Arvo Leola

1951 - 2025

Arvo Leola, 74, of Newton Twp., passed away peacefully on December 21 at Oak Ridge Health Center surrounded by his family members that were closest to him. Arvo was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carolyn Stevens Leola, who passed away September 1, 2025. 

Born in the Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Lembit and Dagmar Ostermann Leola. Arvo attended Forest City High School, graduating near the top of his class and attended Penn State University, Scranton Campus where he was a star athlete, playing baseball and basketball for them. Arvo was the captain of the basketball team. As an adult, Arvo played recreational softball and was an umpire. He loved inspiring young athletes. 

Arvo’s early careers were working with his father as a carpenter and as a mason with his brother Tony. Prior to his retirement, Arvo worked for Toyota of Scranton as the Parts Professional and was named Employee of the Month September 2023. Arvo also worked for RCA and Abington Chevrolet. 

Arvo was a very intelligent humble man who would do anything he could to keep himself out of the spotlight. He did not talk much about himself so few people knew he held a small plane pilot’s license. He wasn’t much of a smiler but when he smiled you knew it was genuine. He had a quirky sense of humor and a heart for all of God’s creatures. He will be truly missed. 

Surviving are his step-children, Ted Lubeck and companion, Teresa Shultz, Concord, NC, Terri Winowich and husband, Greg, Concord, NC and Tracy Lubeck and companion, Ron Traver, Scranton; his brothers, Tony (Tiit) Leola and wife, Mary, Point Pleasant, NJ and Olev (Sam) Leola and companion, Debora Frisby, Biloxi, MS; his sister, Tiina Alnick and husband, Steve, Pleasant Mt., PA; step-grandchildren, Jake Winowich and wife Janelle, Chad Winowich and wife Stephanie, Sara Tipton and husband, Dan, Tori Romanosky, Cameron and Makayla Traver; step-great-grandchildren Jax Lubeck, Ashton, Lena, Ezequiel and Cassius Winowich; nieces and nephews.

Arvo was preceded in death by a sister, Siret Leola Krizek; sisters-in-law, Janet (Wood) Leola and Emmy Lou Stevens; brothers-in-law, Robert Krizek and Ronald A. Stevens; and infant granddaughter, Haley Traver.

Many thanks are given to GCMC Scranton, Dr. Michael Kondash, Mike Lucas, PAC, All Staff at Oak Ridge, Taylor PA,  and Serenity Hospice for the care, compassion and support given to Arvo. 

Services will be private at Arvo’s request. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Clarks Summit.