Howell-Lussi Funeral Home

01/17/2026

Announcin the passing of Charles A. Bechtold.

Charles A. Bechtold, 76, of Duryea, passed away Thursday January 15th, 2026 peacefully at home just as he wanted.

Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Charles W. and Catherine Rugletic Bechtold. He was a graduate of the first class at Pittston Area High School Class of 1969.

Many knew Charles as Ducky, Uncle Duck, Dad and his most favorite was pop pop. He was one of those guys who loved his family and his pets. Ducky was always available to lend a helping hand and give advice if you wanted it or not. He looked forward to spending time in Texas with his son Jack to get away from all the crazy at home.

Patries under the patio with 80’s metal playing and beer flowing with his favorite boys, Mark Hoover, Danny Stella, Mike Stella, Brian Musloski and Mark (Beck) Sinoracki. Coffee trips with his brother Carl and Friday lunches with is buddy Steve and reconnecting with is true buddy Andy Fargo. Charlie spent his free time working on cars in his garage and yes, it is true we never held the flashlight right. Most importantly his never missed a moment with is grandkids, Jaylynn, and his mini me Ashton. Let’s just say he gave 100 % in whatever he did.

His number one reason for sticking around was his grandkids and his pets, Cookie, Gracie and Sammy.

Charles was greeted with open arms in heaven by his mother and father, granddaughter, Addison Bechtold, sister, Betty Sinoracki, nephew, David Sinoracki, nephew, Brandon Tokar, and his best friend and cousin Howard (Ricky) Bechtold.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Bechtold and husband Scott Goosley, Duryea, son, Jack Bechtold, Texas, brother, Carl Bechtold, Duryea, sister Cathy Decker, Duryea, former wife and friend, Elizabeth (Gallagher) Bechtold, Old Forge, several nieces and nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Thursday January 22nd, 2026 from 5pm until 8pm at the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 59 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston. A service will be held at 8pm. with Military Honors to follow. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Online Condolences can be left at howelllussi.com.f

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/17/2026

Announcing the passingof Doris Catherine English.

It is with profound love and heartbreak that we share the passing of Doris Catherine Bilbow English, 71, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, who died suddenly on January 15, 2026.

Doris was born on June 6, 1954, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, to Doris Catherine Bender Bilbow and Robert Edward Bilbow.

Doris was the kind of woman who made life feel softer just by being in it. She had a warmth that drew people in, a humor that stayed with you, and a way of loving that felt steady, protective, and absolute. She was happiest in the simple moments—sitting on her front porch, waving to neighbors, and offering a friendly conversation to anyone who passed by. She was the person you could talk to for five minutes and walk away feeling better.

Doris had the most unforgettable laugh—the kind that would burst out before she could even finish a funny story, and then make everyone around her laugh too. It was pure joy, and it was so unmistakably her.

Doris was the beloved wife of David English, and the devoted mother of Erica (husband Jack), Erin, and Ryan (wife Bria). She was a proud and deeply loving grandmother to Fiona and Maeve (Erica and Jack’s children), and Eva and Jack (Ryan and Bria’s children), with baby Jack born on the very day of her passing. In the Irish and Celtic tradition, there is a belief in “thin places,” moments when the veil between this world and the next feels closer than usual. For Doris’s family, that timing will forever feel like one of those sacred moments—love arriving as love departs.

Doris is also survived by her siblings: Kathleen Bellas (Wayne), Jean Marie Bilbow, Rose Mary Manbachi (Abby), Robert Bilbow (Maureen), Patrick Bilbow (Amy), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris worked for the Social Security Administration for 16 years, where she built lifelong friendships and truly enjoyed the people she worked alongside. She often told with a smile, the story of finding out she was having twins while at work—and calling her husband immediately, full of shock and joy, to tell him.

Doris also treasured friendship and community. She loved going out with her girlfriends from Social Security, attending her St. John’s Class of 1972 outings, and showing up faithfully to her Parkinson’s exercise classes at the JCC in Kingston, bringing her determination and her spirit with her.

