Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home

02/12/2026

Mrs. Clara Jean “Clare” Frost Gredlein, age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Embrace Hospice House, with her loving and devoted family by her side. She was the widow of the late Walter E. Gredlein, Jr.

Born March 16, 1928 in Windsor, NY, she was the daughter of the late Clarence L. Frost and the late Lovisa Carpenter Frost. In addition to her parents Mrs. Gredlein was also predeceased by her sister, Lena Frost Ward.

Mrs. Gredlein is survived by her children, Jane E. Chanaca and husband Dr. John Chanaca of Conway, SC, and Craig A. Gredlein and wife Elaine of Scotrun, PA and Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Mark D. Chanaca and wife Jenny of Conway, SC, Joel P. Chanaca and wife Traci of Conway, SC, Christina Carroll and husband Keith of Mesa, AZ, Cheryl Buchanan and husband Nelson of Xenia, OH, and Daniel Gredlein and wife Brittany of Mesa, AZ; eleven great-grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.

Mrs. Gredlein read through her Bible every year for more than 30 years and now has seen her Savior of those Bible pages face to face. No doubt, she has heard His precious voice say, “Well done good and faithful servant”. She was a loving, kind, gentle, and selfless lady who shared those qualities with her family and all who knew her. She loved to bake cookies for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but also enjoyed teaching them how to bake alongside her.

Graveside services, officiated by Rev. JJ Meyer, will be held later this Spring at Nicholson Cemetery, Nicholson, PA. Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home is in charge of local funeral arrangements and Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, is in charge of SC arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries, Post Office Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI, 49501-2222.

Please sign the online guest registers at either www.litwinfuneralhome.com or www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com

02/11/2026

Joann Merkov, 71, born March 6,1954 in Scott County Indiana, long time resident of Nicholson Pa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday February 8, 2026.

She is survived by her sister Gail Mitchell of Marengo, In. Brothers, Larry Joe White of Martinsville, Va. and Billy Ray Wilson of In. Also survived by six children, Mae Turner (Virgil) of Park City KY, Clay Frames of bowling green KY, Michael Bogue Jr. of Campbellsville KY, Charles and Timothy Rooney of Nicholson Pa and Vannie Wagner of Nicholson Pa. Also survived by 12 grandchildren- Samantha Thurman of Auburn Ky, Michael Frames (Ashley) of Bowling Green KY, Kayla Chapman (Paul) of Russellville Ky, Michael Bogue 3rd, Angela and Jeremy Bogue of Phila, P.a, Tanner Feese of Lexington Ky, Chelsey Zavada of Campbellsville Ky, Marrisa Kerr of Tompkinsville, KY, Emily Rooney of Phila, P.a, Ryan Micklo of Hartford, Pa. Thomas Micklo of Scranton P.a. Also survived by 13 Great-grandchildren.

Known as "ma" to many. She was a kind and loving soul, and was loved by everyone that knew her. She was tough when she needed to be, but was funny, loving, caring and loyal to a fault, everyday of her life. While only 6 of us were her biological children, she was mom to countless others. Her heart was HUGE and she always made room for one more. She wore many hats during her life, but the one she was most proud to wear, was her momma hat. On good days, bad days and every minute between, she never took that one off. She took it with her when she left this earth, and I know she's proudly wearing it today.

Adopted at the very young age of 3, she searched her entire life for her biological family. 5 years ago, she found her brothers. 2 years ago, she found her "Big" sister, countless cousins, nieces and nephews. While overjoyed with all of her findings, her "Big" sister Gail became her best friend. She spent the last year of her life laughing, loving and learning all about her, and even some about herself. 65 years is a long time to catch up on, but they did it! We all knew when we heard her laughing and whispering into the phone, it was "sister time". Her heart was full and she finally felt complete.
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She is already missed so much, but we are finding comfort in knowing she is at peace, and in no more pain. She is loved beyond measure, because she loved without measure. May she forever rest in peace. We all love you, Joann

There will be no services at this time. There will be a celebration of life, for family and friends in the near future. Date to be determined.

For online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/joann-merkov

02/10/2026

Harry L. Spickerman, 56, of Tunkhannock passed away on February 8, 2026 after a long courageous battle with cancer at Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

Born in Scranton, he is the son of Linda Ross and the late Harry H. Spickerman.

Prior to his illness, Harry worked as a truck driver. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved water skiing, riding ATV’s, and playing pool. His most passionate hobby was backroad pickin’.

