Henry M. Wasilewski

Henry M. Wasilewski, 86, of the Newtown section of Hanover Twp., died Thursday at Hospice Community Care. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, the former Barbara Ramage.

Born Aug. 4, 1926, in Lipnicki, Poland, he was a son of the late Jozef and Mary Madrak Wasielewski. Henry emigrated from Poland as a child and settled in Duryea with his family. He was a 1944 graduate of Duryea High School. After marrying his first wife, the late Shirley Krafjack Wasilewski, on June 25, 1949, they moved to Philadelphia and resided there for more than 20 years. A veteran of the Korean War, Henry served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. Henry's career in the grocery business centered on his expertise in meat department operations. He headed the meat department of the Penn Fruit Co. in Philadelphia for many years before moving to Clarks Summit in 1973, when he started managing the department for the Giant Markets chain. After 15 years with Giant, he went out on his own, operating several businesses, including Valley Meat & Deli in Avoca, O'Henry's Pub in Dalton and the Park Market in Nanticoke. He was last employed as a meat cutter at Price Chopper, retiring two years ago. Henry was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and a communicant at the Church of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

He was a dedicated fan of all Philadelphia sports teams and the Boston Red Sox. He will be greatly missed.

Also surviving are daughters, Laura Mitteer of Factoryville; and Linda and husband, Andrew Driesbaugh, of Clarks Summit; stepson, Louis Smithonic of Mountaintop; grandchildren, Brian Mitteer, Shawn, Sarah and Tyler Driesbaugh; a sister, Helen Deluga of New Jersey; and his faithful companion, Sysqo.

His daughter, Joyce; and brothers, Stanley and Joseph Skurzynski also preceded him in death.

Celebration of Henry's life will be held Monday at 8:30 a.m. from McLaughlin's — the Family Funeral Service, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, with funeral Mass at 9:30 in the Church of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hanover Twp.

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin's on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to the charity of your preference.

Permanent messages and memories can be shared with Henry's family at www.cele bratehislife.com.