Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

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Hunlock Creek, PA
Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

Our family owned funeral home has had the privilege of serving many families in the Back Mountain.

Services Offered
We provide traditional, green, cremation, prearranged, immediate burial and out of town receiving/forwarding services. Traditional Funeral Service: A service where the body is present for visiting hours and a funeral ceremony is conducted either privately or publicly, usually at the funeral home or a church. The visitation can be the same day just prior to the service or the day before the service. Green Funeral: In general terms, this involves holding the deceased's remains without embalming or purchase of a burial vault. Also, the use of a biodegradable casket (designed to return to the elements of the earth) in a designated cemetery, along with a meaningful celebration of life at the graveside. Direct Cremation: When a cremation is preferred it may be immediate with no viewing. With this service, families may want a memorial service either at the funeral home or elsewhere with or without the cremains present. Many families choose to have a visitation and a funeral service with an open casket followed by cremation. Prearranging: More and more people are prearranging their funeral. It gives them to opportunity to express their wishes with family, make informed choices and take the stress and burden off of their family at a most difficult time. It also gives those who have no family to make their arrangements a peace of mind, knowing that their instructions will be carried out. For a personal consultation on prearranging and pre-funding, please contact us. Immediate Burial: This is burial that without visitation or funeral ceremony. A memorial service may be held later, either at the funeral home or elsewhere.

09/09/2025

Thomas C. Traver, age 64 of Harveys Lake, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 7, 2025.

He was born in Kingston on January 2, 1961 and was the son of Irene Traver of Harveys Lake and the late Clayton L. Traver.

Thomas was a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School, class of 1979. He was employed by Offset Paperback Manufacturers for 44 years, until his retirement in 2023. Thomas enjoyed the outdoors, walking, hunting, hiking, fishing and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to both family and strangers. Tom was a member of the Harveys Lake Rod and Gun Club and the NRA.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by sister, Patsy, grandparents, Thomas and Hildreth Traver, Charles and Mildred Snyder and nephew, Christopher Long.

In addition to his mother, Thomas is survived by sisters, Pam Long and Lisa Willis (Chris); brothers, Richard, Robert, and Brian Traver; several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. L.D. Reed of the Emmanuel Assembly of God Church and Pastor Rocky Bonomo of the Sweet Valley Church of Christ, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Fly High Tom!

09/08/2025

Nancy Ann (Hardiman) Washinski, age 91 of Hunlock Creek, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas.

She was born in Kingston on March 15, 1934 and was the daughter of the late Sheldon and Hilda McMichael Jones.

Nancy graduated from Shickshinny High School. She was a member of Oakdale United Methodist Church, Hunlock Creek, where she sang in the choir. Nancy enjoying reading and playing softball.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, John J. Hardiman and Eugene Washinski; sons, John Curtis and Dale Hardiman; son-in-law, Jeff A. Cragle; and great-grandson, Jeffrey Cragle.

Nancy is surivived by her children, Brenda Hartman (Joe) of Larksville, Michael Hardiman (Tracy) of Lancaster; Eva Cragle of Hunlock Creek, James Hardiman of Shickshinny, and Brian Hardiman (Joy) of Hunlock Creek; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Randy Walsh, officiating.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Hunlock Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/27/2025

With deep sorrow but the assurance of God’s eternal love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marybeth Garnett, age 83 of Plymouth, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton. She was a devoted women of faith, whose life was a testament to the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

She was born in Kingston on August 14, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Samuel and Elizabeth Keast.

Marybeth was known for her gentle spirit, enduring kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and her church. She found immense joy in her faith, always seeking to serve others, whether through her involvement in the church choir, camping with her husband, baking, crocheting and most of all praying for her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is now reunited in Heaven with her dearly departed loved ones who preceded her in death including her brother, Fred Keast.

