Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

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Hunlock Creek, PA
Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home

Our family owned funeral home has had the privilege of serving many families in the Back Mountain.

Services Offered
We provide traditional, green, cremation, prearranged, immediate burial and out of town receiving/forwarding services. Traditional Funeral Service: A service where the body is present for visiting hours and a funeral ceremony is conducted either privately or publicly, usually at the funeral home or a church. The visitation can be the same day just prior to the service or the day b

efore the service. Green Funeral: In general terms, this involves holding the deceased's remains without embalming or purchase of a burial vault. Also, the use of a biodegradable casket (designed to return to the elements of the earth) in a designated cemetery, along with a meaningful celebration of life at the graveside. Direct Cremation: When a cremation is preferred it may be immediate with no viewing. With this service, families may want a memorial service either at the funeral home or elsewhere with or without the cremains present. Many families choose to have a visitation and a funeral service with an open casket followed by cremation. Prearranging: More and more people are prearranging their funeral. It gives them to opportunity to express their wishes with family, make informed choices and take the stress and burden off of their family at a most difficult time. It also gives those who have no family to make their arrangements a peace of mind, knowing that their instructions will be carried out. For a personal consultation on prearranging and pre-funding, please contact us. Immediate Burial: This is burial that without visitation or funeral ceremony. A memorial service may be held later, either at the funeral home or elsewhere.

05/11/2026

Neva Naomi Johns passed away on April 23, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana.

She was born on Sept. 20, 1930, in Sweet Valley, PA to parents Samuel and Pearl (Naugle) Edwards who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Lehman High School in 1948. She was a lifelong Christian who taught Sunday School for over 25 years, sang in the choir and was Director of Special Music at Community Bible Church, Sweet Valley, worked with the AWANA program for several years and attended Grace Church, Dallas, PA. She was an avid sports fan and loved her Yankees.
In addition to Pennsylvania, she lived in Delaware, Ohio, North Carolina, and Indiana.

Neva was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Johns; sister, Luceil Lanning (husband Elmer); and brothers, Clyde (wife Nellie), Kenneth, Hilbert (wife Betty), and Glen (wife Audrey).

She is survived by brother, Clayton (wife Betty, deceased); children, Diane Ruggiero (husband Tony), David Johns (wife Eileen); five grandchildren, Steven Losh, Matthew Johns (fiancée Shea Hileman), Sarah Smith (husband Joe), Rachel Hernandez (husband Efren), and Joseph Johns (wife Lily); great grandchildren, Adaline Smith, Harleigh Johns, and Benjamin Hernandez; step-grandchildren, Philip Ruggiero (wife Cortney and daughter Sage) and Angelique King (husband Dallas and son Landon).

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek with her son, David Johns, officiating.

A Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 at the funeral home before the service.

Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Pikes Creek, where she will be buried next to her husband, Joseph.

Memorial donations can be made to Grace Community Church, 4122 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA 18612.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

05/02/2026

Lee A. Baker, age 85 of Trucksville, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center, Scranton.

He was born in Philadelphia on October 11, 1940 and was the son of the late Gilbert Huey and Irmal Baker.

Lee graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1958 and served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, where he was a crew chief on a B-52 Bomber. He was employed by the former Sterling Industries in Kingston, and currently is Altec, Inc. Lee was also a ski instructor for Montage Mountain, Moosic. He was a lifelong member of the Trucksville United Methodist Church, was a Cub Scout Leader for Troop 155, and was a prior member of the Rolling Thunder. Lee enjoyed hunting, skiing and NASCAR.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn G. Devens-Baker.

He is survived by children, Charlene Baker-Willcock (John) of Harrisburg and Brian Baker (Famay) of Trucksville; grandson, Dylan Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. Dr. Paul Amara of Trucksville United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be held Wednesday May 6, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral Home

Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Hunlock Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center Welfare Fund, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. They are the most wonderful, caring people, and will definitely help those in need of their care.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

05/02/2026

Douglas James Sorber, age 78 of Dallas, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on November 25, 1947 and as the son of the late James and Peggy LaFrance Sorber.

Douglas worked at several local businesses, including Keiper Gas and Waterlines, where he worked as a laborer. He enjoyed antiquing and spending time with his many friends at the Meadows Apartments, Dallas.

Douglas is survived by sister, Grace McMurtrie; and beloved dog, Daisey May.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Dan Brubaker of the Roaring Brook Baptist Church officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home before the service.

A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/27/2026

On April 23, 2026, Charlie Regulski entered into Eternal Peace.

He was born on December 12, 1941 in Hunlock Creek to John and Elizabeth Regulski. He grew up on the family farm surrounded by loved ones and friends. He attended Northwest Area High School and graduated in 1959. He was an accomplished athlete earning the nickname of ‘Rhino’ for his athleticism in football and baseball.

