HARRISON ALLEN, SR.

MONTICELLO — Harrison Allen, Sr. of Monticello, a maintenance worker for the Apollo Mall, a lifelong musician with the Allen Brothers Band and a longtime area resident, died Saturday, December 30, 2000 at the Seelig Division of Community General Hospital in Harris. He was 57.

Son of James P. Allen and the late Sally Jetson Allen, he was born May 5, 1943 in Fairhope, AL.

He was a member of the Bethlehem Temple Church in Fairhope, AL until moving to Monticello and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his father of Monticello; his companion, Annie McCoy, at home; two sons, Harrison, Jr. and Terry Hooks, both of Monticello; two daughters, Jackie Allen Powell of Monticello and Cheryl Jackson of Los Angeles, CA; three brothers, Oswald and Cecil, both of Monticello and Elder Wyan of Boston, MA; three sisters, Virginia Smith, Annie Bolden and Leona, all of Monticello; nine grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services were held at the Bethlehem Temple Church in Monticello. The Rev Mervin Armstead officiated. Burial was in the Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., PO Box 7E, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

PETER H. BELL, SR.

HIGHLAND LAKE – Peter H. Bell, Sr., age 72, a resident of Highland Lake for 32 years, entered into rest on Tuesday, January 9, 2001.

The son of the late Maria and Stefan Popowitsch, he was born July 20, 1928 in Rode, Romania.

He was a survivor of World War II and a veteran of the Korean War.

Peter was the beloved husband of Veronika; the cherished father of Loretta of Yulan; Peter, Jr. of Kingston; and Renate of Summerville, SC; and the loving grandfather of Heidi Mayer.

The owner of the Pine Hill Lodge in Highland Lake for 24 years, he was also a great community contributor through his roles with the Town of Highland Lions Club, the Town of Highland Business Association and bus driver, custodian and soccer coach of Eldred Central School.

A family statement read, “He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2001 at the Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home in Barryville, NY.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 12, 2001 at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Yulan, NY. The Rev. Evan Greco will officiate.

Contributions may be made to the American Legion Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 63, Eldred, NY 12732.

Funeral arrangements by Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY.

ROSELLA F. BRINKMAN

HONESDALE — Rosella F. Brinkman of Honesdale, a lifelong area resident, died Friday, December 29, 2000 at the Julia Ribaudo Nursing Home in Lake Ariel. She was 91.

Daughter of the late Louis and Mary Smith LaPoint, she was born in Honesdale. She was the widow of Louis Brinkman.

She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Nativity in Endicott and its Ladies Societies.

Survivors include a sister, Marie Reagan and husband Lewis of Honesdale; nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by five brothers, James, Frederick, Arthur, Francis and John LaPoint; and a sister, Dorothy LaPoint.

Services were held in the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home in Honesdale. The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church officiated. Burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery in Honesdale.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Nativity, 312-314 East Main Street, Endicott, NY.

PAUL J. CAWLEY

LIBERTY — Paul J. Cawley of Liberty, a retired school teacher for the Liberty Central School District and a 45-year area resident, died at home on Saturday, December 30, 2000. He was 70.

Son of the late John P. and Catherine McAndrew Cawley, he was born November 17, 1930 in Scranton, PA.

He served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He received a BA degree from East Stroudsburg University and a Master’s Degree in Administration and supervision from New York University.

He taught in the sixth grade in the Liberty Elementary School and was head teacher at the White Sulphur Springs Elementary School. He was treasurer of the Liberty Faculty Association; was a teachers’ union representative; acted as an alternate delegate for the New York State United Teachers and later served as a liaison to the local association of retired teachers.

He worked as an interpretive ranger for the U.S. Park Service at the Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River; was first director at Lake Superior Park in the Town of Bethel and was also a director of the volunteer Literacy Program at Sullivan Correctional Facility.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Liberty; was a member of the Knights of Columbus Father Cronin Council #4768; the Liberty Elks Lodge No. 1545, Russell D. Sprague Post No. 109, American Legion, and the Clarence Hoyt Post No. 9217, Veterans of Foreign Wars, all in Liberty; and the Retired Teachers Association of Sullivan County.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Celeste Radle Cawley, at home; three daughters, Mary Kay Eckenrode and husband Joseph of Lancaster, PA, Patrice Chester and husband Stewart of Rock Hill and Bridget Bidonde and husband Brian of Buffalo; four grandchildren; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marietta and Joseph Forster of Fredericksburg, VA; a nephew and two nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Peter’s Church in Liberty. Monsignor Edward Straub officiated. Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Liberty.

