Leonard Farber

Leonard Farber, 88, of Hunlock Creek, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2025, at Riverstreet Manor & Rehabilitation, Wilkes-Barre.
Born on September 16, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Phillip H. and Josephine M. (Penkala) Farber. He graduated from Garrison High School in Shickshinny in 1954 and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, stationed aboard the USS Fort Snelling LSD 30. There, he trained in metalsmithing and welding.
Leonard was a man of great dedication and resilience. After his military career, he purchased a working dairy farm and later returned to welding, contributing to the construction of bridges, hospitals and power plants across Pennsylvania, as a member of several unions including Local 445.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Josephine Margaret Farber, and children and grandchildren, Leonard J. Farber of Philadelphia, Angela Rackleff and her husband Keith of Dallas, Paul Farber and his wife Renee of Yatesville, his grandchildren Hannah Farber of State College and Laura Farber of Yatesville, sister Kathleen Gill and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Phillip A. Farber, Mary Ann Mirro, James Farber, and Phyllis Shalata.
Leonard was deeply involved in his community and church. He was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the highest award in Scouting, "The silver beaver award" in 2004. He was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lake Silkworth, PA and served as an Extraordinary Minister and the Holy Name Society. As a member of the American Legion, he served veterans throughout Pennsylvania.
In retirement, Leonard and Josephine enjoyed traveling to various states to celebrate his navy ship's reunions. Locally, Leonard loved exploring the back roads of Pennsylvania with his wife to attend church bazaars, flea markets and parks. Leonard was a talented gardener and had grown the most beautiful vegetables over the summer months.
Leonard will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family, faith, and country.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2011 State Route 29, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621, with Rev. Brian Van Fossen, officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Lake Silkworth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edmundite Missions, https://www.edmunditemissions.org/.