The Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services

11/06/2025

“Now cracks our noble hearts, Good night sweet princess, And flights of angles sing thee to thy rest.” Adapted from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Born November 10, 1942, Patricia recently of Dickson City, was a longtime resident of North Scranton. Her son and daughter-in-law, Walter Charles Bell and Julie (Jones); grandchildren Davida and Bryan Bonczkiewicz and Kailynn Bell and her spouse; and great grandchildren Jayden, McKinlee, Gavin and Murphy were the centers of her universe. She was a constant pillar of support for her adoring parents, Catherine and Walter Bell. She was the tough but nurturing big sister of Walter W. Bell and his wife Becky (Welby) and Julia H. Kirk and her husband Carl, as well as an amazing aunt to their children and grandchildren (her “kiddos”). She also cared deeply for her extended family of brothers and sisters; Butch McHale, Ann McHale, Edith McHale, Charles Bell and James Reese.
She was our touchstone for unconditional love, laughter, and family. We delighted in her cooking and baking, her stories, and sense of humor. Besides spending time with loved ones, she enjoyed her black and white movies, Hallmark stories, and game shows. She will be fondly remembered by her friends and fellow residents at Keystone Place Senior Living. Patricia worked hard her whole life, for most of which, she proudly sewed American-made clothes in local garment factories. She was a faithful member of the former Providence Presbyterian Church.
The family is immensely grateful for the loving care and assistance provided by her daughter-in-law Julie over the years.
Patricia will be greatly missed—but her memory will remain in all our hearts and souls which are indelibly marked by her abundant love, generosity, and bright spirit. Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, November 8 from 1 to 3 pm at Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. Private interment to be at convenience of the family.

“Now cracks our noble hearts, Good night sweet princess, And flights of angles sing thee to thy rest.” Adapted from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Born November 10, 1942, Patricia recently of Dickson City, was a longtime resident of North Scranton. Her son and daughter-in-law, Walter Charles Bell and J...

11/05/2025

Please join us in congratulating Edward Chomko Sr. — U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and fourth-generation funeral director — on being named to Happenings Magazine’s Top 30 Over 50 list. 🇺🇸💙

For more than 50 years, Edward has served families in Scranton with the same honor and dedication he showed while serving our nation.

A proud moment for our family, our staff, and the community we are blessed to serve.

As part of our Top 30 Over 50 features, we’re celebrating Edward J. Chomko Sr.—a proud veteran and dedicated funeral professional whose life reflects service and compassion.🌟

For over 50 years, Edward has led the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC, continuing a family legacy that has cared for Scranton families for more than a century.

Read more and explore the 2025 here! ----> https://tinyurl.com/22xdtrdt

11/03/2025

Curtis F. Fratamico Jr., 76, formerly of West Scranton, passed Wednesday night at the VA Medical Center, Plains Township after a long struggle with the effects of Agent Orange. His wife of 50 years, Diane Fratamico, died in 2020. Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late Curtis F. Sr and Gertrude Fratamico. Curtis was a Vietnam Army Veteran, having served in country with the 26th Field Artillery and received the Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, Army Commendation, National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals. Curtis was a member of SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, , worked for Affiliated Foods as a dispatcher and retired as a manager for PENDOT.
Curtis is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Renee and husband Jason Williams, Dalton, his son, Peter and wife Jennifer Fratamico, New Mexico, nephew Jason Zawadzki, who was like a son to him, six grandchildren; Ryan Williams, Sara Williams, Paige Welsh, Connor Fratamico, Mia Zawadzki, Tanner Zawadzki, one great granddaughter and three additional nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, parents and siblings, Gail Fueff and Darrell Fratamico. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Lee Havey PC on Tuesday at 9:30 am, at SS Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1309 West Locust Street, West Scranton. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, 4 to 6 pm at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.

