Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 717 Main Street, Edwardsville, PA (2026)

05/28/2026

Anthony C. Wallace
1955 - 2026

Anthony “Tony” Wallace, 70, of Wilkes-Barre passed away at Allied Hospice on Meade St on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. He was born in Atlantic City, NJ to the late Claudius and Claudette Lomax Hughes on October 5, 1955. Tony was one of many siblings.
Tony worked the last 20 plus years in the food service industry. His last place of employment was Wilkes University.
Tony is survived by his best friend and caregiver Georgia Pehanich of Kingston, Pa.
In accordance with Tony’s wishes, funeral services were private and held at the convenience of the family. Due to his profound love of the ocean and beach, his ashes will be spread in Atlantic City, NJ.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home on Park Ave in Wilkes-Barre.

05/21/2026

Joseph G. Grablick
April 6, 2026

Joseph G. Grablick, 67, formerly of Wyoming, passed away on April 6, 2026 in Little River, SC.

He was born in Pittston, a son of the late Sylvester J. and Mary Donahue Grablick. Joe was a 1977 graduate of Wyoming Area High School and he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bloomsburg University in 1981. While attending Bloomsburg University, he was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. Early in life, Joe worked for the family business, Grablick’s Dairy and Ice Cream. Following graduation from college, he was self-employed as a representative at Aflac, All Staffing and Nationwide Insurance.

Joe’s lifetime dream came true when he moved to Little River, SC and was able to golf with his friends on Thursdays. Joe’s golf buddies referred to him as “Joey 2-shoes” – a nick name he adored. He was a member of the Officer’s Club, Little River, SC; the Surfside Moose Lodge Post 2351, Surfside, SC; the Sons of the American Legion Post 186, Little River, SC, and Bay Tree III Board of Directors, Little River SC. He was also a member of the Henry Club, Plains, the Swoyersville Kiwanis Club and BNI Global Networking.

Most of all, Joe loved spending time with his wife and family and friends and enjoyed making his homemade “Grablick’s Ice Cream” for them. He was a loving husband, and great father, grandfather and uncle. He loved his dogs and will always be remembered for his boisterous laugh, which will be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lori Ney Grablick and by his children, Michael B. Grablick and his wife, Jessica, Lexington Park, MD and Meg Grablick, Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren, Matthew, David, Christopher and Madison Grablick; great granddaughter, Presleigh Grablick. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Grablick and his wife, Mary, Macungie and Paul Grablick, Forty Fort; sister-in-law, Judith Brokenshire, Swoyersville and sister-in-law, Jane Aritz and her husband, Attorney Frank Aritz Sr., Swoyersville; and by his numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 12 noon to 2pm at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Kind Keeper Animal Rescue at kindkeeper.org – in Joe’s memory in the comment section OR a contribution to: Kind Keeper, 1500 LD Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

To send a condolence, please visit Joe’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

05/19/2026

Linda L. Clarke Bauman
1948 – 2026

Linda L. Clarke Bauman, 78, of Pittston passed away Sunday May 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Allied Services Hospice, Wilkes-Barre. She was born in Wilkes-Barre to the late Robert Archer Clarke Jr. and Ruth H. Bristol Clarke. She attended Lake-Lehman High School and was a certified Home Child Care Provider. Linda was a former member of The United Methodist Church of Pittston. She worked at several Greater Pittston manufacturing businesses including Suburban Publishers, Maui Cup, Sather’s Candy, and Letica Corp. Linda also provided Child Care in her home and worked at Mr. Donut in Pittston.
Linda loved playing board games with family and friends. Her rice pudding and baked macaroni & cheese were the most anticipated dishes at every family celebration. She was fond of beach and camping vacations as well as casino excursions, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time with loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Kiser; grandson, Shaun Harrison Kiser; and sister, Rosetta Clarke Schaffner.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Harry C. Bauman; children Rachel Besancon and her husband Shawn (Kitty Hawk, NC), Harrison “Sunny” Kiser and his wife Amanda Minegar-Kiser (Pittston Twp.); grandchildren Jamie Saranchuk & her fiancé Kenneth August, Nicholas Kiser, Mariah Kiser, Kimberly Crawn, Jacob Kiser; great-grandchildren, Christian Weaver, Lorelai Saranchuk, Raelynn August, 7 great-grandchildren ; brother Peter Clarke (Tumwater, WA); and sisters Peggy Clarke Pahler (Hunlock Creek), Ruth Anne Curran (Tunkhannock), Ellen Fawn Wozniak (Akron, OH), Dolores “Lolly” Clarke Veshinski (Myrtle Beach, SC); and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday May 23, 2026, from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre.
A visitation for family and friends will be from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Linda’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com
Memorial donations may be made to Allied Services Hospice, 200 S. Meade St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

