Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home

09/04/2025

Steven Louis Norton, 73, of Nicholson passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2025 with his family by his side.

His wife is Diane Hoadley Norton and they have been married for 52 years.

Born in Meshoppen, he is the son of the late Daniel H. and Lillian Sherman Norton.

Steve graduated from Lackawanna Trail High School and then went on to Johnson College earning an associate’s degree in carpentry and cabinet making. Prior to retiring he worked in production for RCA Electronics and the W.W. Norton publishing company.

He attended the Peckville Assembly of God and the Thrive Church in Nicholson. He was a Royal Ranger and deacon and Secretary of the Board of Deacons of the Trinity Assembly of God in Nicholson. Steve and Diane also served as youth group leaders for many years at Trinity Assembly of God.

Steve was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was known for his honesty, generosity, and kindness. He was the true definition of a gentle giant.

A lover of the outdoors, Steve could often be found fishing and tending to his garden. Steve had a beautiful singing voice which he used to honor the Lord in various ways.

Steve is also survived by a daughter, Rachel (Gregory) Cawood; a son, Jonathan (Laura) Norton; five grandchildren Emma, Owen, Olivia, and Nolan Cawood and Lucas Norton; sisters Sharon Carpenter (Art) and Lezlie White; a brother David L. (Kathleen) Norton; and a sister-in-law, Lois Norton.

He was predeceased by a brother, Daniel H. Norton Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Thrive Church, formerly Trinity Assembly of God, 23 State St, Nicholson, PA 18446.
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Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Nicholson Cemetery

For online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/steven-l-norton

08/29/2025

Aleck Taylor Hortman Jr., 88, of Hop Bottom passed away August 26, 2025 at the Celebration Villa of Mid Valley.

His wife is Elizabeth Wulff Hortman and they were married for 56 years.

Born June 16, 1937 he is the son of the late Aleck T. Hortman Sr. and Anna Mayer Hortman. Upon graduating High School, Taylor worked for Sherwood’s in Nicholson Pa before serving in the US Army stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he opened Hortman’s Garage in Hop Bottom and spent many years as the hard-working community mechanic and used car dealer. Taylor was a life-member of the Hop Bottom Hose Company. He loved collecting cars and was a longtime member of the AACA.

Taylor is also survived by a son, Timothy Hortman; a daughter, Susan (Bruce) Stutzman; and grandchildren, Chris Stutzman and Amanda (Austin) Bendzynski.

There will be a viewing from 5-7pm on Wednesday, September 3rd in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

A Blessing service, performed by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun, will be held at 11am Thursday, September 4th in the funeral home.

Interment will follow in the Lathrop Squires Cemetery.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hop Bottom Hose Company or the Alzheimer’s Association.

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/aleck-taylor-hortman-jr

08/25/2025

**Services for Melsenia have been recheduled for this Saturday, August 30; calling from 10-10:45at the funeral home; Mass at St. Patrick Church at 11am**

Melsenia Crea, 87, of Lenox Township passed away November 12, 2024 at home. Her husband of 64 years, Frank Crea, passed away in 2022.

Born in Brooklyn, PA she is the daughter of the late Maurice and Rita Pappas Tiffany.

Melsenia graduated from Mountain View High School and was a retired housewife. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Nicholson. She loved to spend time gardening and crocheting.
Melsenia was blessed in her life with a family that cherished her. Her children, Sherri, Frank and Tracy, their children and grandchildren adored their Nana and PopPop with wonderful memories of time spent together. Melsenia loved her home and her flowers, especially in the summer where she was surrounded by her flowers. Melsenia will be missed by all who knew her.

Melsenia is survived by a daughter, CherylAnn Kraska; a son, Frank M. Crea, wife Tracy Crea; grandchildren, Phillip and Jessica Kraska (wife), Capt. Alexander (U.S. Marine Corps) and Ashley (wife) Kraska, Caroline Bunn, Jared and Carly (wife) Bunn, Grayson and Grayson (wife) Crea; Great Grandchildren, Camryn Kraska, Colette Kraska, Maclin Bunn, Amelia Bunn, Joseph Kraska; and a sister, Jo Ann Lewandowski, (husband) Norman.

Calling hours will be Saturday, August 30 from 10am until 10:45am in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson.

A mass of Christian burial performed by Rev. Arbogate Satoun will immediately follow at 11am in the St. Patrick Church, 205 Main Street Nicholson.

