Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA (2025)

11/25/2025

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Robert “Bob” Kopp, on Friday, November 22nd, at the age of 96 years young.

Bob was born on January 4th, 1929, in Ridgewood, NY. Bob was passionate about everything starting with a 20-year combined Army/Air Force enlisting, in 1947. He served his country as a Platoon Sergeant, at Fort Benning. While there he played with the Doughboys football team in the Air Force as Staff Sergeant 1951. He worked at the Pentagon, then transferred and spent 14 months in Korea and Japan, as a personnel supervisor, then returned to the US as an advisor to several reserve units. Bob was a recipient of several medals and awards. Most proud of the AF commendation medal. He retired as Master Sergeant, 1968. Following his military service, he worked for the state as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Served as Master, of the Nanticoke Lodge 541, Deputy Grand Master of the 12th Masonic District. Member of the Irem Shrine and Irem Temple Jass band as the lead singer and 1976 Champion Irem Temple golf club. A faithful servant at Forty Fort Presbyterian Church for many years.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife Jane, of 75 years.

He is survived by his son, Rev. Dr. Robert Kopp and wife, Leslie; daughter, Susan Bruno and husband, Joseph; grandchildren, Atty. Sarah J. Bruno, Dean Bruno, Atty. Daniel, Matt, Ben, David and Ben Kopp.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Woloski, Laverne O’Boyle and Ainslie DeYoung for their continuous care and visits.

11/21/2025

Haydn T. Evans, 101, of Dallas, passed away on Friday, November 21st, at Meadows Manor, Dallas.

Haydn was born in Wilkes-Barre, son of the late Haydn P. and Harriet Turner Evans. He was a graduate of Forty Fort High School Class of 1942. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he commissioned the USS New Jersey in the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1943 and immediately went to the Pacific Theater of War. While on the USS New Jersey he covered the Pacific Ocean from the Aleutian Islands to the China Sea and the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Pacific Teater Ribbon with 9 Stars. The Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars and the American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal; as well as a Good Conduct Ribbon and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Haydn was employed by Hadden Craftsman and International Correspondence Schools, Scranton and traveled throughout the United States working at numerous newspapers before returning to Wilkes-Barre Publishing Co. Where he was employed for 28 years until becoming a founding member of the Citizens Voice from where he retired in 1987

He was married in 1950 to the former Verna M. Motchler, of Mountain Top. They had one daughter, Lynn M. Evans, a teacher at Lake Lehman School District until her death in 2002. Haydn was President of Wilkes-Barre Allied Printing Trades Council for more than 20 years.

He also represented Wilkes-Barre Typographical Union 187 at conventions in Honolulu, HI; Kansas City, MO; Montreal, Canada; San Francisco, CA; Atlantic City, NJ; Harrisburg, PA and Seattle, WA. He was a delegate to Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware Typographical Conference for many years.

Haydn is survived by his loving wife, Jean Stacey Evans; as well as step son, Eric Stacey.

Family and friends are invited from 10 to 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 25th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Graveside service and interment will be held immediately following calling hours at 11 AM at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Evans Memorial Youth Fund, Forty Fort United Methodist Church, 10 Yeager Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704.

11/21/2025

Kay was born on September 22, 1948, in Wilkes Barre, PA, to the late Robert G. “Buss” Keefer, of Dallas, PA, and the late Enid M. Keefer (née Griffith), who was born and raised near Melbourne, Australia, where her family had migrated in the 1850s. Buss and Enid met during World War II, eventually marrying and having three children, of which Kay was the middle child. Her siblings were two brothers whom she would later come to miss very much: the late Colin R. Keefer, four years her senior, and David Keefer, seven years her junior.

She is survived most immediately by Lynn W. Nace, her husband of forty-eight years; her son, Dr. Nicholas D. Nace, and his wife, Dr. Chelsie A. Malyszek, of Farmville, VA; and her stepson, Brett A. Nace, of Columbus, OH.