But Doris’s greatest work was her family. She dedicated her life to her children with a love that never wavered. She advocated tirelessly for her special needs daughter, Erin, making sure she always had everything she needed—and more. She was Erin’s fiercest protector, her safest place, and her constant. Her daughter Erica often said she couldn’t imagine a childlike Erin having any other mother than one like hers.

Doris will be remembered in the moments that matter most: the laughter that interrupts a funny story, the warmth in an ordinary conversation on a porch, the feeling of being cared for without having to ask. She was love. She was humor. She was home.

The Funeral will be held on Wednesday January 21st, 2026 at 9:30am. from the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston. A Mass of Christian Buria will take place at 10am. in St. John the Evangelist Church. 35 William Street, Pittston. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday January 20th, 2026 from 5pm until 8pm at the Funeral Home.

Online Condolences can be left for Doris at Howelllussi.com.

Doris will be missed and loved forever.

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/12/2026

Patricia Joy Hules, 89, of Huntsville, died Saturday January 10th, 2026 in Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation, Exeter.

She was born in 1936 in New Boston, OH, daughter of the late Ernest William Stockham and Eva Bernice (Shonkwiler) Stockham of South Portsmouth, KY, where she earned valedictorian honors in her high school class of 1954.

Later that year, she married Fred Lincoln Hules, a combat veteran of the Korean War, and moved to northeastern Pennsylvania, where they raised four children. He preceded her in death in 1998.

Mrs. Hules resided in Huntsville for the last 58 years. She worked in several shoe and garment factories, including Faith Shoe Co., of Wilkes-Barre, and eventually retired as a custodian at Dallas High School.

She loved gardening, cooking, fishing and reading.

Brothers Kenneth and William Stockham also preceded her in death.

Surviving are sons, Curtis, Huntingtown, Md.; William, Huntsville; Andrew, Harvey’s Lake; daughter, Deborah Betcher, Bensalem; three grandchildren Ashley, Amanda, Andrew, and two great grandchildren Oliver Hules and Lowen Aris.

Funeral Services will be held January 14th at 10am from Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, 509 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston, with the Rev. Roxy Moses, of Huntsville/Shavertown United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends may call for visitation from 9am to 10am.

Interment will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

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

Online condolences at

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/08/2026

Lorraine Butera, Passed away December 15th,2025 in the Meadows, Dallas.

Lorraine was born on May 16, 1932, in Wilkes-Barre, to the late Raymond P. Ritts and Wanda (Wroblewski) Ritts. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Parochial School, Class of 1950. Lorraine worked for many years for Dr. Hanlon, a local OB-GYN, until his retirement, and later for Eye Care Specialists in Kingston, where she remained until her own retirement.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Michael J. Butera, in 2012.

Lorraine is survived by Michael’s three children: Attorney Michael I. Butera, Margaret Grimes, and Peter Butera, along with their children and grandchildren.

Lorraine was the last of her siblings to gain her angel wings. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Rowland Ritts (wife Marie), Raymond Ritts (wife June), and Robert Ritts; as well as her great-nephew, Richard A. Ritts, and great-niece, Becca Ritts. We are certain her brothers welcomed her with open arms.

She is survived by her nephew, Rowland Ritts; her niece and devoted caregiver, Terry Ritts; niece Tricia Boone; and nephew Richard R. Ritts. She is also survived by nieces Kim Vivian and Kelly Van Etten, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Lorraine was a longtime member of the Italian Citizens Association, where she and her husband enjoyed attending parties and dances. She was an avid shopper who loved assembling puzzles, coloring, and reading. A busy decorator for every season, Lorraine crafted many pieces herself and had a special love for the color red. She will always be remembered for her generosity throughout the years.

She was a faithful member of Corpus Christi Parish. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held in May, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Geisinger and The Meadows for the patience, kindness, and genuine compassion shown to Lorraine during her care.

