Meet the Funeral & Cremation Professionals of the
Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC
Brian Arthur Strauch, Funeral Director/Owner
Brian is a fourth-generation funeral director who has been very active in community affairs throughout his career. His community involvement includes:
- North Pocono Rotary Club, charter member
- Minisink Lions Club, member
- Pennsylvania Regional Tissue and Transplant Bank, former board member
- Gouldsboro Area Foundation, founding member
- American Legion Post 274, member and former chaplain
- North Pocono Library, former board member
- Boy Scouts of America, former Scoutmaster
- North Pocono School District, sponsored and coordinated first Kids ID program
Brian loves the great outdoors, hiking, boating, and nature walks. He used to enjoy skiing but now likes the warmer weather and beaches. Brian's love of history - all kinds! - led him to join with Robert Knight and Dennis McGinnis in the formation of the Gouldsboro Area Foundation (GAF). Their renovation of the historic Gouldsboro Train Station happened through the tireless work of all the GAF members.
Deborah Strauch, Funeral Assistant
Deborah is married to Brian and brings to our funeral home "A Women's Touch". She is a member of the Alter & Rosary Society of The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena and a past President of the Moscow Women's Club. She enjoys making jewelry, essential oils and most importantly, spending time with her family.
Charlie is a lifelong resident of Spring Brook Twp, growing up on his family's dairy farm, operated by his parents, Stanley and Ellen McLain. He graduated from North Pocono High School in 1970, where he played baseball and was on the Rifle Team for 4 years, serving as team captain his senior year.
Charlie retired after working as a Road Driver for 32 years from YRC, which used to be Roadway Express. He was also a proud member of Teamsters Local 229 in Scranton.
When he isn't working at the funeral home, Charlie can be found helping people. He's a 50 year member of the Spring Brook Volunteer Fire Co, where he served as Past President and Assistant Chief. You can also find him honoring fallen members of local fire departments as a member of the North Pocono Honor Guard. He belongs to Spring Brook Congregational Church and was a Past President of the church council and he currently serves as the President of the Spring Brook Cemetery Association. Charlie holds social memberships at The Waldolf German American Federation in Scranton and the John J. Michaels VFW Post 5207 in Covington Twp.
Charlie was married to the late Doreen McLain for 35 years and has 3 children and 10 grandchildren. Together with his daughter, Chris and son, Jason, he owns and operates McLain Family Christmas Tree Farm, which is located on the same farm where he was raised.
A resident of Roaring Brook Twp., Jim is a retired Project Electrical Engineer, where he worked for various Consulting Engineering firms in the Clarks Summit, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas.
He proudly served his country in U.S. Army Reserve Unit 1003rd General Support and Supply Co. in Scranton, earning the rank of Spec. 4.
Jim was a guitar playing member of a local 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Rock group, providing entertainment at various venues including weddings, parties, high school dances and Fire Co. events.
He has always been active in his hometown, serving as a Dandy Lion Little League Coach in Moscow and a N.E.P.S.A.Y. Soccer Coach.
Currently, Jim is a committee member and Financial Secretary of B.S.A. Troop 132 in Spring Brook Twp, a member of Wilson–Conklin American Legion Post 579 in Moscow, a social member of John J. Michaels VFW Post 5207 in Covington Twp., a 25+ year member and Past President of the Minisink Lions Club of North Pocono, a member of the Moscow Sportsmen’s Association, Inc, a social member of the Waldorf German American Federation in Scranton and a member and usher of The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena in Moscow.
He is married to Ann Marie, who was the transportation coordinator for North Pocono School District and is serving as the Tax Collector for Roaring Brook Twp.
A resident of Covington Twp, Jack grew up in Pittston, and along with his two older sisters, was adopted by his parents, John A. and Rosemary McHale. He graduated from Pittston Area High School, Luzerne County Community College and Northampton Community College.
When he was 16, with a little egging on from his dad to help pay the car insurance, he drove to a local supermarket and started working the next day. Within two years, Jack worked his way up to filling in for department managers as they vacationed.
