Arthur Richard Bockelkamp

Arthur Richard Bockelkamp, 82, of West Abington Township, passed away at home Sunday. He and his loving wife, Joanne M. Bonczek Bockelkamp, were married 58 years.

Born in Scranton, the son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Oschmann Bockelkamp, he was a graduate of West Scranton High School and later earned an associate’s degree from Keystone College. He was a switchman for Verizon, formerly Bell Telephone, for many years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, Scranton, a veteran of the US Navy and a member of the Waverly Lodge Masonic Temple.

Art was a simple man who loved traveling and spending winters in sunny Florida. He was a jack-of-all-trades who loved to tinker in his garage. There was nothing he couldn’t fix; a skill he passed along to his children. He was a family man who loved unconditionally and was especially proud to be considered a grandfather to his daughter’s godchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter Heidi Bockelkamp, West Abington Twp.; a son Richard G. Bockelkamp (Bill Gallop), Rehoboth Beach, DE; numerous nieces and nephews and grand dogs Luna and Agnes.

He was preceded in death by a sister Lois Deutsch.

Funeral will be Wednesday (3-18-2026) at 11:30 am in the St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 425 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510, with services by Rev. Justin Tigerman, pastor.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30am in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to local animal shelter or favorite charity.