Donald Emerick

Donald Emerick, 91, of Plains, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, August 16, 2025, at Commonwealth Health, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Leonard Piperno and Anna Swinkoski.

Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1964 as an aircraft machinist and mechanic

Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Constance “Connie” Grier, in 1974. Together, they settled in Drums, where they shared a beautiful marriage and raised their family. Following
Connie’s unexpected passing in 1989, Donald devoted himself to raising his family.

He began his career in 1966 with the Alta Shoe Factory in Hanover Township, where he advanced to foreman before retiring in 1993. Not one to remain idle, Donald returned to work in 1995, joining the
maintenance department at Tobyhanna Army Depot, where he remained until retiring in 2010. A devout Catholic, he was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Plains. He was also active in the
Plains Senior Citizens, the Big Band Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the WVIA Polka Organization.

Donald had a lifelong passion for roller skating, which he enjoyed until the age of 77. He taught his
children, nieces, and nephews advanced skating techniques, and often traveled throughout northeastern
Pennsylvania to perfect his skill, especially skating to live organ music. His love for skating left such
an impression that his children never travel without their skates. In addition, he was an avid polka
dancer and could often be found showcasing his talents weekly, including on WVIA broadcasts.
Donald will be remembered as a man young at heart, who embraced life with joy and found happiness
in simple pleasures.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Connie, in 1989; his son, Walter Emerick, in 2000; and his
brothers Edmund, Albert, George, John, Leonard, and Paul.

Surviving are his beloved children, Donald Emerick and his wife, Holly, of Hanover Township; and
Heather Edmondson, of Pottstown. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Donald, Todd,
and Breeann Emerick, and William and Stella Edmondson; his treasured great-grandchild, Zanye
Emerick; his sister, Lucille Montigney, Kingston; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Church, Drums.
Interment with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. Family and friends may call
from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, prior to the Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc., Hazleton.

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