Masonic Memorials

This page is dedicated to the Remembrance of our Brothers who have passed. Information is posted as it becomes available. An e-mail is sent to the Brethren so that they are made aware and able to pay their respects as they see fit. You can Click on a Brother’s name to read a brief obituary about him.

Masonic Funeral Services are an honorable way for Masons to pay homage to their Brothers who have passed. But one must make his wishes known to his family or funeral director – the Lodge does not provide these services unless they are requested.

 

Bro. Joseph A. Shaver

Joseph Anthony Shaver, WARMland’s little Joey Shaver, entered the gates of heaven to the tune of “Here Comes Joey” Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

For 81 years, he lived his life to the fullest from the time he graduated from Kingston High School in 1959. He served his country with pride in the U.S. Navy, and when he left the service he started his long career in radio broadcasting and sales followed by television.

From station WBAX to WARM The Mighty 590, he loved the business! At WARM his 7 p.m. to midnight show was very popular with the teens. He later went into sales at the station and was the number one salesman for years. After his sales success at WARM, he became the sales manager for Magic 93.

Just prior to retirement, he became involved with WVIA Public Broadcasting in sales and on the air. The Polka show was very popular at the time. Dancing was one of his true joys! Joey and his wife, Judi, took ballroom dance lessons for a few years, so Joey suggested to management a Ballroom One Dance Program. It turned out to be a great idea and it aired for ten years never missing a beat! He also enjoyed emceeing Joe Nardone’s Summer Dances and the Doo Wop shows at the Kirby Center.

During his adult life, Joey always had a Corvette. He loved airplanes so he bought one and became a pilot. He and Judi would fly to Atlantic City, walk the Boardwalk and fly home all in the same day! He enjoyed hunting and fishing in Harveys Lake where he resided for 31 years. Cruising on the lake, he had a classy speed boat and a waverunner. He collected records, hats and guitars. While at his vacation home in Florida this past winter, his latest achievement was becoming a licensed amateur radio operator.

Community involvement was also important to him. He was past-president of an organization for Children with Learning Disabilities, past-president of the Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club and past-president of the Harveys Lake Protective Association. He was a member of George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531 F&AM and Irem Shrine Legion of Honor.

Joey was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church and faithfully attended the Saturday services and assisted as a collection usher.

He was the only son of the late Joseph J. and May Flower Shaver of Kingston.

Joey leaves behind his wife, dance partner and caregiver, Judi Blasé Shaver; his sons, Joseph W. and Brian C. (LeeAnn); his loyal companion dog, Lilly; brothers-in-law, Dr. Robert Blasé (Mary); Dr. John Scott Blasé (Jane); numerous nieces and nephews; cousins and many many great friends! He lived a wonderful life!

Donations, if desired, may be made to Blue Chip Animal Refuge, c/o 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.

Bro. John S. Spencer, Sr.

John S. Spencer Sr., 87, of Dallas, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.

He was born in Carbondale and graduated from Dallas High School. He was married to Frances A. Kozick, the love of his life, for 29 years before her passing.

He owned and operated Lehman Golf Club, first with his father, Sam, and then with his son, John Jr. from 1953 until his death. John loved his family and made all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel like they were his favorite.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army in England. John was a member of George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge 531; F&AM, Dallas, Irem Shrine; the Anthracite Golf Association; Daddow Isaacs American Legion Post 672, Dallas; and the United Penn Bank Board. He worked for 17 years for Thomas Garrity selling real estate in addition to running the golf course.

He was a member of Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas.

He loved to play golf and cards. Tuesdays and Thursdays were his regular card-playing days with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel G. Spencer and Alice Tompkins Spencer; his wife, Frances Spencer; and his granddaughter, Nicole Spencer.