Interment will be held in the St. Patrick Cemetery, Nicholson.

08/19/2025

Joseph Robert “Bob” Bennett, 81, of Hop Bottom, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, comforted in his final hours by his loving family.

He was born on January 24, 1944 in Scranton, PA, the oldest of three children to Joseph and Eleanor Bennett.

He is survived by his four children Christian (Beth), Brett (Jolene), Darren (Catherine), and Greg (Kaitlyn), as well as his grandchildren Jonathan, Abigail, Sarah, Grace, and Mackenzie with her brother Cole. He is fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Beth Bennett, niece Laurie, nephew Ike, best friend Larry Noble, and many extended family and friends. He was formerly married to Donna
McMicken, with whom he lovingly raised their four children.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings - Lois and Roger Bennett, a niece Lana, and two nephews - Erik and Raymond.

As a life-long dairy farmer, Joseph’s life and legacy can best be defined by his perseverance - particularly in a vocation where there is no such thing as a day off, his resourcefulness in keeping aging farm machinery in use year after year - influenced by parents who shared a similar focus to make do with available resources while growing up during the Great Depression, and a strong-willed
tenacity to forge his own path through life. It would be an understatement to suggest that Joseph simply lived life doing things his way, but in all manners, his life-learnings informed the path forward.
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Joseph took tremendous pride in instilling values to his children, grandchildren and friends, providing counseling on financial acumen as a long time saver and investor, and reinforcing the importance of keeping commitments in business and in life. One could often find a Wall Street Journal opened up to the financial
section to track family investments and serve as a guide for formative learning moments over the years. He steadfastly resolved to support his children and provide a space to live and learn while also providing a safety net of support during life’s most trying moments. Even in his final days, Joseph was intent on imparting advice in order for family and friends to persevere in their life pursuits.

Joseph greatly appreciated family gatherings, especially the food! He was famous for asking for “just one more sliver” of a helping of the traditional Sunday dinner at his parent’s farm, friends and neighbors Taylor’s famously delicious BBQ chicken, homemade blackberry cobbler with berries sourced from the farm, or daughter-in-law Beth’s rice pudding.

Sports and recreation were also an important part of Joseph’s upbringing, having participated in multiple sport disciplines in high school and as part of a softball league with his sons later on in life. It was not uncommon to see the Bennett boys playing a pickup game of catch on the front lawn or batting practice in the field. Additionally, he was an avid deer and small game hunter, and provided the training and encouragement for his children to continue in this tradition as adults.

Ultimately, Joseph will be remembered for his love and care for his family, living a life free of material excess with the intent on supporting loved ones for generations to come.

A public celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at Charles Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson, PA on Friday, August 22nd. Receiving hours will be held from 10-11AM
followed by a memorial service from 11AM-12noon.

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/joseph-robert-bennett

08/19/2025

Joseph Pep Lewis Mordent III, 39, passed away at his home in Lakeside, Lathrop Township following a brief illness.

Joey was born August 28, 1985 and he graduated from Mountain View High School. He spent many years mowing grass and landscaping for his neighbors. He loved to watch movies and TV shows, play games, and spend time fishing on the lake.

Joey is survived by his father and stepmother , Joseph (Rebecca) P.L. Mordent Jr.; three brothers, Jimmy, Stephen, and Derrick Mordent; an uncle, Eugene Gaydos; an aunt, Ann Marie Aylesworth, and cousins, Jeff and Autumn Gaydos, and Sommer (Adam) Henning.

He was predeceased by his mother, Linda Clark Mordent, who passed away March 5; a brother, Charlie Mordent; and aunts Judith Gaydos and Patty Skinner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11am in the Church of Hope & Peace, 8 Church Street, Hop Bottom under the direction of Rev. Phil Richardson.

Family and friends are asked to arrive shortly before service time.

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/joseph-mordent-iii

08/06/2025

Ronnie “Bud” James Fisher, 59, passed away on Saturday August 2, 2025 in his family home in Hop Bottom.

Born in Hop Bottom, he is the son of the late Ronnie Noel and Karen Louise Griffis Fisher.

Ronnie graduated from Mountain View High School and spent many years working with Mark Hinkley as a carpenter and Don Stanton as a stone saw operator.

Ronnie enjoyed watching NASCAR at Bishop’s and love to ride his Harley Davidson. He kept an immaculate lawn and loved to mow. He had a green thumb for gardening and was known for his tomatoes.

