Obituaries

Peter (Pete) J. Shimkus, Jr., age 76, a lifelong West Scranton resident, passed away Saturday at Geisinger C.M.C., Scranton, after fighting a longtime illness. He is survived by his loving wife, caregiver, and best friend of 36 years, Terry Lee (Houser) Shimkus.
Born on December 9, 1942, and son of the late Peter, Sr. and Mary (Swiruk) Shimkus, Pete was a 1960 graduate of West Scranton High School. He worked as a builder for Simplex Homes of Scranton prior to a 1980 car accident which claimed the life of his father. A faithful Roman Catholic, Pete became a member of St. Patrick’s Church after the closure of St. Michael’s Church in West Scranton, his childhood parish.
Pete found his peace within the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, his great escape was his Fleetville summer cottage. A member of Weston Fieldhouse in North Scranton, he also enjoyed swimming. He loved animals, especially his dogs, and none more than “his baby”, Dimock.
Forever to be loved by his family and friends, Pete is now at peace.
He is also survived by his son, Ryan Shimkus of Strattanville; his sister, Elaine Ward; nieces and nephews, including Heidi and Rob Houser; great nieces and great nephews, especially his fishing partner, Jonah Houser and his godson, Xavier Houser; and his dearest lifelong friend, JoJo Luciane of Scranton.
His first wife, Margaret Ann (Peggy) Fanning Shimkus; and his brother, Robert Shimkus, also preceded him in death.
Terry wishes to thank the amazing staff of doctors and nurses at Geisinger C.M.C.’s I.C.U. for their care, compassion and kindness throughout this difficult time.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 9:15AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.