05/18/2026

Dr. Richard A. Alley
May 10, 2026

Dr. Richard A. Alley, 91, of Bear Creek Township, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He was born in Berwick, PA, a son of the late Abbess and Maliha Alley. Dr. Alley was a graduate of Berwick High School and a 1956 graduate of Dickinson College. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 1960. Following his internship in Ohio and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, he completed a research fellowship there in Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr. Alley was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps.

A distinguished physician, Dr. Alley was known throughout his community for his decades of compassionate care. He was an attending physician on the staff of Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, and a consultant at Geisinger Medical Center, Nesbitt Memorial Hospital, Wilkes Barre General Hospital and Mercy Hospital in Nanticoke, PA. A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, he also taught at Hahnemann Medical College as a clinical instructor and assistant professor for many years. His professional life included serving on numerous hospital Boards of Directors and chairing committees for the American Cancer Society and the Heart Association, among other medical organizations.

In addition to his medical profession, Dr. Alley gave generously of his time and talents in other areas. His community involvements spanned six decades and involved countless organizations, notably Northeastern Pennsylvania Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club (both local and international,) the Salvation Army, St. Joseph’s Center, St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, the Interfaith Council of Wyoming Valley and many more. These organizations reflected his values and character. His community service earned him some of the highest awards given by these organizations, including humanitarian and service awards from Rotary International and the Silver Beaver and Distinguished Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Alley earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of fifteen and was a proud Eagle Scout throughout his life. He was always able to recite the Scout oath and lived by its principles.

Dr. Alley’s heart for serving extended well beyond our borders. He led and participated in medical mission trips around the globe, providing care to the people of the Philippines, Uganda, Guyana, Nigeria, Mexico, Brazil, India, Mongolia and Ethiopia over the years.

Born into a family whose values centered around hard work, service and education, Dr. Alley had a special interest in learning and established high school Scholarships for Citizenship in the Greater Wyoming Valley. His educational philanthropy provided funds for the Kings College Richard A. Alley Center for Health Sciences, which also houses his significant collection of international art and cultural artifacts. Dr. Alley’s gift to Wilkes University led to the naming of the Richard Abbas Alley School of Higher Education, a reflection of his enduring belief that education changes lives and strengthens communities.

He is survived by his brothers, Dr. Ali Alley and his wife Ramona of Berwick, PA; Attorney Amin Alley, of Berwick, PA; Dr. Samie Alley and his wife Nancy, of Wyomissing, PA; Dr. Albert Alley and his wife Virginia, of Lebanon, PA; and by his sister Elaine Alley Wrone and her husband, David R. Wrone of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He is also survived by thirteen nieces and nephews and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. He loved his family deeply.

The life of this extraordinary man was one of lifelong learning, love of family, love of country, and concern for his fellow man. Our world is so much better for his time with us.

Arrangements will be private at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Salvation Army.

Please share any memories or send condolences by visiting Dr. Alley’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

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

05/13/2026

Joseph Grigas
May 11, 2026

Joseph Grigas, 77, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Edenbrook Nursing & Rehabilitation in Kingston.

He was born in Larksville, a son of the Francis and Florence Dwyer Grigas. Joe was a graduate of Larksville High School. Joe was a Purple Heart recipient, proudly serving his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the First Welsh Baptist Church in Wilkes-Barre. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a machine operator HPG International.

In additional to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma Jones Grigas in 2006 and by his dear daughter, Megan Grigas in 2025 and by his grandson, Dustin Eyerman in 2025; sister, Kayann Sopko.

Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Grigas and his wife, Diane of Hughestown and Norman Grigas and his partner, Renee Caruso of Larksville; grandchildren, Ariel Swartz, Jonathan Eyerman, Faith Eyerman and Gabriel Rowe. He is also survived by his brothers, Teo Grigas, Larksville, Billy Grigas, Luzerne, and Francis Grigas and his wife, Heidi, Chula Vista, CA; nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services with Military Honors will be held at the convenience of the family. Pastor Chester Dudick will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

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

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

05/12/2026

Florence Korlishin
May 9, 2026

Florence Korlishin, 91, of Edwardsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving children.

She was born in Kingston, the youngest of 13 children born to Michael and Bertha Strach. Florence was a graduate of Kingston High School, class of 1952.

Florence was deeply religious and enjoyed ministry and faith-based fellowship. She also loved music and animals. Florence has a keen sense for clothing design and fashion and jewelry. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife and mother, who will be sadly missed by her children and all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Korlishin in 1992 and by her 12 brothers and sisters.

Florence is survived by her son, Mark W. Korlishin, Kingston and by her daughter, Terry Ross and her husband, Joseph, Kingston. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

To send a condolence, please go www.ngjfuneral.com.

05/12/2026

Joan M. Ott
May 6, 2026

Joan M. Ott, 79, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Wesley Village in Jenkins Township.

She was born in Washington D.C., a daughter of the late William F. and Jane Gibbons Ott. Joan was a 1966 graduate of Western High School in Washington D.C. She was formerly employed as a unit secretary at the Bethesda Naval Hospital and at the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital, prior to her retirement in 1999.

Joan was a devoted member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre, where she served as both a sacristan and a Eucharistic minister. She shared her time, talent and faith in various capacities such as the Art and Environment, Prayer Shawl and St. Michael the Archangel Rosary Maker committees as well as the annual church bazaar. Joan was also a faithful member of the Companions of Pauline S.C.C. and The Blue Army.

Joan is survived by several loving cousins and two Godchildren.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the entire care team at Wesley Village who treated Joan with respect, kindness and attentive care each day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday May 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Nicholas St. Mary Parish 226 S. Washington St. Wilkes-Barre

A visitation for family and friends will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the church

Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Shavertown.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Saint Vincent De Paul soup kitchen, Jackson Street, Wilkes-Barre.

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

05/12/2026

Mary Ellen McGroarty Folta
April 30, 2026
Mary Ellen McGroarty Folta, 73, of Olney, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 1953, to the late Daniel and Florence McGroarty.
Mary Ellen graduated from James M. Coughlin High School and from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1975, where she met her future husband, David. She was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Olney, Maryland.
She enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren, who will cherish the memories of her teaching them how to bake, garden, sew, write cursive, and use an electric knife to cut meat properly for Sunday supper. She treated each one individually, taking them on special day trips together.
Mary Ellen loved to travel with her husband, David, taking numerous domestic and international trips. Her favorite destinations included Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Prague, France, Greece, Yellowstone, and a trip to Rome where she enjoyed a Papal audience at the Vatican.
Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, crafting, reading, gardening, and challenging herself to difficult puzzles.
She was a volunteer with the Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR) program with Montgomery County. At SOAR, she enjoyed many adventures with her close friends, including sailing trips, tea lunches, and evenings at the dinner theatre.
Mary and Dave recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a gathering of family and friends at Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, on their wedding date, November 15th, 2025.
In addition to her beloved husband David, she was a devoted mother to Jennifer Folta Teitelbaum and her husband Michael, Timothy Folta and his wife Stefania, Pamela Folta, and Michael Folta. Mary Ellen was the cherished grandmother to Brianna and Matthew Teitelbaum and Vivian, Camille, Wesley, and Benjamin Folta. She was the treasured sister of Daniel McGroarty, Jr. and wife Natalie, Thomas McGroarty and wife Joanne, Joan Caffrey and husband Edward, sister-in-law Catherine McGroarty, and the late Gerard McGroarty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Parish, 2900 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11am. Friends may call from 10am until the time of service.
Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Saturday, May 16, at 12:30pm, in Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call from 11am-12pm at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home at 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

04/29/2026

Karen Lynn Melf
April 25, 2026

Karen Lynn Melf, 71, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loving children and family. She was at home until the end as she wanted, comforted by the familiarity of the walls that knew her children’s first steps, Christmas mornings, and favorite films.