He married Dolores Pastuszak, and built a home and a life near his childhood farm in Hunlock Creek. They had two children together, Elizabeth, who was passed away soon after coming into this world, and Jacki. He was a loving husband and the best father a girl could ask for. His wisdom, patience, and love will be missed. He had encouraging words for everyone when they needed it, always ready with a quote or quip that put life in its proper perspective. He was a butcher by trade, and spent most of his career as the manager of the meat department at Weis Markets and Mr.Z’s Food Market. He loved hunting and gardening and instilled these loves in his daughter and grandchildren. His first questions to us were always “did anyone get a deer?” and “do you have anything planted in the garden?” no matter what the time of year. He doted on his grandchildren, Robbie and Taylor, every chance he got, always making everything about them. He now rests with his beloved ‘Dee’ and I am sure they are somewhere playing golf and laughing about something.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores and brother Bernie.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Powell (David), Plains; daughter, Jacki Hassi (John),Hunlock Creek; grandson, Robert Decker (Kirsten), Pittston; and granddaughter, Taylor, Hunlock Creek. He will also be deeply missed by his faithful ‘partner in crime’, John Hassi, and those that loved him dearly.

Following Charlie’s wishes, there will be no services held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his name, to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes Barre PA.

Arrangements are from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/13/2026

Kenneth James Blaine, age 65 of Shickshinny, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at home.

He was born in Kingston on February 19, 1961, and was the son of the late William and Ruth Brink Blaine.

Kenneth attended Lake-Lehman High School and graduated from West Side Vocational and Technical School with a focus in auto body repair, Class of 1979. He worked at Schuylkill Energy Resources, Shenandoah, as a maintenance mechanic for over 30 years. Kenneth was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 495, Shickshinny. He was a councilman and road supervisor for New Columbus Boro. Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on cruises with his family and riding his quads, side-by-side, and tractor with his dogs and grandchildren. He also enjoyed feeding the local deer and birds, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and his daily breakfast with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Gary Blaine; father-in-law, Clinton Strachan; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Strachan; and sisters-in-law, Debra and Karen Blaine.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, the former, Mary Alice Strachan; children, Tim Blaine (Lindsay) of Sierra Vista, AZ, Heather Blaine (Carrie) of Berwick, and Stephen Blaine (Olivia) of Harveys Lake; grandchildren, Hunter, Lillian, and Kelcey; siblings, Joseph Blaine, Sr. of Wilkes-Barre, Richard Blaine, Sr., of Lehman, and Janet Brucher (Mike) of Hunlock Creek; sister-in-law, Lydia Blaine of Dallas; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dogs, Sadie and Spot.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with his nephew, Pastor Richard Blaine, officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/12/2026

Norman F. Clancy, Sr., age 85 of Harveys Lake, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 19, 1940 and was the son of the late Harry and Amber Fry Clancy.

Norman graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School, Manhattan, where he excelled in basketball. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969. Norman retired from Roadway Express as a truck driver after 35 years of service, and received multiple safe driving awards. He was a member of the Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church. Norman was an avid woodchuck hunter and was a good roller skater in his youth. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially outdoor activities, including hunting, and fishing. Norman had a great love of pets which he shared with his wife, Diane.

In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Clancy.

He is survived by his children, Amber Field (Jack) of Lehman, Norman Clancy, Jr. (Carol Marie) of Beaumont, Jason Clancy (Julie) of Clifford, and David Clancy (Amy) of Weston, FL; grandchildren, Matthew, Josie, Ryan, Lauren, Noelle and Dalton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Rev. L.D. Reed of Harveys Lake Assembly of God Church, officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Orcutt’s Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes Barre PA or Blue Chip Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/11/2026

Richard A Jones, age 91 of Monroe Township, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Embassy of East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Noxen on July 6, 1934 and was the son of the late Albert and Laura Lane Jones.

Richard graduated from Lake Noxen High School. He was a career Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam conflict and worked and toured with the United States Air Force Thunder Birds for several years. Richard was active at Northmoreland Baptist Church and Noxen Independent Bible Church where he was also a deacon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary and sister, Patricia Hobbs.

Richard is survived by his sister, Karlene Sorber; brother, Theodore Jones; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday April 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM from Northmoreland Baptist Church, 21 Ripplebrook Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657, with Pastor Kurt Seboe, Northmoreland Baptist Church officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be in the Orcutt's Grove Cemetery, Noxen.

Memorial donations can be made to the Northmoreland Baptist Church, 21 Ripplebrook Rd, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 or Patriots Cove, 4334 State Route 29 South, Noxen, PA 18636

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

04/09/2026

Harold Eugene Kocher Jr., 83, of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, April 8, at Allied Hospice Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met.

He was born in Kingston on November 10, 1942, the son of the late Harold Sr. and Frances Ruth Bryant Kocher. He graduated from Dallas High School and served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve as part of the 402nd Military Police.

In 1972, Harold married the former Barbara Patterson, who survives him.