Kay’s childhood years were spent in Forty Fort and her teen years in the Harvey’s Lake area, where she had many overlapping friend groups, including one she referred to as the “Woofers.” She graduated from Lake Lehman High School in 1966, after which she took several jobs in Wilkes Barre. Soon after, she moved to Camp Hill, PA, and began work as a keypunch operator for the state government in Harrisburg, performing data entry at record speeds within the office that was, mostly because of Kay, the fastest nationally. In the mid-1970s, she took a job keypunching at Roadway Express, where she met her future husband, Lynn.

Lynn and Kay were married in 1978, after which they moved to Akron, OH, where they raised Nicholas and Brett as well as several beloved cats. During the 1980s, Kay managed the family real estate business, performing all duties from maintenance to rent collecting at three different properties. Taking a motherly interest in her son’s activities, Kay began to train in martial arts along with Nicholas during the 1980s, achieving several belts in Taekwondo. She took part in many local beautification projects, including the planning, planting, and maintenance of eight of the city’s public flower gardens. In the 1990s, she changed careers in order to follow her lifelong passion and become an interior design consultant.

In 2003, Lynn and Kay retired and moved back home to the Wilkes Barre area, in part to help her father in his later years and to be closer to the nature she loved. Soon Kay began to plan, design, and oversee the construction of her dream house on the banks of Bowman’s Creek in Monroe Township. Once built and meticulously decorated, the house was a hub of activity in which Kay spent time entertaining friends and family, frequently making her widely renowned cheesecake and hosting events for local animal groups. During this time, she became a member of the Tunkhannock chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she eventually took leadership roles and developed several philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives, including the writing of a cookbook published in 2010 and an ongoing project to make and distribute wheelchair accessories for the residents of local nursing homes.

In February of 2020, Kay was diagnosed with dementia, a disease she quietly and stoically withstood until finally succumbing on the morning of November 19th.

11/21/2025

Leona C. Lynn, 95, of Wilkes-Barre passed away on Tuesday, November 18th at Embassy of East Mountain.

Leona was born in Plymouth, PA, on July 7th, 1930, daughter of the late Thomas and Leona Kearns. Leona was a graduate of Saint Vincent’s High School in Plymouth, she worked as a clerk at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C, and was later employed for many years at Evans King Floral in Forty Fort.

Leona was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, loved politics and family gatherings, was a fierce competitor at the pitch table, and an expert maker of baked beans that were loved by many.
She was a long-time member of the former Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Forty Fort, and later, of St. Ignatius Church in Kingston. For many years she was an active volunteer at Holy Name of Jesus Grade School in Forty Fort and Bishop O’Reilly High School in Kingston.

Leona is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Lynn, her parents, her brothers Thomas and Joseph, and her sisters Ellen, Rose, Ann, and Margaret.

Leona is survived by her son, Brian Grove and his wife Renee, Spring, Texas; her grandchildren, Anna Grove and Jack Grove, Austin, TX; her nephews Lawrence Grove, Anchorage, AK, and Mark Grove, Mountaintop, PA, her niece Judy Swoboda, Plains, PA, and her great niece, Kim Robinson, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 19th, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, PA 18704. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Moosic, PA. https://www.hospicesacredheart.org/donate

11/20/2025

Joan Teresa Vinovrski Mazeitis, 81, of Luzerne, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 19th at Abington Manor, Clarks Summit, where she had been a resident since May 2025.

She was born on January 11th, 1944, in Luzerne.

Joan was a devoted wife to her late husband Jimmy, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband James Mazeitis, April 2024. She loved travelling to see her grandchildren in both New York and North Carolina. She was active in her church, serving as Eucharistic Minister and serving Communion to those who were unable to leave the home, both at St. Ignatius and Holy Family Catholic Church. She was a member of the Ladies of Assumpta with the Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Church prayer group.

