Obituaries

George J. Chelland, age 79, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Sunday at Allied Hospice in Scranton, after a brief illness. He’s now reunited with the love of his life, his wife of 37 years, Donna (Liples) Chelland, who preceded him in death on Jan. 29.
Born on April 13, 1942, and raised in Old Forge, George was the son of the late Joseph “Bro” and Jean (Quinn) Chelland. A 1959 graduate of Old Forge High School. On June 10, 1963, George earned his degree in pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences before beginning a career in local pharmacies spanning more than five decades before his 2014 retirement.
His work ethic, attention to detail and personal connection with customers were the recipe for his success as a pharmacist. In his youth, he worked as a delivery boy for Costa’s Pharmacy in Old Forge so it was ironic that he would retire as the owner of Costa’s in South Scranton nearly 60 years later. His best friend and partner, Jack Rooney, worked along side of George for many years. He was the brother that George never had. From customers to family alike, George’s priority in life had always been taking care of others before himself.
He loved a good dinner and a glass of wine. He was a faithful member of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge and he was an honorable veteran, serving in the United States Army Reserves. Beyond all else, he’ll be forever missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, George Chelland and wife, Melissa, of Naples, Florida; daughter, Lisa Chelland, of Old Forge; a daugher-in-law, Melissa “Missy” Chelland, of Old Forge; ten grandchildren, Lynzee, Lauren, Madelyn, Gianna, George, Jameson Chelland, and James and Alexandra Holl and Dominic and Roman Bartell; two sisters, Patricia Toraldo, of Old Forge; and Catherine Chelland, of Dunmore; a stepson, Jonathan Bartell, of Pittston; a great-granddaughter on her way; and nieces and nephews.
A son, Joseph Chelland; and a brother-in-law, Gaetano Toraldo, also preceded him in death.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank George’s extended family and caregivers, Alnisa Hardy, Karrie Owen and Kelli Vasapolli, for the years of dedicated help, comfort and genuine love.
Private funeral services will be from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Prince of Peace Parish, to be celebrated by the Rev. August Ricciardi, pastor. Burial with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George’s name to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Allied Services Hospice Center, c/o 511 Morgan Hwy., Scranton, PA 18508. Please leave a condolence via the funeral home’s website.