Gary Lukasiewicz, 18, of Taylor, died Saturday morning at home after a gallant, courageous two-year fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted parents. Born in Kingston on Nov. 15, 1993, he was the son of Chester A. and Cheryl A. Sedlak Lukasiewicz. Gary was class president during his junior and senior years at Riverside High School. "Keep Fighting Gary" boosted his stamina and enabled him to attend his senior prom Friday, where he was crowned prom king. He was fourth in his class and a member of the National Honor Society, for three consecutive years; and Spanish club. He played varsity baseball and soccer for the Riverside Vikings. Gary was a goalie for the Scranton Lightning and the Wilkes-Barre Junior Penguins ice hockey teams. He was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish. He loved hunting and fishing with his dad, was a sports enthusiast, and his memory was so sharp that he could memorize athletic stats and recite where many players went to college. An avid Penn State fan, he cheered for their football and basketball teams and enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox. In the fall, Gary was to attend Villanova University. Also surviving are his paternal grandmother, Helen Fortuna Lukasiewicz, Taylor; maternal grandmother, Dolores Uter Sedlak, W. Wyoming; three aunts, Linda Duda, and husband, Joseph, Taylor; Jacqueline Walczyk and husband, Dr. Michael, Portland, Ore.; and Maria Hinson and husband, Matt, Chesapeake, Va.; three uncles; Dr. Michael Sedlak and wife, Diane, Spring Branch, Texas; Paul Sedlak and wife, Judy; and David Sedlak, all of Kingston; and 10 cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Chester A. Lukasiewicz, in 1999; and his maternal grandfather, Dr. Paul Sedlak, in 1987. Gary's funeral Mass will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, by the Rev. Francis L. Pauselli. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Taylor. Friends may call Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, and Thursday morning from 9 to 11 a.m., at Divine Mercy Parish. On Wednesday evening at 9 p.m., a Prayer Vigil will be held at Divine Mercy Parish. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 1352, Philadelphia, PA 19178; Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia, 3925 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, PA 18505; Make-A-Wish, 1327 Pittston Ave, Scranton, PA 18505; or Hospice of the Sacred Heart 600 Baltimore Dr, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Tributes
Leave a tributeYou will always be in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. I miss you so much. I Love You!
Til we meet again... #BeamMeUp
Everyday you are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. I miss you so very much.
I just sat here, as I do EVERY year on this day & looked at all of the pics of you that Mom posted, listened to every song that is posted, & REread every story & tribute written about you. And YES...I shed some tears, (I always do on this date). But YOU let me know today that everything that is going on in my life right now will all work out the way it's suppose to. You played your song for me today at the pharmacy, right when I was talking to the girls (close to tears) about my Mom, & probably feeling sorry for myself.......something YOU NEVER DID !!!
Shame on Me ! You "snapped me out of it though", at just the right time
THANK YOU FOR THAT !!! Miss your smiling face Buddy. ❤️
Your friends are almost college grads, and they are always thinking of you.
Your family, like us, misses and loves you. You are always in our hearts. Not a day goes by without thinking of you...the courage, strength and smiles you shared, even on your toughest days.
Love you forever, Buddy!
Love... The Halfs
How fitting on the anniversary of your entrance into Heaven, we celebrate Pentacost, as your spirit continues to effect everyone who has known you. Sorry I missed the celebration of your life today in Pennsylvania but I know you heard my prayers today. Love,
Aunt Jacqueline
Native American Quote
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
Leave a Tribute
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Gregs house
I will never forget all of the wonderful times that the Haduck's had with Gary over Gregs house. He was there for every Superbowl/World series/every other sporitng event that Greg had a party for. I will always remember his love for the red sox, Penn State and hot dogs because greg made them especially for him haha. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Love and miss you Gary.