Nat and Gawlas Funeral Home

12/23/2023

Helen Vino

Saturday December 23, 2023

Helen Vino, 99, of Wilkes-Barre passed away Saturday December 23, 2023 at The Gardens at Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late Michael and Mary Gidula Vino. She was a graduate of the Wilkes-Barre Township High School. Helen was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre.

Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary and Theresa Vino, Ann Migatulski, brothers, John, Peter, Joseph, Nicholas, Stephen, and Michael Vino.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Brand and her husband Charles, Forty-Fort, grandson, Stephen Brand and his wife Kylee, Shavertown, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church parish cemetery, Dallas.

Relatives and friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be made by visiting Helen’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com

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

Since 1957, our Funeral Home has been honored to serve countless families in their time of loss. Our Funeral Directors and Staff are dedicated to providing a dignified, respectful, and thoughtful service that will merit your highest esteem. As a family owned funeral home, we are able to assist your....

11/09/2023

Mary R. Rauscher Koval
November 8, 2023

Mary R. Rauscher Koval, 93, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully on November 8th at Allied Services Hospice, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Frederick and Bertha Kaufmann Rauscher. Mary was a graduate of St. Nicholas High School, Class of 1948. She was employed by the Army Recruiting Agency and the Luzerne County Re****ed Children’s Association.

Mary was a devout Catholic and member of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre, where she volunteered for many years at the flea market for the Church’s annual bazaar. Prior to its closing, she was an active member of St. Boniface Church in Wilkes-Barre.

She was proud of her German heritage and in her younger years, she was a member of the Schuchplattler German Folk dancing group. Mary was also active with the Girl Scouts of America.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas B. Koval on December 25, 1980. Mary was also preceded in death by her sister, Bertha Nat, and brothers, John, Frederick, Frank, and Monsignor Joseph Rauscher.

Mary is survived by her children, Marie Koval Nardone and her husband, Bob, Paul Koval and his wife, Angela, Janice Metzger and her husband, Barry, Joseph Koval and his wife, Maureen, and Thomas Koval and his wife, Maria. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robin Lahr and her husband, Bob, Holly Birster and her husband, Jimmy, Emily Branstetter and her husband, Wade, Alex Koval and his fiancée, Hannah Garutti, Rachel Giovannini and her husband, Teddy, Bridget Koval, Nikki Koval, Anthony Koval, Gregory Koval and his wife, Shannon O’Neill, and Jude Koval and his wife, Erika Zavada; great grandchildren, Brooke and Bailey Birster, Lilly and Sam Lahr, Everett Branstetter, Emilia Wren Giovannini in utero, Matthew, Madeline, William and Caroline Koval; sister, Theresa (Rauscher) Gawlas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary’s children would like to thank all of her doctors, who took such good care of her. They would like to thank all of the nurses and staff from the 6th floor at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Allied Services Hospice, John Heinz Rehabilitation Center, Allied Services Home Health, and Griswold Home Care.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 12th from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 13th at 11:30 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12 noon in St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Sisters of Christian Charity, Mallinckrodt Convent, 350 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Mary’s obituary and www.natandgawlas.com

11/08/2023

Watch the video for Joseph J. Guesto

07/26/2023

Ruth Althea Francisco

Ruth Francisco, 94, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023, at Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing, Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Boswell, PA, a daughter of the late Harvey and Grace Yutzy Landis.

Ruth was employed as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone Company. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She was affectionately known as Granny by her loving grandchildren.

Ruth was a member of the PPL Redi Wives. She enjoyed her monthly card club with the girls. She participated in the baking of Welsh cookies and served as a greeter for both the First Welsh Presbyterian Church and the Wyoming Valley Presbyterian Church. Ruth also spent her time volunteering at the St. Vincent dePaul Kitchen. She enjoyed her Sudoku and crosswords puzzles along with her woodworking crafts.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell (Fred) Francisco on January 26, 2008 and by her brother Harvey G. Landis and sisters Betty Pugh and Pearl Landis.