She was born in Newark, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Wilbur and Estelle (Heilbroun) Jellison Sr. She was proud of her humble beginnings, street smarts, and fond memories shopping with her mother downtown. Karen was a graduate of St. Vincent Academy in Newark, NJ. Prior to moving to Wilkes-Barre in 1982, she was employed as a merchandise buyer for Woolworth’s Department store in New Jersey, where she took pride in her skills and forged lifelong friendships.

Most dear to her heart, Karen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Responding to a newspaper ad (prior to online dating) and encouraged by her coworkers, she took the leap of faith to meet Lawrence Melf, her handsome, affable, and charming soon-to-be husband in Wilkes-Barre. Together, they raised seven children whom she loved unconditionally. Karen proudly volunteered at their elementary school St. Mary’s Byzantine, from PTO meetings to snack bar, showed up at holiday concerts and school musicals at Bishop Hoban H.S., celebrated every holiday with them into their adulthood, and each milestone graduation and ceremony, including both Maria and Larry’s weddings.

Karen was Catholic and a devout member of Holy Rosary Church in Wilkes-Barre, prior to its closing. She was an avid reader, especially Harlequin Romance novels. She loved the colors pink and red, glitter, large designer handbags, Hallmark movies, and crime shows.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence C. Melf, in 1998, and by her brothers, Wilbur Jellison Jr. and Jeffrey Jellison. Upon her husband’s passing, she chose to stay in Wilkes-Barre to raise her family next door to her beloved brothers-in-law the late Anthony Melf and Joseph Melf and late sister-in-law Marie Melf.

Karen is survived by her children: Larry Melf and his husband, Dr. Craig Thorne, Plantation, FL and Cleveland, OH; Anthony Melf, Kingston; Joseph Melf, Wilkes-Barre; Julie Melf, Wilkes-Barre; Maria Ryder and her husband, David, Kingston; Rose Melf, Wilkes-Barre; and Kathy Melf, Wilkes-Barre. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Gabriel and Isabella Ryder. Karen equally adored Gabriel, her sweet angel always thinking of her, and Isabella, her mini-me who she felt a soul connection with since birth. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Thao Jellison, niece Kimberly Patrick, and extended family Nicole Kacsoh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10 am in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 339 N. Maple Avenue, Kingston. A private viewing will be held for the family at the funeral home. Friends attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the Church. The family will receive guests briefly after Mass. Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

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

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

04/26/2026

Thomas G. Kennedy Jr.
April 24, 2026

Thomas G. Kennedy Jr., 71, of Larksville passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at home. He was born in Larksville the son of the late Thomas G. and Catherine Bitsko Kennedy Sr. Thomas graduated from West Side Technical School, class of 1972. He served in the Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam war. Thomas worked at Calex Trucking as a Truck Mechanic prior to his retirement. He was a member of American Legion, Post 655, Larksville for 16 years.

Survived by his wife Sandra Ford Kennedy, children, Angel Marie Spencer and her husband Ed, Hunlock Creek, Thomas G. Kennedy III and his wife Sharon, Larksville, Cassie Kennedy and her companion Warren Little, Larksville, step children, Andy Chopka and his companion Jessica Reilly, Wilkes-Barre, J.C. Candeloro and Companion Maddie Jones, Nanticoke, grandchildren, Jayden Chopka, Andrew Chopka and his companion Lolo Vanvalen, Brianna Naudus, Nathan Candeloro, Connor Spencer Specialist Army, Megan Catherine Spencer and companion Josh Tsvayberg, Quentin Kennedy and companion Dakota Truax, Bradley Kennedy and companion Angel DeGraw, Jaxon Little, Evander Brown and his companion Ava Presto. Great Grandchildren, Natalia Chopka, Ariella Chopka, Dean Chopka, Maverick Chopka, Avery Spry, Justin Spry Jr, Hazel Presto, brother, John Kennedy and his wife Nancy, Exeter, sisters, Julianne Burke and her husband Harold, Larksville, Kate Mojzuk and her husband Edward, Courtdale, Sister In Laws, LeeAnn Kralik and companion Bobby Bell and son RJ Kralik Harding PA, Lisa Marie Garrison Orange PA, Sherri Kraska Maruscsak and husband Steve Somerset NJ, Brother In Law, Joe Ford NC and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, West Location, 717 Main St. Edwardsville. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from the funeral home.

Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home

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