Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home Obituaries

A Legacy of Compassionate Care: Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home

Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, located at 401 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360, has been a pillar of the community for generations, providing compassionate and personalized funeral services to families in their time of need. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for its dedication to helping families celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

A History of Service and Tradition

Founded on a foundation of trust, respect, and compassion, Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home has been serving the Stroudsburg community since [year]. The funeral home's legacy is built on a tradition of providing exceptional service, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the needs of grieving families. Over the years, the funeral home has remained committed to staying true to its core values, while also adapting to the changing needs of the community it serves.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Olga Falik - July 27, 1937 - March 27, 2024

Departed: 03/27/2024 (Stroudsburg)

Obituary Preview: Olga Balea was born July 27, 1937 in Turda, Romania to Lucretia Marinca and Basilio Balea. Basilio worked as a glass blower and artist, and created many pieces that continue to decorate Olga and Melania's home today.

When she was 14, Olga became a big sister when Mihai was born. Olga helped raise her brother and graduated from high school a straight A student, and kept the report cards to prove it. She went on to secretarial school and worked in offices in Turda until the family immigrated to America in 1971. Basilio had been born in Pittsburgh, PA, and was an American citizen returning home with his family. The whole Balea family settled in Bronx, New York. A family friend set Olga up on a blind date with Virgil Falik, a fellow Romanian, living in Queens, NY. Six days later they were married at a court house in Queens, on March 17, 1971. They later had a formal wedding and honeymoon in Romania. Olga and Virgil settled in Queens, and we're still living there when Olga gave birth to their only child, Melania in 1975.

In 1980 the family moved to Wayne, NJ. Olga worked at several local companies, as well as in Virgil’s womens' shoe store Melany Shoes, in Manhattan. Melania helped out in the store too, helping customers and decoratorating the store window displays on weekends. When not at the store, Olga spent time taking her daughter to Broadway shows, Ellis Island, climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, exploring Manhattan’s many museums, or accompanying her to Mannes College of Music where her daughter took music classes. Olga then worked at Stern's Department Store in Preakness Shopping Center, Wayne, NJ, continuing to work there when it became Macy’s, finally retiring in 2008.

Olga was a devoted daughter, sister, friend, caregiver, wife and mother. She cared for her husband throughout his long illness until Virgil's death in 1996.

The daughter of an artist, Olga spent a lot of time drawing and creating art. Olga’s talents included painting, cross-stitch, sewing, knitting and crocheting; often making herself and her daughter clothing, halloween costumes, sweaters and dresses, as well as matching clothing for her daughter, her Cabbage Patch Kids and Barbie dolls. She made baby blankets, booties and bonnets for many of Melania's friends' children. In her later years, she drew flowers on homemade birthday and holiday cards and sent them to everyone she knew.

Olga loved flowers, and Melania and she traveled to visit various botanical gardens as well as to Ottawa, Canada to visit the world’s largest tulip festival. Olga loved animals and she fell in love with the numerous animals Melania brought home after college.

Olga spent her retirement enjoying spending time with Melania. Olga swam with dolphins, despite not knowing how to swim, ate at Emeril’s restaurant in Las Vegas, went hot air ballooning, and visited numerous national parks. After recovering from a broken ankle Melania started running 5Ks, and when a running buddy had to miss a race, Olga was ready to run alongside her. Olga was always proud of her family's achievements, keeping numerous newspaper clippings and running bibs.

Olga is survived by her daughter, Melania, of Stroudsburg, PA and her brother Michael (Mihai) Balea and his family of Kendall, FL. Please remember Olga Falik as an incredible mother, a lover of nature, and live Olga’s favorite phrase, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.”

There will be a viewing on Monday April 1, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Church, 1501 Trinity Court, Stroudsburg with a Funeral Mass of Tuesday April 2, 2024, at 9:00am at the church with Father Nicholas Solak as celebrant.

Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, New Jersey.

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John Lawrence Sandt Jr. - June 15, 1937 - August 01, 2023

Departed: 08/01/2023 (Stroudsburg)

Obituary Preview: John “Jack” L. Sandt – 86 years young, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2023.

Born on June 15, 1937, in Stone Church, PA. He was the son of the late John Lawrence Sandt and Virginia (Strunk) Sandt. Jack is also preceded in death by his brother, Clayton Sandt and sister, Jane M. Howley.

In his early years, he resided in Slateford, PA and attended East Stroudsburg High School. In 1955, he proudly joined and served in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged on February 27, 1963. He took pride in his work. It was an honor for him to protect and serve with the Morris County Police Department for several years.

Jack spent most of his life in Pennsylvania. He did enjoy many years living in Maine and panning for gold. Jack thoroughly enjoyed the quality time spent with his family and friends. He liked to travel and along the way, he also had other moves to Texas, Florida and Colorado. Jack was adventurous, loved the mountains, nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing. He also loved to go on scenic rides with the love of his life, Wanda and sit by the lake with her, holding hands, reading books and out to dinner. Jack kept busy with his hobbies of wood working, leather crafting, reading, writing, creating poetry and was intrigued with inventing new things. Jack liked a good joke and a laugh. He was witty, had a strong spirit, kind soul, a gentleman who would hold the door for you and would try to share the word of God with anyone would listen.