In lieu of flower labor memorial donations maybe made to Blue chip at 974 Lockville Road, Dallas Pa 18612.

Online condolences at howelllussi.com.er

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/08/2026

Wayman Neil “Buzz” Smith Sr, 80, of Harding passed away Tuesday December 16th, 2025 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born on April 21st, 1945 he was a son of the late Alexander and Jessie Madge Brown Smith and was a 1964 graduate of the West Pittston High School. He was a devoted member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Harding.

Wayman was employed at Celotex for several years and then at the Wyoming Area School District for over 20 years until his retirement.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening especially with is son Gary when they would take trips to Canada.

Wayman was also the Tax Collector for 20 years in Exeter Twp.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Bednar) Smith, they were married 45 years, sons, Gary Smith and his wife Pam, Wayman Smith Jr., two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, West Pittston.

Online condolences at

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/08/2026

We had a glitch and some obits never made it on here We apologize. Rest easy Jack.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John J. “Jack” Ruane, 80, of Harding, passed away Thursday morning December 18th, 2025 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born in Pittston on January 2nd, 1945, he was the son of the late Ester Moran Ruane. At age 11 jack lost his mother to cancer and then was raised by his grandmother and grandfather Sadie and Michael Moran. He was a graduate of Pittston Area High School.

Jack had a love for sports and during his high school years he played football, basketball and baseball. For many years after he played in several different softball leagues throughout the area.

IN 1983 Jack began to get involved in local politics and was elected to the Exeter Twp. board of Supervisors and served in several capacities for 30 years.

Jack was a hard worker and also served the people of Luzerne County working at the Flood Protection as a Levi supervisor for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Joan and Michael Bartuska, Bonnie and Vincent Pace, Thomas Cole, Stephen Bankoski and mother and father-in-law, Marion and Lester Rogers.

Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail Rogers Ruane, and sisters-in-laws, Bonnie Cole, Robin Rogers, and Gebby Bankoski, and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday December 23rd, 2025 in Holy Redeemer Church on State Route 92 Highway, Harding at 11am. A viewing will be held from 9am until 11am in the church. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, West Pittston.

Online condolences at

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/04/2026

Announcing the passing of Ann Marie Mancini. You fought the good fight. Rest in peace.

Ann Marie Mancini, 77, of, Exeter, passed away Thursday January 1st, 2026 in Allied Hospice, Wilkes-Barre after a long fight against cancer.

Born in Kingston, she was a daughter of the late Philp and Josephine Pepe Dente. She was a graduate of the Exeter High School. Ann Marie was a member of Corpus Christi Parish (St. Anthony of Pauda) Church, Exeter.

She was self employed and owned and operated with her business partner the Touch of Eyelet, Luzerne. Ann Marie enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, cooking, baking, puzzles and loved her job working with floral, gifts, crafts and ceramics. She loved taking care of everyone. Her baking especially her cookies were everyone’s favorite as she baked so much and gave cookies to all of her family and close friends.

Ann Marie was preceded in death by her husband Louis Mancini in 2012, and a brother, Philip Dente in 2023.

She is survived by her son, Louis Jr., sister Doretta Burgess and her husband Brian, California, and several nieces, nephews and friends.

A Blessing service will be held on Wednesday morning at 10am. at the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston. A viewing will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 5pm until 8pm. Interment will be private in the West Pittston Cemetery.

Online Condolences can be left at Howelllussi.com.a

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/04/2026

Announcing the passing of Mildred Mullery. May she rest in peace.

Mildred A. Mullery, 90, of Exeter, passed away Wednesday December 31st, 2025 in Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Scranton.

Born in Pittston, she was the daughter of the late John and Rose Petrus Platukus. She was a graduate of the Exeter High School. Mildred was a member of Corpus Christi Parish (St. Anthony of Padua Church), Exeter.