She was last employed as an administrative assistant at Luzerne National Bank and served as tax collector for the Courtdale Borough. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, and Luzerne High School. She also graduated from Wilke-Barre Business College.

She will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including brother Bernard (Marcella), daughters, Jamie Herndon (Brad), and Amy Dougan (Timothy); and grandchildren Dr. Stefan Knorr (Bethany), Allison Knorr, Ethan Knorr, Declan Dougan, Kathryn Knorr, Emily Knorr and Brody Dougan.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 6 PM on Sunday, November 23rd to Hughes B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave. Forty Fort.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday, November 24th at St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. Interment will be held at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Lehman.

11/17/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ruth Marie Herman, 87 — a devoted mother and grandmother, a cherished friend, and an extraordinary woman whose kindness and strength touched everyone she met. Ruth’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth was born on May 30, 1938, in Nicktown, PA, to Anna Esther (“Esther”) and Joseph Fredrick (“Fred”) Bechel. Growing up on the family farm, she developed a lifelong love of animals and gardening. As a proud member of the 4-H Club, she won numerous ribbons throughout her youth. After graduating high school, Ruth moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked as an administrative assistant. She later moved to Johnstown, PA, and worked as a nutritionist at Mercy Hospital — a chapter in her life made all the more memorable because it was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Herman.

Ruth and Joseph were married for over 50 years and welcomed 5 children. Ruth was deeply dedicated to her children’s activities and community. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, taught Catechism classes at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, generously volunteered her time to assist senior citizens with their tax returns, and was an active member of the Wallenpaupack Area Band Parents Association, among many other roles.

Over the years, Ruth cultivated countless passions. She raised and showed Siberian Huskies and was especially proud of Kishka, her Westminster Dog Show Best of Breed Champion. Ruth was also a gifted gardener; her flourishing vegetable and perennial gardens were a reflection of her patience and joy in nurturing life. As one of the founding members of the Country Gardeners Garden Club, she served as Membership Chairperson for more than twenty-five years. She and her group once earned first prize for their flower vignette at the Northeast Pennsylvania Flower Show at the Kingston Armory. Recently, she was honored as the club’s first-ever Chair Emerita.

Ruth’s love of flowers blossomed into a deep appreciation for orchids. She joined an Orchid Club and made annual trips with friends to various orchid shows and to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Her green thumb and dedication resulted in many prize-winning orchids, and she made the art of growing them look effortless.

Ruth also enjoyed wonderful friendships through her involvement in The Top Hats Red Hat Club, where she proudly held the title of Viscountess. She treasured the luncheons, holiday gatherings, and camaraderie shared with her fellow Red Hatters.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Fred Bechel; her husband, Joseph; and her siblings Charles James (Jim) Edwards, Mary Ann Gorentz, John Bechel, Betty Lou Iwasaki, Nancy Bechel, and Carl Bechel. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Himmer and Doloris Pajak; her children Christine Herman, John Herman, Kathleen Rickrode (Jerry), Vincent Herman (Daiane), and David Herman (Connie); and her grandchildren Jordyn Rickrode, Christian Rickrode, and Joseph Herman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Audubon Society.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at Queen of Peace Church in Hawley, PA. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.
Ruth’s devotion to her family and friends was truly unparalleled. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

11/10/2025

James E. (Jimmy) Reilly, 78, of Luzerne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Meadows nursing facility in Dallas.

Born on June 26, 1947, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna Mae (Tregan) Reilly. Raised in Luzerne, Jimmy attended Luzerne High School and then enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Private First Class soldier Jimmy was stationed in Okinawa when he joined the US Army boxing team. While serving overseas, he became the welterweight champion of the island. After serving in the Army, Jim came home and started a professional boxing career at the Wilkes Barre Police Athletic League. Jimmy boxed professionally from 1970 to 1976, becoming the Northeast Pennsylvania Middleweight champion before retiring from his boxing career. Jimmy was self-employed, doing construction and painting for many years. Until retirement, he was employed by Connelly Realty Group in Luzerne. Some of Jim’s favorite pastimes were having his morning coffee at McDonald’s, reading the newspaper, and talking to his buddies. Jim loved fishing with his brothers and hunting in his free time. He also loved spending Sundays with his friends at the American Legion, where he was involved for many years.

