ForeverMissed
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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


November 16, 2023
November 16, 2023
Gary, A belated Happy 30th. Birthday in Heaven.  We Love You, Grandma Lukasiewicz, Aunt Linda & Uncle Joe.
November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
You'll always be missed, Gary. Grandma's with you now❤
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
Dear Gary,
    You will always be in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. I miss you so much. I Love You!
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
Reflecting on a beautiful soul today, gone much too soon. But the difference he made on his short life on earth will never be forgotten.  With My Love
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Happy Birthday, Gary, with lots of love.
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Happy 29th. Birthday Gary. I miss you more and more every day. You will always be my special Angel. I LOVE YOU!
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Happy 29th birthday, Buddy. Everyday's a struggle, but nothing nearly as difficult as your's

Til we meet again... #BeamMeUp 
May 20, 2022
May 20, 2022
Dear Gary,
Everyday you are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. I miss you so very much. 
May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022
Today I am remembering you wonderful smile and how you changed not only me but an entire community.  I see the lives 10 years later you have changed. Your friends and classmates are better for having known you and your strength and character.  Your mission on this earth was fulfilled.  I can say I know I am a better person for having the honor of knowing you. With all my love for Cheryl and Chet today and always.
November 17, 2021
November 17, 2021
Happy Birthday Gary! To the brightest star in the sky. I think about you every day and I miss you so very much.



