Mildren married the love of her life Jack Mullery and lived in the homestead on Mason Street where she took great care of her precious mother Rose Platukus. She loved all animals but especially dogs of which she had many. She was found of Penny and Mitze.

Jack and Millie enjoyed long weekends at their cottage at Lake Carey and family gatherings on holiday’s. She also loved frequent visits to Kmart back in the day and BonTon. Millie was the sweetest person who would do anything for anyone.

She had a lifelong best friend Katie Stofko who they could be found shopping or watching dancing with the Stars together. Millie always cherished her siblings as family was important to her.

She spent the last 6 years in Elan Skilled Nursing in Scranton. We would like to thank the amazing staff for the wonderful care that they gave t our beloved Mildred.

Millie was preceded in death by husband, John Mullery, sisters, Margeret Mauriello, Anna Paluski, Viginia Maszeroski and brother John Platukus.

She is survived by her sister, Adeline Murawski, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be private and she will be laid to rest in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Cedar Street, Exeter.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston

Online condolences can be left at Howelllussi.com
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Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year.
We hope that 2026 is a healthy and prosperous new year for all of you.

12/30/2025

Announcing the passing of Barbara Pazdziorko. She will surely be in charge of the Lord’s library. Rest in peace.

Barbara J. Pazdziorko, 76, a lifelong resident of Exeter, passed away at her home on Saturday, December 27th, 2025.

Born in Pittston, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Ann Makstutis Pazdziorko. She was extremely proud to be a graduate of the first class at Wyoming Area High School. Barbara was a member of Corpus Christi Parish (St. Anthony of Padua Church.)

After high school, Barbara attended Misericordia University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in education and home economics.

She was employed for over 30 years until her retirement in 2006 at Wyoming Area High School as a teacher and librarian. Barbara bleed green and gold, loved her job, and the school district.

Barbara loved her family, gardening, baking, her cats, and, of course, she was a devout Catholic who was involved in her church, and always generous in giving to help others.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Cotter-Dente in 2020.

Barbara is survived by her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 in Corpus Christi Parish (St. Anthony of Pauda Church.) 224 Memorial Street, Exeter, from 9am until 11am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Cedar Street, Exeter.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.

Online condolences at

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

12/30/2025

Announcing the passing of Robert Kasson Jr. Rest in peace, Robert.

Robert James Kasson Jr., 63, of Plains Twp., passed away on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th, 2025, in Edenbrook on Second Avenue, Kingston.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of Robert Kasson Sr. and the late Bernadine Keller Kasson. Robert was a graduate of Wyoming Area High School class of 1981. He then attended Kings College where he earned a Bachelor degree in communications, and worked at a PC data center.

He was also employed at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a dietary aide for many years, as well as at Nesbit Hospital until its closing.

Robert was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He loved all of the Philly teams, watching and cheering for them every chance he got. He also loved to watch Penn State, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He loved listening to Johnny Cash, and spending time with is family.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother Bernardine Kasson in 2024, and an infant sister, Theresa Margaret Kasson.

He is survived by his father, Robert Kasson Sr., Plains Twp.; sisters Bernadine Lee, Patricia Murphy, Barbara (Michael) Sobeck; brothers Paul (Sandy) Kasson Sr., Patrick Kasson Sr., Steve Kasson, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 at 1pm in Corpus Christi Parish at 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 from 5pm until 7pm at Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston. Interment will follow Mass on Saturday in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Pringle.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edenbrook for their care and compassion shown to Robert, and also his sisters, Barb and Trish, who were there almost every day ensuring Robert had everything he needed.

Online Condolences can be left at our website at

Our Business was founded by Charles E. Howell in 1891 and was located at 55 South Main Street in Downtown Pittston City where it was called the Howell Funeral Home. It was also a Furniture Business out of the same location.

12/25/2025

Have a safe and happy holiday with your loved ones from your staff at Howell -Lussi Funeral Home.

Merry Christmas.