Harry is survived by his mother, Linda Ross; three sons, Tyler, Kyle, and Austin Spickerman; a sister, April Rosengrant; his aunt Donna Kalinowski; nephew and niece, Matt and Mindy Loch; and many cousins.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center for the exemplary care provided to Harry during his stay.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Tuesday February 17 from 6-8pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/harry-l-spickerman

02/10/2026

Gerald (Gerry) W. Oakley of Kingsley Pennsylvania passed away suddenly at home on February 7th, 2026. Born on July 3, 1956, Gerald was the son of the late Walter M. Oakley and Carol Lou Stevens Oakley. A lifetime resident of Kingsley, he graduated from Mountain View High School in 1974. Gerry was noted for his athletic prowess and sportsmanship in both basketball and soccer.

Following high school graduation Gerry attended Keystone College and the University of Oregon. Following this he was employed as a Conservation Ranger in Oregon. Returning to Pennsylvania, he was self-employed as a bluestone quarryman with his father and brothers.

Surviving brothers and sisters include- Steven; Ann Palmer and husband Dave; Sandy Baker and husband Jeff; Penny Wheeler and husband Fred; Tim and wife Wendy; Michael and wife Michele; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerry loved the outdoors and fishing and hunting. He most enjoyed sharing his hunting and fishing with his nieces, and nephews. His special skill and legacy were keeping the entire family well supplied with fish for which they were always grateful.

A private celebration of life will be held later, to be determined.

Gerry’s wish would be that we always spend more time outdoors with our children and youth.

For online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/gerald-w-oakley

02/03/2026

Ann Marie Aylesworth, 80, of Nicholson passed away on Sunday February 1, 2026 at Regional Hospital in Scranton.

Her husband, Joseph Aylesworth, passed away in 2022.

Born August 18, 1945 in Scranton, she is the daughter of the late Joseph P. Mordent Sr. and Stasia Beckish Mordent.

Prior to retiring Ann Marie worked for many years as a paralegal. She loved her community of Nicholson and spent 15 years as Mayor. She enjoyed traveling to Lancaster to shop and to New York City to watch shows on Broadway. One of her many joys was spending time with her furry companion, Precious.

Ann Marie is also survived by a brother, Joseph (Rebecca) P. Mordent Jr; sons, Scott (Kim) Aylesworth and Eric (Rebecca) Aylesworth; grandson, Holden Aylesworth; sister-in-law Marsha Gordon; niece, Kim (George) Dougherty, and nephews Jimmy, Stephen, and Derrick Mordent.

She was predeceased by her nephews, Charles Mordent and Joseph P. Mordent III.
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There will be a viewing on Thursday February 5, 2026 from 4-7pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

A celebration of Ann Marie's life will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/ann-marie-aylesworth

01/16/2026

Cynthia Joy Collins, 82, of Tunkhannock passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on January 12, 2026. She is the widow of the late Tom Collins Sr.

Born in Pine Valley, New York she is the daughter of the late Sayre and Esther Soper Dillmore Sr.

Prior to retiring she worked for many years in food service at Tyler Hospital. She enjoyed her work colleagues and the many dinner gatherings they had. She loved her cats.

Cynthia is survived by her son, Mark Fenton; stepsons, Mike, Joe, Shawn, Pat, and Tom Jr.; and many grand & great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Saturday January 24 in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

For directions or online condolences, https://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/cynthia-j-collins

01/11/2026

Glenn David Brecht, 61, of Nicholson passed away on January 4, 2026 at Geisinger CMC in Scranton after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Born July 29, 1964 he is the son of the late David and Janet Davis Brecht.

Glenn graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School in 1982. He spent many years working as a diesel mechanic and in the timber industry. He was a kind man who was generous to fault and would help anyone regardless of circumstance. He loved to ride motorcycles, tinker around (he could fix anything), listen to southern rock, and play spider solitaire.

Glenn is survived by two daughters, Lindsay (Mike) Hutchins and Amber Brecht; a granddaughter, Lucy; a sister Donna (Elmer), a niece Brandi (Craige) Smith; and longtime girlfriend, Lisa Budzinski.

He was also predeceased by a nephew, Josh Manzer.

A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held at a later date

For online condolences,
https://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/glenn-d-brecht

01/10/2026

Wilma (Willie) Baker Galloway, 79, of Kingsley formerly of Gray Court, South Carolina passed away January 5, 2026 at Meadow View Healthcare Center in Montrose.

Her husband of over forty years, James Galloway Jr., passed away in 2025.

Wille, as she was affectionately known, worked at Beavers Restaurant in her younger years and then went on to spend over 35 years working at the Waffle House in South Carolina and became very much the local celebrity while serving her customers. Willie loved being home and spending time with her husband Jim and their travels with their RV. Willie also enjoyed quilting and collecting candles. She was also a volunteer at the Hop Bottom Community Food Pantry. Willie and Jim were also lifetime members of the VFW in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Willie is survived by her step children, Steve and Carol Galloway, Tammy Wilson, Joseph and Rebecca Mordent, Bobbie and Chuck Morris, and James and Tammy Galloway; her many grandchildren and her close grandchildren with whom she lived with, James, Stephen, and Derreck Mordent; her sisters, Betty Ziebel and family, Elena Burnett and family; sister in law, Shirley Hawk Derreck; and her pets, Button and Bows, and her very special kitty, Smokey.