11/03/2025

Anastasia Korman, 99 of Clarks Summit, passed on Tuesday at Abington Manor. She is the widow of Roman Korman who passed in 2002. They were married for 57 years at the time of his death. Born in Kaluch, Ukraine, she is the daughter of the late John and Anastasia Finiw. As a young wife and mother, she immigrated to America after WWII, and she and Roman became a proud American citizens. She worked in the clothing industry until she and Roman eventually established RMB Sportswear of Scranton. Anastasia was a faithful member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a member of the BVM Guild, a volunteer for all church fund raising events, especially the pierogi making team and a member of the ILGWU.
She is survived by one son, Benjamin Korman and wife Felicia, of Arlington, TX, daughter in law, Dr. Ann McDonald, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was also very close to her two nieces and nephew and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Roman, their son, Myron Korman, siblings, Thomas Finiw, Michael Finiw and Pauline Rozchak.
A Panachyda Service will be held on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, by the Rev. Fr. Myron Myronyuk at 10 am in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery in Minooka. Visitation will be on Monday in the funeral home, 9 am till time of services.

10/29/2025

Anne Marie Welby-Stulgis of Scranton, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26th. She was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late James Welby and Betty Welby.
A proud and trailblazing officer, Anne Marie began her public service career in the district magistrate's office while also working part time as an emergency dispatcher. She then transitioned to her role as an Officer in the City of Scranton Police Department. She often recalled the defining moment she became a police officer: accepting a challenge from an officer who doubted her capability, a challenge she handily won. She served the city with honor and courage for many years and was a respected leader among her peers, culminating in her election as President of the E.B. Jermyn Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2, where she served for many years, fighting and winning many battles for the union she represented.
Outside of her distinguished career, Anne Marie was known for speaking her mind, regardless of the situation but her greatest joy in life was her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Welby (d. 1969) and Betty Welby (d. 2006), and her younger brother, Kevin (d. 2006).
She is survived by her four children: Jim Stulgis and wife Laeeun, Spring Brook Twp., Christine Ososki, Glenburn, Peter and wife Yasko, Clarks Summit, and Matt and wife Ann, TX. She was the proud and cherished grandmother of four grandchildren: Alek, Isaac, Kaito and Keeyra.
She is also survived by her siblings: brothers James and Ginny Welby of Lehman, Thom and wife Kathy Welby of Scranton, Bob and wife Charmaine Welby of Northumberland, Gerard Welby and fiancé Beverly Smith of Scranton , Paul Welby and wife Debbie of Scranton, and Raymond Welby of Moosic; and sisters Becky and husband Wally Bell of Moscow, Joan Ettinger of Scranton, Maureen and husband Patrick McNichols of Scranton, Mary Welby of Scranton, and Kathy and husband Bob White of Scranton and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial in her honor on Saturday, November 1st at 10 am in the Basilica of St. Ann, 1233 St. Ann Street, Scranton, PA 18504, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Richard Burke, C.P. Interment will be private. Arrangements under the care & direction of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.

Anne Marie Welby-Stulgis of Scranton, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26th. She was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late James Welby and Betty Welby. A proud and trailblazing officer, Anne Marie began her public service career in the district magistrate’s office while also wor...

10/26/2025

Richard Joseph Stranko, 76, passed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late Michael and Marjorie Sullivan Stranko. Rich attended the former Scranton Technical High School, served in the Navy, during the Viet Nam, received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, was of the Catholic Faith, and retired from the City of Scranton, Department of Parks and Recreation.
He is survived by three daughters; Maria Capwell and husband Damond, Jefferson Township, PA, Nina Gillette, Harrisburg, PA, Marisa Brown, Dunmore, PA, one brother; Brian Stranko, Florida, one sister; Maureen Riggi, Pennsylvania, two grandchildren, one nephew and two nieces.
A graveside service at Cathedral Cemetery will be held on Wednesday with Military Honors by the United States Navy and the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guard and Rifle Team.

Richard Joseph Stranko, 76, passed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late Michael and Marjorie Sullivan Stranko. Rich attended the former Scranton Technical High School, served in the Navy, during the Viet Nam, received the N...

