PAGE 4 THE DALL AS POST Sunday, June 5, 2011 OBITUARIES ALLEN - Lorraine Elizabeth Lord, 85, of Dallas, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Cen- ter, Dallas, after a long illness. She was born January 24, 1926, in Wilkes-Barre, graduated from Kingston High School in 1943 and attended the Wyoming Semi- nary School of Business. As a member of the Shaver- town United Methodist Church, she served her church in many ca- pacities over her years of mem- bership from being a Sunday school teacher to serving on vari- ous social, organizational and functional committees. As a foster parent, Lorraine ex- tended her love and wisdom to 15 children throughout the years. As an employee of the Luzerne In- termediate Unit, she was a para- professional working with spe- cial needs children. Surviving are children, Debo- rah Morgantini, Dallas; Jeffrey, Land O’ Lakes, Fla.; Joseph III, Dallas, Texas; and Roxanne Fish- er, Plymouth; seven grandchil- dren,; eight great-grandchildren; her brother, James F. Lord, Sha- vertown; a niece and a nephew. Memorial donations to the Meadows Nursing and Rehabil- itation Center, 55 W. Center Hill Rd., Dallas, PA 18612. BALESTER - Jonathan Joseph Balester, 56, of Shavertown, died in his home, Thursday, May 26, 2011. He was born June 15, 1954, in Wyoming, was a 1972 graduate of Wyoming Seminary and was president of his own business, ABBA Advertising Products, which he operated from his home. He worked in the optical indus- try for the past 38 years in Roch- ester, N.Y., for Main Optical and briefly for Bausch and Lomb. A past president of his family’s busi- ness, Balester Optical Company, Wilkes-Barre, he also served on its board of directors. He was a member of the Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre, and founder of Business Network Internation- al (BNI) Valley Chapter. He was an active member of the Back Mountain Harvest As- sembly of God Church and served as a Chaplin and Advisory Board Member for Providing Hope Prison Ministry. He served as a director of volunteers for the Luzerne County Republican Par- ty. Surviving are his mother, Ali- son Garland McLeod-Sharpe; sis- ters, Heather, Wilkes-Barre; Vale- rie, College Station, Texas; broth- ers, Matthew, Clifton Springs, N.Y.; and Marc, Austin, Texas; ne- phews and nieces. Memorial donations to the Sal- vation Army, 729 Sans Souci Parkway, Hanover Township, PA 18706; St. Vincent de Paul Kitch- en, 39 E. Jackson St., Wilkes- Barre, PA 18701; or the Back Mountain Harvest Assembly of God Church. BERLEW - William Gilbert Sr., 62, Dallas, died Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Hospice Community Care Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. He was born in Wilkes-Barre on October 26, 1948, was a gradu- ate of Lake-Lehman High School and was employed as a UV oper- ator at Offset Paperback for 28 years, retiring April 1, 2010. He was a member of the John Harris Memorial Bowling League, a coach and past presi- dent of the Bob Horlacher Memo- rial Little League. He was a mem- ber of Noxen United Methodist Church. Surviving are his mother, Lau- ra Jean Wright Berlew; his wife of 43 years, the former Elizabeth Hummer; sons, William G. Jr, Courtdale; Richard R., Dallas; Loren L., Beaumont; daughter, Leanne G. Berlew Hopkins, Tunkhannock; nine grandchil- dren; a great-granddaughter; brothers, David, Dallas; Leonard, Harveys Lake; nieces; nephews; cousins. Memorial donations to Hos- pice Community Care, 601 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704. BURGESS -Mark B., 47, of Sha- vertown, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, in the Pinnacle Hospital, Harrisburg, due to injuries he re- ceived in a motor vehicle acci- dent on Friday, May 27, 2011. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, was a graduate of Seton Catholic High School class of 1981 and re- ceived his phlebotomy certifica- tion from Luzerne County Com- munity College. For many years, he was em- ployed at the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital and the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a phleboto- mist. He was a member of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, the Valley Masonic Lodge 499, West Pittston and the National Rifle Association. Surviving are his parents, Da- vid and Florence Menhennet Bur- gess, Exeter Township; his wife of 13 years, the former Catherine J. Thomas; sons, David J. and Sean M., both of Lake Wallenpau- pack; brothers, Russell, West Wyoming, and Dale, Harding; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Memorial donations to the Blue Chip Farms