Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

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United States
Hunlock Creek, PA
Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

Our family owned funeral home has had the privilege of serving many families in the Back Mountain.

Services Offered
We provide traditional, green, cremation, prearranged, immediate burial and out of town receiving/forwarding services. Traditional Funeral Service: A service where the body is present for visiting hours and a funeral ceremony is conducted either privately or publicly, usually at the funeral home or a church. The visitation can be the same day just prior to the service or the day before the service. Green Funeral: In general terms, this involves holding the deceased's remains without embalming or purchase of a burial vault. Also, the use of a biodegradable casket (designed to return to the elements of the earth) in a designated cemetery, along with a meaningful celebration of life at the graveside. Direct Cremation: When a cremation is preferred it may be immediate with no viewing. With this service, families may want a memorial service either at the funeral home or elsewhere with or without the cremains present. Many families choose to have a visitation and a funeral service with an open casket followed by cremation. Prearranging: More and more people are prearranging their funeral. It gives them to opportunity to express their wishes with family, make informed choices and take the stress and burden off of their family at a most difficult time. It also gives those who have no family to make their arrangements a peace of mind, knowing that their instructions will be carried out. For a personal consultation on prearranging and pre-funding, please contact us. Immediate Burial: This is burial that without visitation or funeral ceremony. A memorial service may be held later, either at the funeral home or elsewhere.

12/12/2025

Ronald Gregus, 77, of Hunlock Creek, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Highland Manor Nursing Center in Exeter.

Born in Kingston on August 7, 1948, Ronald was the son of the late Leonard Sr. and Genevieve Terkoski Gregus. He was a proud graduate of Larksville High School and faithfully served his country in the United States Army.

Ronald dedicated his career to CertainTeed Fiberglass in Mountain Top, where he worked throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lake Silkworth, where he especially enjoyed helping at the annual church bazaar. An avid outdoorsman, Ronald loved hunting and fishing, and he was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He cherished traveling—especially his trips to Canada and the many cruises he enjoyed with his beloved late wife, Sue, having sailed on more than 50 together.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; his brothers, Leonard, Martin, and Paul; his sisters, Eleanore Buzink and Gerri Gregus; and his first wife, Milly Kohl.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever hold his memory close.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Rev. Brian Van Fossen officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., located at the corner of Routes 29 and 118 in Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

12/12/2025

Dora Ruth Harris, age 87 of Trucksville, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Mahoning Twp. on November 10, 1938 and was the daughter of the late Sumner and Martha Phillips.

Dora was a member of the Luzerne United Methodist Church. She loved her cats, cooking, baking and crocheting.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Harris; 2 brothers.

Dora is survived by children, Cindy Smith and her husband Gary of Shavertown, Jacob Harris and his wife Linda of Jackson Twp. and David Harris and his wife Dorothy of Shavertown; siblings, Pearl, Christy and Clarence; grandchildren, Lindsay, Brittney, Breann, Michael and Melissa; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Kaitlin and Kylie; great-great granddaughter, Ariyah; numerous nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/26/2025

William R. Ayers, Jr. age 65 of Falls, passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at home, surrounded by his loving dogs.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 12, 1960 and was the son of the late William Ayers, Sr. and Shirley Patton Ayers.

Bill attended Lake-Lehman High School and worked for several landscaping companies, pursuing his love of the outdoors. He also worked in several warehouses. Bill loved traveling with his wife on day trips and was an avid outdoorsman, including hunting and fishing. He was well known for his smile and spreading cheer among people. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter, Lisa Ayers; grandson, Ralph William Goble; sisters, Charlene Yurko, Rae Ayers, and Cindy Ayers; brothers, Jack and Joe Ayers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda Keller Ayers; daughters, Kim Goble of Wilkes-Barre, Jennifer Smith of Tunkhannock, and Julie Jesso and husband Greg of Loyalville; siblings, Dan Ayers and his wife Lori, Holly Malinowski and her husband Rich, Kelly Johnson and her husband Marc, and Todd Ayers and his wife Kim; grandchildren, Thomas, Andrew, Garrett, Cody, Brandon, William, Lacey, Edward and Raymond; great-grandchildren, Corline, Maelee, and Scarlett; numerous nieces and nephews; his precious dogs, Sam, Delilah, Nola and Buddy Blue.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corners of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Ben Hubbell of the Noxen Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to go fund me page, https://gofund.me/7c14b3f33.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Dr. Saidman and Dr. Pernikoff’s offices, as well as the Radiation Offices at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and the Allied Hospice staff for their kind and loving care.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/19/2025

Michael Francis Prater, age 36 of Jackson Township, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Kingston, PA on October 10, 1989 and was the son of Scott Prater, residing in Ft. Myers, FL, and the late Catherine McHale Prater.

