Obituaries

RAYMOND D. PROVIZZI

Raymond D. Provizzi, 52 years of age, of WilkesBarre, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 5, 2023, upon arrival at Geisinger Wyoming.

Born Monday, February 15, 1971 in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Raymond A., and Connie M. (Simone) Provizzi.

Surviving are fiancée Dawn RodolaJohns with whom he resided; brothers, William J. Provizzi and his wife, JoAnn, and James D. Provizzi and his wife Kelli; sister, Susan R. Kotansky, wife of Wesley; many nieces and nephews; step-children, Amber Rodola, and Zachary Johns.

A 1989 graduate of Weatherly Area High School, Ray matriculated to Penn State University earning his B.S. in ceramics engineering. He currently worked for Schott North America Manufacturing in Duryea, and previously worked at Electro Space Fabrication.

A proud supporter of Penn State Athletics, and all Weatherly Wreckers sports teams, Ray was a long time Penn State Football season ticket holder. Many family events were juggled around PSU football home games. A hockey fan, Ray enjoyed the Wilkes-Barre Penguins games, and he was an overall college football enthusiast. A golfer in his spare time, Ray and Dawn enjoyed all types of music and looked forward to attending concerts together.

Philip J. Jeffries

Funeral Home & Cremation

Services

A Branch of Holmes – Griffiths F H , Inc 211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255

570-427-4231

E Franklin Griffiths III F D

Philip J Jeffries F D /Supervisor www griffithsfuneralhomes com

A new approach to funeral and cremation care Looking forward to serving White Haven, Dennison, Lehigh, and Foster Townships

All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home Guiding families through difficult times.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation services of Weatherly.

A Celebration of Life was held May 15, from the funeral home.

The family will be accepting donations to establish a scholarship in Ray’s name at Weatherly Area High School.

Donations can be sent to the funeral home or in care of Susan Kotansky, 390 Windy Hill Road, Gilbertsville PA 19525.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Barry Allen Gangwer went home to his Lord and Savior on May 7, 2023. Born October 22, 1951, he was the son of the late Harry L. Gangwer, 3rd and Thelma M. (Rohde) Gangwer. He married the love of his life, Ann (Ziegler) Gangwer on June 13, 1987. A native and lifelong resident of Weatherly, Barry attend the community’s schools, graduating WAHS in the class of 1969. He attended Mansfield State College (University) and various professional schools throughout his career.

Barry embarked on a 13-year stint in the hotel/ hospitality industry, growing into various management positions at resorts in the Poconos, Williamsport, and WilkesBarre areas. He was owner of the Rainbow Coffee Shop in Weatherly, providing his customers with homemade meals as well ice cream from 1985-1992.

He started a new venture in 1990 by joining with several well-known insurance and financial services companies until his recent retirement.

During this time Barry attained many professional designations, among them ChFC, LUTCF, FIC and others. He was part of a special program from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, receiving his CLU designation at a special ceremony during a national insurance event in Philadelphia.

Barry was an active member of the communities he served. He was a

Barry Allen Gangwer

member of the Weatherly Jaycees, a founding member, a past president of the Weatherly Rotary Club, the Weatherly Community Chest, Hazleton Community Concerts, Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, among others. He was also instrumental in bringing quality entertainment and events from diversified locations such as Nashville and St. Petersburg Russia to the Weatherly area.

Barry’s love and dedication to The Lord Jesus inspired him to serving in various ministries in the churches he attended. He was a past president, council member, Bible Study teacher, musician, arranger and composer and representative to church events. He was most recently a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Vine St. in Hazleton.

Barry was a noted musician, playing oboe, English horn, and clarinet in various area concert bands and orchestras including the Hazleton Philharmonic. The Lehighton Band, Zion Opera Workshop and Zion Festival Orchestras were his musical home for over 35 years. He enjoyed playing for people receiving immense joy from seeing people enjoying the concerts and shows. In recent years he added his unique knowledge and sense of humor as host of the Lehighton Band Concerts.

He became a lover of classical music at an early age. His devotion led to the creation of a massive library of thousands of LP records and CDs. This library became the source of the Weatherly Area Community Library’s music appreciation program that spanned 25 sessions. The program was presented to hundreds of new listeners of classical music throughout Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne counties.

Barry and Ann enjoyed traveling, especially to historic sites. He often arranged a special tour, meet, and greet or meal surprise to make their time together special.

Barry was blessed with a unique sense of humor, having just the right touch of spontaneity and timing to be king of the family one liner.

Barry is survived by his wife Ann and her family who welcomed him as a brother, uncle, and friend. He is also survived by several beloved cousins from the Lehigh Valley and Stroudsburg areas. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 21, at 3 p.m. from St. John’s Lutheran Church, 621 North Vine Street, Hazleton, the Rev. Gordon Naumann to officiate, refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 621 N. Vine St. Hazleton, PA 18201; The Lehighton Band; Carbon County Animal Shelter; Weatherly Area Community Library.

Online condolences can be expressed by visiting www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com