Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home

01/08/2026

John M. Puskar
January 6, 2026

John M. Puskar, 93, formerly of Plains Township, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Plymouth, a son of the late Joseph and Catherine Dikart Puskar. John attended Plymouth High School and was a member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre. He was employed in the local garment industry, having worked for many years at Sea Isle Sportswear, Wilkes-Barre, as well as Mr. Z’s, Plains. His favorite pasttimes were talking about sports and politics, and he had a great love for his dogs and some of the local wildlife that would regularly stop by to visit.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Kutz, Mary Golumb, Bernadine Kozloski, Margaret Mevec, Anne Montedonico, and Catherine Chabak, and his two brothers Joseph and Francis.

John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy Geiger Puskar and by their sons, John “Duke” (Janel) Puskar of Sweet Valley and Michael (Kimberly) Puskar of Pittsburgh. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jillian and Kamryn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10 am in St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Lehman Township.

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

01/08/2026

Earth-Quadeesha Sims

1985-2026

Earth-Quadeesha Reflection Sims, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at home. She loved the Lord, going to church, and was preparing to go serve him when he called her home.

She was born on October 17, 1985, in Brooklyn, NY. She was the daughter of Judy Ann Sims and Willie Holman. She graduated high school at the Roy Campanella Occupational Training Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Earth-Quadeesha found joy participating as a consumer of the Step-by-Step Program where she made many friends. Even a boyfriend.

Quadeesha or “Deesha” as her friends and family call her had an infectious smile and warm spirit that drew many to her. She loved her family unconditionally and was known for daily, even multiple phone calls per day. Everyone expected her calls. Those calls will surely be missed.

She enjoyed many things. In her earlier years, Deesha loved to jump rope, she was the best double dutch turner in the city. She loved to complete and collect 300 piece puzzles, board games such as Trouble, Monopoly, and Sorry. She also loved to play the game “Boy Girl” often shocking opponents with incredible answers that no one else thought about or remembered. Deesha had a very good memory. She also loved to watch game shows and sitcoms as she would often binge watch Everybody Hates Chris, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Martin,and The Bernie Mac Show. Her favorite movie was Losing Isaiah. Deesha longed to be a mother and this was also evidenced by how she helped care for her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Earth- Quadeesha is survived by her sister and brothers, Earth-Shameenah Reddick and her husband Billy of Spring, Texas, Kaiheem Sims, Alahji Robinson, and Malik Robinson all of Wilkes-Barre; grandmother Ruth Holman; Nieces and Nephews: Kevon Holman, Khalil Herring, Essence Sage, Sheilani Barber, Nia Barber, Braylon Reddick, L’Kyre Barber, Serenity Barber, and great-nephews Kaydence Holman and Khari Sage. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. We also cannot forget “her friends” whom she spoke of daily.

Earth- Quadeesha was preceded in death by her sister, Earth-Rameenah Holman, grandparents Dru-cilla and Zannie Sims, grandfather Jerome Holman, great-grandmother Wilhelmina Wright, and stepfather Ven Robinson.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA. A public visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of service.

Arrangements are from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home on Park Ave in Wilkes-Barre.

01/03/2026

Rosanne M. Kramer
December 31, 2025

Rosanne M. Kramer, 72, of Shavertown, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp. As per the wishes of the deceased, there will be no calling hours.
Funeral arrangements have been handled by Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

01/02/2026

Edward J. Monko
December 31, 2025

Edward J. Monko, 81, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice in Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of Joseph and Josephine Monko. Ed was a 1962 graduate of Coughlin High School. He served as an Army veteran, during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, Ed was employed for many years as a press operator at Suburban Publishers and later at Panel Prints. He was a member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre.

Ed had a great love of trains and he was an enthusiastic collector of model trains.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Kropcho.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley Kurkoski Monko and by his children, Karen Monko Nagle and her husband, David Nagle, West Pittston, Kevin Monko and his wife, Tara. Shavertown, and David Monko, Springfield, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Carlee Monko and Jacob Monko and his fiancé, Alaina Hartzell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 10 am in St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. A visitation for family and friends will be held in the Church prior to the Mass from 9-10 am. Those attending the Mass and visitation are asked to go directly to the Church.

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

12/26/2025

Elizabeth M Stilp
December 22, 2025

Elizabeth M "Betty" Stilp, 100, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Allentown, PA.

Betty was born on May 13, 1926, in Wilkes-Barre, the 7th of 13 children of George & Mary Stilp. She attended St Boniface Elementary & G.A.R. High School. Ms. Stilp began her administrative career in 1944 in the newly built Pentagon for the Chief Signal Office of the U.S. War Department. She returned to Wilkes-Barre for a career with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton International Airport, Avoca, and retired in 1980.

