Robert P. Ontko

February 3, 2011

Robert P. Ontko, 71, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, February 3, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. His loving and devoted wife is the former Lucille Januszewski. Robert and Lucille would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on February 27, 2011. Born on October 1, 1939, in Kingston, Robert was a son of the late Peter and Mary (Troyan) Ontko. Robert was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, class of 1957. During high school, Robert was a member of his high school's football team, with whom he played in the 1956 championship game. He played under Coach Doc Yonkondy and was a member of the All-Scholastic team that year. Following his high school graduation, Robert went on to further his education at the Long Beach City College, California. Prior to his retirement, Robert was employed as the Supervisor of Distribution for the Pennsylvania Power and Light Co. in their Duryea and Scranton Offices. He was employed by PP&L for 34 years. Robert always enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially to Las Vegas, Nev., which was one of his favorite places to visit. Robert was also an avid golfer and football fan. Family was of the utmost importance to Robert, and he treasured every moment he had with his loved ones. He will forever be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. In addition to his loving wife, Lucille Ontko, Robert is survived by his children; Angela McGrath and her husband, Scott, of Old Forge, Robert Ontko and his wife, Katherine, of Naperville, Ill., Jerry Ontko and his wife Liliana, of Canton, Mich., Kathy Marte and her husband, Andy, of Collegeville, Pa., and James Ontko of Washington, D.C.; his 11 grandchildren; his brothers, Alan Ontko of Pringle and Mark Ontko of Swoyersville; as well as nieces, nephews and friends. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Holy Name/Saint Mary's Church, 283 Shoemaker St., Swoyersville, with the Rev. William J. Karle, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be privately held. Family and friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. For additional information, or to send the family of Mr. Robert P. Ontko an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website at www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to the American Cancer Society, 190 Welles St., Ste. 118, Forty Fort, PA 18704, or to Hospice Care of the V.N.A., 80 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.