VIRGINIA L. SCHWARTZ COOK

HONESDALE — Virginia L. Schwartz Cook of Honesdale, office manager and partner in Edward J. Schwartz Inc. and Schwartz Associates, and a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, December 31, 2000 at home. She was 71.

Daughter of the late Edward J. and Gladys M. Hirt Schwartz, she was born October 15, 1929 in Honesdale.

She was a graduate of Honesdale Catholic High School. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale, was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and the Pleasure Riders Motorcycle Club.

Survivors include her husband, Willard L. Cook; two daughters, Janet Wehr of Seminole, FL and June Corcoran of Honesdale; a sister, Gladys Welsh; two brothers, William E. Schwartz and John J. Schwartz, all of Honesdale; five grandchildren, Greg, Stephanie and Jennifer Wehr, Brian and Megan Corcoran; nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered in St. Mary Magdalen’s Church in Honesdale. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

RUTH CUNNINGHAM

NYACK — Ruth Cunningham of Nyack, retired lab technician for Champion Paper, now International Paper, died Saturday, December 30, 2000 at Hackensack University Hospital in Hackensack, NJ. She was 87.

Daughter of Frank and Katherine Kraus Kutcher, she was born May 7, 1913 in Brooklyn. She was the widow of Henry Cunningham.

Survivors include a daughter, Lorraine Egan of Queens; three sisters, Mary Dermody of Sidney, NY, Dorothy Meyer of Lake Huntington, and Gertrude Martin of Pipersville, PA; a granddaughter, Barbara Whyard of Hillsdale, NJ; two grandsons, Donald of Stony Point and Kevin of Westchester; nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass was offered at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Narrowsburg. The Rev. Thomas Jones officiated. Cremation was held at Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott. Burial was in St. Francis Cemetery in Narrowsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church, Narrowsburg, NY 12764.

EMMA S. CURTIS

YOUNGSVILLE — Emma S. Curtis of Youngsville, a former model, dress designer and sales clerk for Gertz Department Store in New York City, and a 10-year area resident, died Monday, December 25, 2000 in Wayne Woodland Manor in Waymart, PA. She was 96.

Daughter of the late Henry and Anna Weiss Spielmann, she was born May 28, 1904 in Youngsville. She was the widow of Benjamin Curtis.

She was a member of the Community Reformed Church in Youngsville.

Survivors include a stepson, Charles of New York City; a sister, Louise Mackerodt of Manheim, PA; a brother, Frederick Spielmann of Long Beach, CA; a sister-in-law, Agnes Spielmann of Youngsville; five nieces, 10 nephews; and two dear friends, Patty Mill of Damascus and Thomas Crowley of Toms River, NJ.

She was predeceased by a nephew, George Behnke, Jr.; two sisters, Agnes Behnke and May Vogel; and three brothers, Henry, Otto and Karl Spielmann.

Services were held at the Community Reformed Church of Youngsville. The Rev. Stuart Hunt officiated. Cremation took place at the Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott. Burial will be in the spring in the Greenhill Cemetery in Youngsville.

TRACY DECKER

ELDRED — Tracy Decker of Eldred, a cook and deputy sheriff at the Orange County Jail and former resident of Washingtonville, died Friday, January 5, 2001 in Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. He was 70.

Son of Tracy, Sr. and Alice May Henderson Decker, he was born February 11, 1930 in Johnson.

He was a lifetime member of the Monell Engine Company in Washingtonville; a 40-year member of the Masons; and a member of Excelsior Sportsman Club.

Survivors include his wife, Marion Emanueli Decker of Eldred; three sons, Roger Miller and Gary, both of the Town of Newburgh and Tracy III of Fishkill; three daughters, Alice Schadt of Eldred and Mary Mann and Brenda, both of New Windsor; five brothers, Charles of Maine, Robert of Newburgh, Jack of Rock Tavern, Douglas of the state of Florida and Arthur of Greenville; a sister, Faye Anson of Rock Tavern; four stepchildren; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services were held at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home in Washingtonville. The Rev. Ferguson officiated. Cremation took place in Cedar Hill Crematory in Newburgh. Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monell Engine Company, Washingtonville, NY 10992.

