Susan Ann Ventre, M.D

Janauray 21, 2012

Susan Ann Ventre, M.D., 74, of Waverly, died peacefully on Saturday at her residence. Her husband, the late Dr. Gilbert P. Franklin, D.D.S., died December 16, 2003.

She was born May 23, 1937, in Old Forge, Pennsylvania , as the daughter of the late Henry and Sue Fabbo Ventre. Dr. Ventre attended Old Forge High School . After high school, she matriculated at Penn Atate University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958.

Determined to pursue a career in medicine at a time when few women served in that profession, she then enrolled at Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences. Through diligent study and hard work, she graduated at the top of her medical school class and was honored with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1962. Dr. Ventre completed her internship and residency in pediatrics and served as a resident at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as well as at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York, N.Y. She also practiced medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center . She received her Board Certification in Pediatric Medicine in 1967. She additionally devoted several years to teaching medical students at the Downstates Medical College of New York.

Dr. Ventre returned to the area in 1979 and quickly established a thriving medical practice serving the children and families of Northeastern Pennsylvania . Her greatest joy was attending to babies and young children, and she always made sure that her office was a warm and inviting place, decorated with colorful panoramas and staffed by friendly and caring nurses. Generous with her time and resources, she made sure each of her patients received the very best care. She took great pride in watching her young patients grow from infants into healthy young adults. The picture board she maintained in her office showing the happy faces of all the children she cared for throughout her 30 years of service to the local community is perhaps the most fitting testament of the dedication and love with which she practiced medicine.

She was passionate about her work and loved every minute of it. After 46 years of dedicated service, Dr. Ventre retired in 2009.

Dr. Ventre's other great love was her family. She is remembered by all whose lives she touched for her kindness and generosity. Although she will be deeply missed, we will continue to celebrate her accomplishments and her love and commitment to her family, friends and community. Susan was a member of the Church of St. Gregory , Clarks Green, as well as professional associations, including the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was also a longtime member of the Lackawanna County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Ventre also served for many years on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Pagnotti Enterprises, a company co-founded by her father. The local area was important to her, and she supported many local arts, and health and human services community organizations through her generosity.

Surviving Dr. Ventre are two sisters: Lucretia Carney , New York , New York , and Janet Rizzo, Sewell , New Jersey . In addition, her immediate family includes Janet Riz zo's husband, Barry; her nephew, attorney David H. Swisher, his wife Patricia, and their sons, Chris and Will, all of Glenburn Township; her nephew, Mark H. DeStefano, Scranton; her nephew, Dr. Jeffrey Swisher, his wife Dana, and their children, Henry, Peter and Kate, all of Larkspur, California; and niece, Kara Swisher, her wife, Megan Smith, and their children, Louis and Alexander, all of San Francisco, California.

The funeral and celebration of Dr. Ventre's life will be Friday, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Gregory , 330 North Abington Road , Clarks Green, to be celebrated by Rev. John M. Lapera, pastor, and concelebrant Monsignor John H. Louis, pastor emeritus. The entombment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery . The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue , Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 18411. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Resource Center , P.O. Box 975 , Scranton , PA 18501-0975 or through the organization's website at www.wrcnepa.org.

William Edward Walker

January 3, 2012

William Edward Walker, 93, of Boynton Beach , Fla. , formerly of Clarks Summit, died Jan. 3 in Hospice of Palm Beach County, Boynton Beach . His wife of 51 years, the former Barbara S. Grady, died April 21, 1992. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 26, 1991.

Born in April 24, 1918, in Scranton , son of the late Morton and Catherine Kelly Walker, he was a Boynton Beach resident since 1996 and formerly lived in Clarks Summit for more than 37 years. He was educated in Scranton schools and Scranton Technical High School . During World War II, he was employed by Underwood Elliot-Fischer, Bridgeport , Conn. , and later was the founder of Walker 's Automotive Repair Service, Scranton , where he was owner-operator for more than 42 years.

Bill was a kind gentleman. When clients fell on hard times, Bill was always ready to help them. During retirement, he loved volunteering with Meals on Wheels with his brother-in-law, Pat Grady. He enjoyed playing baseball as he grew up and was a loyal New York Yankees fan.

Surviving are a daughter, Patricia Powell and husband, David, Boynton Beach; grandson, David Powell Jr. and wife, Nancy, Sammamish, Wash.; a granddaughter, Mary Lynne Powell, Manhattan Beach, Calif.; three great-grandchildren, Katie, Nicholas and Christopher; a brother, James Walker, Scranton; beloved friend, Dorothy Zadourian, Boynton Beach; and over 30 nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Walker Gilroy; and four brothers, Paul, Jack, Robert and Harold.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Snows Church , 301 S. State St. , Clarks Summit, to be celebrated by Monsignor James J. McGarry, with Deacon David Powell, assisting. Interment, Abington Hills Cemetery , South Abington Twp.

