Obituaries

Emil J. Siwak, 77, of Old Forge, passed away unexpectedly on Friday afternoon. Emil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Elaine (Carol) Krypel, in 2011.
Born in Wilkes Barre on November 13, 1943, son of the late Emil E. Siwak and Madeline B. Burry, Emil grew up in Scranton and had lived in Old Forge since 1972. He was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and attended the University of Scranton. He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed by the Haddon Craftsmen Company for 10 years and retired from Sandvik Materials Technology, Welding and Wire division, after 35 years of service in the Materials group. He was certified in Production and Inventory Control by APICS. Emil was the president of the Sandvik Retirees Association at the time of his death.
Emil was a selfless and loving husband, father, grandfather, son and nephew. Throughout the years as his family aged, Emil served as a caregiver for his mother, his three aunts and two uncles. He lovingly took care of his wife Carol throughout her illness. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and took great interest in all of their activities. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments. They were the apples of his eye.
Emil had a wonderful sense of humor; he was always ready with a quick joke or a humorous comment. He believed in the need for humor even in the face of adversity. He thought that life was for the living and that we should always make the most of it. He enjoyed photography, Sudoku puzzles, woodworking, gardening and working on his home.
Emil was happy to have met his partner, Donna M. Schouten, and her family after his wife’s passing. His good humor, gentle disposition and kind nature allowed him to easily become part of her extended family. Emil and Donna looked forward to sharing their lives with each other, being there for each other and enjoying their sunset years happily together.
Emil is survived by his daughter Carolyn Siwak and her husband Brian, grandchildren Nathan, Sabrina and Alexander, fiancee Donna Schouten, sister in law Judy Krypel, nephews Mark, Frankie, Jeff and Rich, cousin Tina DuBoise and her husband Bob, Tom and Christina Sossong and daughter Elle, and many cousins.
Funeral services will begin on Friday at 10:15 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc. 517 N. Main St. Old Forge with an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in the Nativity of Our Lord Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson St, Duryea, to be celebrated by Rev. John Polednak, Pastor. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Emil’s name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Twp. PA 18411 or to the Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson St, Duryea PA 18642.