Ronnie is survived by a son Michael J. Fisher; a daughter, Rebecca A. Fisher; an uncle, Gary (Rose) Griffis; and a niece and nephews.

He was predeceased by two uncles, Dennis & Ralph Griffis.

As per his request, funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/ronnie-bud-james-fisher

07/23/2025

Meredith “Reedy” Cornell, 92, of Nicholson, passed away on July 21, 2025, at Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Larry Cornell, who passed away in 2018. Born in Factoryville, Reedy was the daughter of the late Arthur Yetter.

Reedy graduated from Nicholson High School and, alongside her husband, co-owned Cornell’s Market and Cornell Snack Distributing. Later in life, she worked as a hospice nurse before retiring. Throughout her life, Reedy was an active member of the Nicholson United Methodist Church and the Nicholson Women’s Club.

Reedy had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying camping trips and winters spent in Florida. Known for her excellent baking and cooking skills, she found joy in sharing her creations with others. Above all, Reedy’s greatest love was her family, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and her grand-dog, Bella.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Tunkhannock Rehabilitation & Health Care Center and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care and support.

Reedy is survived by her son, David (Lin) Cornell; grandchildren, Crystal (Colin) Jackson, and Sherry (Brian) Evans; great-grandchildren, Shea Tompkins, Jake Evans, and Emma Evans; as well as step-great-grandchildren, Cole, Sydney, and Gage Jackson.

​She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Cornell, in 2011.

A celebration of Reedy’s life will be held on Friday, July 25, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Nicholson United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nicholson United Methodist Church in her memory.

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/meredith-reedy-cornell

07/11/2025

SSGT. Norman E. Lewandowski, 92, of Kingsley passed away Monday, July 7 at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jo-Ann Tiffany Lewandowski.

Born in Uniondale, he graduated from the Harford High School and enrolled in the US Marines. He served in the Korean War and proudly obtained the rank of Sergeant.

At the conclusion of his military service, Norm became as self-employed quarry operator, and in 1966 married the love of his life, Jo-Ann. He also worked for over 30 years for Lenox Township.

Norm was a life member of the Elk Mountain VFW Post #8488 and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Mid Valley #11. He enjoyed woodworking and to use his John Deere equipment. He was an outdoorsman and loved traveling with his wife to Canada to go fishing.

He is also survived by his daughter, Cathy Lang; grandchildren Larry & Hartt Lang; grandson, LJ Lang; nephews, Jerry (Vicky) & Frank (Tracy); nieces, Cheryl Kraska & Louise (Richard) Davis; and many more family and friends.

He was predeceased by brothers Joe & Walt and sisters May, Florence, and Celia.

Interment will be held at a later date in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/ssgt-norman-e-lewandowski

07/10/2025

James Richard “Rick” Gregory, also affectionately known as Pop, passed away unexpectedly July 7, 2025 at home.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Benninger Gregory, whom he gave unquestioned support and love. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in June.

Born in Scranton, Rick is the son of the late Harold and Doris Edwards Gregory. He graduated from the Falls-Overfield High School and acquired an associate’s degree from Penn State in Agriculture. Rick worked the majority of his life tending the Gregory family farm alongside his father, spending many years as a successful member of the Dairylea Milk Cooperative. As hard working of man as they come, Rick also drove school bus for over 50 years; and along with Bonnie together they tirelessly worked the Fair circuit as the well-known duo of Mr. Rick’s Pretzels.

Rick was a member of the Lake Winola United Methodist Church. He was also dedicated to the Masonic brotherhood, serving as Master Mason for over 50 years in the Factoryville Lodge #341 and as a Shriner.

As busy and hard as Rick’s everyday work schedule was, he never missed a moment to make a positive impact and be there for who he loved more than anything, his family.

Rick is also survived by his children, Tracy Richard (Shana), Harold Russell (Maylene), and James Richard Jr., and his grandchildren, Hunter, Brody, Clay, Makenzie, and Bryna.

Rick lived his life as a reserved, quiet, and gentle man. He was a staple at all the family sporting events, never missing a game. When you needed anything fixed, he patched it up. When you needed a race car driver, he tried! He was patient and never had a harsh word.

Rick was a true provider, a compassionate husband who was unwavering in his support of Bonnie, a father to the daughters he didn’t have, and a true role model to all.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Sunday, July 20th from 3-5pm in the Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State Street, Nicholson with Masonic services at 5pm.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Winola Fire Company.

