Obituaries

Stephen Barnic, III, age 68, of Inkerman, passed away Sunday morning at Allied Hospice in Scranton, after an illness. He is survived by his loving wife, best friend and caregiver, Beth Nevins Barnic. Married for 45 years, the couple wed on St. Patrick’s Day, 1973.

Born in West Scranton on February 3, 1950, he was the son of the late Stephen, Jr., and Leona “Lee” Graham Barnic. A 1968 graduate of Old Forge High School, he was standout athlete and quarterback of the Blue Devil Football Team. Upon graduation, he then studied Business at the University of Scranton, where he also played football for the Royals Club Team.

For 32 years, he worked as the Anheuser-Busch sales representative in the Scranton area for Falcone Beverage of Pittston. Prior to becoming ill, he then covered the northeast as a courier for Geisinger Health Systems for seven years. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston.

Kind, humble, selfless and loving, Stephen’s family served as his life’s focal point. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and he made every effort to be there for each one of their activities. An amazing husband, father, grandfather and brother who was certainly loved by all who knew him, he will be forever missed.

He is also survived by his adoring children, Stephen Barnic, IV and wife Tara of Weatherly, Erin Sciandra and husband Carmen of Hughestown, Kara Wrubel and husband Chris of Eynon and Christopher Barnic and wife Katelyn of Jenkins Twp.; beloved grandchildren who will greatly miss their “poppa”, Stephen and Nicholas Sciandra, Stephen, V and Kiley Barnic, Ryan and Molly Wrubel and Maisie and Rowan Barnic; his loving siblings, Patricia Gaughan and husband Joe of Scranton, Greg Barnic and wife Colleen of Moosic and Shannon Barnic of Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Brian Barnic, also preceded him in death.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staffs of both Allied Hospice and Moses Taylor Hospital as well as Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli, for their collective care and compassion during such a difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 1:00PM at Saint Ann Basilica, West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Burke, C.P., Rector. Burial will follow at St. John’s Parish Cemetery in Pittston. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 5-7:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stephen’s name to either St. Ann’s Basilica and Shrine Memorial Walkway, c/o 1233 St. Ann St., Scranton, Pa., 18504, or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pa., in honor of his grandson Ryan Wrubel, c/o 745 West Governor Road, Hershey, Pa., 17033. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.