10/22/2025

Cecilia Veronica Shugdinis, Westland, Michigan passed on October 6, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Scranton, PA, she is the daughter of the late Valentine and Michalina Filla Zera and the widow of Thomas L. Shugdinis who passed on September 14, 2001.
She was a member of St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church, Westland, Michigan, where a Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 10, 2025. Before moving to Michigan, she was a member of SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Scranton, PA.
She was the proud Mother of Deborah Shugdinis. Westland, Michigan, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends. A Mass of Christian will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1309 West Locust Street, Scranton, PA 18504, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11 am. Inurnment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum.
Memorial donations in Cecelia’s memory can be made to the organizations she supported: EWTN Catholic Network, 5817 Old Leeds Way, Irondale, Al 35210 (www.missions.ewtn.com) Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207 (www.solanuscasey.org) or SSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital,501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org)

Cecilia Veronica Shugdinis, Westland, Michigan passed on October 6, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Scranton, PA, she is the daughter of the late Valentine and Michalina Filla Zera and the widow of Thomas L. Shugdinis who passed on September 14, 2001. She was a member of St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy [...

10/10/2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward James Kaufman of Throop on October 7, 2025. Eddie died with his family by his side at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was 20 years old. Born March 15, 2005 in Wilkes-Barre to Brian and Melissa Scanlan Kaufman, Eddie was a 2023 graduate of Mid Valley High School, a sophomore at Roanoke College, Salem, VA, and a member of St. Carlo Acutis Parish at St. Patrick’s Church in Olyphant.
Eddie developed a love for sports at a very young age, excelling in gymnastics, baseball, golf, and skiing. He was a true student-athlete, earning the LIAA Scholar-Athlete Award in 2023. He was a natural leader on and off the field. His teammates remember him as a fierce competitor but also a brotherly mentor. Most recently, he was a promising right and centerfielder for the Roanoke College Baseball Team.
Eddie had many achievements during his baseball career, including pitching a Perfect Game in 2023, winning the 2022 batting title of the Lackawanna League, and achieving 1st team all-star status for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. “Fast Eddie” was known for his exceptional speed, power at the plate, strong arm, and elite defensive skills in the outfield. In the summer of 2024, he played for the Elmira Pioneers baseball team, where he started in 21 games as a freshman and helped lead the team to a Western Division Title.
He was also a gifted golfer. Under the mentorship of his coach Scotty McAlarny, and his “sponsors,” his wonderful grandparents, Carol and Walter Kaufman, he achieved Scranton Times player of the year for golf in 2022, was the only Mid Valley student to win the Bob Simon Classic 2022, he was the Elkview C.C. 2022 Junior Club Champion and he won the High School Divisional Tournament in 2022 at Elkview C.C. where he shot a -5 under, 67, earning the Times sports page headline of “Eddie Money”.
Eddie had many accomplishments on the fields and courses, but it was his kind, loving, easy-going personality and his bright smile that we hope will be remembered. He loved the simple things in life, like spending time at Cottrell Lake and being with his family. He had unwavering faith in God, which helped him through the toughest of times. He had deep respect for his friends, and he was amazed that people near and far united so strongly to fight his battle with him. The support of Team EddieK and all those who donated, volunteered, and prayed to help us will never be forgotten.
Eddie is survived by his loving parents, Melissa and Brian Kaufman, his dear sister, Mae, also a student at Roanoke College, paternal grandparents, Walter and Carol Kaufman, Union Dale, his uncle, Matthew Kaufman and wife Julie, his aunts; Molly Sardella and husband Renny, Louise McCormack and husband Brian, Kate Verica and husband Billy, cousins; Sara and Brian McCormack, Katie, Emily and Maria Sardella, William and Tommy Verica and the family dog, Rosie and cat, Kitty. Eddie was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Edward and Marianne Scanlan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, St. Carlo Acutis Parish, 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant, PA 18447. Viewing for family and friends will be in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm. Interment will be private for family and invited guests at Dunmore Cemetery.
Arrangements under the care and direction of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward James Kaufman of Throop on October 7, 2025. Eddie died with his family by his side at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was 20 years old. Born March 15, 2005 in Wilkes-Barre to Brian and Me...