HELEN M. SURPLICE GILPIN

HAWLEY — Helen M. Surplice Gilpin of Hawley, a former office clerk at Sherman’s Mill in Hawley and a retired teacher’s aide at Wallenpaupack Area High School, a longtime area resident, died Sunday, January 7, 2001 in Wayne Woodlands Manor in Waymart. She was 74.

Daughter of Abram Surplice and Mary Lane Surplice, she was born in Scranton.

She was a member of Queen of Peace R.C. Church in Hawley.

Survivors include her husband, Edward A. Gilpin of Hawley; two daughters, Rosalie Walker of River Falls, WI and Mary Wootton of Provo, UT; a son, Joseph of Hawley; a sister, Mary Smith of McLean, Virginia; a brother, Edwin Surplice of Beach Lake; and two grandsons, Nathan and Martin Walker of River Falls, WI.

She was predeceased by an infant son, Allen; a sister, Frances; and a brother, Harold.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at Queen of Peace R.C. Church in Hawley. The Rev. William B. Healey, pastor, officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

THOMAS ANDREW GILROY, SR.

MATAMORAS — Thomas Andrew Gilroy, Sr. of Matamoras a self-employed entrepreneur, died Thursday, January 4, 2001 at home. He was 68.

Son of Charles Vincent and Nora Conroy Gilroy, he was born in Passaic, NJ. He was the widower of Lois Rodoski Gilroy.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Survivors include a daughter, Diane Bassani of Hawley; three sons, Thomas, Jr. of West Milford, NJ, Joseph of St. Mary’s, ID and Charles of Oakridge, NJ; a brother, James of New City, NY; two sisters, Anne Gigantelli of Dover, NJ and Theresa of Andover, NJ; 12 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by a brother, Charles.

A Mass of Resurrection was offered at St. Joseph’s Church in West Milford, NJ. The Rev. Boniface Hanely officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

ALBERT LEWIS HANKINS

CONTOOCOOK, NH — Albert Lewis “Hank” Hankins of Contoocook, NH, a retired 32-year postal worker of the Contoocook post office, died Tuesday, January 2, 2001 at Concord Hospital. He was 80.

He grew up near Beach Lake and graduated from Narrowsburg High School. He attended Lowell Business College in Binghamton and was a member of the first class of New England College in Henniker, NH in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 45 attending boot camp at Ft. Eustis, VA. He served in the Army Gun Crew aboard a troop ship as an anti-aircraft gunner. His WWII tours took him to Iceland; Scotland; Cape Town, South Africa; Aden, Arabia; Suez, Egypt; Durbin, South Africa; California; Australia; the Philippines and New Guinea. He was discharged as a first sergeant on July 14, 1945. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service medal. He was a member of the Benevolent Brotherhood of Elks, Lodge 1210, a past commander of the American Legion, Post 81, Contoocook and a member of the VFW Post 1631 in Concord. He was a former Contoocook park commissioner, water commissioner, trustee of cemeteries and town little league coach. He was instrumental in arranging for the construction of new little league and adult softball facilities in Contoocook.

Survivors include his wife, Gertrude Weltha Astles Hankins of Contoocook; a daughter, Susan W. of Henniker; two sons, Wayne G. of Castro Valley, CA and Dennis A. of Bradford, NH; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, George of Cumberland, MD; and a sister, Doris Mohn of Beach Lake; nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Services, Contoocook. The Rev. Hays M. Junkin, pastor of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church officiated. Burial will be in the spring in the Contoocook Village cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, PO Box 1797, Concord, NH 03302-1797 or the Hopkinton Youth Sports Association (HYSA), PO Box 803, Contoocook, NH 03229.

ANGELA HEWITT

JEFFERSONVILLE — Angela Hewitt of Jeffersonville, a 10-year area resident, the co-pastor of The Church on The Rock and former pastor of the Fosterdale United Methodist Church, died Friday, December 22, 2000 at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. She was 63.

Daughter of the late Philip and Constance Anna Maria Acito Borreggine, she was born July 11, 1937 in the Bronx.

She and her husband owned the Solid Rock Bookstore on Route 52.

Survivors include her husband, Pastor Richard Hewitt, at home; two sons, Philip Gentile of Washington, NJ and Steven Gentile of Teaneck, NJ; a daughter, Suzanne Murphy of Millbrook; two step-children, Dakotah and Matthew Hewitt, both of Warwick; three sisters, Anne Borreggine of Bangor ME, Geraldine Rugani of Marathon, FL and Margaret Yousif of Bayonne, NJ; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services were held at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Jeffersonville. Elders of The Church on The Rock officiated. Burial was in the Fosterdale Cemetery in Fosterdale.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Church on The Rock, PO Box 820, Jeffersonville, NY 12748.

