Category: Nanticoke

John Francis Patackas OBITUARY

John Francis Patackas, 75, of Scranton, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, May 18, 2018. He was born in Nanticoke, Pa. to the late Matthew and Bernice (Grisman) Patackas.

He received an associate degree in electrical and technology engineering from Penn State University. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve. He worked several years for PennDOT as a bridge surveyor. He also worked at McGregor Iron as a project manager for many years. He was currently semiretired and working from home for Pleasant Mount Welding, Carbondale, Pa.

John truly enjoyed life. When God made him, he broke the mold. He was always happy, never complained and would help anyone, anywhere at any time. He was one-of-a-kind. John also loved reading, writing and working in his garden. He was also a silent member of the band Main Offender. He was well-known in the neighborhood and was known as the “neighborhood dad” when his kids were growing up.

John’s greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He, along with his wife of 53 years, Rose, built a family of true unconditional love. He was a great role model for his children and grandchildren. He was proud to see his children grow up to be fine adults. He loved being a part of the different stages of their lives. His greatest role in life was that of being a grandfather. He spent countless hours with his grandchildren playing games, going for ice cream, mini-golf, amusement parks and Sunday dinners with the family. His grandchildren adored him immensely. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Rose (Avena); children, John Patackas Jr. and wife, Teresita, Tunkhannock; Denise Cosgrove and husband, Bill, Scranton; Jeff Patackas and wife, Gena, Olyphant; and…

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  Dallas swimming standout Lydia Gonzales will swim at Division I University of Connecticut. Front, from left: Apryl Gonzales, mother; Lydia Gonzales; Madelyn Gonzales, sister; and Matthew Gonzales, father. Back: Ed Zawatski, club team coach; Romayne Mosier, retired Dallas head coach; Grant Luksic, current Dallas head coach; Dwin Doran, club team coach; and Mike Richards, Dallas athletic director. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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  Dallas standout Kaden Coyne will play baseball at Division I University of Massachusetts. Front, from left: Kevin Coyne, father; Kaden Coyne; Karen Coyne, mother; and Liam Coyne, brother. Back: Mike Viglone, Dallas baseball head coach; Mollie Coyne, sister; Gracie Coyne, sister; Sal Biasi, trainer; and Michael Richards, Dallas athletic director. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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  Dallas soccer senior Jamie Timlin will continue her academic and athletic careers at Division II Lock Haven University. Front, from left: Sue Timlin, mother; Jamie Timlin; and George Butwin, father. Back: Matt Flannigan, Fame Strength; Nicole Pekarski, Dallas girls soccer head coach; and Michael Richards, Dallas athletic director. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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  Nanticoke Area basketball player Caityln Majiros will attend Gwynedd Mercy University. Front, from left: Ann Majiros, mother; Caitlyn; Jason Majiros, father; and Emily Majiros, sister. Back: Ed Grant, Nanticoke Area girls basketball head coach; Brandon Collins, Nanticoke Area assistant principal; Amy Scibek, Nanticoke Area principal; and Ken Bartuska, Nanticoke Area athletic director. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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  Nanticoke Area swimmer Brady Rushton will attend Wilkes University. Front, from left: Kristin Rushton, mother;…

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Knights

04/24/25 @ Greater Nanticoke Area	21
04/29/25 @ MMI Preparatory School	17
04/29/25 @ MMI Preparatory School	17
04/02/25 vs Greater Nanticoke Area	15
05/01/25 vs Hanover Area	10

Lake-Lehman‘s game last Monday was a loss, but they didn’t let that memory haunt them on Thursday. They were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Western Wayne Wildcats. Considering the Knights have won 14 matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday’s blowout was nothing new.

Hannah Chipego spent all seven innings on the mound, and it’s clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits and racked up 13 Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn’t tossed less than seven strikeouts any time she’s pitched this season.

On the hitting side, Kirsten Finarelli was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. That’s the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kaitlyn Brudnicki, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs.

They weren’t the only ones working in the home run department: Lake-Lehman lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Western Wayne didn’t launched any home runs.

Lake-Lehman pushed their record up to 18-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average over those games. As for Western Wayne, their loss dropped their record down to 8-12.

Lake-Lehman has already played their next contest, a 6-4 defeat against Mid Valley on…

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Luzerne County Community College conferred almost 600 degrees during its 2025 commencement ceremony on May 29 at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

David Pedri, President and CEO of the Luzerne Foundation, delivered the principal address.

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  Photography major Amber Rose Jones, of Wilkes-Barre, waves to family at the 57th annual commencement of Luzerne County Community College at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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  Stephanie Evans, of Nanticoke, celebrates getting her photography degree in the line of graduates at the 57th annual commencement of Luzerne County Community College at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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  Luzerne County Community College President John Yudichak leads the procession of graduates in his first year as president during the 57th annual commencement at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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  Class of 2024 alumna Trinity Brown sings the national anthem at the 57th annual commencement of Luzerne County Community College at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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  Nursing graduate Riza Talingting Corbo, left, high-fives mascot Blaze before the procession at the 57th annual commencement of Luzerne County Community College at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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The Nanticoke Indian Tribe will be the focus of a new Milford Museum presentation.

