LeRoy (Roy) G. Demuth, 101, of Scranton died early Sunday morning at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, the former Lucille E. Aveline on September 7, 2007.
Born March 18, 1916, in South Scranton, son of the late Frank and Frances Brunner Demuth, he graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption grade school and high school. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church and its Holy Name Society prior to its closing. His parish work extended beyond the boundaries of St. Mary’s by assisting other parishes and their pastors. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Scranton. He was a Biddy Basketball coach and little league manager for many of his sons’ teams. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Throughout his life, he exemplified how to be a gentleman and lived by the Golden Rule. He treated everyone with respect. His kindness, sense of humor, and countless stories will be cherished forever.
When they were first married, Roy worked at Meadowside Coal Co. in Dunmore. He subsequently secured employment as a salesman for 19 years at Campbell’s Soups and then for 14 years at W.D. Donald Donahoe Food Brokers in Scranton. He also worked unceasingly side-by-side with his wife and children at all of the family businesses, including bingos and food concessions at Lake Ariel, Sans Souci Park, Lake Lou Anne, Chapman Lake, Nay Aug Park, Scranton Memorial Stadium, Lackawanna State Park, Francis Slocum State Park, Harveys Lake, Mrs. D’s, and various others.
His greatest joy was his family. He and his wife were never apart, and their marriage exemplified one of mutual love and respect.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wasique Mirza, who was always available to lend his loving support to the family, as did his predecessor Dr. Alfonso Gomar. Special thanks to nurse, Racheal, and Traditional Hospice nurses Natalie, Mickey, Sue, Debbie and Mary for their compassionate care.
He is survived by six children, all area residents: Lee II and wife Mary; Richard and wife Linda; Jerry and wife Andrea; James Gary; Daniel and wife Maria; and Joanne Davis and her husband Edward; nine grandchildren: Jennifer Porter, Christina, Gerard, Lee III, Jason, Ryan, James, Mark Demuth, and Katlyn Mangan; five great grandchildren: Abby and Avery Porter, Matthew, Cecelia and Spencer Demuth; sister Geraldine Demuth Peil; cousins Gerald Robling and Marion Demuth Kelly; and sister-in-law Rose Ann Palickar Aveline.
In 1990, he was preceded in death by a brother, Irvin Demuth. He was also preceded in death by his cousin Msgr. George R. Demuth, who passed away on October 23, 2017.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday Nov. 30th at 10:00 am by Rev. Joseph Sica at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton, Pa.
Those who wish to attend Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Internment will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow.
There will be no public viewing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the non-profit started by his daughter Joanne to St. Cats & Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo, c/o 1900 E. Gibson St. Scranton, PA 18510 or the charity of your choice. To share a memory or to leave you condolences for the family, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vanston and James Funeral Home and are under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, funeral director.
Robert & Marie Mile
We wanted to share our condolences with Roy’s family. It is never easy to have to say goodbye to a loved one. The pain of loss can be unbearable. Our Creator promises us that one day this pain will be just a memory. That beautiful promise can be found at Revelation 21:3,4. Our pain and suffering will be a thing of the past, and we can cry tears of joy as we welcome back the ones that we love so much. We hope you find comfort in those promises.
Mary Ann Sweeney
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Mr. D. He was a great guy.
Philip J Fuller
Mr. Demuth was a great man, Father, husband and Grandfather. He will surely be missed.