Marybeth is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Dayton Garnett, Jr; children, Samuel (Sheryl), Daniel (Mary), Dale (Randee), Gail Kowalski (Ed), Jill Howie(Carl “Jr.”); brother, James Keast (Linda); 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family and friends who were touched by her radiant spirit and faithful example.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM from the Faith Baptist Church, 39 Ga***rd Ave., Plymouth, PA 18651.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Huntsville Cemetery, Jackson Twp., where we will honor her legacy and rejoice in her eternal peace.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to Rock Mountain Bible Camp, 1156 Rock Mountain Dr., Susquehanna, PA 18847 or visit their website at https://www.rockmountainbiblecamp.org/give/.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

We take comfort in the knowledge that her soul rests now in the presence of the Lord, for He has wiped away every tear from her eyes.

08/22/2025

Richard H. Meade, age 87 of Hunlock Creek, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Birchwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Nanticoke.

He was born in Nanticoke on December 6, 1937, and was the son of the late Delbert and Doreatha Meade.

Richard was a sale representative for several auto part companies in the area. He was an avid roller skater at the Skateaway in Wilkes-Barre. Richard was a jack of all trades and enjoyed fixing things for others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; numerous brothers and sisters.

Richard is survived by sons, Richard W. Meade and his wife Sheila of Hunlock Creek and Harry Meade and his wife Nicole of Mocanaqua; grandchildren, Richard A. Meade and his wife Jill and Gavin; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/21/2025

Nancy Jane Krombel, age 91 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Allied Services Meade St., Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre on February 15, 1934, and was the daughter of the late William and Catherine Eckenrode.

Nancy graduated from GAR High School, and later received her associate’s degree from Lackawanna Community College. She held numerous jobs through the years, but was happiest as a homemaker raising her 7 children. Nancy was a member of St. Mary’s of the Maternity Church, Wilkes-Barre, where she sung in the choir and was a cantor. She was a selfless person who was always thinking of others ahead of herself.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by husband, Raymond A. Krombel; brothers, Gene, Donald, and Bob Eckenrode; daughter, Laura; and fiancé, Gordon Schaeffer.

She is survived by children, Cherylann Sheldon and husband Russell, Raymond Mark Krombel, Cynthia Krombel, Nancy Bush and husband Samuel, and Paul and Brian Krombel; brother, Jerry Eckenrode; grandchildren, Heather, Sam, Justin, Allison, Sarah, Jacob, and Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Flora, Sophie, Chloe, and Elaina Rose; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM prior to the services at the funeral home.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/19/2025

Nicholas “Nick” L. Colatosti, Sr. age 90 of Shavertown, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas.

He was born in Nanticoke on February 6, 1935 and was the son of the late Nicholas and Josephine Cipriani Colatosti.

Nick graduated from Nanticoke High School. He took up his father’s occupation as a union cement mason, later working and retiring from PPL in construction. Nick was a member of St. Therese’s Church, Shavertown, The Italian Club, Nanticoke, and the local Cement Mason’s Union. Nick was also involved with the local Cub Scouts of America troop, acting as a Troop Leader. He was an avid fisherman and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, enjoyed watching hockey and heavy weight wrestling, and loved spending time with his family playing cards and getting together for holiday celebrations. Nick was well known for being a hard and conscientious worker.

Nick is survived by his wife of 70 years, the former Joan Hill; son, Nick (Carol) of North Carolina, Gary (Judi) of Unityville, PA; and Neal (Alice) of Dallas; sister, Connie Bienkowski; brother, Robert; and 4 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 25, 2025 at 9:45 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM from St. Therese’s Church, 64 Davis St., Shavertown, PA 18708, with Rev. Joseph Pisaneshi, officiating.

Visitation will be from 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/15/2025

Gerald (Jerry) Leroy Wagner passed away as a result of a cardiac event on Monday, August 11, 2025 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was 82.

