Obituaries

Martin P. Barthold Jr., 66, of Old Forge, passed away Tuesday evening at Regional Hospital of Scranton surrounded by his loving family. His devoted wife of 40 years is the former Melanie Mills. The couple was married June 18, 1983.
Born April 26, 1957, in Scranton, son of the late Martin P. Sr. and Louise Zumblauskas Barthold, Martin was a 1976 graduate of Scranton Central High School where he lettered in three sports, including wrestling and football. In 1980, Martin began working at International Salt and, prior to his retirement, he ended his 30 year career with MetLife, where he worked as a senior network engineer.
A very selfless soul, Martin always gave 110% of his attention to everyone’s needs. A very gifted athlete, his true passion was football. Martin played in the 1976 Dream Game under the coaching of the legendary Jack Henzes. Martin proudly played for the Scranton Eagles, winning several championship rings. He later went on to become an assistant varsity coach for Old Forge Football, where he earned the love and respect of all his players. Martin was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan since the Immaculate Reception. Taken too soon, his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his loving son, Kyle Francis Barthold and wife, Cara, Clarks Green; brothers-in-law, Ron and Jim Mills; nieces and nephews, Tara and Cory Pica, Jason and Elissa Mills, Ronald and Maureen Mills, and their families; his furever faithful friends, Bella, Stella, Ella and Peanut; grandpups, Matilda and Hunter; and sisters, Patricia Reese; and Tina Washo and husband, George.
A sister, Donna Ogden; and sister-in-law, Nancy Osborne Elmers, preceded him in death.
A blessing service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with the Rev. Richard Fox, officiating. Interment, St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.