Jack's been helping people for as long as he can remember. He began volunteering at his hometown fire department and shortly thereafter, joined the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association. After becoming an emergency medical technician, he left the fire department and the supermarket to work in EMS as he commuted to Bethlehem for his degree in funeral service. While working in EMS, Jack learned the importance of listening to people and treating others as he would want to be treated.
In September of 2002, Jack's life would be changed forever. He was diagnosed with Stage III testicular cancer and after chemotherapy treatments and 3 surgeries, he was cancer free and back working on the ambulance the following May. Having to leave college for treatment, Jack returned the following semester to complete his degree.
After college, Jack served his internship at a funeral home in Mt. Pocono. Seeking the sense of community that he grew up with, he moved to Covington Twp in May of 2012, the same time he started working at the funeral home. He is a member of Madisonville Christian Church, where he served as a trustee and still co-manages the church's Facebook page.
When he isn't working, Jack loves being a Dad. Along with his wife Katie, he has 3 daughters: Ava Joy, Allie Grace and Leah Faith.
He enjoys being outside: whether fishing, kayaking, sitting next to a campfire or a pond, on the beach or even just riding on a lawn mower. He can also be found cooking (or attempting too), smoking meat, gardening and detailing vehicles..
Joe is a graduate of North Pocono High School and a life long member of the community. Born and raised in Spring Brook Twp., Joe is the youngest of six children to Nancy and Larry Napolitano. He grew up in his family's bakery and butcher shop, where he learned the importance of integrity, respect and loyalty to ones family and friends.
Joe is a member of The Church Saint Catherine of Siena and recently retired as 30 plus-year employee of the United States Postal Service. He also belongs to the Knights of Columbus and has played an active roll wearing many hats from football coach to Santa Claus.
Well know for his entertaining as a D.J. and singing at local affairs and fundraisers, Joe is also an avid golfer, dart champion, husband to Leith (she works at the funeral home too!!!) and grandfather of six.
Joe is a lifelong resident of Gouldsboro (Clifton Twp.) and attended North Pocono School District, where he lettered in Skiing. When he isn't working, Joe can be found doing anything outdoors, from hiking to skiing to camping, he loves experiencing all nature has to offer. In fact, he loves hiking so much, he volunteered with the Appalachian Mountain Club helping to maintain the Appalachian Trail through the Delware Water Gap area.
He is a member of the Gouldsboro United Methodist Church and is married to the former Sarah Rassmusson of Madison Twp.
Leith was raised in Spring Brook Twp. and is the oldest of four siblings to Joseph and Jean Tinklepaugh. She is a graduate of North Pocono High School. Leith grew up very deeply rooted in the values of Faith and Family; traditions which still serve her well today.
Nothing is more important to her than her God and those she loves. She is married to Joseph Napolitano (he works at the funeral home too!!!) and has two children, six grandchildren, and a dog “Lady”.
Leith attends The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena, where she sings in the choir and participates each week in the Adoration of the Cross in the Chapel.
She an active member of The Order of the Eastern Star, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting and spending time in her flower beds and herb garden, unless the Grandkids come over, then all bets are off!
Robert P. Rabenold, 64, of Gouldsboro, died Tuesday in Commonwealth Hospice at Regional Hospital Scranton. His wife is the former Linda Daubenhauser.
Born in Allentown he was the son of the late Lucille Walters Schmalzle and step son of the late George Schmalzle. He was proud Vietnam Veteran having served with U.S. Marines and earning several medals including Nation Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Until his retirement he worked at the Tobyhanna Army Depot as an Electronics Technician. After his retirement he became an avid fisherman and loved Bass fishing with his friend Ron Lowe. Recently he enjoyed his working with the Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and took great pride in assisting with the final services of fellow veterans. Robert also enjoyed his annual trip to Daytona, with Ed and Jean Quinn to see the race and visit with his brother.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons Robert Rabenold and his wife Karen, Allentown, Christopher Rabenold and his companion Elizabeth Jayne, Newfoundland; a brother Ronald Rabenold, Daytona, FL; grandchildren Jessica, Sarah, Brandon and Aaliyah.