She will be sadly missed by her children, Linda Johnson and her husband Gregory, Gainesville, Fla; Fred Francisco and his wife Suzanne, Wilkes-Barre; Brian Francisco and his wife, Jane, Wilkes-Barre; Barry Francisco and his wife, Donna, Sea Isle, NJ; and her grandchildren: John, Michelle, Gregory, Amber, Tiffany, Freddie, Christina and Olivia; great grandchildren, Jaguar, Aiden, Cam, Gunious, James, Ian, Jorden, Niko and Mason. Nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family from Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Rev. Shawn Zanicky will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wyoming Valley Presbyterian Church, 2 Lockhart Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Ruth’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

07/19/2023

Watch the video for Jay D. Snee

07/17/2023

James (Jay) D. Snee
July 15, 2023

James (Jay) D. Snee, 78, of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing Facility, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Joseph T. and Mae McAdara Snee. Jay was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Wilkes-Barre. He was formerly employed with the laborer’s union local # 130, having worked on the construction of the Nuclear Power Plant in Salem Township. Jay was later employed for many years in the housekeeping and transport departments of the Nesbitt and Wilkes-Barre General Hospitals, and retired as a nursing assistant in the OR at the General Hospital.

Jay was a member of the former St. Joseph Monastery in Wilkes-Barre Township, where he was a member of the folk choir and he served as a eucharistic minister. Following its closure, he became a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, where he also served as a eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the Wilkes-Barre Knights of Columbus, Council 302.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tomas L. Snee in 2013 and by his brother, Joseph F. Snee in 2019.

Jay is survived by his brothers and sisters, William Snee, Wilkes-Barre Township, sister, Nancy Snee, Wilkes-Barre Township, Donald Snee and his wife, Marcia Gayle, Bel Air, MD and sister, Mary Pat Sherman, Pittsburgh. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:45 am from the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

Private interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 7 pm at the funeral home.


Condolences may be sent by visiting Jay’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

07/12/2023

Joan Marie Dymond
Joan Marie Dymond, who was born on May 26, 1955, disappeared from her home in Wilkes Barre on June 25, 1969, just one month after her 14th birthday. Her remains have recently been identified and returned to her family. At the time of her death, she was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Wilkes Barre, and a student at Meyers High School.
She was the daughter of George and Anne Karaliunas Dymond, both now deceased, and is survived by her brother, George Dymond, Wilkes Barre; sister, Suzanne Estock and her husband, David, Wilkes Barre; nephews David Estock and his wife, Megan, Wayne, PA; Daniel Estock, and his wife, Kelly, Manlius, NY; six great nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Trooper Andrew Morgantini and the Pennsylvania State Police for their exhaustive and dedicated work in identifying her remains and for their sympathy and kindness to us in this sad and difficult situation.
We would also like to thank the Luzerne Foundation who provided the significant funds for the DNA testing that led to Joanie's identification. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Joanie's memory is asked to consider the Luzerne Foundation's Closing Cases Fund, 34 S. River St., Wilkes Barre.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes -Barre. Special thanks to Steve Gawlas for his kindness and understanding in helping us to bury our sister.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Joanie on Saturday, July 22nd from 9:30 – 10:30 am in St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes Barre, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Rev. James E. McGahagan will officiate.
Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Bear Creek at the resting place of her parents, who never gave up hope that she would one day return. May they all now rest in peace.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Joanie’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

07/08/2023

Bernard F. Slusarz
March 16, 2023

Bernard F. Slusarz, of Mountain Top, PA died Thursday, March 16, 2023 at home at the age of 86.
Mr. Slusarz was the son of the late Anastasia E. (Nancy) Ratajczak and Frank G. Slusarz. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bernadette (Skammer) Slusarz, and children Elaine May, Karen Moyer-Shapiro, and Paul Slusarz. He is the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Rachel Imler (husband James), Michael May, Lauren Moyer (fiance Robert Munro), Todd Moyer (fiancee Marianna Vinokur), Nathan Shapiro, Paige Culler (husband Zachary), and Colby Slusarz.
He was a member of Saint Jude Church, Mountain Top, PA., and served as its Business Manager for several years.
Mr. Slusarz retired as an Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary of First Eastern Bank, N.A. (and later PNC Bank, via merger) in 1992, and later retired as a stockbroker from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in 1999. Bernard was a US Army veteran, having served at the United States Army Intelligence Board, Fort Holabird, MD from 1960 to 1962.
He was a graduate of Coughlin High School, King’s College, and the University of Scranton. He was a lifetime associate member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a proud football season ticket holder for more than 30 years.
Mr. Slusarz had been a member of the Governing Council of the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association, and Chairman of its Insurance Committee. He received the designation of “Chartered Bank Auditor”. He was a member of the Board of Directors, and Treasurer of the United Way of Wyoming Valley. He was a member of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Advisory Board, and served as its secretary. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library and served as its President and on its Board of Directors, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Luzerne County Library System. Mr. Slusarz had also been a member of the Mountain Top Lions Club.
Donations can be made in Bernard’s memory to the Saint Jude Church building fund. Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Visiting Angels for the compassionate care provided to Bernard during his illness.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Bernard’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

