In 2018, God called home three SHSNEPA board members; on January 13th, William A. Zdancewicz, 86; on January 20th, Joseph J. Kowatch, 73; and on May 22nd, Mary Migatulski, 83.
Bill (William) was our public relations "officer." He made sure all of our activities were published in all local media and Slovak papers. He provided games for our picnics and annual meetings; everybody enjoyed his games. He was a tenor in our choir.
Joe (Joseph) was our artistic director. He designed our 25th anniversary logo. He was an altar server at the Slovak Stations of the Cross. He helped prepare food for our Vilijas and other dinners. Joe was also a tenor in our choir.
Mary was our membership chairman since our official organization in 1983. With her husband, Paul, she had a Slovak Kitchen Exhibit at the Luzerne County Folk Fair and the New Jersey Folk Festival. She was an alto in our choir and was one of the Citron Sisters Folk Ensemble.
Mary, Bill, and Joe were involved with us at the Slovak Home during the Eckley Patch Town Days; they were all presenters. They were also involved with the Luzerne County Folk Fairs. We will greatly miss these three special people and involved members of our society.
Odpočinute večne daj mu Pane, a svetlo večne nech mu sviety.
Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.