He was preceded in death by a step son Jeffrey Colianni.
1st SGT Richard B. "Dick" Rozell, (Ret.), 76, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Friday evening at Regional Hospital of Scranton, after being stricken ill at home. He and his wife the former Marilyn Detrick were married 53 years.
Born in Scranton, son of the late Charles and Dorothy Thomas Rozell he was a graduate of Scranton Technical high School. For 35 years during the late 1950's to 1995, he served with the United States Army and Army National Guard retiring as a 1st SGT. He also owned and operated his own Television repair business before re-enlisting in the late 1960's. After his retirement from the Army and Army National Guard he worked as faithful and trusted assistant with Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes, Scranton and Moscow, for many years. He also briefly worked at Home Depot in Dickson City.
Dick was a member of VFW Shopa-Davey Post 6082, Archbald, Trinity Baptist Church, Scranton, was twice a Past Master of Union Masonic Lodge #291 and a current member of Moscow Masonic Lodge #504.
Dick enjoyed working with wood, making cabinets, furniture and other items in his well appointed workshop. Idle hands were the enemy so anything he could do to stay busy was fair game in his eyes. Though he retired from the service in 1995 he never lost touch with those he served with and would continually lend a helping hand to his men.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons David and his wife Gina, Scranton, Richard S. and his wife Angela, Bloomsburg; two sisters Virginia Rozell, Ill., Carol Beach and her husband Craig, Bethlehem; four grandchildren Cassandra Bartley and husband Bill, Alexa Rozell, Scott Lynn, Derrick Lynn and wife Celia, four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother Charles Thomas Rozell.
Walter T. Kieselowsky III, 68, of Covington Twp, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2020 after a 14 month battle with prostate and pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in Scranton on January 24, 1952, he was the son of the late Walter and Evelyn (Edwards) Kieselowsky. Walt was the husband of Karen (Swarts), his high school sweetheart, with whom he would have celebrated 44 years of marriage in August.
Walt graduated from North Pocono High School in 1971, where he was very active in sports, especially basketball. His achievements on the court include being the first player to score 1,000 point in a season, score 43 points in a single game and 19 rebounds in a single game. Under the leadership of Coach Anthony (Chippy) Salerno, he and the varsity basketball team captured 2 undefeated league championships.
After earning his associates degree from Lackawanna College, Walt started his own logging business and was able to work with his friend, Martin Lamberton, for 25 years. He continued on with his entrepreneurial ways starting an archery business and Walt's Outdoor Video Productions.
A true nature lover, Walt found joy in God's creation and spent most of his lifetime outdoors, where he worked and played. An avid hunter, he traveled to many parts of the United States, Canada and even Africa. Walt was able to share his passion for bow hunting with his best friend, Melrose McLain, for many seasons. As a presenter at game seminars throughout the years, Walt shared his hunting experience and his love for Christ.
As a man after God's own heart, Walt was a member and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Hollisterville, where he taught Sunday School, Bible Warriors, Junior Church, and Vacation Bible School. He shared the gospel with anyone who would listen, including his doctors, nurses, and aides. “For by grace are ye saved by faith, not of works, lest any man should boast”- Ephesians 2:8-9.
Walt was a faithful and dedicated staff member at Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC in Spring Brook Twp.; where he was always willing to go the extra mile to serve those in need.
Walt's family would like express their gratitude to the staff at Allied Hospice for their care and compassion, especially Barb and Denise and to his special aides, Kim and Ana.
In addition to his wife Karen, Walt is survived by his 2 sons and their wonderful wives, whom he admired greatly: Adam and his wife Melissa of Jefferson Twp. and Matthew and his wife Erika of Harrisburg; his 4 grandkids: Autumn, Ezra, Nolan and Morgan, for whom he would do anything and loved so dearly. Known as “Opa” to his grandkids, they brought endless joy into his life.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 29 at 6:30 pm at the First Baptist Church of Hollisterville, 23 Pond Road in Moscow.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until the time of the service also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Hollisterville, 23 Pond Road, Moscow, Pa 18444. .