All Obituaries

  William (Bill) Donald Swanson, of Kirkwood, Missouri, passed away at Highland Park Senior Living in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on September 18, 2021. He was preceded in death earlier this year by his wife of 66 years, Shirley M. Swanson, and is survived by his three children: Kristin L. Swanson (Mac Prichard), William C. Swanson (Kathy Swanson), and Matthew L. Swanson (Ashley Taylor Swanson). He was grandfather to William M. Swanson (Devora Swanson), Adam C. Swanson (Meaghan Steele...

Rita Phillips Herrick, 99, passed away at Highland Park Senior Living in Wilkes Barre Township on September 17, 2021.  Rita was born in Chester, PA on November 11, 1921, to Louis and Mary Phillips, and she was one of 7 brothers and sisters.  Rita had a splendid first career, working for the Moore-McCormack Lines as a staff officer on their elegant liners the S.S. Argentina and S.S. Brasil, where she sailed the world, with destinations including South America, South Africa,...

Carl C. Covert, 72, of Wyoming passed away on Friday September 17, 2021 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Carl and Ruth Barry Covert. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War then retired from working for  Trans Med Ambulance services. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, the former Carol Pepe, and a daughter Rhia Freeman, West Pittston along with 4 grandchildren. and a sister Linda and her husband...

Emmit W. Coolbaugh, Sr, 81, of Harding, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dallas. He was the son of the late Wilbur and Mary Vandermark Coolbaugh. Emmit was a member of Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Redeemer, Harding, an avid golfer and member of Emanon Country Club for 35 years, also a former Chief of Police for Exeter Township, Harding. He worked in the trucking industry for most of his life. Emmit was a diehard NY Yankee...

Dr. Harold E. Cox, 90, of Exeter, passed away on Wednesday September 8, 2021 while in the care of Residential Hospice of NE Pa, Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Lynchburg, Va., he was the son of the late Alfred  J. and Margaret Trent Cox. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in active duty from 1954-1956 and then served in the US Army reserves for an additional 30 years achieving the rank of Command Sargent Major. Harold went on to attend William and Mary...

Victor Figueroa, 73, of Plymouth, passed away on Saturday September 4, 2021 at his home. Born in Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Juan Figueroa and Josefina  Figueroa. Victor moved from New York to Pennsylvania in search of a better life for his family. He made that sacrifice to give his sons a fighting chance in life – the opportunity succeeded, and for that they will always be thankful. Victor worked in a variety of  sales and labor jobs, doing whatever he...

Nicholas P. Hromek R.N., 24, a resident of Exeter, passed away on Saturday morning, August 28, 2021.   Born on March 26, 1997, in Kingston, Nicholas was the son of Kimberly A. Hromek, West Pittston, and Leonard L. Hromek and stepmother Jayne, West Wyoming.   Nick’s pride and joy was raising his son, Nico. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Breaking Benjamin fan. Nick was known for his creations in the kitchen and growing his own vegetable garden.   Nick was a...

Hortense M. Oschal, 85, of Exeter, entered into eternal life on Friday, August 27, 2021 while in the care of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.   Born in Pittston, she was the daughter of the late Amedeo and Mary Tarantino Pancotti.   Hortense was a member of St. Barbara Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church, Exeter.   She was a homemaker most of her life.   She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Julia Oschal Crossley; daughter-in-law,...

Shirley J. Fadden, 70, of Jenkins Twp., passed away at her home on August 10, 2021. Funeral arrangements are private.  

James O'Keefe, 67, of Exeter, passed away at home after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. He died peacefully in the arms of his wife and surrounded by loving family and friends. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late William and Lois (Kittle) O'Keefe. He was a graduate of Lake Lehman High School class of 1972. Jim owned and operated a Dry Wall business for many years both in Texas and PA. He was recognized as the best in his trade. He could be heard saying he...