Obituaries

Benjamin Joseph Houck, 65, of Scranton, died Monday, July 29th at home.
Born November 17, 1958 in Scranton, son of the late Paul and Marjorie Straskulage Houck, Ben attended Scranton Technical High School and honorably served in the United States Army. A mechanic by trade, Ben was a hands on type of guy who enjoyed working on his own cars and also worked at various garages in the area. He was employed as a baker with Roscioli’s Bakery in Scranton. Of the catholic faith, Ben was a member of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton and was a member of VFW Post 25, North Scranton.

An avid outdoorsman, Ben always put family first. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and especially fishing with his grandchildren. Instilled with the loved of the outdoors from their grandfather, they will carry that tradition on and pass it on to the generations that follow. Taken too soon, his love and gentle heart will be remembered by all who knew him.

Surviving are: 2 daughters, Jennifer Thorne, and husband, Richard, Scranton, and Paula Finkler, and husband, Keith, Scranton; a son, Richard Helbing, and his family, Factoryville; his estranged wife of 30 years, Lavina Helbing Houck, Scranton; two sisters, Loretta Greenfield, and husband, Mark, Moscow, and Geraldine Naugle, Carbondale; 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandsons, a great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.
A brother-in-law, Richard Naugle, preceded him in death.
A committal service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, August 14th, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc. 125 N. Main Avenue, Scranton