Jim also carried on a 40-year tradition started by his father, with the help of his family, stocking Toby’s Creek with fish for the children every trout season. He was so happy to do that for the kids. He ran the tournament for several years, handing out trophies, prizes and teaching the young fishermen.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, George Reilly; sister, Bonnie Wasilewski; former wife and friend, Denise Reilly; and several aunts and uncles. He leaves behind his daughter, Colleen Slocum and her husband Brian of Wyoming, and his cherished only granddaughter, Brennan, whom he loved so much. He is also survived by his brothers Bill Reilly, David Reilly, and Michael Reilly, and sisters Romaine Rosenko and Charmaine Ourso and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday, November 13th, to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc., Funeral Home.

Memorial service will immediately follow at 6:30 PM at the funeral home.

Jimmy will be remembered for his humor, his toughness and his fun loving personality.

11/08/2025

Linda A. Taylor, 77, of Kingston, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 6th, surrounded by the love of her family at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Born on December 5th, 1947, in Kingston, Linda was the daughter of the late Alec and Florence Jones MacDonald. A proud graduate of Forty Fort High School, Class of 1966, Linda went on to dedicate over 30 years of her life as a cosmetologist at Leader East Nursing Home, where her caring spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of so many.

Above all else, Linda had deep faith and cherished her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. She found peace and happiness in simple pleasures — long walks, good music, cheering for her beloved Dodgers, and the freedom of being out on a cruise with those she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved grandmother, Ethel Jones, whose influence and love remained close to Linda’s heart throughout her life.

Linda will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 58 years, John Taylor; her children, John and wife Debbie of Forty Fort, Joseph and wife Monica of Southampton, and Melissa and husband John Lucas of Dallas, PA; her brother, Keith MacDonald; and her sister, Mollie Lunski. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jessica, Cody, Cassidy, Mia, Ben, Taylor, and Kristen, and her adored great-grandchildren Donny, Bentley, and Teagan — all of whom brought her endless joy and pride.

Family and friends are invited from 7 to 9 PM on Tuesday, November 11th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, November 12th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Interment will be held at Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.

11/05/2025

Grace Marie Fetter, 87, of Kingston, passed away on Monday, November 3rd, at Edenbrook on Second Avenue, Kingston.

Grace was born on October 4th, 1938, in Williamsport, daughter of the late Theodore F. and Mary Edna Hyssong Fetter. She was then employed as an Accountant for Nabisco, Kraft Foods and National Brands. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kingston. Grace always enjoyed gardening, she loved her cats and was a diehard Phillies fan.

She is preceded in death by parents and sister, Dorothy (Fetter) Fenstermaker and Dorothy’s husband, Jay.

Grace is survived by her nephew, Robert Fenstermaker and wife Michele, of Covington Twp., and three grand nephews, Bradley, Tyler and Wesley.

Family and friends are invited from 10 to 11 AM on Friday, November 7th to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

Graveside service will be held at 12 PM on Friday, November 7th at Elan Memorial Park, 5595 Old Berwick Rd., Bloomsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 813 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.

11/03/2025

William C. DeRemer, 85, of Kingston and formally from Plymouth, entered his eternal home surrounded by children and family, on October 28, 2025.