Through all the adversities in his life, he always put his faith and trust in God, and held fast to his future filled with hopes and dreams. Jack truly loved God, his country, his family, his friends and his sweet dog, Nugget.

In addition, to his beloved daughter Mariah Morris, Jack is survived by his beautiful grand-daughter Jordan, his dearest friend, Wanda Hoffman, his sister Nancy Ritz, her husband Joseph Ritz, his nieces Denise (Ritz) Fox, Michelle (Ritz) Jordan and many more nieces and nephews. He was one of kind who is loved and will be missed. His last request was to share his final words… “Nothing on Earth is more important than being forgiven by Jesus” – Amen Graveside funeral services with Military Honors will be held on Friday August 4, 2023, in the Riverview Cemetery, Portland

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A Team of Caring Professionals

The team at Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and licensed funeral directors, each dedicated to providing personalized care and guidance to families during their most difficult times. With a deep understanding of the importance of honoring a loved one's life, the staff takes great care in ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to, from the initial consultation to the final farewell.

Personalized Funeral Services

Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one's memory.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, conducive to reflection, remembrance, and healing. The spacious chapels, visitation rooms, and gathering areas are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that families have everything they need to comfortably gather and pay their respects.

Pre-Planning and Advanced Planning Options

Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home recognizes the importance of planning ahead and offers pre-planning and advanced planning options to help families prepare for the future. By taking care of these important decisions in advance, families can alleviate some of the emotional burden associated with funeral planning, while also ensuring that their wishes are respected and honored.

Community Involvement and Support

Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community it serves. Through its involvement in local charities, organizations, and events, the funeral home demonstrates its dedication to supporting those in need. The staff is also available to provide bereavement support and counseling resources to families as they navigate the grieving process.

A Commitment to Excellence

Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations. From its meticulous attention to detail to its unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for being one of the most trusted and respected in the region. By choosing Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, families can rest assured that their loved one will be treated with dignity and respect, and that their memories will be cherished for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with family, friends, and the community.

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to inform others of a person's passing and provide details about their life, such as their accomplishments, interests, and surviving family members. It also serves as a way to honor and celebrate the deceased person's life.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased person writes the obituary, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, a close friend or colleague may also write an obituary.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about their accomplishments, awards, or notable achievements.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the family's preferences. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the notice and make it more meaningful.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online publication?

The submission process varies depending on the publication. Some newspapers have online forms or email addresses where you can submit the obituary, while others may require you to contact them directly by phone or in person.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and length of the notice. Some publications may offer free or low-cost options, while others may charge several hundred dollars or more.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, which can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that their life is represented accurately. However, this is not a common practice.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only the basic facts such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary provides more detailed information about the person's life and accomplishments.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary is a celebration of the person's life, so including humorous stories or anecdotes can help capture their personality and spirit.

How soon after a person's passing should an obituary be published?

The timing varies depending on the family's preferences and cultural traditions. Typically, an obituary is published within a few days to a week after the person's passing.

Can I edit or revise an obituary after it has been published?

In most cases, it is not possible to make changes to an obituary once it has been published. It's essential to proofread carefully before submitting the final version.

What if I want to keep the funeral private or limit attendance?

You can indicate in the obituary that the funeral is private or by invitation only. You can also specify if there will be a public memorial service or celebration of life at a later date.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased person's legacy.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice an error in an already-published obituary, contact the publication immediately to request a correction. They may be able to issue a correction or reprint the revised obituary.

Can I republish an obituary online or on social media?

Yes! You can share the obituary on social media platforms or online memorials to reach a wider audience and allow others to pay their respects.

What if I want to write multiple obituaries for different publications?

You can tailor each obituary to fit the specific publication's style and audience. Just be sure to keep track of any variations and ensure consistency across all versions.

How do I preserve an original copy of the obituary?

You can save a digital copy of the obituary as a PDF or image file. You may also want to print out multiple copies for family members or friends who would like to keep one as a memento.

Can I use an online template or generator to write an obituary?

Yes! There are many online resources available that provide templates and guidance for writing an obituary. These can be helpful tools, but be sure to customize the content to fit your loved one's unique story.

What if I need help writing an obituary due to emotional distress?

Drawing up an obituary can be an emotionally challenging task. Don't hesitate to ask for support from friends, family members, or professional writers if you need assistance during this difficult time.

Can I include quotes, poems, or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes, poems, or song lyrics can add depth and personal touch to the obituary. Choose something that resonates with your loved one's personality or values.

How do I ensure that all necessary information is included in the obituary?

Create a checklist of essential details such as names, dates, places, and relationships. Reviewing this list will help you ensure that nothing important is omitted from the final version.