Thomas Liptak

Thomas Liptak, South Canaan, died early Wednesday morning at the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimers. His wife of 63 years is the former Helen Vaverchak.

Born 1934 in Blakley, he was the son of the late Paul and Sophie Wallace Liptak. Tom was a United States Navy veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon leaving the Navy he went to work for the Sikorsky Helicopter Company in Connecticut. Returning back to the area, he worked for PennDOT and retired as a foreman after 25 years of service. In his retirement, he worked for the South Canaan Township on the road crew as well as the James Wilson Funeral Home where he was the “right hand man” and trusted friend of the entire James family.

Tom was a good man who would help anyone in need. He enjoyed traveling, baseball games, and mowing lawns.

He was a member and Past Master of the Waymart Lodge 542 F.&A.M.

Also surviving are children Cynthia Smaniotto and husband Angelo of Jefferson Twp., Debra Falvo and husband Joseph, Thomas Liptak and wife Maria all of South Canaan and Natalie Pontosky and husband James of Lake Ariel; a sister Rose Rotundo and husband John of Beach Lake; grandchildren Anthony Smaniotto and wife Dr. Sarah of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Felicia Zook and husband Dr. Nathan of Milwaukee, WI, Seth Falvo of St. Petersburg, FL , Tyler Liptak and fiancé Amanda Henneforth of Sterling, Pa and Dr. Jordan Liptak and fiancé Jason Gay of Conshocken, Pa; great grandson Asa Smaniotto; several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter Nadine and brother Paul.

The family would like to thank the staff at 2 North of the Gino Merli Veterans Center for the excellent care they provided.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10am in the James Wilson Funeral Home 143 Gravity Rd. Lake Ariel.

Friends may call Friday from 4 – 8pm . Masonic services will be held at 7pm. Brethren are asked to meet at the funeral home at 6:45pm .

Interment, St. Tikhon’s Cemetery, South Canaan.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Waymart Lodge 542 F.&A.M., 136 South Street, Waymart, Pa 18472.

For directions, to share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.