Robert C. Antolik Jr.

1959 - 2023

DRUMS — Robert C. Antolik Jr., 63, of Drums and formerly of the Hanover section of Nanticoke, passed away Monday morning, Nov. 6, 2023, at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, following a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Nanticoke on Nov. 27, 1959, he was the son of Barbara Behrent Antolik of Nanticoke, and the late Robert Antolik. He graduated from John S. Fine High School with the class of 1977, and continued training to earn several certificates throughout his career in the automotive repair business.

Bob owned and operated Wyoming Valley Transmission and Automotive Repair Center, Nanticoke, for the past 20 years. He built the business from nothing and worked right along with his good friend, Fred Kulaga, who supported the business during Bob's illness. Bob was an honest mechanic that his customers appreciated and loved. We would also like to acknowledge that he had many friends in other automotive businesses that are too numerous to mention, who helped support Bob's business during his time of need.

Bob loved life, and spending time with family and friends. He had an infectious smile and fun personality. You could not help but smile or laugh when he told stories. He had a passion for cars and the outdoors. He was a car enthusiast his whole life. His good friends were always there helping with his cars, especially Walt Pascoe who was the best man at his wedding. He rebuilt countless classic cars and attended Carlisle Car Shows every year. He especially loved Chevelles and El Caminos, always painting them red with black stripes. The one car he always dreamed of getting was a 1970 LS6 SS Chevelle Convertible in cranberry red.

Camping at Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen was one of his favorite things to do. His family went there several times a year, and his sons continue to have the same passion for kayaking, fishing, and listening to classic rock around a big campfire.

His favorite winter sport was snowmobiling, and he went to Old Forge N.Y., in the Adirondacks with his wife and snowmobiling buddies every year. He loved snow and would say it all the time that he hoped it snowed two feet.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his wife, the former Theresa Brozena, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Theresa was not only his partner but also his friend and the love of his life. They spent most of their spare time traveling and taking weekend trips to "destination unknown," as Bob would say. They have two sons, Robert C. Antolik III, of Drums; and Brent Antolik and wife, Jordan, of Oklahoma City, Okla.

When the boys were young, Bob was a BSA scout leader for Troop 456 of Plymouth. He helped many boys earn their Eagle Scout badge, including his own son, Robert. His other son, Brent, played travel and college ice hockey, so most weekends were spent cheering on his team and making many hockey parent friends.

Also surviving are his sisters: Heidi Taylor and husband, Wes of Slatington, and children: Jacqueline and John; and Rebecca Wetzel and husband, Rick of Orefield, and children: Zach and Jacob. Sisters-in-law: Marianne Wazenski and husband, Paul; Carolyn Klein and husband, Mike; and Sharon Gallagher and husband, Matt; nieces and nephews — who all spent time with him camping and talking cars, especially his niece, Jackie Taylor, who was like a daughter to him, and his good buddy.

The family will receive friends for visitation hours from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad St., Nanticoke. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be private, with the Rev. Michele D. Kaufman, his pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's memory may be made to: the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Hospice of the Sacred Heart; or to your favorite animal rescue organization in his name. Additionally, the funeral home will accept and submit donations of your choice.

To leave Robert's family a message of condolence or expression of sympathy, visit the funeral home website: www.dinellifuneralhome.com.