Final Salute

Robert Megatulski, 98, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at his home of 75 years in Forty Fort.

Bob was born to Rose and Alex Megatulski, of Blackman Street, Wilkes-Barre, where he attended public schools before serving in the 77th Naval “Seabee” Construction Battalion from 1942 to 1946 to help build air strips, hospitals and bases in the Pacific Rim islands of New Caledonia, Goudal Canal, Vella La Vella, Bougainville, Emirau Island, Milne Bay on New Guinea and Manilla, Philippines.

He earned a Navy Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Battle Stars. Bob maintained a lifelong connection to his brothers in arms, attending meetings of U.S. Seabee Veterans of America Island X-IV and traveling to Seabee Conventions throughout the U.S.

Always true to the Seabee motto: “No job too big, no job too small, don’t cuss, call us!,” he worked as a salesman for Harris Hardware in Kingston, a truck mechanic for Abe N. Solomon, Inc., and as a service manager for Luzerne County Transportation Authority while strongly engaged in his community. He was a member of the Forty Fort Republican Club, served three terms on the Forty Fort Town Council, and two terms as mayor of Forty Fort. For more than 25 years he was delighted to portray Santa Claus at community events, and he never tired of showing off his harmonica repertoire almost to his very last days.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Louise DiPietro; daughter, Karen; and sisters, Dorothy Bielawski; and Betty Megatulski.

He is survived by his son, Robert Jr. and wife, Beth, Agawam, Mass.; sister, Leona Wolfe, Bear Creek; granddaughters, Nicole Armour (Sean), Holland; and Courtney Stavis (Jesse), Meadowbrook; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Hunter Armour; and Eli and Carly Stavis; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. He will always be remembered for his “Can Do” attitude, sparkling blue eyes and ready smile.

Mamary-Durkin Funeral Services Inc. is arranging interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover Twp. at the family’s convenience. Friends and acquaintances are welcome to join family for a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hughes Street, Swoyersville.

Many thanks to Home Instead Senior Care, the Geisinger at Home team and Allied Services Hospice for keeping Bob comfortable during his final days.

Published by Citizens Voice from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2023.