He is survived by children, Mary Fiske (Matt), Kingston; Ann Stearly (Jay), Phoenixville; Elizabeth, Dallas; Joanie Yamrick (Frank), Dallas; Alice, Dallas; John Jr. (Kim), Dallas; Sam (Shelley), Trucksville; Frank, Wilkes-Barre; and Jenny (Jamie), Trucksville; grandchildren, Maria Fiske, Anna Fiske, Erika Stearly, Megan Koren, Samuel Stearly, Kaelee Stearly, John Yamrick, Kayte Yamrick, Bethany Crompton, Karen Yamrick, Rebecca Spencer, Allison Spencer, Abby Spencer, Colton Spencer, Brittany Spencer, Kasey Spencer, Cassie Bobyak, Kennedy Spencer, Madeleine Spencer, Spencer Bowanko and Colin Bowanko; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to Mercy Center, c/o P.O. Box 370, Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612; the Back Mountain Memorial Library, c/o 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas, PA 18612; or to the donor’s choice.

Bro. Robert D. Richardson

Robert D. Richardson, 84, of Dallas, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at his residence.

Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Lewis (L.L.) and Grace (Kane) Richardson. He was a graduate of Westmoreland High School. He was also a graduate of Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics as well as Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University. While at Dickinson, he served in the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) and received the John Dickinson Saber award, the highest honor given to an ROTC graduating senior.

Bob served as executive officer for Luzerne and Lackawanna counties with Wachovia bank before his retirement. Bob began his career in 1971 with First Eastern Bank, Wilkes-Barre, where he spent 22 years before moving to several Wachovia predecessor institutions. During this 36-year commercial and business banking career, he positively impacted many area businesses and members of the community. He was also instrumental in helping Wachovia secure the naming rights to the arena at Casey Plaza, now known as Mohegan Sun Arena.

Bob was a member of the Shavertown United Methodist Church, serving on the finance committee. He was a founding director of Leadership Wilkes-Barre. He was the chairman of both the Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund board of directors and the Dallas Borough Pension Fund. Among the many organizations he was involved in, he served on the boards of Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the regional chamber Partnership Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Visiting Nurses Association and Dallas Fire and Ambulance Inc. Bob was recognized for his ongoing support for the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Pennsylvania council and received the highest volunteer award, The Silver Beaver. Bob also was a member of the George M. Dallas Lodge, Caldwell Consistory and the Irem Shriners.

Bob served his country proudly in the Army at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Dix, N.J., and with the 402nd Military Police. He retired at the rank of major.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, the former Sandra Sprout, in May of this year.

Surviving are his sons, Robert Richardson and his wife, Molly, Harleysville; and Mark Richardson and his wife, Carolyn, Bedminster, N.J.; daughter, Susan Crahall and her husband, A.J., Dallas; grandchildren, Carly, Nora, Reese, William, John, Daniel, Emily and Zachary; and brothers, Thomas and James Richardson.

Bro. David A. Evans, III

The world lost a great man on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Dr. David A. Evans was called home following an activity he loved doing.

He was born in Kingston on Dec. 20, 1957, and was the son of the late David A., Jr. and Evelyn Evans.

David graduated from Northwest High School, Wilkes University and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He had an independent optometry practice in Nanticoke and was a partner in Family Vision Care in Kingston.

He was a member of the Sweet Valley Church of Christ where he served as a former deacon, American Optometric Association and Pennsylvania Optometric Association and its board for many years leading up to his presidency in what he called “2020: The Year of the Optometrist.” David was a 20-year member of the Valley Chapter of BNI, a group of independent businessmen and women with whom he has developed lifelong friendships.

David was also a member of the Lower Toby Sportsman’s Club and the Harveys Lake Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. The most memorable trip he made was with his sons to Africa. He enjoyed getting together with his friends for a round of golf and looked forward to doing that more often after retirement.

David held many roles including husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, eye doctor and friend. He always found time and offered advice when needed, especially to his patients when they needed a helping hand. David was genuine and loved his family deeply. He also had a sensitive side that many did not get to witness but that came to light during family gatherings when he was asked to pray.

Dave adored his granddaughter, Cecelia, and was proud to be her Pop. He was looking forward to the birth of another granddaughter in the upcoming months.

David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dr. Gail Evans; children, Kyle Evans and his wife, Taylor; Brooke Evans; and Curtis Evans and his girlfriend, Rachel Vidumsky; siblings, Amy Boytin and her husband, Chuck; Darrell Evans and his fiancée, Jackie Pascucci; Doug Evans and his wife, Lori; and Robyn Confalone and her husband, Jay; sister-in-law, Connie Higgins and her husband, Dennis; 10 nieces and nephews, their partners and their children who were dear to his heart; and thousands of patients who he cared for over the past 38 years in his eyecare practice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Optometry Giving Sight in the form of a tribute gift at www.givingsight.org/donate or by calling 303-526-0430; or to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at www.RMEF.org/donate, for the preservation of wildlife habitat.

