo; and their many close friends who were like family. He enjoyed sun-drenched days at the beach, shopping trips, home improvement projects, and quiet days at home relaxing with Mark.

Craig is survived by his husband, Mark Sebolka; his father, Leonard Sosnoski; and his siblings, Curt Sosnoski and Tara Higgins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret.

Family and friends are invited on Saturday, January 17th, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA. Celebration of life service to share memories will be held immediately following at 1 PM.

01/09/2026

Dorothy Haigh, 88, of Plymouth, passed away surrounded by loving family on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre.

Dorothy was born in Plymouth on February 23, 1937, daughter of the late Oswald and Hazel Benscooter Buck. She is a graduate of GAR High School. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Reese Haigh; son Reese Haigh, Jr.; great-granddaughter Faith Marie Lee; brother Guy Buck and son-in-law David Konopki.

Dorothy is survived by her children Cheryl O’Rourke and husband John, Donna Konopki and son Stephen Haigh and wife Sheila; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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 SPCA, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

01/08/2026

John H. Richards, JR (J.R.), a lifelong resident of Kingston, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after being struck by a car while crossing Wyoming Avenue in Kingston.

John was born on January 10, 1946, to the late John H. Richards and Dorothy (McGinley) Richards. He was a graduate of Kingston High School and proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter. J.R. was deployed to Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division, where he was injured in the line of duty on January 21, 1969.

For his bravery and service, he received numerous medals and commendations, including the Silver Star for valor and courage in combat, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm), the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color with Palm), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

J.R. was actively involved in many local, state, and national veterans’ organizations. A Marine through and through, he was a passionate advocate for service members and veterans and remained deeply committed to supporting them throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Gail (Keller) Richards; his daughter, Jaqueline (Richards) Rosencrans, and her husband, John Rosencrans; and his son, John Matthew Richards. He was a proud grandfather to Kayla (Rosencrans) Hammond and her husband, Anthony Hammond, IV, and to Connor and Zac Rosencrans. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Anthony Hammond, V. John is further survived by his sister, Barbara Burke, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited from 3 to 5 PM on Sunday, January 11th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, January 12th, at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Marine Corps. Toys for Tots; toysfortots.org.

01/07/2026

Jane (Cornell) Walzak, 85, of Courtdale, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 31st, after a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 9th, 1940, daughter of the late Henry and Mabel Karst Warfield. Jane grew up in Kingston. She is a graduate of Kingston High School, Kutztown University and received her master’s degree from Scranton University.

Jane was an art teacher for over 30 years in both the Lake Lehman and Dallas school districts. She shared her creativity and love of art with many generations of students. She was very proud of her students’ accomplishments and was dedicated to having art exhibits for her students’ work as well as decorating the schools for holidays.

Jane was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. She loved her animals and rescued many cats and dogs which gave her great joy. Jane loved nature and planting flowers each year. She was an active member of Church of Christ Uniting and enjoyed many activities with the church. Her family and friends will always remember her as a bright light, a woman whose heart was as generous as her art was beautiful.

Jane is survived by her husband, daughter Amy Jones, grandchildren Kristen and Mark Zuczek, great-grandchildren Camron, Leon, Kahmari and Aria.

She will be deeply missed and always remembered by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Church of Christ Uniting, 190 Sprague Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.

01/06/2026

Domenica (Maggie) A. DeFazio, 97, of Hatfield, PA, formerly of Clarks Summit and Scranton, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown, PA.

Maggie was born on September 5, 1928, in Hornell, NY, daughter of the late Antonio and Maria Crea Prattico. She is a graduate of Hornell High School and was employed for many years as a Sales Associate for JC Penney’s, Viewmont Mall and Gertrude Hawk Candies, South Scranton.

Maggie was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend who enjoyed traveling and family. She was a skilled home cook and delighted in creating traditional Italian dishes for family and friends. Maggie enjoyed going to church, reading, keeping her mind sharp with puzzles, and always looking her best in red lipstick. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known her and experience her contagious smile.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony L. DeFazio (d. November 20, 1987). Brothers and Sisters-in-Law Joseph, Anthony, Joseph J (Carolyn), James (Alice) Prattico. Sister and Brother-in-law Frances (Lloyd) Warden. Brother-in-law William Malizia. Son-in-law James Barrett, Daughter-in-law Vickie McSwain DeFazio, and Great-Granddaughter Georgia Barrett.

Maggie is survived by daughter Victoria Barrett (Tim Gdovin), Scranton, PA, and sons Peter DeFazio, Glenmoore, PA and Michael (Claire) DeFazio, Hatfield, PA . Grandchildren Anthony (Christina) Barrett, David Barrett and Patrick (Danielle) Barrett, Bryan DeFazio, Aubrey (Christopher) Vila and Adam DeFazio. Great-grandchildren Preston, Maeve, Margaret, Ruby and Penelope Barrett. Sister-in-Law Theresa (DeFazio) Malizia. Many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited from 12 to 2 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

12/30/2025

Elizabeth Mary (Nealon) Amos, of Forty Fort, passed into heaven on December 28, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest Hospital, Allentown.

She was born on September 18,1937, to Thomas and Mary Nealon.

Betsy was an active member of the Forty Fort United Methodist Church. She sang in the adult choir, participated in the bell choir, helped organize the knitwits knitting club and made prayer shawls. She loved knitting, swimming, playing cards and taking long walks. Betsy was the manager of the Forty Fort girls softball league, girl scout leader and a member of the Forty Fort Women’s Auxilary. She loved participating in every activity and never missed the chance to spend time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gregson Thomas Amos and her son Thomas David Amos.

Betsy is survived by her sons, David (Kim) Amos, Gregson Amos and daughter Buffy (George) Kreuzer. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Megan Amos, David (Krissy) Amos, Adam (Jordan) Kreuzer, Benjamin and Nicholas Kreuzer, Elizabeth Miller, Allison (Justin) Morris, Erin Amos, and Nichole (Garret) Anderson. Her great grandchildren are: Haylie Amos, Natalie Amos, Mason Amos, Oliver Furrow, Beckett Furrow, Brayden Morris, Odessa Kreuzer, and Wesley Anderson.

Family and friends are invited from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, January 2, 2025, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Memorial service will immediately follow at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Forty-Fort United Methodist Church; 10 Yeager Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704.

Address

1044 Wyoming Avenue
Forty Fort, PA
18704

Telephone

+15702889341

Website

http://hughbhughes.com/

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