Obituaries

Lee W. Frutchey Sr., age 84 and a longtime resident of Taylor, passed away Tuesday evening surrounded by family at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown after an illness. On Dec. 6, 2021, Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife and sidekick of 60 years, Rae C. (Coombs) Frutchey.

Born on Nov. 17, 1939, and raised in Old Forge, Lee was the son of the late Theodore Sr. and Elizabeth (Richards) Frutchey. A graduate of Old Forge High School and drummer in the school’s marching band, later in his life he would earn his associate of science degree from Luzerne County Community College after graduating in 1980. For 32 years prior to his well-deserved retirement, Lee worked for TOPPS Chewing Gum Co. where he served as an endearing supervisor within the pilot plant. His career at TOPPS was filled with countless accomplishments and accolades, including making the prototype for the first of the legendary ring pops as well as producing the largest piece of Bazooka chewing gum ever created. After the plant closure, Lee was still a national consultant for the company as one of the few who knew how to program its development machinery. With his tireless work ethic, he continued working at Lackawanna County Stadium and for the Riverside School District.

Lee and Rae were absolute road warriors, having traveled cross-country in their RV numerous times while also spending their winters in Florida for over a decade. Some of their children’s fondest memories came during trips to Camp Onawandah. A sports lover, he was never one to miss a family sporting event and also a die-hard Penn State Nittany Lions fan, he and Rae were season ticket holders for many years.

Involved in so many ways, he was an active member of the Acacia Lodge #579 F&AM in Taylor and also a faithful member of the United Baptist Church in Taylor where he served in countless ways. He was a former deacon, a church trustee and an invaluable member of the choir considering his amazing voice.

Lee will certainly be remembered in countless ways. He loved birdwatching, story telling and cooking for anyone and everyone for any occasion. He had a way with people, adored by his loved ones, and never to be forgotten he leaves behind three generations of his legacy to long keep his memory alive.

He is survived by his four children, Terri Lynn Zezza and husband, Jim, of Exeter; Linda Lee Frutchey, of Taylor; Lee W. Frutchey Jr. and wife, Denise, of Carbondale; and Raebeth Mattioli, of Taylor; grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored their “pop,” Anthony Mattioli and wife, Cait, and their children, Dominic and Ryan Mattioli; Lee Frutchey III and Brand Frutchey; four siblings, Theodore “Ted” Frutchey Jr., of Scranton; Norman Frutchey and wife, Carla, of Florida; Wayne Frutchey and wife, Mary Lou, of Florida; and Noreen Ann Ofner and husband, Raymond, of Waymart; a brother-in-law, Samuel Julian, of Philadelphia; and many nieces and nephews.

His family would like to acknowledge and thank Advance Home Health Care and its nurse, Gene; devoted caregiver, Ashley Greenfield; and Dr. Ken Sebastianelli, for their collective care and compassion throughout Lee’s illness.

Funeral services to be conducted by Rev. Ginger Daubenhauser are scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with entombment to follow at Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst Twp. Family and friends may pay their respects Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.