She performed much service for her religious community, Veteran's Affairs, & was as well Secretary for the German-Austrian Club & the Edelweiss Institute.
Betty enjoyed her family life immensely, hosting many holiday & birthday gatherings at the Homestead, maintaining the yard & garden. She spent many hours researching her genealogical roots & has made several trips to Europe to research her ancestry. Betty also spent weekends hiking many of our region's popular foot trails with the Keystone Trails Association & the Susquehanna Trailers. A meticulous record-keeper, Betty was always ready with a song, a joke, or info about the matter at hand.

Betty is survived by her sister Mrs. Josephine Helfrich of Mountain Top, PA, and numerous Nieces & Nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: George, Aloysius, Joseph, Marie, Helen, Theresa, Rose, Gerard, Frederick, Louis & Anthony.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre with Reverend Vinnie Dang officiating. Burial will follow at St Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Visitation will be held at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre from 9 to 10 am.

Memorial donations may be made to St Andrew Parish, Wilkes-Barre, PA. The family also wishes to extend our gratitude to the staff of Riverview Ridge, Genesis Healthcare, & Parkland Manor.

12/20/2025

Stephen A. Duda
December 15, 2025

Stephen A. Duda, 54, of Swoyersville passed away Monday December 15, 2025, at home. He was born in Wilkes-Barre the son of the late Robert and Carolann Skirmont Duda.
Stephen graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School, class of 1989. He enjoyed watching movies and listening to 80’s Hair Metal Music, especially KISS.
He is survived by his sister, Tina Wittman and her husband Paul, Allentown, along with numerous cousins.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family, with interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Stephen’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com

12/18/2025

Lisa M. Banks

Lisa Banks, a beautiful soul who made the world around her brighter and more loving, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025.
Lisa grew up in Scranton and spent most of her adult life in Dallas building a beautiful life with her husband, Greg, and their sons, Gregory and Max. Her life was full of simple joys: tending her garden, decorating her home with her magical touch, and surrounding herself with the people and animals she loved most.
Lisa was a gifted stylist and entrepreneur, owning and operating salon businesses for decades. People came from near and far just to have Lisa cut their hair - not just for her skill, but for the warmth and care she brought to every visit.
She was a true animal lover, especially when it came to her beloved cats. Lisa spent countless hours and resources caring for feral cats, building them safe, warm shelters, and giving them the love they otherwise would have never known. Her home was a sanctuary not just for her dogs, Ted and Ruby, but for any animal lucky enough to cross her path.
She loved her sons with all her heart and shared a deep, enduring bond with her husband, Greg. She was always there by his side, a steady and loving presence. Their life together was full of laughter, love, and the kind of partnership that few are lucky enough to find.
Lisa faced her illness with extraordinary courage and grace. Even knowing from the beginning how difficult the road ahead would be, she met it with honesty, strength, and love. She never let it define her spirit.
Lisa leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, humor, and unconditional love. She will be missed more than words can say. Just like her garden, Lisa's love and kindness will keep growing in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
She is survived by her husband, Greg Banks, her sons, J. Gregory Banks, and Maxwell Banks, her mother, Ruth Horvath, her cats, her dogs, Ted and Ruby, and so many family members and friends who loved her deeply. Lisa was predeceased in death by her brother Bobby, and her father, Bob.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Corpus Christi Parish, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Medical Oncology Associates 382 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA 18704. Her experience with cancer, and the exceptional care she received from Dr. Bruce Saidman and his staff strengthened her
commitment to advocating for affordable, high-quality medical care for all.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Lisa’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

12/12/2025

Mark “Big Fleck” Flecknoe
December 11, 2025

Mark “Big Fleck” Flecknoe, 67, of Wilkes-Barre passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at his home.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Francis and Dorothy Simon Flecknoe. Mark was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial School, class of 1975. He was employed by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, having worked at G.A.R. Memorial High School as a maintenance worker, prior to his retirement. Mark attended St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre.
Fleck was known for his love of baseball. A great ball player, he went on to coach for many years, proudly sharing his passion for the game. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and tending to his garden, and was known for his infamous annual fish fry that brought everyone together. A devoted Boston Red Sox fan, he loved cheering on his alma mater, G.A.R., at any sporting event. Fleck took great joy in hosting friends and family in the backyard and was always the life of the party wherever he went. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Colleen O’Brien Flecknoe, sons, Mark Flecknoe and his wife Tara, Wilkes-Barre, Michael Flecknoe, Wilkes-Barre, Sean Flecknoe, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Kamden and Brittanya; brother, Wayne Flecknoe and his wife, Roni; sister, Patty Smith and her fiancé, Larry Kropp; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and good friends.
A funeral service for Mark will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, Pastor of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until time of service.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Mark’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to SPCA of Luzerne County 524 E. Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

12/10/2025

Lorraine A. Collum
December 7, 2025

Lorraine A. Collum, 79, of West Wyoming passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. She was born in Wilkes-Barre the daughter of the late David and Edna Krzynorvek Powell. Lorraine graduated from Coughlin High School, class of 1964. She was employed by The Social Security Administration for over 51 years prior to her retirement. Lorraine was a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, West Wyoming.
Her world revolved her granddaughter, Kamryn, where she would often be found going to whatever activity Kamryn had.
When she had free time, she loved going out to eat with her friends, or in the summer going to various bazaars or fairs.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years Frank Collum, and brother, David Powell.
Survived by daughter Kimberly Collum, West Wyoming, and granddaughter, Kamryn McElwee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday December 15, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. from St. Monica Parish, 363 W. 8th Street, West Wyoming.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre.