She was also predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Lois and Bob Luedtke; special aunt June Hickock; sister Sherry Baker; and grandson, Charles Mordent.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date for Willie and her husband Jim.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Willie to the VFW Post 6223, 386 Main Street, Great Bend 18821 or the Hop Bottom Food Pantry, 8 Church Street, Hop Bottom 18824

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/wilma-willie-galloway

01/06/2026

Robert John Bobich, 77, of Hop Bottom, passed away on January 2, 2026.

Born May 5, 1948 in Scranton, he was the son of the late John and Carolyn (Bosak) Bobich.

Bob graduated from Lackawanna Trail in 1966 and went on to have a long and successful career as an independent truck driver. He loved a good conversation and was never at a loss for words. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, fishing, listening to bluegrass music, and attending music festivals. He had a deep love for animals and volunteered many hours at True Friends Animal Welfare in Montrose, providing comfort and assistance to pets in need.

Bob is survived by his brother, Barry (Nancy) Bobich; his sister, Sharon Ayers; his nephew, Jeffrey Bobich; his nieces, Mechele Bobich and Ashlee (Dale) Gow; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Brian Bobich.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, there will be no services.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and friends who offered care, support, and kindness during this time. Your compassion will always be remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to True Friends Animal Welfare, 16332 PA‑706, Montrose, PA 18801.

To send an online condolence, https://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/robert-j-bobich

01/02/2026

Kurt "The Ginger" Reploeg, 52, of Nicholson passed away suddenly on December 30, 2025. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado he is the son of the late David Reploeg who passed in 2024. His wife, Barbara Reploeg, passed away in 2021.

Kurt enjoyed spending time with his motorcycle, "The Mistress", as well as his brothers from the Second Brigade MC.

His pride and joy were his four dogs, Oscar, Loki, Angel, and Sadie Mae.

Kurt is survived by his brother, Karl (Ashley) Reploeg; his missing piece, Sheyanne; and many family and friends who loved him dearly.

Family and friends may call on Friday, January 9th from 4-6pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

For directions or online condolences,

Kurt "The Ginger" Reploeg, 52, of Nicholson passed away suddenly on December 30, 2025. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado he is the son of the late David Reploeg who passed in 2024. His wife, Barbara...

12/23/2025

Joseph Kielar passed away on December 20, 2025 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Joe courageously fought an acute battle with lymphoma, he was 59.

Born in Simpson, he is the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Kielar.

Joe was a 1985 graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School. He lived and worked on the Polovitch Dairy Farm in Nicholson for 45 years and was a longtime member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Joe loved the outdoors and picking mushrooms in the woods. He was a dedicated farmer and as hardworking as they come.

Joe is survived by his brothers, David (Dorothy) Kielar, Robert (Sarah) Damiano, Jeff (Shelley) Damiano, and Thomas Damiano; his loving Polovitch family, and several nephews.

Funeral services, officiated by George Mecca, will be held on Monday, December 29th at 1pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

Family and friends may call from 11am until service time.

Interment will be held in Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock.

Donations may be made in memory of Joe to the American Cancer Society.

For directions or online condolences, https://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/joseph-kielar

12/11/2025

Jerald R. Croasdale, 89, of Nicholson was finally reunited with his beloved wife Shirley on December 11th, 2025. Born in Nicholson, he was the son of the late Enos and Lois Croasdale. A graduate of Nicholson High School in 1954; he owned and operated his family farm until his retirement.

Jerry was an avid hunter and trapper, often spending many nights c**n hunting with his blue tick Joe. He was a founding member of the Lymanville Rod and Gun Club where he helped organize their annual coyote hunt. He was a true farmer who knew the dedication and hard work required to run a successful farm. His work ethic was the foundation of how he raised his family. He was a member of the West Nicholson United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his two sons, Verne Croasdale and Richard (Brenda) Croasdale of Nicholson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters: Lois and Enid; brother: John. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Croasdale; sister, Jane and brothers Dean and Jimmy.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to Jerry’s caregiver Francie Coats. Her compassionate care improved his quality of life and allowed him to remain in his home.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday, December 14 from 4-7pm in the Charles Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 15 at 11am at the funeral home.

Interment will be held in the Nicholson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The West Nicholson United Methodist Church, PO Box 151, Nicholson PA 18446

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/jerald-r-croasdale