Obituaries

Michael Dreistadt, III, age 75 and a longtime Moosic resident, passed away on Monday at Geisinger C.M.C. in Scranton, following an illness, with his loyal wife and family by his side. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Jeanne (Burnett) Dreistadt. Wed on September 16, 1972, the couple were married for 52 years.

Born in Taylor on June 14, 1949, and son of the late Michael, Jr. and Lois (Miller) Dreistadt, Michael was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1968. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for six years prior to his honorable discharge. After learning carpentry at Johnson College, he went onto begin a career in carpentry that spanned over three decades. His specialty was modular homes, having last worked with Signature Building Products of Moosic prior to his retirement. An outdoorsman who enjoying hunting and fishing, Michael was also the longtime owner and operator of the Lonesome Road Bait and Tackle Shop of Old Forge.

To be remembered in so many ways, Michael was a die-hard New York Yankees fan. He loved everything related to Disney and was a model train enthusiast, to say the least. He was a Marx Model Railroad collector and builder of an all-time great personal railway. He never passed up a good yard sale or flea market and had the innate ability to fix seemingly everything (or at least tried to).

Michael passed away at peace with his both life and also the amazing family he and Jeanne created.

Along with Jeanne, he is survived by his two loving daughters, Tracy Blasi and husband Tony of Moosic and Michele Dreistadt and wife Susan of Bloomingburg, N.Y.; seven beloved grandchildren, Josh, Gabi, Brady, Landon, twins Ella and Reagan, and Savannah; his sister, Bonnie Rosania of Pittston; and nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Dennis Rosania and Ralph Burnett.

His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staffs of Geisinger C.M.C.’s I.C.U. and P.C.U. for the collective care given to Michael throughout his stay.

Graveside services by Rev. Dr. Michael Shambora with military honors to follow will be private in Marcy Cemetery, Duryea. Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.