Obituaries

Joseph “Cookie” Tansley, Jr., age 87 and a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. He is survived by his best friend, devoted caregiver through illness and beloved wife of 57 years, Helen (O’Dell) Tansley. The couple married on June 26, 1965.
Born on December 7, 1935, and son of the late Joseph, Sr. and Loretta (McCamley) Tansley, Cookie was a graduate of Old Forge High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War prior to his honorable discharge on November 30, 1964. He retired after 24 years as a technician for Procter and Gamble Co., Mehoopany.
Cookie loved his sports. The USC Trojans, Kentucky Wildcats and the Philladelphia Phillies just lost one of its biggest fans.
Growing everything from pineapples to lemons, his gardening skills were taken to another level upon retirement. Guests were sure to leave his house with whatever was growing in the garden. His longtime hobby was fishing and along with his family, he made countless memories fishing at Wyoming County’s Bowmans Creek.
Above all else to Cookie came his family. From traveling the U.S. with his wife to spending time with his adored grandchildren, he passed away at peace knowing that his legacy was in good hands. He’ll never be forgotten.
He is also survived by loving family including his three children, Deborah Romanelli and husband Louis of Exeter, Kevin Tansley and Jason Tansley, both of Old Forge; grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Victoria, Taylor and Joshua Tansley, and McKenzie Gaul whom he always considered a grandchild; a brother, Keith Tansley and wife Nona of Turbotville; and nieces and nephews. A brother, Harry Tansley, also preceded him in death.
Cookie’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the amazing staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Both its outpatient and inpatient units had taken such great care of both Cookie and his family and they will never forget it. Please direct any memorial contributions in his name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart c/o 600 Baltimore Dr # 7, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
A Celebration of Cookie’s Life will be Saturday at Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 1:30 blessing by Rev. Dr. Michael Shambora. Family and friends my pay their respects from 11:00 AM until services.