Obituaries

William J. (Bill) Lewis, age 89, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died early Wednesday morning under the care of the VNA Hospice Inpatient Unit of Geisinger C.M.C., Scranton. He was preceded by his beloved wife, Claire Brown Lewis, on October 22, 1998.
Born in Scranton on November 7, 1925, son of the late William and Mary Walsh Lewis, Bill was a graduate of Scranton’s Central High School before attending the former St. Thomas College. A United States Navy Veteran, he was honorably discharged from service upon the death of his father, returning home to care for his surviving family. For nearly 35 years prior to his retirement, he worked as a steamfitter for Honeywell, Wilkes Barre. He also formerly served as officer for the local Pipefitters Union.
Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He lived a life devoted to his family, faith, friends, and community. His sharp wit and humor will live fondly in the memories of all who loved him. Bill’s presence as the heart and soul of his family was a great gift from God.
A pillar of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in West Scranton, he was also an active member of the Holy Name Society. Serving as a volunteer, he helped the church in many ways. He served Mass as a Eucharistic Minister, lector and usher, provided maintenance when called upon, and was active in working church picnics, dinners and dances. He served communion to those unable to attend church and was active in the diocese’s Cursillo Movement. .
He is survived by his children, William J. Lewis of Great Falls, Virginia, Maryann Cooney and husband James, of Scranton and Maria Szymanski, of Clarks Summit; eleven grandchildren, James Cooney and wife Rachel, Sarah Gula and husband Brian, Brian Cooney, William Lewis, Francis Lewis, Mark Szymanski, Mary Lewis, Kelly Szymanski, Timothy Lewis, Quinn Lewis and Claire Szymanski; three great grandchildren, Connor, Isabelle and Emma Gula; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 11:30AM from the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton. Interment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to St. Patrick’s Church Food Pantry, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton, Pa., 18504.
His family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staffs of both Allied Services and VNA Hospice Inpatient unit for the tremendous care collectively given to Bill.