Michael graduated from Lake-Lehman High School in 2008, where he found his stride on the baseball field. As a talented third baseman, he played a key role in many of the team’s victories.

He was most recently employed as a roller operator with American Asphalt, a role in which he was not only skilled, but truly essential. Michael was also a volunteer with the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department in Shavertown, PA. For years during the holiday season he loved heading down to the Fire Hall and spreading Christmas cheer the way he knew how, by embodying the Grinch, and letting his heart grow three sizes that day.

To know Michael was to know what a character he was—someone who showed his love through nicknames, humor, and constant laughter. Fiercely loyal and always dependable, he was the friend who showed up at a moment’s notice, ready to help however he could. And not a day would go by without him telling you how much he “appreciated ya.”

The oldest of three brothers, Michael cared deeply about his family and one of the greatest moments of his life was the birth of his daughter, Kaylee.

Outside of work, Michael found joy spending time in his garage; it was always a pretty good okay day when he was watching the Price is Right and Jeopardy with Dad. During football season, you could find him there cheering on the Eagles, and in the summer, he’d open the garage doors wide and blast his favorite music. Even though he always had a lot of irons in the fire, Sunday mornings were reserved for early tee times and rounds of golf with his buddies. Michael’s favorite holiday was the Fourth of July—celebrated with more fireworks than anyone could count—and he loved stepping back to watch the faces of his family and friends light up during the grand finale.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Rev. John S. Prater; and maternal grandparents, William J. and Ann Marie McHale.

In addition to his father, Michael is survived by wife, Carol Manzoni Prater; daughter, Kaylee; brothers, Chris (Amanda) Prater of Shavertown and Jeremy (Kayla) Prater of LaBelle, FL; and paternal grandmother, Ingrid Prater.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Route 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Back Mountain Little League, P.O. Box 22, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612. Email: info@bmtll.com

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/03/2025

Mae Stevens, age 102 of Plymouth, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Plymouth Manor Personal Care Center.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on October 4, 1923 and was the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Lewis.

Mae graduated from GAR High School and was employed as a nurse at various nursing homes and hospitals in the area. She was a former member of the Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church, Plymouth.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Stevens; siblings, Ed and Vaughn Lewis.

Mae is survived by her children, Bob Stevens (Lorraine), Jack Stevens (Cathy) and Kerrie Race; 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

There will be no funeral services or calling hours.
Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., Corner of Routes 29 & 118, Pikes Creek.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

11/02/2025

Karen F. Perrego, age 82 of Clearwater, FL, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025 at the Highland Manor, Exeter.

She was born in Dallas on February 19, 1943 and was the daughter of the late George and Fern Howell Rogers.

Karen graduated from Lehman High School in 1961. She was employed by Target Table Manufacturing in Wilkes-Barre, Harland Clarke Checks in Wilkes-Barre and Clearwater and Pinellas County Schools, Florida. Karen loved walking in parks, often taking pictures of alligators and birds. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Emerson Perrego; brothers, Jon and George Rogers; brother-in-law, Larry Ralston; sister-in-law, Wanda Rogers; son-in-law, Bill Felker.

Karen is survived by children, Barbara Crane (Chuck) of Lake Twp., Bonnie Felker of Spring Hill, FL and Alan Perrego of Palm Springs, CA; siblings, Tom Rogers and Dianne Ralston; sister-in-law, Robin Rogers; grandchildren, Renee Fraleigh (Douglas), Amanda Ziegler (Joseph), Chuck Crane (Megan), Nathan Crane (Nicole), Quentin Crane (Tiara), Jacob Felker (Kayle), Paige Pritchard (Alex), Samantha and Ryan Perrego; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor John Whitehead of the Lehman-Idetown United Methodist, officiating.

Private interment will be in Idetown Cemetery, Lehman.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Highland Manor for their exceptional care and compassion given to their mother.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/27/2025

Charles R. Conden Jr., 59 has passed away peacefully at home with loved ones surrounding him after a hard battle of cancer.

He was born August 15, 1966 and was the son to late Barbara Ann Brueckner and late Charles R. Conden Sr.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandmother Elizabeth Smith and brother Edward MacMillan.

Charles is survived by his girlfriend Teresa Cruz, children Cindy Conden (Rico), Shaun Conden (Genifer), Ashley Wheaton (Jonathan) Charles Conden III, and Barbara Ann and his stepdaughters Amanda and Sarah Gryskevicz.

His dog’s SY man and Charlotte who he loved spending time with til the end. He had many grandchildren he enjoyed, Tyler and Cameron Conden, Brooklinn and Maisen Wheaton, Jordyn Jerzie and Jaedyn Gifford, Zyire and Zyla Wilson, Alyanna Miller and Zyon Hawkins and his Grand-puppies Scooby and Scrappy Doo.