10/10/2025

The family of Thomas R. Bailey announces his peaceful passing on Oct. 6th at the age of 77, surrounded by his family at home in Scott Twp. Tom was born in Scranton, son of the late Thomas and Eleanor Kaminski Bailey.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Christine Penn Bailey, his son Brian Bailey and companion, Kelly Roveda, Scranton, daughter, Stephanie Imbalzano, Carbondale, and grandchildren Amanda, Seattle, Washington, Ian and fiancee Kristina Morgart and Reese Imbalzano. Also survived by a sister Karen Cullen, sisters in law, Sharon Penn, Patricia Penn and brother in law Charles & Jill Penn and many nieces and nephews, and his dog Buddy.
Tom graduated in 1966 from Scranton Technical High School, then served in the 1003rd General Supply Company of the Army Reserves. He started his career with The Scranton Times working there for over 44 years; after retiring he worked as a laboratory courier for Geisinger . Folks may recall our fathers smile and genuine concern for others connecting with people along his route.
Family and friends will remember Tom proudly wearing his NASCAR gear, enjoying coffee at D.D. and always pizza on Fridays. One of his favorite things was treating family to Sunday dinners out, which meant everything to him. Tom was a passionate Nascar fan and a lifetime member of the Corvette Club of N.E.PA. and a league bowler. Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, October 14, 4 to 6:30 pm, with Services officiated at 6:30 pm by Pastor Elliott Cooke in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
The family would like to thank Dr. Anthony Freda and staff, and The Hospice of Sacred Heart nurses for their kindness and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507 or St. Josephs Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

The family of Thomas R. Bailey announces his peaceful passing on Oct. 6th at the age of 77, surrounded by his family at home in Scott Twp. Tom was born in Scranton, son of the late Thomas and Eleanor Kaminski Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Christine Penn Bailey, his son […]

10/10/2025

Victor J. Bideganeta, 85, and a lifetime resident of Dunmore, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born to Joseph and Margaret Rogato Martinelli, Victor was a 1958 graduate of Dunmore High School. Victor served with the US Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard as an Infantry Radio Mechanic with skilled expertise and commitment to duty and honor. After his military service, his career as a skilled electrician spanned over 60 years with Local 81 IBEW, where his dedication and craftsmanship were well respected within the community. We would always tease Vic that he probably wired every house or business from here to the Poconos and that he was the local fix it man that can fix anything with duct tape, a ruler, a screwdriver and his signature red pencils that he always had on hand. Throughout his 60 plus years, Victor also retained his professional Locksmith Certification as well as being Certified in Refrigeration and HVAC upon his retirement. He also worked for Hoffman electrical, then went to work for Spotless Cleaners where he was Larry and Bill Nocolais’s right hand man for over 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Gard and brother, Joseph. He is survived by his sister, Carmel along with numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the Mid-Valley Nursing Home and staff and Dr. Dodge for the extraordinary care and support they gave to Victor.
Above all a thank you to his caregiver and light of his life, his TL, her Vic-I and “adopted daughter” Traci Sabia and husband Joseph, Archbald, along with their two girls Ava (aka Ava G) and Ella (aka Ella Bella). Also surviving are Martin Monahan (aka George) and wife Candy, Scranton, Megan Monahan (aka Meggy), and fiancee Derek, Fullerton, CA, and Marty Monahan (aka Sparks) and wife Tatiana, Dunmore, whom were all his special family. A special thank you to Victors coffee buddy Rose Roche and husband Colin, Vics garage buddy, for all the love and support, whom were also family to Victor. A private ceremony will be held to honor Victor. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.

