Recent  Obituaries

Charles F. O’Donnell, 71, of Kingston, passed away unexpectedly, Monday April 20th, 2026 at his residence.

 Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Mary (Brennan) O’Donnell.

 A graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Kings College and worked for most of his career as a healthcare professional, including time at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, and First Hospital, Kingston.

 A lifelong student of literature and the arts, he wrote poetry, drama, and fiction. He had recently completed a novel based on a Catholic priest (an ancestor) who advocated for the rights of coal miners in the Hazleton region at the turn of the 20th century. The book was a labor of love based on extensive historical and genealogical research. He also helped to support fellow artists and writers through his work as director of Arts SEEN, a vibrant artists’ cooperative that occupied space on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square in the 2000s.

Surviving are his sister, Katie Precone (Sweet Valley) and brother, Brennan O’Donnell (Bronxville, New York); brother-in-law Joseph and sister-in-law Angela (Alaimo). 

He was a beloved uncle to his nephews : Charles (Minneapolis), Patrick (Chicago), and Will O’Donnell (Queens, New York); and Jacob (Sweet Valley) and Daniel Precone (Ogden, Utah); and to his grand nieces and nephews Eleanor and Cora O’Donnell (Minneapolis), Amelia and Kayson Precone (Ogden) and Calvin and Rudy O’Donnell (Queens).

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26th at 2pm from the chapel at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1594 S. Main St., Hanover Township.  Interment will immediately follow.

Karla R. Narkiewicz, 81, of Dallas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, May 10^th, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Laura (Martin) Ray.

Karla was a 1967 graduate of College Misericordia and worked for many years as a supervisor for Commonwealth Telephone Company. She enjoyed reading and puzzles and loved decorating her home for the holidays. A member of St. Therese’s Catholic Church, Karla greatly enjoyed singing in the choir. What Karla loved most of all, however, was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Karla was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund Narkiewicz in 2003, and brothers Shawn Ray and Barry Ray.

Surviving are her children, Melinda Esh and husband David (Frederick, MD); Maura Tochelli and husband Jason (Mayfield, PA); and Marielle Rodrigues and husband Micah (Fremont, CA); grandchildren, Abigail and Eliza Esh; and Luca and Francesca Tochelli; brother, Kevin Ray; and sister, Grace Gelinas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 16^th, 2026 at 11am at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 585 Mt. Olivet Rd., Wyoming.   Rev. Joseph Pisaneschi will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 

THOMAS FRANK JONES

Thomas Frank Jones, 83, of Scranton, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 14, 2026, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. 

Born in Pittsburgh, Tom lived a life defined by love, loyalty, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmel Jones, of 44 years, whom he loved and missed dearly. He was devoted to his wife and was her caretaker in illness and her best friend in life. He showed love and devotion till the end of her life and was there with her till her last moments.  He continued to express his devotion and love to her till his last moments.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Nicki Kaskiel; his beloved son-in-law, Ryan Kaskiel, whom he loved as his own son and shared a close friendship through the years; and his treasured grandson, Max Kaskiel, who adored his Poppy and viewed Poppy as his hero. He is also survived by his sister, Carole Krause, along with nieces and nephews, Lori, Lauren, Dustin, Carl, Aimee, Brian, and David, as well as their children, whom he loved dearly.

Tom worked for over 30 years for the Trane Company. After its closing, he continued to work for The Scranton Times until his retirement. 

To know Tom was to know what it meant to feel supported. He was the kind of man who never let anyone struggle alone. If someone needed help, he was there, never needing to be asked twice and never expecting anything in return. His kindness was quiet, genuine, and constant. He believed in showing up, working hard, and providing for the people that he loved.

Above all else, Tom was an extraordinary father and grandfather. As a parent, he never faltered. He was present, loving, patient, forgiving, and endlessly encouraging. He always placed himself last and his family first, a sacrifice more deeply understood by his daughter as the years passed. His daughter cherished the countless life stories and lessons that he shared with her throughout her life. Growing up, Tom was his daughter’s hero, and a high standard was set for anyone in her life. They had date night Thursday’s since early childhood. Some of Nicki’s fondest memories were summers with her cousins, swimming, and despite working long hours, he would drive her daily to his sister’s home for everyone to swim. Tom was also loved and adored by all of Nicki’s friends. Fondly known as Pappa Jones.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was being “Poppy” to his Maxie. Max especially loved to play doctor with him, carefully bandaging him up while Tom happily played along every time. Those moments brought Tom endless happiness. 

Tom also deeply treasured his friendship with Ryan. He loved spending hours with him watching him woodwork while also sharing stories, laughter, and conversation that neither ever wanted to end. 

His sister Carole remained one of the most cherished and constant in his life. They shared lifelong closeness rooted in family, loyalty, and shared values. Some of his fondest memories were camping, cruising, and spending time in Ocean City, Maryland, with his wife, sister, and the rest of the family. 

Tom was truly one of a kind and can never be replaced. The love he gave freely has forever been imprinted on his loved ones. His loss leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. His family finds comfort in believing that he was welcomed at Heaven’s gates by his loving wife, Carmel, and his late brother-in-law and lifelong friend Carl Krause, reuniting once again with the people who loved him best.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 21^st at 10am from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming.  Friends may call Wednesday, May 20th from 6pm to 8pm at the funeral home. 

New Paragraph