In honor to Charles, services will be planned at a later date by family.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to Compassionate Care Hospice for their services.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/27/2025

Carl F. Goodrich, age 77 of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Maple Ridge Rehab and Health Center, Kingston.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on November 19, 1947 and was the son of the late Charles and Betty Steininger Goodrich.

After graduation, Carl became a master carpenter and was owner/operator of his own business, building several restaurants and bars for over 40 years. Later he became a licensed electrician and HVAC refrigeration tech. Carl was a lifelong believer in God and was a devoted Christian. He was a lifelong supporter of the NRA, and was a Scout Master of Troop 225, Lehman. Carl was a baseball coach for various Back Mountain baseball teams for many years. He was also a member of the Back Mountain Snowmobile and Cycle Club. Carl was a man of many interests and hobbies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Carl Goodrich, Jr; brothers, George, Edward and Charles; granddaughter, Alyssa.

Carl is survived by children, Dorothy (Dave), Fred (Debbie), James (Carrie), Terry (Becky), Sheri (Curt) and Hollie; 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/26/2025

Diane Judy Clancy, age 79 of Harveys Lake, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025 at Third Avenue Health and Rehab, Kingston.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on January 18, 1946 and was the daughter of the late Donald and Alta Cobb Jones.

Diane graduated from Tunkhannock High School. She was a member of the Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church where she also taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Diane had a passionate love for animals, often adopting them into her home. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister, Gladys Jones.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Norman Clancy, Sr.; children, Amber Field (Jack) of Lehman, Norman Clancy, Jr. (Carol Marie) of Beaumont, Jason Clancy (Julie) of Clifford, and David Clancy (Amy) of Weston, FL; siblings, Butch Jones, Gail Smith, and Joyce Washicosky; grandchildren, Matthew, Josie, Ryan, Lauren, Noelle and Dalton.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. L.D. Reed of the Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Dymond Section of Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Rd, Dallas, PA 18612.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/25/2025

Gary E. Booth, age 72 of Lake Township, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Highland Manor, Exeter with his loving wife at his side.

He was born in Kingston on November 1, 1952 and was the son of the late Rev. Kenneth and Joan Shafer Booth.

Gary graduated from Lake-Lehman High School, Class of 1970, and finished his education at LeTourneau University, Longview, TX. He was employed as a salesman in the HVAC Industry and was a former Lake Township Supervisor. Gary was a former member of the Irem Shriners, Dallas Rotary, and Loyalville United Methodist Church. He was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Gary is survived by his wife of 28 years, Peggy Booth; daughters, Heather Rowlands (Jamie) and Melanie Lansberry (Walt) , both of Dorrance; siblings, Lynn Browning (Rick), Carol Glass (Roy), Beth Sufrinko (Mark), Jennifer Acquisto (Sal); 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal companions, Levi and DJ.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Carol Folk of the Centermoreland United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/23/2025

Joseph J. Yurko, age 80 of Shickshinny, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at his son’s home in Sweet Valley.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on September 3, 1945 and was the son of the late George and Stacia Yurko.

Joseph attended Lake-Lehman High School and was owner/operator of Sweet Valley Service Station. He was a member of the Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Companies and was an avid outdoorsman, including hunting and fishing. Joseph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Linda; and brothers, George, Mike, Bobby, and Steve.

Joseph is survived by children, Joe (Sharon) Yurko, Dan (Danielle) Yurko, and Kimberly (Justin) Randolph; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of family at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

10/22/2025

John Richard Dennis Sr., 68, of Trucksville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and love! Born on January 21, 1957, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John Petrikonis and Inez Boston-Dennis.

John’s gentle nature shone brightest in his love for the outdoors and every creature that crossed his path. He found peace in nature’s quiet moments, carrying a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and balance of the world around him.

After many years of dedicated work at Leggett & Platt, John entered a well-earned retirement—but his hands never stayed idle for long. He continued working alongside a close friend, tending lawns and gardens with the same care and pride that defined everything he did.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rebecca Gail Dennis, who passed away on November 1, 2023. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and companionship, and he cherished every moment they shared together.

John is survived by his daughter, Tina Dennis (Trucksville, PA); son, John Dennis Jr (Courtdale, PA); brother, Edward Dennis (Lake Silkworth, PA); and sister, Gwen Wynn (Plymouth, PA); as well as a large circle of friends and relatives.

John will be remembered for his compassion, quiet strength, and big heart—qualities that left a lasting mark on those who knew him.

May his soul find rest in the peace of nature he so deeply loved.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Cheryl Cavalari officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Hunlock Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences can be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

Address

2386 State Route 118
Hunlock Creek, PA
18621

Telephone

+15704772500

Website

http://clswansonfuneralhome.com/

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