William was born on June 11, 1940, to Irvin T. DeRemer and Minnie E. Johnson DeRemer. He graduated from Coughlin High School in 1958, attended Wilkes-Barre Business College and served our country for five and a half years in the Army Reserve. He was a member of Dorranceton United Methodist Church, Kingston,

For 46 years, William was employed in the newspaper industry. In his early years, he worked for the Times Leader Publishing Company then later for the Citizens’ Voice newspaper in the advertising and newsroom departments. William retired as Day City editor and was among the first named to the Board of Directors for the Citizens’ Voice. He was past vice-president of the local division of the Newspaper Guild.

During the 1970’s, William served as a councilman for Plymouth Borough, Chairman for the March of Dimes, and was named the volunteer flood coordinator during Hurricane Agnes. He was a founding member of the Plymouth Women’s Softball League and past president and coach of the Plymouth Little League.
Furthermore, he was a former assistant women’s basketball coach for LCCC and broadcaster for high school football, basketball and wrestling, alongside Mike Kaye for WILK, WBAX and WNAK radio stations.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his siblings Irvin, Jean and Thomas.

He is survived by his five children Dawn Winton (Gerald), William (Joselle), Renee, Eric, and Douglas; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Known to family and friends as Bill, he spent his time playing golf, trivia, card games and exercising. He was an avid fan of Penn State football and wrestling, and an enthusiast for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bill enjoyed playing pool with his buddies. He also had fun dancing with friends, taking family movies, telling jokes and making people laugh.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. 1044 Wyoming Ave, Forty-Fort, on November 8, 2025, from 11:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, William’s family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, veteran’s organizations, or Shriners Hospitals.

The family of William wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehab Hospital and Superior Health Services, Inc. for their compassionate care.

11/03/2025

Eve Lukatchik Souchik, 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, at her home.

Born to the late John and Hope Oschypo Lukatchik, Eve was a lifelong resident of the Wyoming Valley. She graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in 1969 and continued her education at Wilkes Business College and Luzerne County Community College. She later earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Misericordia College and subsequently her Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University.

Eve dedicated her career to serving her community as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the Victims Resource Center and then many years at Catholic Social Services until her retirement.

Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Eve was a devoted member of the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston, where she volunteered on many committees.
Eve had a generous heart and a feisty spirit. She loved to sing, sew, cook, bake, and make every holiday special. Christmas was one of her favorite season's— she would spend weeks preparing dozens of varieties of cookies, beautifully packaging them to share with family, and friends. Her kitchen was her happy place, always full of delicious aromas.

She is survived by her daughter, Marie Carver, and her son, Nicholas Souchik III; grandchildren, Claudia and Lucas Carver, and Larissa, Natasha, and Lilliya Souchik.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

10/28/2025

Frank “Crazy Frankie” Oldziejewski of Wilkes-Barre passed away on October 26th. He lost his battle with a lengthy illness at the age of 75 with his family by his side.

Born in Kingston on July 14, 1950, he was the son of the late Frank Sr. and Mary Spitale Oldziejewski. Frank attended Marymount High School and King’s College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 109th Field Artillery. He often reminded his family and friends to remember the veterans.

After his service, he began a successful career in sales at Nachlis Furniture and was
well known as commercial personality “Crazy Frankie”. Later in life he continued to serve the community through his work at Commission on Economic Opportunity.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws Bill and Mollie Smith and his nephew and fishing buddy, Billy Smith.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years Nancy Smith Oldziejewski, daughters Katie Malarkey and husband Art, Dallas. Maggie Gill and husband Brian, Swoyersville. Grandchildren, Nora, Claire, Nate and Liam, who were his pride and joy. Brother Tom Oldziejewski, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Karen Smith, brother-in -law Gene Smith, sister-in-law Gina Smith and his nieces, nephews and cousins who meant more to him than they will ever know.

Frank dedicated his life to family, friends, fishing and fun. He was always the life of the party. “BIG ONES BITIN’ NOW!”

All are invited to join a celebration of his life from 3 to 5 PM on Thursday, November 6th at Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc., Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, with a Blessing Service and Eulogies following at 5 PM.

Hugh B Hughes & Son Funeral Home

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