Gordon K. Schantz

Gordon K. Schantz, 76, of Emmaus, died April 1, 2022 in St. Luke’s Hospital Allentown Campus surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Linda P. (Petraitis) Schantz.  Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Horace W. and Annetta L. (Keck) Schantz.  He earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 13.  Gordon was a 1963 graduate of Emmaus High School, attended Temple University, and was a 1966 graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  He was a licensed funeral director since 1969.  He was the founding owner and broker of numerous real estate companies for 50 years, earning Emeritus Status with the Greater Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, last serving as Associate Broker and Partner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners, Emmaus.  He reestablished and owned the Anchorage Restaurant from 1991 to 2001.  He was also a real estate developer and partner in the Butz Hacker Insurance Agency.  Gordon was the co-founder, past president, and past chairman of the board of East Penn Bank.      He was a member of Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, serving on consistory and member of numerous committees.  Gordon was a member, past president, and Paul Harris Fellow of the Emmaus Rotary Club, life member of the Mercantile Club of Emmaus, member of Emmaus Lodge #792 F&AM, and former member of the Emmaus Jaycees.  He was an avid golfer and will be remembered for his dry sense of humor.    

Gordon is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda; daughters, Christine wife of John Gaines of Emmaus and Renee wife of Steve Gould of Macungie; brothers, H. Walker Schantz and wife Sis of Macungie and Joel K. Schantz and wife Marny of Taos, NM; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Morgan Gould and Andrew Gaines.  He was predeceased by his son, Matthew G. Schantz. 

Memorial services will be held on Fri. April 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church, 3441 Devonshire Rd., Allentown, PA 8103.  Visitation Thurs., April 7, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus and Fri. 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the church.  Interment will follow in Western Salisbury Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gordon’s name may be made to his church.  

Robert C. Jones

Robert “Bob” C. Jones, F.D., West Scranton, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 56 years is the former Genevieve “Genie” (Talarico) Jones.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late of Emrys Jones and Ruth Hubbard Jones and was a graduate of West Scranton High School in 1958. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served active duty on the USS Chilton, APA -38, and an additional four years of Naval Reserve service in Philadelphia. Following his active duty military service, he earned an accounting associate degree from Lackawanna College in 1962 and another associate degree in mortuary science in 1964 from the McAllister School of Embalming.

He became a licensed funeral director in 1966, entering into business with his father at Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel Inc., where he remained for 42 years until 2008. After a brief retirement, he joined the Vanston and James and James Wilson Funeral Homes, where he served as the general manager.

Robert was an active member and past president of many civic organizations in the community, including both the Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania State Funeral Directors Association, the St. David’s Society, the Lions Club of Scranton and other civic organizations. He was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Union Lodge, #291, Free and Accepted Masons, Scranton. He was particularly proud of being a member and elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the USS Chilton Association.

Bob was an avid Yankees fan, loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed hosting holidays, summer picnics and pool parties at his home with family and friends. While humble of his own civic activities, he took pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. He was a true professional throughout his 55+ years as a funeral director in Lackawanna and Wayne counties, serving thousands of families with compassion and understanding.

He is also survived by his children, Alyssa Jones, Scranton, Daniel Jones and wife, Jennifer, Covington Twp., and Pamela Trovato and husband, John, Morristown, N.J.; his beloved grandchildren, Ava Rose Jones, Scranton, Harlie and Jolienne Jones, Covington Twp., and Elio and Luca Trovato, Morristown, N.J.; his sister, Beverly Casey, Goose Creek, S.C.; brothers-in-law, Thomas and August Talarico and families; several cousins and nephews; numerous collogues and friends.

He was also preceded in death by brother-in-law, Thomas Casey; mother-in-law, Rose Talarico; and sister-in-law, Connie Talarico.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 23 at noon in the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton. Masonic funeral services will be held before the religious service. Friends may call at the church Saturday morning from 11 a.m. until the commencement of the masonic service. Interment, private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Robert may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510, www.hospicesacredheart.org.

To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.