ANNA KOENIG

CALLICOON — Anna Koenig of Callicoon, a retired secretary for Doubleday Book Publishing Co, died Friday, December 29, 2000 at the Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in Brookhaven. She was 95.

Daughter of the late George and Caroline Mueller Koenig, she was born November 29, 1905 in Brooklyn.

She was a member of Holy Cross Church, the Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of America, all in Callicoon.

Survivors include a nephew, Harold Sandin of Callicoon; two nieces, Pauline Lorenz of Ridgewood, Queens, and Loretta Moore of Saugerties; and nine grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered in Holy Cross Church in Callicoon. Father Ignatius Smith, O.F.M. officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church, Callicoon, NY 12723.

BARBARA J. KOMATZ

SMALLWOOD — Barbara J. Komatz of Smallwood, a homemaker and 15-year area resident, died Friday, December 22, 2000 at home. She was 71.

Daughter of the late August and Mary Kehoe Biedenkapp, she was born July 31, 1929 in Englewood, NJ.

She was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of White Lake.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph Komatz, at home; her children, John and wife Dorilda of Monticello, Jesse and wife Sharri of Bethel; and Babsy and David of Monticello; a brother, Lennie Biedenkapp and wife Julie of Salinas, CA; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Cremation took place at the Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.

A memorial service was held at the Reformed Presbyterian Church of White Lake.

LOUIS J. MANG

BETHANY — Louis J. Mang of Bethany, a dairy farm operator in Pleasant Mount who later helped run Pethick’s Farm Equipment Co. in Bethany, a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at home. He was 86.

Son of the late John and Phoebe Robbins Mang, he was born in Honesdale.

He was a member of St. John’s Parish in Honesdale. He was an associate director of the Wayne County Fair Association and superintendent of its sheep department. He was also a director of the Sheep and Woolgrowers Association of Pennsylvania, a 4H leader and a past master of the Beech Grove Grange. He was a former member of the St. Juliana’s Rock Lake Church and had played drums in a country band at grange and church functions.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Romaine Pethick Mang; a daughter, Luann Marie Harvey of Bethany; a son, Leslie of Honesdale; three grandsons and a great-grandson.

He was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Klune.

A Mass was offered at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale. Burial was in Bethany Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Beech Grove Grange, c/o Grace Eno, Beech Grove Road, Honesdale, PA 18431.

RALPH W. MATTHEWS

WAYMART — Ralph W. Matthews of Mallard Meadows in Waymart, a former security man and driver for Camp Colang near Lackawaxen, and a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, December 24, 2000 at Marian Community Hospital in Carbondale. He was 57.

Son of the late Frank S. and Anna Thomas Matthews, he was born January 5, 1943 in Honesdale.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Honesdale. At the age of 14 he left Honesdale schools to work as a hired hand on a dairy and chicken farm in Beech Grove. He worked for Albert Widmer on a guest farm and riding stable. He worked for Mary Myers and her son, Bill Roloson, until her death. He had a delivery route for The Wayne Independent and did a lot of work for charitable organizations.

A memorial service was held at the Presbyterian Chapel. The Rev. Robert Matthews officiated.

ROBERT MERTON, SR.

SMALLWOOD — Robert Merton, Sr. of Smallwood, a track superintendent for the Monticello Raceway and a longtime area resident, died Sunday, December 23, 2000 at the Seelig Division of Community General Hospital in Harris. He was 67.

He was born August 6, 1933 in Brooklyn.

He was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #561, F.&A.M.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica Vetter Merton, at home; four sons, Robert, Jr., Thomas, Michael and Gregory, all of Monticello; a daughter, Veronica of Smallwood; five grandchildren; and many friends.

Services were held at VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home in Monticello. Burial was in the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty.

MARGARET NARGANG

OBERNBURG — Margaret Nargang of Obernburg, a homemaker and longtime area resident, died Thursday, December 28, 2000 at the Grover M. Hermann Division of Community General Hospital in Callicoon. She was 83.

Daughter of the late Christian and Anna Sorensen Sorgenfrei, she was born February 24, 1917 in Queens. She was the widow of John Nargang.

She was a member of the Fremont Center Community Church and the Delaware Senior Citizens in Callicoon.

