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.