November 16, 2021
November 16, 2021
We think of you often, Gary! Love ya!
November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
Hey buddy I wish we were sitting around a table eating confetti cake laughing. I wish every day that you didn't have to go through what you did and your parents didn't have to continue to struggle. Love you thinking of you.....always❤
November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
As I do each year. Looking through all the pictures I see not only that wonderful smile of Gary's but everyone around him.  The happiness he brought and life lessons to everyone he touched.  Happy Birthday Gary in Heaven.
May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019
Gary, You're in my thoughts, my heart and prayers everyday. I love you and miss you so very much.
May 19, 2019
May 19, 2019
Thinking of you, Gary. I wonder if you would have liked Game of Thrones.
November 16, 2017
November 16, 2017
Gary..... you are so love and misssed by so many. You will never be forgotten. I hope you had a wonderful birthday with Jesus! Watch over your mom (I know you do) because she needs to feel you with her forever.
November 15, 2017
November 15, 2017
Thinking of you, Gary, as I often do. I love seeing pictures of you and recalling special memories. Always wishing you were still here in person but know you are here in spirit and through the love of your family. You would be proud of the advocates to find a cure for childhood cancer your mom and dad have become.
May 19, 2017
May 19, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are always with Chet and Cheryl. I sat here this morning and looked at the many pictures depicting the life of Gary. So many smiles you can just see in every picture how special he was. He will always be remembered for the mission he had here on earth bringing a community together and changing so many lives forever.  We are all better people having know you Gary. My Love
November 15, 2016
November 15, 2016
Happy birthday, Gary! Your mom has been posting some great pictures of you on Facebook. Brought back lots of good memories. Lots of love.
May 19, 2016
May 19, 2016
Thinking of you, Gary, and having a good cry. Your strength was amazing. We all miss and love you.
May 19, 2016
May 19, 2016
Hey Buddy ...
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. ❤️
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
Thank you for letting me see a rainbow on YOUR birthday. You keep inspiring us. Keep taking care of your mom and dad. They love you so much. We miss you.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Hi Gary we never had the chance to meet but your spirit was enough to light a fire of compassion and love through not only our Town but many states. My daughter Bella thinks you and your Mother are 2 of the most bravest and inspiring people she has ever known and I must agree. Thank you for everything you sacrificed to make sure countless others will have a chance. I thank you for showing myself and my family the meaning of true bravery, sacrifice and compassion stand for and for inspiring us to want to never stop fighting until we find a cure. All our love, The Capalongo Family.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Miss and love you Gary! I'm working hard in school for you every day! I pray for you every night and I always will. Rest easy buddy.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
I remember when you Little, while visiting our house.. You wanted to borrow I Dr. Seuss book of course we let you. It may seem like one small memory... But when you walk by the book on the bookshelf daily your heart can break a little.  You were special in so many ways from the things that you love and the passion you had for collecting baseball cards are loving your Legos or sports but just thank you you! How the picture puzzle board at grandmas nobody could figure out until you sat down and said I could do this within minutes Dundas all with your brilliance. Memories every day miss you so much
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Thoughts are with Cheryl and Chet today. I cry for them, my heart aches for them. I try to think of Gary and that wonderful smile and the huge impact he had on an entire community and his classmates lives forever changes and inspired by his strength. I do not understand why he was taken from the world but I strongly believe his mission was completed in a way that will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts. With all my love.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
I only wish I had 10% of your strength. Sadly missed, and I have a hard time most of the time expressing. Love you, and thanks for watching over me/us.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Hi, Buddy! It still seems like yesterday, not 3 years ago. You are never forgotten; we will make sure you are remembered in the Riverside community.
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!
November 16, 2014
November 16, 2014
Another birthday in heaven, Gary. We miss you and only wish you were here celebrating your 21st with us. You are not forgotten, and never will be! Love, Mom & Dad
November 15, 2014
November 15, 2014
Happy Birthday, Gary! Wish you were still here with us to celebrate but God had different plans for you. Your strength through it all will always be inspiring. Love you!
May 19, 2014
May 19, 2014
Thinking of you today my (UGH) "Red Sox Buddy". I KNOW your love and guidance is helping your Mom & Dad get through each & every day since you left them, but I think they may need an extra "sign" today. Please somehow let them know how very much you still love them. We miss you buddy. 
Love... The Halfs
November 15, 2013
November 15, 2013
Happy Birthday, Gary, to a most special angel.
November 15, 2013
November 15, 2013
Happy 20th birthday, Gary! We're very proud of the young man you became, and so very happy to be your Mom and Dad! Wish you didn't have to leave us; our hearts are broken but full of love for you!
May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013
Dear Gary,
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
May 18, 2013
May 18, 2013
It's hard to believe its been one year since I held your hand and kissed your forehead. My heart is broken but I go on knowing you are at peace and that you are watching over me. My memories will never fade; I'm hoping my pain will. I love you, and miss you Buddy<3
May 9, 2013
May 9, 2013
Soon, it will be my first Mother's Day without you. My heart is broken, missing you. It's nearly unbearable. But I know you are enjoying eternal happiness; somehow, Dad and I will get through it. I love you, my son. You're all I've ever needed.
March 1, 2013
March 1, 2013
Gary, I will be forever grateful to you for making me a better person. I've told your Mom before that when I'm having a bad day or I'm gonna go off about someone you pop into my head and I turn my day around or stop saying anything bad about someone(even though sometimes I still think they deserve it) lol. You were truly an inspiration to me .
December 25, 2012
December 25, 2012
Such a sad day, Christmas Eve. First without you. Forever missed, but never forgotten. I love & miss you, buddy.
November 27, 2012
November 27, 2012
I regret that we did not have more time but the regrets are small incomparison the joy you share with and provided all who knew you. Thank you always.
November 26, 2012
November 26, 2012
Gary I'll never forget your birthday. My grandson Logan just entered the world on your birthday the 15th at 5:51 PM. I guess 1 and 5 will always be his lucky numbers. I can only hope that he will turn out to be as amazing of a young man like you.
November 26, 2012
November 26, 2012
One of my favorite memories of Gary was from a hockey tournament. We were playing with two goalies, so Alex our other goalie was going in to play when the ref noticed he didn't have a mouth piece in so he couldn't play. Gary stands up & offers Alex his mouth piece....yes his used mouth piece....of course after the yelling of "No Gary " from the seats & the laughter Gary went in & played!!!
November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
Happy Birthday in Heaven Gary! We miss you!

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."
November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
Happy Birthday, Gary! We love and miss you so much!

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Recent Tributes
November 16, 2023
November 16, 2023
Gary, A belated Happy 30th. Birthday in Heaven.  We Love You, Grandma Lukasiewicz, Aunt Linda & Uncle Joe.
November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
You'll always be missed, Gary. Grandma's with you now❤
Recent stories
May 19, 2021
It is hard to believe it has been 9 years. I will forever remember Gary.  His smile was infectious and he always brightened the room.   Although his life was short his impact on others and their future will forever live on.  He did more in his short life then most of us can do in our life time.  Thank you Chet and Cheryl for sharing your son with us.  He truly was a gift.

Gregs house

May 19, 2015

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.

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