Survivors include a cousin, William Fox of New Jersey; and a niece, Carole Sipple of Mileses.

Services were held at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Callicoon. The Rev. James O’Rourke officiated. Burial was in the Fremont Center Cemetery.

MARGARET JANE POWERS

HANKINS — Margaret Jane Powers of Hankins, a librarian at the Delaware Free Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library in Callicoon and a 35-year area resident, died Sunday, December 31, 2000 at the Julia Ribaudo Nursing Home in Lake Ariel, PA. She was 81.

Daughter of the late Thomas Francis and Katherine Votruba Powers, she was born September 7, 1919 in Chicago, IL.

She was a former librarian at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon. She was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church, the Delaware Free Library and a member and past Matron of St. Tammany Chapter No. 492, Order of the Eastern Star, all in Callicoon. She earned her BA from the University of Michigan and her Master’s from Columbia University.

Survivors include her brother, Thomas Edward of Hankins; a nephew, Thomas Robert of Hankins; a niece Katherine Curtis of Damascus; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or the Delaware Free Library, both in Callicoon, NY 12723.

JEAN SWOYER REIF

HONESDALE — Jean Swoyer Reif of Honesdale, former owner with her husband of Reif’s Shoe Store on Main Street, and lifelong area resident, died Tuesday, December 26, 2000 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center. She was 87.

Daughter of the late Wayne County Judge Alfred Edward and Helen J. Lathrop Swoyer, she was born September 7, 1913 in Honesdale.

She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and its St. Catherine’s Guild.

She attended Mansfield College and was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Survivors include a son, William E. and wife, Jane of Newark, DE; a daughter, Barbara Strohm and husband, Wilbur of Carmel Valley, CA; a brother Edward H. Bud Swoyer of Honesdale; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

She was predeceased by a sister, Helen Harriet Swoyer.

Services were held at the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home in Honesdale. The Rev. Graham Cliff, pastor of Grace Episcopal Church, officiated. Burial was in the Glen Dyberry Cemetery in Honesdale.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Guild, Grace Episcopal Church, 827 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.

MATILDA SCHMIDT

COCHECTON — Matilda Schmidt of Cochecton, a homemaker, died Friday, December 29, 2000 at the Flushing Hospital in Flushing. She was 90.

Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ceigersmidt, she was born October 5, 1910 in New York City. She was the widow of Frederick Schmidt.

Survivors include two sons, Allan of Cochecton and Frederick; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Rasmussen Sons Funeral Home in Narrowsburg. The Rev. Phyllis Haynes officiated. Cremation took place at the Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott.

VERA JEANETTE MONGOVAN RICKARD

HONESDALE — Vera Jeanette Mongovan Rickard of Cherry Ridge in Honesdale, died Friday, December 29, 2000. She was 99.

Daughter and last surviving member of the John and Ellen Minor Mongovan family, she was born December 3, 1901 in Cherry Ridge. She was the widow of Clarence J. Rickard.

She attended State Normal School in East Stroudsburg. She taught school for many years in Wayne County. She served for many years on the Cherry Ridge Township Board of Elections and served as tax collector. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale.

Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Daghir of St. Mary’s PA and Lurana (Rana) Gitch of Whitehall, PA; two sons, Clarence W. (Juney) and Gerald F., both of Honesdale; 32 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by an infant son, Bernard; a daughter, Elizabeth (Betty) Racht; a grandson, Luke; a granddaughter, Eve Racht in infancy and a great-grandson, Timothy Van Orden in infancy; a brother, Thomas Mongovan; and a sister, Anna Hughey.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale. Burial will be in the Darling Cemetery in Cherry Ridge at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice St. John, Darling Cemetery, St. John the Evangelist Parish or the donor’s favorite charity.

EDWARD M. SEMPA

LACKAWAXEN — Edward M. Sempa of Lackawaxen, formerly of Avoca, died Wednesday, January 3, 2001 at home.

Son of the late John and Catherine Lukasik Sempa, he was born in Avoca. He was the widower of Mercedes M. Orlosky.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Prior to retiring he was employed by the Victaulic Company in New Jersey.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ann Schnyderite of South Plainfeld, NJ; two grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Daniel J. and two brothers, John and Frank.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Duryea. His nephew, Msgn. John Sempa of Sacred Heart, St. John’s in Wilkes-Barre, officiated. Burial was in St. John’s Cemetery in Duryea.