Animal Rescue, 974 Lockville Rd., Dallas, PA 18612. CYBULSKI - Helen, of Dallas, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at ManorCare Nursing Home, King- ston. She was born in Kingston and she was a member of Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas. She was a manager of C&B Fashions, Swoyersville. Surviving are a son, Michael, Texas; five grandchildren; a brother, Peter Yablonski, Pringle; and a sister, Leona Leitz, Court- dale. GRIFFITHS - Dorothy J., 83, formerly of Trucksville, died Sun- day, May 15, 2011, at Arden Courts, Wescosville. She was born Wilkes-Barre and was a member of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas. Surviving are her sons, Robert, Alexandria, Va.; and Bruce, Al- lentown; one granddaughter; three grandsons; brother, Robert Considine, Shavertown; nieces and nephews. Memorial donations to the Alz- heimer’s Association , Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. JAMES - Tillie, 103, formerly of Hanover Green and Dallas, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospi- tal. She was born April 2, 1908, in Luzerne, and, prior to her retire- ment, was a sewing machine op- erator in the garment industry. Surviving are her daughters, Sandra Woodeshick, of Hanover Green; and Nancy King, of Dal- las; 10 grandchildren; great- and great-great-grandchildren. JENKINS - Antoinette M., 69, of Dallas, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. She was born in Nanticoke and was a graduate of Nanticoke High School where she was the first ACON Queen, sponsored by the Athletic Club, Nanticoke. She was a parishioner of Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas, where she was an active member of the Bell and Funeral Choirs, and was the original member of the RCIA at Gate of Heaven. She was also a volunteer with the Mercy Auxil- iary. While a parishioner at St. Fran- cis of Assisi, Nanticoke, she taught CCD, was the first woman lector and first woman Eucharis- tic Minister of St. Francis Church. Surviving are her husband, William D. Jenkins II, with whom she celebrated 50 years of mar- riage; sons, David, Doylestown; Edward S., Harveys Lake; Wil- liam D. III, Dallas; daughters, El- izabeth, Radnor; and Mary Eliza- beth, Trappe; 15 grandchildren. Memorial donations to the Sis- ters of Mercy at the Mercy Cen- ter, Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612. WILLIAMSON - Robert, 98, of Druid Hills Drive, Shavertown, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, at Mercy Center, Dallas. He was born in Vernon, Wyom- ing County, and was a graduate of Wyoming High School, class of 1931. He joined General Cigar Co., but was then drafted into the U.S. Navy in World War II. He re- turned to General Cigar Co. where he worked for 45 years, re- tiring as a district manager. He was a member of Shaver- town United Methodist Church and past master of Kingston Lodge 395 F&AM, Caldwell Con- sistory, Bloomsburg, and Irem Temple A. A.O.N.M.S. He was a member of the Irem Golf Associ- ation for over 40 years and was al- so a member of the Dallas Amer- ican Legion. Surviving are his wife of 73 years, the former Elsie Johnston; a son, Robert A., Trucksville; three granddaughters; a great- grandson; nieces and nephews. Memorial donations to Shaver- town United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown, or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 200 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612. Rusty Flack was a community giant Rusty Flack, loving husband, father and friend to many, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, May 26, 2011, at his home in Dallas fol- lowing a 19-month battle against cancer. He was 56. A lifelong resident of Dallas, he was a son of Joan Flack Nus- baum, Naples, Fla., and Dallas; and the late Charles D. Flack. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary and earned a Bache- lor of Arts degree in Economics from Susquehanna University. Most recently, he was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree from Miser- icordia University. Chairman of Diamond Con- solidated Industries, Wyoming, he led the perforated metal firm from the age of 24, when his fa- ther Charlie succumbed to the same disease. Taking over as president, his start at Diamond really began in his early teens, working first as janitor, then learning how to operate ma- chinery, quickly moving through the ranks to production and shift management. His mentor and father figure throughout this early factory education was his oldest friend, John George, whose wise and sometimes harsh lessons pro- vided Rusty with