Bro. Leon F. Brokenshire, Jr., PM – Life Member

Leon F. Brokenshire Jr., 92, formerly of Dallas, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in Warwick, R.I., surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Leon and Daisy Race Brokenshire and was a graduate of Dallas High School. Leon served his country as a military policeman in the U.S. Airforce during the Korean War and was employed as a lineman with PP&L for over 30 years before his retirement in 1992.

Leon was a member of The Valley View Chapel in Larksville, where he previously served as a trustee. Additionally, he was a member of Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg; Irem Shrine; and George M. Dallas Masonic Lodge #531 F&AM, where he was a past master and a 33rd degree Mason.

Leon enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, staying active and pizza nights with his church family. He was an avid sports fan of the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State football. Above all, Leon loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, the former Elizabeth Lewis; daughter, Karen Sulewski; grandson, Adam Sulewski; and several siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori Hoats, West Warwick, R.I.; and his four grandchildren, Jamie and Keith Sulewski and Jared and Courtney Hoats.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his in-home caregivers, the staff at All American Assisted Living, and the staff at Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation for their compassionate care.

Leon’s family will remember his strong faith, love for life and his infectious smile.

Brothers who passed in 2013

Bro. Byron Grieves, 79, of Dallas, passed Thursday, February 14. Master Mason 1981.
Bro. Glenn R. Stroh, 83, of Shavertown, passed March 10. Master Mason 1958.
Bro. Ernest Wolfe, 91, of Dallas, passed March 30. Master Mason 2004.

 

Brothers who passed in 2012

Bro. Harrison Smith, 96, formerly from the Wyoming Valley, passed January 1. Master Mason 1948.
Bro. Ralph Garris
, 89, formerly of Dallas, passed January 26. Master Mason 1954.
Bro. John Holdredge Sr., 83, of Dallas, passed February 19. Master Mason 1957.
Bro. George Alan Stolarick, 59, of Dallas, passed March 16, 2012. Master Mason 1995.
Bro. Peter Paul Mahalick, 72, of Dallas, passed May 13, 2012. Master Mason 2007.
Bro. James “Howie” Sangston, 71, of Dallas, passed on June 4, 2012. Master Mason 1990.
Bro. Royal J. Culp, 90, of Kingston, passed away June 24, 2012. Master Mason 1950.
Bro. William Sorokin, 67, of Plains Township, passed August 16. Master Mason 2004.
Bro. Walter Gosart, 92, of Shavertown, passed September 4. Master Mason December 1946.
Bro. William A. Vollrath, 74, of Harveys Lake, passed October 12. Master Mason 1971.
Bro. Richard (Dick) Evans Jr.
, 73, of Dallas, passed October 5. Master Mason 2005.
Bro. Barry Landmesser
, 71, of Shavertown, passed November 26. Master Mason 1965.
Bro. Robert Price, passed December 2. Master Mason 1959.
Bro. James Norris Warkomski, 85, Phoenix, AZ, passed December 22, 2012. Master Mason 1949.
Bro. Edward P. Casterline, 84, of Exeter, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2012. Master Mason 1993.

Brother Asa B. Shaver, a farmer who resided in Dallas, PA, was born in 1838 in Dallas Township. He was reared and educated at the common schools. Shaver confined himself to agricultural pursuits owning 50 acres of fertile land devoted to general farming. He was described as having a retiring disposition attending to his own affairs rather than seeking the smiles and favors of others. Asa married, but had no children. Brother Shaver was a Freemason in good standing, receiving all the Degrees up to and including Knights Templar. He was the first Worshipful Master of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531. Source: History of Luzerne County Pennsylvania by H. C. Bradsby; S. B. Nelson & Co., Publishers; 1893.