He was the son of the late Percy, “Jeff” and Meryl Kocher Wagner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: Beverly and Keith in infancy and brothers Robert in 1987 and Richard in 2023. Surviving are sisters: Elaine Zuba, Dallas, PA; Bonnie Bowdoin, Alexandria, VA; Glenda Akers, Burkburnett, TX; Michelle DePaul, Huntingdon, PA; Cheryl Land, Philadelphia, PA. Surviving are brothers: Tim, Harvey’s Lake, PA; Lynn, Dallas, PA; Donald, Pompton Lakes, NJ; Kevin, Larksville, PA. Gerald was also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry was a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School, class of 1961 and then
served more than 15 years as a proud Navy Storekeeper while in Vietnam performing “counterinsurgency” work. He also served aboard Naval Air Stations Quonset Point and Bermuda and aboard the USS Procyon (AF-61), USS Vulcon (AR-5), USS John King (DDG-3).

After leaving the Navy, he worked with the military Sealift Command serving aboard the USNS Hayes (TAGOR16). He then worked more than 20 years for Newport News Shipbuilding. Eventually, Jerry returned to Dallas, PA. In addition to his awards and medals for his Navy service, he was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Technical Service Honor Medals, which were rarely awarded to foreigners.

For over a decade, beginning in 1998, Jerry’s passion for car racing went full speed ahead when he became a supporter and sponsor of Rainbow Racing all over the East Coast. Jerry was there along with his “racing family,” for every milestone from Bud Kenny’s first win to their triumphant Coastal Plains Championship in 2002.

Jerry loved antiquing, flea marketing, going to his favorite casino in Atlantic City, NJ, attending sporting events with his late brother-in-law Joe, fishing with his family at Lake George, NY, and vacationing at the Outer Banks, NC with niece Belinda and her family.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial arrangements are made by Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., Hunlock Creek, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in loving memory of Gerald L. Wagner.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/11/2025

Samuel “Sam” Thomas Cramer, age 74 of Harveys Lake, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at home.

He was born in Shoemakersville, PA on October 27, 1950 and was the son of the late Donald and Grace Shappell Cramer.

Sam graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, State College, with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He worked for many years as a professor in the Department of Photography at LCCC, specializing in nature and portrait photography. He was a board member of the Harveys Lake Beach Club. Sam had a great love of outdoors, fishing, hiking, baking and was well known for his cooking skills and generosity. He also enjoyed traveling and taking many road trips with his family. Sam was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Connie; daughter, Marina Rotille (Kyle Bailey); grandchildren, Scarlett and Oliver; cousins, Roxanne Wise, Dan Cramer, and other cousins; aunt, Melva Wise; beloved dog, Flyke.

A Celebration of Life will be held later at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

08/07/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Luke Paul Ronczka, age 50, of Hunlock Creek, who passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2025.

Luke was born to Paulette and the late Paul Ronczka. He attended Lake-Lehman High School and Luzerne County Community College. Luke worked as a welder and pipe fitter for many years and was known for his strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and loyalty to his trade. Throughout his career, he worked for Linde Corporation, Fehlinger Construction Group, and was a member of the Boilermakers Union Local NTL. Most recently, he was employed as a utility plant operator at the State Correctional Institution - Dallas.

Outside of work, Luke found peace in the great outdoors. He had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and picking popinki mushrooms. Whether it was early mornings in the woods or quiet afternoons by the water, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Luke was an active member of the Lake Silkworth Sportsmans Association and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of its members.

Luke is survived by his two children, Cory Ronczka and Cora Scouton; his mother, Paulette Mickno; his brother, Marc (Jenn) Ronczka; and his two nephews, Mason and Mitchell Ronczka.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Jim Pall, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM prior to the services at the funeral home.

In remembrance, the family encourages everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature honoring Luke.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

07/28/2025

Leonard Farber, 88, of Hunlock Creek, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2025, at Riverstreet Manor & Rehabilitation, Wilkes-Barre.

