Obituaries

Richard G. Flower, 69, of Mountaintop, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday evening, June 12, 2021 at Residential Hospice, Wilkes-Barre, after an illness.
Born July 1, 1951 and raised in the Philadelphia area, he was a son of the late George and Marcelene (Kostenbader) Flower. He graduated from Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, CT. After moving to Mountaintop in 1969, he earned a degree in Economics from Wilkes University, and a MBA from the University of Scranton. He worked in sales for Colgate-Palmolive for three decades prior to his retirement.
Rich loved kids, dogs, and Philadelphia sports. He was a die-hard fan of both the Eagles and the Phillies. He also enjoyed coaching youth sports, and had volunteered as coach for several teams when his children were growing up including Mountaintop Little League, soccer and basketball. In his younger years, he competed with the YMCA Masters Swim Team and in triathlons. He enjoyed traveling and sharing summer fun with the family in Ocean City, N.J.
His greatest joy was his grandchildren and attending their activities. He spent much of his time with his “best dog ever”, a rescue named Ivy.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kathleen (Masters) Flower; son Todd Flower and his wife, Elisha, Ephrata, PA, and daughter Karen Flower and her husband David Forbes, of Wynnewood, PA; five grandchildren, Lily, Dorian, Wyatt and Bodhi Flower, and Brian Forbes; his brother, Garry Flower and wife JoAnn of Upper Gwynedd; uncle, Kenneth Kostenbader of the Philadelphia area; one niece and several nephews.
His family wishes to thank the staff of Residential Hospice Inpatient Unit for their care and compassion throughout Rich’s stay.
A private blessing service and burial will be held at Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s name to the Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge c/o 974 Lockville Rd, Dallas, PA 18612.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.