19th Century
Worshipful Masters
Bro. Asa B. Shaver                       1875, 1893
Bro. Theodore Ryman                  1876
Bro. James Garrahan                   1877
Bro. Joseph Shaver                      1878
Bro. Ira Shaver                              1879
Bro. Philip Raub                            1880
Bro. Ziba Rice                               1881
Bro. Lewis Shaver                         1882
Bro. Richard Whiteman                 1883
Bro. Charles Cooke                       1884
Bro. Robert Holly                           1885
Bro. Charles Rogers                     1886
Bro. Oliver Fisher                          1887, 1888
Bro. B. Wm. Brickel                       1889, 1890
Bro. Elmer Shaver                         1891
Bro. Calvin Spencer                      1892
Bro. Albert Hay                              1894
Bro. Charles Gregory                    1895
Bro. John Phillips                           1896, 1899
Bro. George Morris                        1897
Bro. James Benniger                     1898

20th Century Worshipful Masters
Bro. Charles Gregory                    1900
Bro. George Morris                       1901
Bro. George Bray                          1902
Bro. Eugene Honeywell                 1903
Bro. Allan Snyder                          1904
Bro. George Hileman                    1905, 1912
Bro. William Neely                         1906
Bro. Asa E. Lewis                          1907,1911
Bro. Ralph Brickel                         1908
Bro. Harry Croop                           1909
Bro. John Jeter, Jr.                        1910
Bro. William Lazarus                     1913
Bro. John Fleming                         1914
Bro. Harold Wildrick                      1915
Bro. Claude Isaacs                       1916, 1919
Bro. Frederick Houck                    1917
Bro. Floyd Thompson                   1918
Bro. Frank Garrahan                    1920
Bro. William Jeter                          1921
Bro. Carl Holtz                               1922
Bro. Charles Gregory                    1923
Bro. Corey Gordon                        1924
Bro. A. Donald Fratz                      1925
Bro. Daniel Shaver                        1926
Bro. David Casmore                      1927, 1931
Bro. Arthur Brown                          1928
Bro. Donald Herbert                      1929
Bro. R. Harold Rood                      1930
Bro. Frederick Eck                        1932
Bro. Calvin McHose                       1933
Bro. William Cairl, Jr.                     1934
Bro. Ernest Smith                          1935, 1942
Bro. Victor Schindel                       1936
Bro. Joseph Blaine                         1937
Bro. Clifford Ide                              1938, 1943
Bro. Alfred Camp                            1939
Bro. Russell Ide                              1940
Bro. Ralph Hazeltine                       1941
Bro. Albert Groblewski                    1944
Bro. David Schooley                       1945
Bro. Robert Bodycomb                   1946
Bro. Arlean Bowman                       1947
Bro. Granville Snowdon                  1948
Bro. Ernest Caryl                            1949
Bro. Albert Antanaitis                      1950
Bro. Stanley Moore                         1951
Bro. Thomas Robinson                   1952
Bro. John Sheehan, Sr.                   1953
Bro. Corey Rood                             1954
Bro. Edward Hartman                      1955
Bro. Elmer Major                             1956
Bro. Ted Wilson                              1957
Bro. Hayward Lancio                       1958
Bro. Robert Rave                            1959
Bro. Harry Ritts, Jr.                          1960
Harry Swepston, Jr.                          1961
Bro. Edward Hopa                            1963
Bro. Carl Remley                              1964
Bro. Robert Stephenson                  1965
Bro. Robert K. Lewis                       1966
Bro. Richard Stroud                         1967
Bro. Reuel Lasher                            1969
Bro. Joseph Allen, Jr.                       1971
Bro. Laning Harvey III                       1972
Bro. Charles Bartlett                        1974
Bro. Thomas Williams                      1977
Bro. Donald Lockhart                       1978
Bro. Arthur Bird                                1979
Bro. Nelson Williams                        1986
Bro. Donald Smith                            1987
Bro. Donald F. Shaffer                     1995
Bro. John Sheehan, Jr.                    1996
Bro. J. William Haddle, Jr.                1997, 1999
Bro. Charles A. Vanderhoff               1998

21st Century Worshipful Masters
Bro. Leonard A. Dorrance               2001
Bro. Robert K. Lewis,                      2010

 

As of 2013, our Lodge has had 125 Worshipful Masters.View the list of Living Past Masters.