Born on September 16, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Phillip H. and Josephine M. (Penkala) Farber. He graduated from Garrison High School in Shickshinny in 1954 and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, stationed aboard the USS Fort Snelling L*D 30. There, he trained in metalsmithing and welding.

Leonard was a man of great dedication and resilience. After his military career, he purchased a working dairy farm and later returned to welding, contributing to the construction of bridges, hospitals and power plants across Pennsylvania, as a member of several unions including Local 445.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Josephine Margaret Farber, and children and grandchildren, Leonard J. Farber of Philadelphia, Angela Rackleff and her husband Keith of Dallas, Paul Farber and his wife Renee of Yatesville, his grandchildren Hannah Farber of State College and Laura Farber of Yatesville, sister Kathleen Gill and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Phillip A. Farber, Mary Ann Mirro, James Farber, and Phyllis Shalata.

Leonard was deeply involved in his community and church. He was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the highest award in Scouting, “The silver beaver award” in 2004. He was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lake Silkworth, PA and served as an Extraordinary Minister and the Holy Name Society. As a member of the American Legion, he served veterans throughout Pennsylvania.

In retirement, Leonard and Josephine enjoyed traveling to various states to celebrate his navy ship’s reunions. Locally, Leonard loved exploring the back roads of Pennsylvania with his wife to attend church bazaars, flea markets and parks. Leonard was a talented gardener and had grown the most beautiful vegetables over the summer months.

Leonard will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family, faith, and country.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Rev. Brian Van Fossen, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM prior to the services at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Lake Silkworth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edmundite Missions, https://www.edmunditemissions.org/.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

07/14/2025

Timothy Dean Shaw, age 87 of Nanticoke, PA was called home to the Lord on July 14th, 2025 while at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born at home in Sweet Valley on January 28th 1938 to Raymond and Louise (Smith) Shaw.

Timothy met the love of his life, the late Jean (Romanowski) at the dance hall at Wolfe’s Grove (Pete Wolfe’s) Amusement Park in Sylvan Lake, PA in 1955. They married one year later and made wonderful memories for 56 years, with many dances along the way. They built their dream home in Sweet Valley where family often gathered. Timothy was self-employed and ran several businesses. He remained actively employed well into his 70s. He was a member of the Masonic Order and the Shriner Organization and supported Shriner’s Circus and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He was an active member of Nebo Baptist Church in Nanticoke and participated on the bowling and soft ball teams. Timothy loved people and was young at heart. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents and wife, Timothy was preceded in death by infant brother, Keith Shaw; sister Kay Altemus: brother, Wib Shaw; sister, Judy Whitmire.

Timothy is survived by his children, Timothy Shaw, Jr (Mary) of Orangeville, PA, Jodie Burkholder (Ken) of Hughesville, PA, Chris Shaw of Lake Silkworth, PA, Aaron Shaw (Valerie) of Harveys Lake, PA, and Ty Shaw (Doris) of Hunlock Creek, PA; siblings, Dot Rosencrans, Gary Shaw and Jeanette Almoney; He was “Pop” to numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18th at 11:00 AM at the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Raymond D. Purdy, Jr. of the Living Word Baptist Church, Sweet Valley, officiating.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Sweet Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital on line or by mail to Shriner’s Hospital, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

07/08/2025

Susan E. Gregus, of Lake Silkworth, passed away Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Nanticoke on May 3, 1957 and was the daughter of the late Larry and Joan McElwee.

Susan graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1975. She was employed by Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and later retired from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a unit secretary. Susan was a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lake Silkworth. She loved going on cruises with her husband, Ron, to cook and her dog, Snoopy. Susan was a very kind person to everyone who knew her.

Susan is survived her husband of 28 years, Ron; brother, David McElwee (Karen); daughter, Kim Mazur; grandchildren, Molly and Chloe; numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM from the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Rev. Brian Van Fossen, officiating.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

Address

2386 State Route 118
Hunlock Creek, PA
18621

Telephone

+15704772500

Website

http://clswansonfuneralhome.com/

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