Harold worked with his father in the sanitation business until his father’s death. He then partnered with Ted Kocher to form K&K Sanitation, which served the Back Mountain area for many years. (Harold and Ted were not direct relatives, but they thought of each other as brothers.)

He later worked at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as a nurses’ aide in the Cardiac Unit.

In addition to his wife, Harold is survived by children Chris (Crystal) Kocher and Karen (Dr. Terrence) Goyke, and grandchildren Caleb, Paige, Jarek and Wyatt Goyke.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek with Pastor Carol Folk of the Center Moreland United Methodist Church, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Private interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lake Township.

Memorial donations can be made to the Back Mountain Food Bank, 40 K**b Hill, Trucksville, Pa. 18708.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.

04/07/2026

C. Madeline Bilby, age 91 of Shickshinny, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Berwick.

She was born in Nanticoke on August 19, 1934 and was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Metcalf.

Madeline graduated from Huntington Mills High School, Class of 1952. She worked at the local dress factory in Harveyville, and continued to do so when it moved to Sweet Valley. Madeline was a member of Calvary Bible Chapel, Hunlock Creek.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Russell; brothers, Darte, Jack, Glenn, Richard, and Neil Metcalf; and sisters, Jacqueline Stocksdale, Sue Hoyt, and Vivien Everett.

Madeline is survived by sisters, Ferne Stevens of Berwick and Peggy Cragle of Hunlock Creek; stepdaughter, Nancy Reider; and step-grandson, Danny Rood.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Bloomingdale Cemetery, Ross Township, with Pastor Neil Martin, Calvary Bible Chapel officiating

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

Memorial donations can be made to Calvary Bible Chapel, 362 Hunlock-Harveyville Road, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.

Online condolences may be made to clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/24/2026

Robert Lewis “Bob” Stucker, age 89 of Sweet Valley, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026.

He was born on February 17, 1937 in the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre and was the son of the late Elmer Stucker, Sr. and Effie Eudora (Thomas) Stucker.

Bob proudly served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962, stationed at Fort Hood, TX and in Germany. He later spent 38 years as a proud member of the Laborers Local 158, working in heavy highway construction before retiring and making his home in Sweet Valley, where he lived for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Doris Mae Stucker (1987); infant brother, Thomas Stucker (1948); son, Brian Stucker (2022); brothers, Alan D. Stucker (2022), Harry Thomas Stucker (2021), and Paul Phillip Stucker, Sr. (2025); longtime companion, Mary Ann (Patla) Kukosky (2017).

Bob is survived by his children, Robert T. Stucker of Tunkhannock, Jeffery Stucker and David Stucker, both of Wilkes-Barre area; and by the Kukosky family he loved as his own – Tom and Gail Kukosky, Christopher Kukosky, Stepanie Hill and Bryan Vest, Nicholas and Melissa Kukosky, all of Sweet Valley and Matthew and Heather Kukosky of Lehman; siblings, Elmer S. Stucker, Jr., Charolette Ann Stucker, Shirley May Stucker, Charles John Stucker, John Thomas Stucker, and Bernadine Lombardo; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and the extended Kukosky family who loved him as one of their own.

Even when asked how he was doing, his familiar answer of “terrible” was always delivered with a hint of humor and a warmth that reassured everyone he loved that, in truth, his spirit was anything but.

Bob will be remembered for his military service, his 38 years with Laborers Local 158 in heavy highway construction, his quiet strength, and the way he helped create a large, blended family filled with love and “adopted children” who called him family. He shared 35 meaningful years with Mary, and together they cherished their grandchildren and the lively household they built.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with family friend, Doug Evans, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Patla Cemetery, Sweet Valley.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

03/23/2026

Nancy Ilene Arnold, age 90 of Hunlock Creek, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Hunlock Creek on March 27, 1935 and was the daughter of the late Willard and Ruth Benscoter and Boyd and Katie Bonham, who raised her from a young age.

Nancy graduated from Shickshinny High School. She worked at Pomeroys in Wilkes-Barre as a dress buyer and later at several local sewing factories as a seamstress. Nancy was a member of the Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, where she was also heavily involved with the Ladies Aide program. She enjoyed crocheting, plastic canvas work and had great love for her many cats. Nancy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Arnold, Jr.; sisters, Charlotte Whitmore and Therma Featherman; brother, Herald Benscoter; great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Matthews.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Debra Matthews; sister, Travilla Price; grandson, Edmund Matthews; granddaughter, Victoria Blaine; 3 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM at the Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, 83 Hunlock Harveyville Rd., Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Donna Dickinson, Certified Lay Minister, officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

The family asks to please omit any flowers from the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Muhlenburg United Methodist Church, 83 Hunlock Harveyville Rd., Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com

Address

2386 State Route 118
Hunlock Creek, PA
18621

Telephone

+15704772500

Website

http://clswansonfuneralhome.com/

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