The family will receive friends and relatives Monday, 9:30 to 10 a.m., at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Church , 301 S. State St. , Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Arrangements are being made by the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave. , Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Joan Miller Judge

January 1, 2012

Joan Miller Judge, 83, of Clarks Summit, died Sunday in Northeast PA Hospice Unit at Regional Hospital of Scranton. She was the wife of John J. Judge Jr. of Judge Lumber Co., West Scranton . The couple had been married for 60 years.

Born March 23, 1928, in Archbald, daughter of the late Clement and Margaret Kane Miller, she lived in Clarks Summit for 54 years, having moved from Dunmore . She was a 1946 graduate of Dunmore High School . She was a former employee of the International Correspondence Schools, Scranton , before becoming a devoted wife and mother to her family.

She was a faithful member of the Church of St. Gregory , Clarks Green, where she had been a member of the parish and served on its finance committee.

Joan was a loving wife who was devoted to her family who cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a avid reader and historian. An enthusiastic volunteer at the Anthracite Heritage Museum , she enjoyed visiting and touring museums, especially those associated with our areas heritage. A friend to many she was well liked by those who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are three sons, John "Jay" III, Taylor; Harold and wife, Lynn, South Abington Twp.; and Matthew and wife, Karen, River Edge, N.J.; a daughter, Joanne Judge, Scranton; a daughter-in-law, Robyn Judge, Virginia Beach, Va.; 11 grandchildren, John IV, Eric, Kelly, Ryan, Sean, Caitlin, Timothy, Sara, Maggie, Molly and Kirsten; and four great-grandchildren, Kieran, Kara, Austin and Kolby.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Michael C. Judge; a brother, Thomas Miller; and a sister, Ann Miller.

The funeral will be Wednesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in the Church of St. Gregory , 330 N. Abington Road , Clarks Green, to be celebrated by the Rev. John M. Lapera. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow .

The family will receive relatives and friends Tuesday, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave. , Clarks Summit. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anthracite Heritage Museum , 22 Bald Mountain Road , Scranton , PA 18504-9789 ; Northeast PA Hospice, 746 Jefferson Ave. , Scranton , PA 18510 ; or the Church of St. Gregory , 330 N. Abington Road , Clarks Green, PA 18411.

Alice Waters Donahoe

December 15, 2011

Alice Waters Donahoe, 77, of Waverly, died peacefully at home on Thursday surrounded by several members of her loving family. She was the wife of Jerry Donahoe for 57 wonderful years, and was his "Sweetie."

Born on October 30, 1934, in Philadelphia , she was the daughter of the late Paul V. and Alice (Rothwell) Waters. Alice enjoyed playing golf, tennis, games and creating beautiful needlework. Most important to Alice were her friends, her sisters, her children and her seventeen grandchildren who will miss her genuineness, sense of humor, support and unfailing love. Many will remember how she loved to entertain, hosting family and friends both at home and while vacationing at the Village of the Four Seasons and in Avalon, NJ. Alice enjoyed playing golf with her friends at Lakeland Golf Course and at the Country Club. She was an active volunteer in her community and a member of the Church of St. Gregory , Clarks Green.

Alice 's family is so appreciative of the many compassionate aides who took such great care of her over the last eighteen months, and are especially thankful for the nurses of Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Surviving are Alice's seven children: Bill and Mary Carroll (Heldring) Donahoe, their children Alicia, Cecilia, Frances, and Colin, of Waverly; Ellen and Charlie Fuller, their sons Charlie III and Connor, Mercerville, NJ; Michael and Heidi (Leopard) Donahoe, sons John Riley and Matthew, Cumberland Foreside, ME; Molly and Bob Klinges, their children Brian, Stephen, Paul, and Carroll Anne of Wayne; Kevin, North Waterboro, ME; Jerry and Johonna (Snavely) Donahoe, their children Libby, Kate, and Finn, Landenberg, PA; and Amy and Seth Bruning, and their children Nora and Joseph, also of Cumberland Foreside, ME. Also surviving are Alice 's two sisters: Joan Foltz, Willow Grove , and Frances Shields, Horsham. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul V. Waters.

The funeral will be held on Monday with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Gregory , 330 N. Abington Road , Clarks Green. Interment will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery , Waverly Township .

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Church of St. Gregory and again on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Preble Street Resource Center, PO Box 1459, Portland, ME 04104, www.preblestreet.org , who take care of those most in need in Portland, ME.