A celebration of life for Bernard F. Slusarz, who passed away on March 16, 2023, will begin on Saturday, July 15, 2023, with a visitation for family and friends from 10 – 11 am in St. Jude Parish, 420 South Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, 18707, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

07/06/2023

Watch the video for Dollie Fisher

07/06/2023

Michael Kowalick
July 3, 2023

Michael Kowalick, Big Mike, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2023, in his home in Hanover Township, surrounded by family and friends.

Michael was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late John and Julia Salanski Kowalick. He was a graduate of Hanover High School, class of 1948. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Yeoman 3rd class and was a proud military man.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he was employed as a Plant Manager for over 30 years at Mary MacIntosh Dry Cleaning and semi-retired to work at Elegant Cleaners, both located in Wilkes-Barre. In both professions, he brightened the lives of employees and co-workers with his sense of humor, smile, love of life and positive energy.

Michael was a member of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Plymouth. He was a member of the Hanover Area AMVETS, where he enjoyed bartending, dart league and volunteering his time to support disabled veterans. He was also an instrumental member of the Hanover Township Lions Club for over 50 years, where he achieved many rewards and accolades for his accomplishments and efforts in helping the less fortunate.

Michaels greatest reward in life was marrying his loving wife of 60 years, Helen J. Macejko. They enjoyed polka dancing, vacations, a successful catering business (St. Michael’s Hall in Plymouth), friends, family parties, and more importantly, each other’s company. She was the love of his life.

Michael is survived by his devoted son, Michael R., Danville; sister-in-law, Marion Mahle, Laflin; nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all who visited and supported them during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 9 am from the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with Divine Liturgy to follow at 10 am in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 20 Nottingham Street, Plymouth. The Rev. Walter Pasicznyk will officiate. Entombment will be in Mary Mother of God Mausoleum in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Parastas Services will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to AMVETS Legion Post 59, 578 Fellows Avenue, Hanover Township, PA 18706, or Hanover Township Lions Club, c/o of 47 Steele Street, Hanover Township, PA 18706.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Michael’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

07/06/2023

Mary Gene James Sweeney
July 1, 2023

Mary Gene James Sweeney, 67, of Hanover Township, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre Township, a daughter of the late William and Mary Ann Basham James. Mary Gene was a 1974 graduate of Bishop Hoban High School and she received her B.S.N. from College Misericordia in 1978.

Mary Gene was employed as a critical care nurse for 35 years at the Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. After retiring, she volunteered at the Wilkes-Barre free clinic. She was also the family and neighborhood nurse. Mary Gene was a member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Hanover Township.

Mary Gene is survived by her husband of 36 years, Michael Sweeney and by her daughters, Kaitlyn Sweeney-Dipasquale and her husband, Michael, Collegeville and Maura Sweeney, Medina, Ohio. She is also survived by her brother, William James and his wife, Kathy, Harrisburg and by her sister, Carole James Boyle and her husband, Joseph, Howell, NJ and by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:15 am from the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am in Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Hanover Township.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Mary Gene’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

07/01/2023

Dollie Fisher
June 29, 2023

Dollie Fisher, 52, of Trucksville passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of Mary Pat Burke Mager of Wilkes-Barre and the late John P. Mager. Dollie in her earlier years played softball in S. Wilkes-Barre Teeners league. She attended St. Boniface school for elementary and graduated from E.L. Meyers High School, class of 1989. She was employed by the Children’s Service Center in the registration department.
Dollie was the life of the party, always making everyone laugh. Those who knew her witnessed her outgoing personality, her sense of humor, that ear to ear smile and her caring, loving friendships with so many. She will be forever missed and loved.
Dollie leaves behind her husband of 23 years Chris Fisher; son, Nathan Fisher; brothers, John P. Mager and his fiancée Robin Blight, Kurt Mager; sister and best friend, Patrice Feifer and her husband Eric; nieces and nephews, Jetta, Kohen, Mason, Marshall, Emily, and Sage; also her fur babies Trinket, Pappi, and Ollie.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Deacon Willian Behm will officiate. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Dollie’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.