Online condolences can be made by visiting Lorraine’s obituary at

Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and about grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and crema

12/10/2025

Emma Sadie “Sally” Hoover Wishinski
December 8, 2025

Emma Sadie “Sally” Hoover Wishinski, 80, of Larksville passed away Monday December 8, 2025, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. She was born in Larksville daughter of the late Jessie and Catherine Sherman Hoover. Sally graduated from Larksville High School, class of 1963. She also married John L. Wishinski later that same year. She worked at United Pants Factory, Plymouth until the plant closed in the 1980’s. She also was employed by A. Rifkin Company, Hanover Twp. for many years prior to her retirement.
Sally as she was affectionately known was an avid collector of all sorts of items. She loved collecting teapots, Precious Moments figurines which filled her home. She also loved hummingbird watching, with several feeders in her yards. Most importantly she adored her children, her grandchildren and her two granddaughters Athea Rose and Hella Ash Suchar.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years John L. Wishinski of Larksville. Her sons, Michael Wishinski and campion Debbie Scholl Draina of Larksville, Paul Wishinski, Larksville, Lisa Dupras and Fiancé Jerry Kardos of Old Forge, Patricia Englert, Nanticoke, and Catherine Steidinger and husband Norman of Dallas. Six grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brother, Frank Sherman of Swoyersville, and sister, Phyllis Fisher, Menifee, CA.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, west, 717 Main Street, Edwardsville, PA

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 pm until time of service at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made by visiting Sally’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com

12/09/2025

Eugene L. “Gene” Ellis
December 6, 2025

Eugene L. “Gene” Ellis, 58, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Joseph R. and Bernadine Mooney Ellis. Gene was a 1985 graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School.
He spent many dedicated years employed as the manager of Ellis Beer Distributor in Wilkes-Barre where Gene formed many lifelong friendships. He was most recently employed by InterMetro Industries in Wilkes-Barre.

The most joyous times in Gene’s life included spending time with his family and friends and coaching his kids in sports. He was a fun-loving, energetic individual who enjoyed the simple things in life, including food, a quart of Rita’s to last throughout the winter months, and sports. Gene was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Phillies fan. The Steelers and Phillies will miss his dedicated, superstitious fandom.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Amy Ellis.

Gene is survived by his children, Zachary Ellis, Hanover Township and Mallory Ellis, Pittston; and their mother, Lori Ellis; his companion, Nathaly Pinales; sister, Lee Ann Shovlin and her husband, John, Wilkes-Barre; brother, Joseph Ellis and his wife, Doreen, Bear Creek; his nieces and nephew, Kelcie Shovlin, Joseph Ellis and Sarah Vecerkauskas and by his aunts and cousins.

His children will always fondly remember the simple times spent watching Fear Factor before Monday Night Football, attending Steelers games, and searching the neighborhood for the family dog Otto when he would escape from the yard.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 9-11 am, prior to the funeral services at 11 am. Rev. Theodore L. Obaza will officiate. Private entombment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

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

12/09/2025

Robert W. Verespy
December 7, 2025

Robert W. Verespy, 86, of Exeter, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025.
Born in Wilkes Barre on December 31, 1938, he was the son of the late George and Annette Verespy. Bob was a 1956 graduate of Coughlin High School and 1960 graduate of Wilkes College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Bob worked for many years for Bethlehem Steel and later for Wyeth Labs before retiring.
Uncle Bob, as he was affectionally called, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to the beach, Atlantic City, Lancaster, the Poconos, and trips with family. Uncle Bob enjoyed dinner out at local restaurants, especially his favorite Fire & Ice, where he was treated like family. He had his favorite places to get local treats like Bakery Delight, Callie’s Candy Kitchen and all of the local kielbasa shops. Bob enjoyed talking with neighbors, who were always helpful to him throughout the years.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother Charles Verespy, sister Lorraine Ancin, sister Dorothy Hick and sister in-law Marie Verespy.
He is survived by his brother George Verespy, niece Annemarie Hellevik, nephew Charles Hick and companion Megan McNulty, nephew David Hick and wife Beckey, niece Nancy Lewandowski and husband Jim, and great-niece Katherine Lewandowski.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes Barre. Family will be receiving guests beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 28 Memorial Street, Exeter followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00. Interment will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Exeter or Wilkes University.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Bob’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.