Obituaries

Thomas F. Richards, age 78, of the West Mountain section of Scranton and formerly of Taylor, passed away Monday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie (Ashman) Richards. Wed on December 12, 1964, the couple celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Born on February 25, 1941, and son of the late Michael and Violet (Ord) Pasternak, Tom was a graduate of the former Newton – Ransom High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army where, while stationed in Germany, he worked as a tank mechanic before his honorable discharge. A lifelong truck driver, Tom worked for several companies, including Columbia Distribution, Insalaco Markets and Supermarket Services prior to his retirement.
Living atop the West Mountain, Tom enjoyed the outdoors. He loved camping, fishing and cruising the neighborhood riding his quad. A NASCAR fan, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was his all-time favorite driver.
Passing away unexpectedly, he will forever be missed by family and friends.
He is also survived by two loving sons, Tom Richards and wife Lisa and Paul Richards; his grandson, Tommy Richards and wife Breanna; a great grandson, Christopher Michael and a great granddaughter on her way; a sister, Marlene Lozetski, all of West Scranton; and nieces and nephews.
A blessing service by Rev. James Buchanan, Berean Bible Church Pastor, is scheduled for Friday at 10:00AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Burial with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
Due to Tom’s last selfless act of giving, his organ donation will ensure his legacy long lives on.