Victor J. Bideganeta, 85, and a lifetime resident of Dunmore, passed peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born to Joseph and Margaret Rogato Martinelli, Victor was a 1958 graduate of Dunmore High School. Victor served with the US Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard as an Infantry Radio Mechan...

10/06/2025

Robert V. Ludwikowski, 82, of South Scranton, passed on Thursday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in patient facility, Dunmore. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene “Renie” M. Gilgallon Ludwikowski. Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late Vincent and Martha Stanczewski Ludwikowski. Bob was educated at Scranton Technical High School and was employed by RCA, GE, retired from Thomson Electronics then drove school buses for Krise Bus Company. Bob was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, the Waldorf and Tarus Clubs, and served with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Army Reserves.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his sister, Betty O’Donnell, Moscow, brother in-law, Robert Gilgallon, sister in-law Helen Gilgallon, 20 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Theresa Sparacino, brother in-laws John O’Donnell, Philip Sparacino, James Gilgallon, Thomas Gilgallon, sister in-laws, Peggy McCafferty and Mary Lou Schofield.
Bob and Renie were each other’s world for 58 years. After meeting at a Stop-N-Go in 1964, fell in love at first sight and married three years later. Renie and Bob spent every day falling in love with each other and nothing was more important to Bob than Renie. Described as co-pilots in life, they were also co-pilots in their travels. They spent their life traveling to all 50 states, including 35 years in Bob’s favorite place, Myrtle Beach and Europe as well .Renie and Bob enjoyed life together wherever they would go and looked forward to sharing their memories and life with friends and family whom they held very close to their hearts. Along with a love for travel, Bob had a love for food, often stating there was never a meal he did not like. He looked forward to sharing meals with Renie and friends every Wednesday for over 40 years and was at the front of every buffet line. Bob was kind and compassionate, and he will be deeply missed by those who were lucky to know and love him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, at 10 am at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 1217 Prospect Avenue, Scranton 18505 by the Rev. Fr. Mark DeCelles. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Viewing for family and friends will be on Tuesday, 4 to 7 pm at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name, can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, ED Preate Drive, Moosic, PA 18507.

Robert V. Ludwikowski, 82, of South Scranton, passed on Thursday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in patient facility, Dunmore. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene “Renie” M. Gilgallon Ludwikowski. Born in Scranton, he is the son of the late Vincent and Martha Stanczewski Ludwikowski. Bo...

10/03/2025

George R. Farro, 80, of West Scranton, passed peacefully Tuesday afternoon at home. Born in Scranton, on September 29, 1945, he is the son of the late Mary C. Savitskas Farro. George was a graduate of West Scranton High School where he excelled on the football team and had the opportunity to play in the NFL with the Washington Commanders /Washington Red Skins until a motorcycle accident ended his playing career. After his time in the NFL he became involved with the West Scranton Invader football team as a special team assistant and excelled in teaching the art of place kicking and field goal kicking for the Invaders. He was an Army Veteran who served in Germany as a paratrooper in the 2nd Battalion, 39th Artillery unit, was a member of the former St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church on Jackson Street and retired as the head of security for Simplex Homes in Keyser Valley, delivered pies for Mineo pie bakery, repossessing cars. George was a real “foodie”, who loved strombolis, Vincenzo's Pizzeria & Catering hoagies, and like Tony Soprano, “lunch meats”. George lived his life fast, hard and plenty, playing football, riding motorcycles, building and driving fast cars and cutting down trees. He is survived by his son, best friend and caregiver, Kyle Farro, at home, his sister, Marion Farro Herbert, Fort Wayne, Indiana, his niece, Karen and his nephew, Kevin, as well as many cousins.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, 10 am until 11:45 am with services beginning at 11:45 am, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Tudgay. At the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton, Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army and the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guardat 12 noon at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

George R. Farro, 80, of West Scranton, passed peacefulluy Tuesday afternoon at home. Born in Scranton, on September 29, 1945, he is the son of the late Mary C. Savitskas Farro. George was a graduate of West Scranton High School where he excelled on the football team and had the opportunity to play i...