MILFORD — The Milford Museum’s American History Series continues next month with a special presentation highlighting the heritage and resilience of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe.

Titled “The Nanticoke’s Lasting Legacy: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” the program will be presented by Dr. Bonnie G. Hall on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. at the Milford Public Library.

The Nanticoke, known as the “People of the Tidewaters,” first encountered Europeans in 1608 during the expedition of British Captain John Smith.

Despite centuries of cultural and political challenges, the tribe has remained committed to preserving its history, identity, and traditions.

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Hall, a retired educator and member of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, will explore the tribe’s historical journey, including milestones such as the establishment of the Indian Mission School in the 1800s—an early effort to gain legal recognition in Delaware.

She will also examine the legacy of works like C.A. Weslager’s “Delaware’s Forgotten Folk,” challenging the notion of the tribe as “forgotten.”

This is a celebration of the First People of the First State.

Hall is currently chairs the Commemoration and Scholarship Committees for the Nanticoke Indian Association, Inc.

Hall retired from Delaware Technical Community College in 2010 after nearly three decades of service.

She holds degrees from Delaware Tech, Delaware State University, and the University of Delaware, where she earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She remains active in Southern Delaware’s…

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Vernon I. Torrey OBITUARY

Vernon I. Torrey, 89, of Nanticoke, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following several years of declining health.

Born and raised in Cullman, Alabama, he was a son of the late George and Verna Creps Torrey. He was a graduate of St. Bernard University, Cullman. In 1951, Vernon enlisted and proudly served four years in U.S. Navy. He was a submariner aboard the U.S.S. Sea Poacher during the Korean War.

Following his military service, he was a police officer for 10 years in Miami, Fla., before beginning a long career with Bell South. He retired in 2000 as a digital electronic technician following 40 years of service. He also co-owned Gold-N-Stuff, a jewelry business in Pembroke Pines, Fla., for several years.

He and his wife, the former Doreese Lewis, of Nanticoke, resided in Pemroke Pines for 20 years before returning to the area, building their home in Nanticoke. Vernon also enjoyed assisting at Broadway Jewelers in his retirement. He was a member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years, and belonged to the National Rifle Association.

In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded by his first wife, Arlene, in 1989.

Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Doreese; stepsons, Lee E. Aument (Michelle Kowbel), of Regina, Canada; and Kevin L. Aument (wife, Paula), of Larksville; a grandson, Kevin Lee Aument; sisters and brothers-in-law, Megan and Richard Tennesen; Cheryl Trevethan; and William LaSalle, surviving in-laws: Megan and Richard Tennesen, of Nanticoke; Cheryl Trevethan and William LaSalle, of Ohio; as well as several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Private services are in the care of Davis-Dinelli Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad St., Nanticoke. There will be no public calling hours.

For information…

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The exterior of Oplinger Towers, at which residents within Nanticoke City Ward 03 go to vote, is shown on Tuesday afternoon.

Sam Zavada | Times Leader

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Josh Rocha had 41 kills as Holy Redeemer advanced to the District 2 Class 2A boys volleyball semifinals with a 3-0 sweep of Dallas on Tuesday.

Jack Wasiakowski dished out 39 assists, and Max Mohutsky chipped in 10 service points.

Redeemer will face Berwick in the semis on Thursday.

Berwick 3, Blue Ridge 0

The Bulldogs punched their ticket to the semis with a sweep of the defending district champs in Class 2A.

Set scores were 25-20, 25-23 and 25-16 for Berwick.

Carlos Guzman had 15 kills and 14 digs, while Jackson Matash had 26 assists and 13 digs. Jayden Charles added four aces and 10 service points.

Crestwood 3, Valley View 0

Crestwood swept Valley View at home to advance to the Class 2A district semifinals. Set scores were 25-20, 25-13 and 25-22 for the Comets.

JJ Stec had 15 kills, 11 service points and 10 digs for Crestwood. Tommy McLaughlin had 10 blocks and seven kills, while Luke Joseph added 15 digs.

Crestwood will face Western Wayne in the semifinals on Thursday.

Western Wayne 3, Nanticoke Area 1

The Trojans were eliminated from the District 2 Class 2A playoffs with a loss in four sets to Western Wayne.

Western Wayne won the first two sets 25-21 and 25-14. Nanticoke Area kept its season alive with a 25-18 win in the third set, but the Wildcats won the match with a 25-23 fourth-set win.

Zack Zubritski had 12 kills to lead the Trojans. Ethan Yendrzeiwski had 10 service points, and Braeden Isaacs had 20 assists.

Western Wayne will take on Crestwood in the district semifinals on Thursday.

BOYS LACROSSE

Parkland 17, Delaware Valley 11

The Warriors were defeated by Parkland in the semifinals of the District 2/11 Class 3A subregional.

Peyton LaRocco had four goals for Delaware Valley, while Michael Iuzzolino added three goals.

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