Arrangements are being made by the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue , Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Robert J. McCarty

December 7, 2011

Captain Robert James McCarty, United Airlines/USN. Ret., 83, of Clarks Summit, died Wednesday at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center . He was the husband of the former Jill Ann Kleinheinz. The couple had been married more than 29 years.

Born Dec. 13, 1927, in Brooklyn , N.Y. , son of the late Peter F. and Louise J. Botsford McCarty, he and his family moved to Clarks Summit in 1990 from Denver , and had lived in San Francisco as well. He grew up on Long Island in the town of East Rockaway . He was a graduate of St. Agnes High School , Rockville Centre, Long Island , N.Y. , and furthered his studies at Swarthmore College , Swarthmore , Pa. , Adelphi College , Long Island , N.Y. , St. Francis College, New York City, and later the University of San Francisco .

He proudly served his country as a U.S. Naval aviator in both World War II and the Korean War . Honorably discharged, he was awarded the Victory Medal and American Theater medals. Motivated to join the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor , he enlisted at 17 and trained as a pilot. His passion for flying led him to a long, successful career as a United Airlines captain after discharge from the Navy. He entered his eternal life on the same date that motivated his career, 70 years later, his life coming to a full circle. Bob was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Snows Church attending Mass and receiving communion daily for most of his almost 84 years. He also was an originating founder of the Padre Pio Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of the Abingtons Church in Dalton . He spent many hours there until his health declined. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, particularly elk in the west with his sons. Fishing and golf were also passions. He had a beautiful swing, perfected by hitting hundreds of empty cans under the tutelage of his uncle as a young boy. He was a member of Glen Oak Country Club and served on various committees.

The family sincerely appreciates and thanks the dedicated care provided by the staff at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center First Floor Dementia Unit in Scranton , as well as those who have helped from Veterans Administration over the course of Bob's illness. Previous to his entrance to Gino Merli, he was given kind and compassionate care from Traditional Home Health and Hospice, who assisted his wife in caring for him at home.

Surviving are six sons, Robert and Michael, Boulder, Colo.; Thomas and wife, Laura, San Francisco; Matthew, U.S. Army/Ret. Austin, Texas; Daniel and fiancée, Kelli Hoertz, San Francisco; and Stephen, at home; four daughters, Maggi, San Francisco; Susan (Rice) Rappaport and husband, Donn, Princeton, N.J.; Katie Rose, Allentown; and Elizabeth Rose, at home; a sister, Patricia Howard, Livingston, N.J.; seven grandsons, Alex, Jack and Michael Rice, Los Angeles; Kevin and David Schneider, San Francisco; Ryan and James McCarty, San Francisco; and his former wife, Joanne Flood, Manhattan, N.Y.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Kathryn Lawrence and husband, Capt. Edward Lawrence, USN/Ret.; and Sister Phyllis McCarty, IHM; and two brothers, Donald, USMC, Ret.; and James, USAF, who was killed during World War II.

Funeral services will be Jan. 14, 2012, with a memorial Mass in Our Lady of the Snows Church , 301 S. State St. , Clarks Summit, at a time to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gino J. Merli Veterans Center , 401 Penn Ave. , Scranton , PA 18503 ; or Our Lady of the Snows Church Building Fund, 301 S. State St. , Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Arrangements are being made by the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave. , Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Edna Kopa

November 28, 2011

Edna Kielin Kopa, 93, of Jermyn, died Nov. 28 in Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center . Her husband of more than 60 years, Joseph A. Kopa, died Aug. 4, 2000.

Born in Jessup, daughter of the late Karol Sr. and Apolonia Stawicka Kielin, she was educated in Jessup schools and worked as a custodian for Lakeland School District before retirement. She had been associated with and worked in her family's business, Kielin Lumber Co., Jessup. A member of Christ the King Parish, she attended Mass in St. Thomas Aquinas Church , Archbald.

A faithful woman, she was dedicated to her family. She was always loving and always loved. She loved entertaining by playing the piano.

Surviving are a daughter, Joan Lowe and husband, Kenneth, Clarks Summit; a son, Joseph F. Kopa and wife, Argia, Las Vegas ; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a nephew.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Edward Kopa; three brothers, Karol Jr., Stanley and Walter Kielin; and a sister, Stella Burok.

The family wishes to thank Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty. They would also like to thank the entire staff of Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center .

The funeral will be at the convenience of the family with Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Czestochowa Church, Eynon, to be celebrated by the Rev. Christopher S. Sahd, pastor, Christ the King Parish, Archibald. Interment was private in St. Mary's Visitation Cemetery , Dickson City .

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Parish, 429 Church St. , Archbald , PA 18403 . Arrangements by the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.