Obituaries

Walter Toole, Jr., age 80, of the Greenwood section of Moosic, passed away Thursday morning at Scranton Health Care Center, after an illness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Gallagher Toole. Wed on June 24, 1961, the couple celebrated 54 years of marriage.
Born in Scranton on September 23, 1935, Walter was the son of the late Walter, Sr., and Ann Joyce Toole. He was educated at the former Scranton Central Catholic High School before serving in the United States Army during the Korean War where he was honored with the Good Conduct Medal. For 18 years prior to his retirement, he worked as a salesman for Kraft Foods. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was an active member of the Church of St. Joseph, now Divine Mercy Parish, where he was instrumental in raising the funds to build the present church.
Walter served as past president of both the Moosic Lions Club and the Moosic Youth Center. He was a co-founder of the American Culinary Society, where he had received the Presidential Award in recognition for his service and dedication. A proud veteran, he also belonged to the American Legion Post 948 of Minooka. An active volunteer, he had selflessly done so much for the betterment of the community. A loving husband, brother, uncle, godfather and friend, he was a dear friend to all, helping anyone ever in need. He will be forever missed.
He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Forney and husband Jerry of Union Bridge, Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.
Sisters, Mary Theresa Klee and Anna (Nancie) Houston, also preceded him in death.
His wife wouuld like to extend her appreciation to the entire staffs of both Scranton Health Care Center as well as Personal Home Health Care and Hospice (PHHC) as well as to Walter’s adoring nieces and nephews who collectively provided him so much care, comfort and love throughout his illness.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 9:45AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Divine Mercy Church, 312 Davis Street in Scranton, to be concelebrated by Rev. Francis Pauselli, Pastor, and Rev. Jeffrey Walsh, cousin. Interment with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Walter’s name to either the Moosic Lions Club, c/o Atty. Donald Fredrickson, 435 Main St., Moosic, PA., 18507; Moosic Youth Center, 606 Main St., Moosic, PA. 18507; or to PHHC, 1122 Meade St, Scranton, PA. 18512.