First Posted: 1/20/2010
Fred Charles Major Jr., 77, Clarks Summit, died Friday, Jan. 15, in the Allied Skilled Nursing Facility, Scranton. His wife of 47 years, the former Alma Jean Ardoline, died March 25, 1999.
Born March 16, 1932, in Clarks Summit, he was the son of the late Fred Charles Major and Hazel Carey. He was a 1951 graduate of Clarks Summit High School. Before retirement, he was a truck driver and member of the Teamsters Local 229. He was employed by Lartz Industry, Defazio Express, Dupont Carriers and Reithoffer Shows amusements. He had owned and operated his truck and drove as an automobile carrier. He and his wife owned and operated the American Handicraft Shop, Dickson City. He was a member of the Abington Senior Center, where he had served as president of the site council, and the Laurel Garden Club, for which he was a past president. He was a volunteer with Telespond Senior Services Inc. and was recently honored. He also was a member of Clarks Green United Methodist Church and had attended the Church of St. Benedict, Newton Twp.
A loving father and devoted husband, he was an active volunteer in the community. He enjoyed his garden, telling stories and sharing laughter with others. A natural handcrafter, he enjoyed making things and crafting stained glass. The gentle smile he shared with so many will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are four sons, the Rev. Thomas J. Major, Shohola, pastor of St. Ann and St. John Neumann, Lords Valley; Charles and wife, Doris, Hop Bottom; Ted and wife, Debra, Jessup; and Jeffery and wife, Susie, Bayonne, N.J.; a daughter, Norina VanSickle, and husband, Heath, Clarks Summit; a sister, Venus Puckett, Eynon; two brothers, John Major, Fla.; and Donald Deats, Clarks Summit; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; a companion and dear friend, Barbara Green, Clarks Summit; and his buddy, Chad Banks, Factoryville.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick; two great-granddaughters, Kaila Josephine Major and Angel Mae Bigelow; and three brothers, William, Theodore and Clifford.
The funeral was to be Monday with mass at Our Lady of the Snows, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, with services by his son, the Rev. Thomas J. Major. Interment will be at Milwaukee Cemetery. Arrangements from Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Memorials may go to Abington Senior Center, 1151 Winola Road, Clarks Summit.
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