For directions or online condolences, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/james-richard-rick-gregory

07/09/2025

Wesley Raymond Wilbur, 90 of Easton,PA passed away on Sunday, July 6th 2025 after a long battle with Parkinsons and entered the arms of the Father.

Wesley, the youngest of 11 children, was born February 18, 1935, in Hop Bottom PA to Ernest Wilbur and Lillian (Sweet) Wilbur. Wesley worked for over 30 years at Elk Lake School and later on also worked at Mountain View. For many years he also worked at the Harford Fair in Security and worked at the election polling both. In 1958 he married Frances (Ely) and went on to have 9 children: John, Beth, Bill, Shelly, Hope, Stephen, Cheryl, Russell and Gary.

Wesley loved to hunt, play golf and watch Western movies when not working. He was a member of various churches in the area over his 90 years on this earth; most recently Hallstead Baptist Church, PA. In his younger years he spent many nights on the field playing on the church softball team for Springville Baptist Church and West Lenox Baptist Church.

His favorite response to give his children, no matter the problem was “It’s okay, I’m fine”.

Welsey is predeceased by his parents, 9 siblings and his wife Frances.

He is survived by his sister Alice Pratt as well as his 9 children John (Heather) Wilbur, Beth White (husband), Bill (Sara) Wilbur, Shelly Wilbur, Hope Benedict, Stephen (Danelia) Wilbur, Cheryl (Patrick) Po***ck, Russell (Dawn) Wilbur and Gary Wilbur. Also survived by 17 grandchildren, John, Jean, Sharon, Jeffery, Jennifer, June, Chris (their mom Betty), Aaron, Corey, Rebecca, Benjamin, Randy, Jeffery, Joyce, Eric, Cierra and Mason, 24 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

A service will be held at West Lenox Baptist Church, PA on Monday July 14th at noon with one hour prior to the service for calling hours. Gravesite service at West Lenox Cemetery.

To send an online condolence, http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/wesley-r-wilbur

07/09/2025

Patricia Lourdes Reistetter Grochulski, 84, of Brooklyn, PA, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born May 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Patricia worked various sewing and factory jobs throughout her life to support her daughter. In her later years, she lived with her family and found great joy in crocheting, crossword puzzles, listening to polka music, and visits to the Chinese buffet. But most of all, she loved being “Baba” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Charles Heller; grandchildren Jake (and his wife Kylie), Delaney, and Joseph; and great-grandchildren Kynlee and Conner.

At Pat’s request, no services will be held. In her memory, please consider reaching out to someone you haven’t seen in a while and telling them you love them. The most important thing in life is to love and be loved.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Hop Bottom Fire Company, who treated her with compassion.

To send an online condolence,

Patricia Lourdes Reistetter Grochulski, 84, of Brooklyn, PA, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by love. Born May 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Patricia worked various sewing and factory...

06/23/2025

Kevin Lynn Brainard, 48 of Kingsley, passed away June 19th at home from a massive heart attack.

He was born July 7, 1976 in Buffalo, NY. He is the son of the late Ivan Brainard and the late Bonnie Brainard.

He attended Mt. View HS in Kingsley, PA. He was a truck driver most of his life and was recently employed with Masters
Concrete in Kingsley as a driver.

Kevin was a happy go lucky guy who could lighten up any room he entered. Whether you knew him or not, he would make you laugh for hours. His witty sense of humor was addicting. He loved taking long rides on his deuce with no exact destination.

His family meant more to him than anything. They would take road trips to restaurants they had never been. They loved bowling and being home riding quads. He absolutely loved watching his girls play basketball and if you were there, you'd hear him cheering them on along with the other players.

Kevin is survived by his fiancée Crystal Knick and their two daughters, Whitney and Brianna. He is also survived by his siblings Mark Millard (Angela), Tommy, Peggy (Bob) Woosman, Cheryl Clark and his 4 best friends, Jason Domenico, Barry Conrad, Troy Gamble, "Coach" Josh Olecki.

He was also predeceased by his cousin Brian Brainard whom he considered a brother.

A celebration of life will be on July 3, 2025 and 5pm at the Kingsley Methodist Church.

If you are a rider...please feel free to ride your bike to the service. Kevin would so love it!
There will be a cold meal served immediately following the service. All are welcome!

The family would like to Thank all that have visited and shown compassion during this time.

To send an online condolence,http://litwinfuneralhome.com/obituaries1/kevin-brainard