Obituaries

Preston Cadwalder Sr., age 67, of Old Forge, passed away Monday evening at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with leukemia. His beloved wife and best friend of 47 years, Celia Colianni Cadwalder, survives. The couple was married on Sept. 3, 1969.
Born in Scranton on July 15, 1949, he was the son of the late Leon Sr. and Lorraine Yuscanis Cadwalder. Upon attending West Scranton High School, he entered the Marine Corps. A proud veteran who bravely served in the Vietnam War, he was acknowledged for his service by being awarded two Purple Hearts.
After working for Panel Prints, he served as the head of maintenance for the Mall at Steamtown, prior to illness. A longtime member of the Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Old Forge, he also belonged to the Marine Corps League.
A true outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, he also took full advantage of any opportunity to dance. He was a master in martial arts, a sixth degree black belt, who had served as a karate instructor at Marywood University. He also operated his own private lesson karate instruction business in Old Forge.
A beloved “poppy” to his grandchildren, he was also a loving husband, father and brother who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by seven children, Preston Cadwalder Jr. and wife, Bonnie; Paul Cadwalder and wife, Tracey; and Renee Wheeler and husband, John, all of Old Forge; Tina Wedlock and husband, Keith, of West Pittston; Linda, Brittany and Gena Cadwalder, all of Old Forge; six siblings, Leon Cadwalder Jr., of Lake Winola; William Cadwalder and wife, Eleanor, of Dickson City; Richard Cadwalder and wife, Ruth; and LeRoy Cadwalder and wife, Sharon, all of Chicago, Illinois; Rose Marie Conrad and husband, John; and Betty Ann Entrot, all of Scranton; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Three sisters preceded him in death.
His family wishes to thank Dr. Darlene Dunay, Preston’s dear friend, Harry Hughes, and the entire staff of Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care for the collective care, compassion and love given to Preston and his family throughout his battle.
Funeral services, to be conducted by Rev. Joseph Bachman, are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., in Old Forge. Military honors will be by the AMVETS Honor Guard. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.