lifelong princi- ples that guided him through- out his successful and entrepre- neurial career. Rusty’s business acumen, zest for life and genuine passion for improving our community caused him to be in great de- mand from a civic and service standpoint. He willingly, gra- ciously and competently served on countless boards in North- eastern Pennsylvania, and na- tionally and internationally within the perforated metals in- dustry. Translating his ardent patriot- ism and love of country into be- hind-the-scenes service to his fa- vored political party caused him to be highly sought after as an adviser, motivator and all- around Republican guru. He en- joyed many a fat bastard and coffee at Tony’s in Kingston, en- gaging in spirited political re- partee. He rallied behind and helped revitalize the local Re- publican Party and enjoyed planning and organizing high- profile political fundraisers, in the hope of encouraging others to become proactive in a posi- tive manner. Rusty was a voracious reader, an enthusiastic golfer and loved to travel. He loved being on the water. He sailed on the Chesa- peake and in the Virgin Islands, enjoyed boating at Martha’s Vineyard, but especially took FLACK pleasure in cruising around Har- veys Lake, a frequent sight in his beloved “Rumble,” often ac- companied by his devoted ca- nine companions, Jack and Lo- la. Another passion was music. The consummate entertainer, Rusty was an accomplished gui- tar player whose soft and gentle tenor voice led many of his less talented friends in hearty inter- pretations of Beatles, James Taylor, Clapton and CSN har- monies. Faith was a large part of Rus- ty’s constitution. A lifelong Episcopalian, he served in vari- ous capacities at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas, and Grace Episcopal Church, King- ston. He was an acolyte, lector, member of the choir, church school teacher and vestryman. It was the strength of his faith that enabled him to face the challenges of his insidious ease, serving as a shining ex Xe. ple of bravery and courage in the looming face of death. In his last weeks, he frequently quoted a line from the movie “Brave- heart,” reflecting that, “Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.” Rusty Flack truly lived. He was preceded in death, in addition to his father, Charles, by an infant daughter, Ashley. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 33 years, Kathi (Stine) Flack, Dallas; sons, Charles III and Alex, both of Harveys Lake; daughter, Ja- mie, Philadelphia; sister, Janet Elizabeth, Kingston; brother, Harold II, Center Moreland; nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rusty Flack Me- morial Garden at Grace Episco- pal Church, c/o The Luzerne Foundation, 140 Main St., Lu- zerne, PA 18709; The Charles Flack Scholarship Fund of Mi- sericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612; Wyoming Seminary, c/o the Development Office, 201 N. Sprague Ave., Kingston, PA 18704-3593. Remembering fallen mn Jackson The Jackson Township Vol- unteer Fire Department held its annual Memorial Service on Saturday, May 28 in front of the fire department on Chase Road, Shavertown. Participating were Boy Scout Troop 146, flag raising; Rev. Thomas Morris, invoca- tion and benediction; Lt. Col. (retired) Duncan MacMul- len, memorial message; Bat- tery B, 109th 1-109th Field Artillery; firing of salvos; Vi- Township to Sicurella, Taps and re- treat. ; The names of six recently deceased fire department members were read, followed by the “Answering the Final Bell.” A plaque of “The Fireman's Wife’s Prayer” was presented to Desi Evans by the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire De- partment for her work orga- nizing memorial services for 20 years. : Township Memorial Service. Lt. Col. (Retired) Duncan MacMulien speaks at the Jackson CIVIC BRIEFS Fire department plans open house Northmoreland Twp. Volun- teer Fire Department will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, June 5 at the fire hall on Demunds Road in Cen- termoreland. There will be Bingo, refresh- ments and activities. Kids Trout Derby set for today The Bowman’s Creek Wa- tershed Association and the Noxen-Monroe Sportsman’s Association will hold a Kids Trout Derby today, June 5 at the sportsman’s grounds, Main Street, Noxen. Registration will begin at noon with the derby set to start at 1 p.m. There is no regis- tration fee. The derby is open to children ages 2 to 15 years of age. Prizes will be awarded in four differ- ent age groups. Cemetery Association will meet today The Fitch Cemetery Associ- ation will hold its annual meet- ing at 2 p.m. today, June 5 at the cemetery, Route 292, Falls, Northmoreland Township. Boback's staff available to public A member of State Repre- sentative Karen Boback’s staff will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7 at the Dallas Township Municipal Building, 601 Tunkhannock Hwy., Dallas. Canning class set Penn State Cooperative Ex- tension Luzerne County will offer a two-part canning class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 8 at The Lands at Hillside Farms in Trucksville. The program is designed for novice canners. The first ses- sion will include background information on how to preserve foods safely, both freezing and canning. The second session will be a hands-on workshop, making and canning strawberry jam. To register, call Penn State Cooperative Extension, Lu- zerne County at 1-888-825-1701. ESL classes offered he Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre will offer a series of free classes for English as a Second Lan- guage learners at a beginning level. For more information or to register, call 821-1959. Dog fashion show benefits Blue Chip Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge will host a Fashion FOURward Dog Fashion Show from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Sat- urday, June 11 at the Rutter Avenue Building, 900 Rutter Ave, Forty Fort. All proceeds benefit the Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge. The benefit event begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a high fashion runway show featuring NEPA dogs walking the runway. Auction items include the latest dog fashions, grooming packages and luxury items for dog owners to enjoy. For tickets, contact Edward Stanks at 852-9352. Meadows sets teen program orientation An orientation for the Sum- mer Teen Program at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabil- itation Center, Dallas will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 in the center’s multi- purpose room. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more in- formation, call the volunteer department at 675-8600, ext. 195 Irem Women plan Summer Luncheon The first of the Irem Wom- en’s Auxiliary’s Summer Lun- cheons will be held on Thurs- day, June 16 and is open to the public. Cost is $18. Reservations may be made with Bernice West at 256-3031 or Sally Wagner at 675-2325. Music Box production celebrates 30 years The Music Box Repertory Theatre presents “The Music Box 30th Anniversary Musical Memories,” highlighting 30 years of musical theatre, June 16-19 and 23-26 at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St, Swoyersville. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Thurs- days through Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays with a buffet dinner served 90 minutes be- fore curtain. For reservations, call 283- 2195. Learn about bees Join Sharon Telesky from the Master Gardeners’ of Penn State at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 23 at Wild Birds Unlimit- ed, Dallas Shopping Center, as she helps the group to under- stand the role of bees in gar- dens. The program is free. DeMuro will read from her books Back Mountain author and illustrator Angela DeMuro will provide a book reading and signing at Northeast Pennsylva- nia Family Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at The Lands at Hill- side Farms in Shavertown. DeMuro will read at 1 p.m. from her book, “I Already Knew I Loved You” and at 3 p.m. from her book, “Good Night My Little MU.” 8 Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet The Dallas Alzheimer’s Sup- port Group will meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 20 in the board room of the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 55 W. Center Hill Rd., Dallas For more information, call 675-8600. Learn about birds Learn the secrets about at- tracting birds, butterflies and bees to your backyard and garden with native plants at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 7 at Wild Birds Unlimited, Dallas Shopping Center. Join Roberta Troy, Penn State Master Gardener, and find out how easy and reward- ing gardening for humming- birds, butterflies and birds is. The program is free. Group will : seek out songbirds @ Join Wild Birds Unlimited and Bruce Troy for a free lei- surely walk through Frances Slocum State Park at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9 to seek out songbirds. Participants are asked to meet in the parking lot by the Environmental Education Cen- ter and boat rental area and bring binoculars.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers